The Third Ten

by Jacqueline Druga

“Frank, goddamn it.”

  “What!”

  “Shut up.”

  “Man, are you rude.”

  “Yes, I am.” Joe walked by Frank.

  “Dad? Where are you going?”

  “To talk to Danny.”

  “You don’t have a number.”

  “Like I care.” Joe snapped and walked back to the office. He knocked once. “Daniel.”

  Danny looked up. “Oh, hey, Joe.”

  “Why does my son think he has to wait in line until his number is called?”

  “Because we told him that,” Danny said.

  “Why in God’s name would you do that?”

  “It funny?”

  “No, Danny, it’s not. It’s annoying.”

  “Maybe to you, Joe. But to us, it’s funny. Besides, in my defense, he believed it.”

  “True. Okay. My reason for being here. Can you be at my office in about an hour?”

  “Is it another family meeting?” Danny asked.

  “Are you family.”

  “I consider myself family. Why don’t you?’

  “No.”

  “Joe, so rude.”

  Joe huffed. “So I been told. Can you?”

  “Can I ask what the meeting is for?”

  “You can ask, but I’m gonna tell you to just be there.”

  “Okay.” Danny shrugged. “One hour. I’m there.”

  “Thanks.” Joe turned.

  “Joe? Does this have anything to do with the tunnel plans Frank is waiting for?”

  “Frank is waiting on plans?” Joe looked at Frank, still standing there. “I’m gonna have to say no. I have no idea why he wants that plan. Maybe the meteor.”

  “Maybe.”

  “All right. I’m out of here, see you in an hour. And will you call his number please?”

  “Right away.”

  Joe headed across Mechanics. “See you later, Frank.”

  “Line cutter.”

  Joe skid to a stop. “Grow up.”

  “Me? I didn’t cut in line. You did.”

  “Well, I’m important, Frank. You aren’t.”

  Frank dramatically gasped ‘You lie.”

  Joe grunted and reached for Mechanics door, just as it opened, and just as the bell annoyed him even further, Danny stopped him.

  “Joe!” Danny called out and gave a thumbs up. “I didn’t tell you. Thanks. It’s really big of you to do that tonight.”

  “Not a problem,” Joe waved instinctively and walked out the door. “Christ. I did it again. What the hell are they talking about?” Joe asked. Figuring he’d find out eventually, he moved on to History.

  History.

  Something about the scent of blueberry candles that seeped out into the street made Joe cringe at the thought of going in there. He opened the door, and his insides churned when the announcement bell went off. Thinking, ‘why do these people do this?’ he stepped forward.

  Trish was at her desk, and to Joe’s surprise Andrea was seated in a chair by her, legs crossed, hands flailing.

  “Morning, Ladies,” Joe said.

  Andrea looked his way with a smile, “Joe.”

  Then Trish turned to him.

  Joe jolted back. Her blonde hair was blonder and her face deep was a deep dark, tan. “Holy God, Trish. Don’t tell me you were laying out in this weather. How the hell did you get suntan.”

  Trish giggled. “Dan Tan.”

  “Dan tan?” Joe asked.

  “Brand new in Bowman. The Dan Tan tanning salon, a whole experience. Sound effects to make you feel like you’re at the beach and everything.”

  “Christ.”

  “Doesn’t she look lovely?” Andrea asked.

  “She looks dark, Andrea.” Joe said.

  Andrea reached over and tapped Trish on the hand. “So healthy. I’m thinking of going myself.”

  “What?” Joe laughed out his question. “Why?”

  “To get some color,” Andrea said.

  “Andrea, if you get anymore color, you really will live up to your title of Beginnings only black woman.”

  “Joe,” Andrea gasped. “Must you be so racist?”

  “How the hell is that racist, Andrea. You don’t need a tan.”

  “Well,” Andrea huffed. “Everyone needs to look healthy.”

  “Christ.”

  Trish spoke sweetly to Andrea, “Don’t pay attention to him, Andrea, you should go.”

  Andrea bobbed her head with attitude, physically snubbing Joe.

  Trish lifted her hands. “There goes that. You just defeated your purpose, Joe.”

  “And what was that?” Joe asked.

  “Didn’t you come to see Andrea?”

  “No, I came to see you on History business.”

  “Oh, Okay.” Trish refaced Andrea.

  “Trish,” Joe called her. “Are you ignoring me? Because I don’t want to hear this bull about me not having an appointment.”

  “Do you have one?” Trish asked.

  “No, and I don’t need one.”

  “True.”

  “True?”

  Trish nodded. “New procedures. You no longer need an appointment to view history.”

  “Good.”

  “If you don’t have an appointment, you have to take a number.”

  “What?” Joe turned and looked behind him when Trish pointed. There it was, the red number dispenser. “I’m killing Danny.”

  “Take a number and stand behind the line.” Trish instructed.

  “I’m not taking a number, Trish.”

  “You have to take a number, Joe,” Trish said. “You have to wait your turn.”

  “What turn?” Joe tossed out his hands. “No one is here.”

  Andrea gasped. “Am I no one?”

  “Are you here on Business?” Joe asked.

  “No.” Andrea answered.

  “Then there’s no turn to wait for,” Joe said. “I’m not taking a number.”

  “Joseph Anthony Slagel,” Andrea scolded. “How can you expect the people of town to abide by rules and regulations when you, the leader, refuse to do so?”

  “Fine. Fine.” Joe admitted defeated. “I’ll take a goddamn number.” With a hard spin, he reached behind and ripped off a number. Number four. Trish’s wall counter said three. At least it wasn’t as bad as with Frank.

  “Behind the line,” Trish instructed.

  Joe grumbled and stood behind the line.

  “Anyhow …” Trish sighed out and returned to Andrea. “Jenny was in here telling me all about it.”

  “Did she say how heroic my son was?”

  “Oh, yes,” Trish nodded. “He was so brave. Jenny was also showing me her new shoes. Did you see them?”

  “No.”

  “Latest rage,” Trish flung out her hands. “They are little flat dressy shoes with a no slip surface and a flower on top. Come in three colors.”

  “Sweet Jesus our men in Fabrics work hard for us.”

  “Yes they do. They also …”

  Joe had listened to it long enough. “Hey!” he blasted. “Are you gonna BS or call my number, I’m, a busy man.”

  Trish slammed her hand on the desk. “You have to wait your turn.”

  “My wife is gossiping with you, that doesn’t count. Now you either call my goddamn number, or I throw this ticket machine right out the door. You hear me?”

  Trish scoured a face. “How do you live with him, Andrea?’

  “The Lord sends us many tests we must pass. Joe Slagel is one of them. You may as well call his number, my break is over with.” Andrea stood. “I want to stop at the bakery today. I heard they have crumb cake.”

  “Been busy,” Trish said. “I was number twenty-nine and they were only on …”

  “Enough!” Joe blasted.

  Trish shrieked. “Fine.” She reached under her desk, the number changed. “Four.” She called out.

  Joe stepped forward, as Andrea brushed into him. “What was that for?”

 
“Nothing,” Andrea tossed her nose in the air. “And I’m not even wishing you luck.”

  “Fine. Don’t.” Joe looked at Trish.

  “Can I help you?” Trish asked.

  “I need to see the latest Time Test reports filed by Jason.”

  “What do you mean?” Trish asked.

  “Time machine tests? Either Danny or Jason filed one.”

  “They only file one when they do a test,” Trish said. “They haven’t filed anything here. The latest test was a while ago.”

  “Are you sure?”

  Trish nodded.

  “Nothing today?”

  “Nope. Seeing how you’re only the fourth person in here, and Jenny, Andrea, and Gemma were the other three, I’m very sure.”

  “Thanks, Trish, find me if he files anything. Either of them.”

  “Will do, Joe.” Trish said. “Is he supposed to? Was there a test.”

  What to say, how to respond. Joe hem hawed. “Not sure. Thought there was.”

  Trish shook her head. “Jason is usually very good about it. He has even used the drop off slot at night. If he did a test, Joe, he would have filed. Perhaps you were mistaken.”

  “Perhaps. Thanks.” Joe reached for the door. His mind was buzzing about Jason and his failure to file a time test report. Maybe Frank had valid concerns. He was so wrapped in his thoughts he only nodded a ‘thanks’ to Trish when she wished him good luck.

  Half way down the street to the Joe Park, Joe actually contemplated going back and finding out why he was wished good luck. Figuring he make his post first, he went to the board. He did it sneaky like, looking around, seeing if anyone watched. He edged sideway, pulling the paper from his back pocket inconspicuously. He glanced down to make sure he brought the right notice. It read, “Community vote needed. Stop by my office between six and ten AM, February 17th for a ballot. The Ballot will explain all. All votes secret. No questions.”

  That ought to do it, Joe thought. As he went to post the new notice, he made an error, he hesitated. A cascade of doors opening and closing, along with muttering voices erupted. Joe would have gotten away Scott free and avoided the onslaught of Joe-Park Board curiosity seekers had he not stopped. But what he saw made him unable to move. It was the reason for all the well wishes and thanks you’s. The newest notice. Not posted by him. But undoubtedly by Danny Hoi.

  New! Bowman Fire Hall Bingo. Tonight. Seven PM. Lots of prizes. Special guest number caller … Joe. He would had ripped it down, but instead, frustrated, Joe hurried, posted his notice and ran before he was bombarded.

  Killing Danny was an option for the meeting.

  ***

  His favorite subject. Math. Not that Jimmy could really understand why he was teaching math in Bowman, but he had a class of twenty men all eager to learn fractions.

  Finally, a job. Jimmy felt proud. He taught in Bowman five days a week. Saturday was only one class, though and he didn’t mind. He loved what his brother Hal had done with Bowman. Danny talked about perhaps making the first college. It all started with the UWA. All UWA men had to be educated. Some of his students were residents of Beginnings and Tim Doyle’s group. Some took math because UWA required it; some took math because it was something to do.

  Jimmy passed out a quiz, instructing the men that it was just his way of getting a grip of their levels of knowledge. He was just about to dive into a good book, when he saw Jenny through the window of the door.

  She tapped lightly on the glass.

  Everyone looked over their shoulder.

  The men whistled.

  “Okay, Okay,” Jimmy joked, “Quiz.” He walked twitch a smile to the door and opened it. “What a surprise,” he said as he stepped into the hall.

  “I heard you were teaching this morning, and thought I’d stop by and say hello while I was in town.”

  “What brings you to Bowman?”

  “Bingo.” Jenny said. “I’m working Bingo tonight. First ever. It’s going to be very exciting. The jackpot is 300 Danny dollars.”

  Jimmy whistled. “What about regular games.”

  “Some are prizes, specials are cash,” Jenny shoed. “We’re excited. Joe is calling.”

  “No.”

  “Yes. Danny said he is thrilled.”

  “Wow, I may have to come.”

  “I hope you do.” Jenny stepped closer. “Listen, Jimmy.” She softened her voice. “About last night.’

  “What about it.”

  “I hope there are no regrets.”

  Jimmy swallowed and moved even closer to her. “My only regret is that we never finished.”

  Gasping, Jenny grabbed her chest. “My body is still tingling when I think about it.”

  “Mine too.”

  “I need you.”

  “God,” Jimmy gasped out hover his hands. “I want to grab you and take you right here, and right now.”

  “Jimmy.”

  “Jenny.”

  Elliott cleared his throat. The couple sprang back.

  Jimmy ran his hand down the back off his neck in nervousness. “Elliott, hello.”

  “Jimmy. Jenny.” Elliott nodded. “Sorry to interrupt …”

  Both Jenny and Jimmy rattled off, ‘no, no, it’s fine.’

  Elliott smiled awkwardly. “I need to tell you, Jimmy, your brother had to run into Beginnings and will still join you for a late lunch. Jenny … they are searching you out at the bingo hall.”

  Jenny winced. “I do have to go. Jimmy? Bingo later?”

  “Without a doubt.”

  Jenny smiled, waved to Elliott and moved along.

  Tipping his head, Elliott prepared to leave.

  “Elliott, is everything Okay? I mean, with my brother going to Beginnings.”

  “Yes, it’s fine. He wanted to escort Ellen and Dean, and he has a meeting with your father and brothers.”

  “A meeting. This isn’t a family meeting is it?”

  “No. No.” Elliot waved out his hand. “If it were you’d certainly be invited.”

  Jimmy sighed out. “You’re right. Paranoia.”

  “And with good reason. Have a great day.” Placing on a pleasant smile, Elliott lost it with a turn of his body. His mouth dropped open with a silent, ‘No’, thinking he did not see what he thought he saw. Needing to tell someone, Elliott headed to Hal’s office. Ellen would be in Beginnings by now, he’d call her.

  ***

  The first time Ellen heaved out a graveling, and breathy ‘no’, Dean merely glanced over his shoulder in the lab, saw her on the phone, and shrugged it off. But the second, third and fourth time Ellen did so within a few seconds, Dean had enough.

  “El, please. I’m working here.”

  Ellen shooed him with her hand, stood up and walked across the lab. “You know I expected as much. Oh, my God, Frank is going to have a heart attack.”

  She giggled.

  Dean rolled his eyes.

  “Okay, thanks for the scope. I’ll see you at Bingo, Elliott.” She ended the call. “Wow,” she said with a shake of her head.

  “Why do you have to gossip.”

  “Why not?” Ellen returned to the counter. “Wow.”

  Dean shook his head. “You’re really going to Bingo?”

  “Oh, sure, I loved it in the old world. Joe’s calling, you know.”

  “Joe …is calling Bingo.”

  Ellen nodded. “Yep. Can’t wait.” She looked at her watch. “I better get to containment. Richie will bitch if I’m late.” She sat down. “Wow.”

  “I thought you had to go to containment?”

  “I am. I want to be late.” She shook her head. “Wow.”

  “Okay, Ellen I’m game. What are you saying ‘wow’ about?”

  “Dean, I wouldn’t want to make you part of gossiping. Are we gonna get together to talk tonight.”

  “What do you want to talk about tonight that you can’t talk about now?”

  “I told you Dean, I have to get to containment. Besides, I have a meeting wi
th Joe soon.”

  “What does the meeting with Joe have to do with what you’re talking to me about?” Dean asked.

  “Nothing.” Ellen said and sniffed. “Hey, I smell espresso.”

  Dean snickered “You smell espresso? How?”

  Henry answered. “Me.” He walked in with a ‘to go’ cup. “For you El.”

  “Oh my God, really?” Ellen hurried to him. “Latte?”

  “Yep.” Henry nodded. “First one made at the bakery. Josephine is not only a whiz at cookies and cakes, she makes a mean espresso. We had to get her a stepping stool so she could foam the milk.”

  “Oh, Henry, I am so excited.” Ellen sipped. “Wow, this is awesome.”

  Dean spoke up. “There’s that word again.”

  Henry asked. “What’s he talking about?”

  “I keep saying wow because I got some really good scoop from Elliott,” Ellen said.

  “What’s the scoop?” Henry asked.

  Ellen looked at Dean. “I’d rather not say in here.”

  “I don’t blame you, Dean always was a party pooper when it came to gossip.”

  Annoyed, Dean turned around. “Henry, don’t you have something to do?”

  “As a matter of fact, yes.” Henry said. “I have to walk El.”

  Dean laughed. “Walk El to containment?”

  “No, to Agriculture.” Henry replied.

  Dean turned to Ellen. “I thought you have to go to containment and you were late.”

  “I do. But I have to go to agriculture and speak to Hector,” Ellen said. “That’s first.”

  “Why is Henry walking you?”

  Henry huffed “Why are you so nosey. For someone who doesn’t like gossip you sure ask a lot of question.”

  “He’s just pissy, Henry,” Ellen said.

  “Probably because I didn’t bring him a latte.”

  Dean slammed his hand. “For your information I don’t want a latte.”

  Ellen cocked back. “Boy, are you in a pissy mood. I better get going. Hector knows I’m coming up there right?”

  “Oh, sure El. He’s curious about what you want.”

  “It’s a secret, Henry, I can’t even tell you.”

  Dean looked quizzically, “If you can’t tell anyone, why is Henry taking you?”

  Henry gasped. “Dean, hello, there’s a mutilator loose.”

  Dean snickered. “And you’re gonna protect her? Henry, you’ve already been a victim.”