“Isn’t he frightened?” Elliott asked.
“No, check it out … killer babies are watching him. Not one has made a move to go after him. I told him they wouldn’t.”
“And he believed you?”
“Sure why not?”
“Why do you think that is? Or why did you think they wouldn’t?”
“They have his scent. Frank had him out here this morning. Frank stopped the killer babies from attacking him. They have his scent, they’re fearful of Frank so they won’t hurt him.”
“Do you know how odd that sounds?”
“Yeah, it’s a good theory.”
“The babies have gone after you and Frank had stopped them. Do they have your scent?”
Robbie chuckled. “Elliott, I’m not crazy enough to try it.”
“But you allowed Dean to test your theory.”
Robbie pelted his belt. “Got him covered. Dean-Ami.”
“You’re fast, not even Frank is that fast from this distance.”
“I know. But I can try. Hey, if they were gonna eat him; he’d be lunch by now.”
Elliot nodded. “True.”
“Look here he comes.”
“Why does he look so happy?”
“Beats me.” Robbie opened the gate, “Hey, Dean.”
“Robbie, this is fascinating. Thank you.” Dean walked through the gates.
“What is?” Robbie asked.
“There’s an abundance of fluid,” Dean replied. “Obviously it’s not seeping from the ground. But look …” Dean reached into the bag and lifted a jar. Three segments, white and pink were in there. “There are many like this. Some bigger, some smaller.”
“What is it?” Robbie asked.
“I don’t know.” Dean shrugged. “Can’t put my finger on it. It’s like skin, but it’s decayed. The fluid is a protein. I have to piece it together.”
Elliot, curious asked “You mean it’s like something has molted out there.”
Dean snapped his finger. “That’s it. Thank you Sgt. Ryder, that’s the term I was looking for. Molting. Yes. Thanks.” Excitedly Dean walked to the jeep. “Robbie, you coming I want to get to the lab in case this goes bad.”
“Sure.” Robbie nodded, glancing at Elliott. “You Okay.”
Elliott could only nod. He watched Dean so enthused get in the jeep. His mouth moved, obviously rambling to Robbie as they drive off. He was baffled. If something was indeed molting out in the Killer Baby region, what was it molting to? And certainly it was exciting for Dean, but the prospect of it worried Elliott.
***
Dr. Gavin from the Society arrived in Lodi earlier than anticipated and was escorted immediately to the clinic. Lars found him knowledgeable and not the evil little man he envisioned. Gavin had a plan, and Ellen listened intently. Lars had to admit, he knew what he was talking about. Had the little doctor not been quite so boring, Lars would have stayed; instead he decided to venture out and find Danny Hoi, and see how things were going, also see if he could interest him in a little game of Dean Darts.
He ran into Buzz who informed Lars that he didn’t think Mike and Danny were getting along all that great. He heard Danny raised his voice to the Chief and the tension was thick in the air. Knowing Mike’s recent mood, and seeing how Danny didn’t strike him as the type of person to be snippy, he could only figure it was Mike’s fault.
Just about that point in his thoughts, he saw Mike. Mike moved with an angry stride and attitude. He kept reaching up to his face, and the nearer he drew Lars saw the reason. Mike’ already large nose was even larger, there was blood on his shirt, and his nostrils were stained red.
“My goodness, Michael Manis.” Lars approached him. “I do think that nose is busted.”
“Stop.” Mike shook his head. “Don’t go there.”
“I hear you didn’t have a good meeting with Danny Hoi.”
“It could have gone better.”
“So, should I assume our Mr. Hoi caused your facial fracture?”
“No.” Mike worked on the bridge of his nose. “Frank hit me.”
“Frank?” Lars had to hide is laughter. “Mike, these people are going to be our neighbors, you’re not doing a very good job of making friends.”
“Just … no Lars comments.” Mike held up his hand. “I’m going home to get cleaned up.”
“Absolutely.” Lars stepped aside, he carried a smirk and it grew when he saw Frank and Danny walking down the street. Perky, he approached them. “Mr. Slagel, I hear you popped our chief of police.”
“It was an accident.” Frank defended.
“I bet. Mr. Hoi I was heading over to our local saloon, care to join me for a drink and a game of Dean Darts?”
Danny snickered. “Dean darts? What’s that?”
“Come along my good man,” Lars laced an arm over Danny’s shoulder “You’ll enjoy it. Frank? Care to join us?”
“Uh, no.” Frank scratched his head. “Which ... which way is the clinic?”
“See that tan building right there? That’s it.”
“Thanks,” Frank said and headed that direction.
“Frank?” Danny called out. “Good luck, Okay.”
A nod and Frank moved on.
***
Gavin had left the small examining room after informing Johnny that they’d perform the surgery first thing in the morning, and he’d return shortly for some of his own testing.
“He seems to know what he’s talking about,” Johnny said to Ellen.
“Yeah, he does. I’m impressed. You’re nervous. Understandable.”
“About more things than one.”
“Your dad?” Ellen asked.
“Yeah,” Johnny said somberly. “He’s here. Is he going to see me at all? What’s his plan?”
“I don’t know. I can tell you, I know your dad. He’ll be here the entire time you’re in surgery. But, Johnny, a lot went down. He’s not me. Okay? He may not... he may not be as congenial as you might hope.”
“I understand.”
“Know that whatever your father does. Whether he speaks to you or not. He’s here. He loves you. No matter what, Frank loves you.”
Outside the room, Frank rested his head against the wall and breathed out slowly. He had made it that far but couldn’t bring himself to go in the room. His gut churned and ached and his feelings were ripped on what to feel. Contempt. Love. He knew he couldn’t just walk in and embrace his son. The lack of knowing what to do, and how he would react, kept Frank from going in that room. But he heard. He heard his son’s voice and it hurt him even more. Tore him apart. Lost in thought, Frank quickly snapped out of it, when he heard Ellen inform Johnny she would be back after Gavin finished testing. Frank started to make his escape when he was busted.
“Frank?” Ellen whispered.
Frank turned and cringed. “Hey.”
Ellen walked to him. “You leaving.”
“Yeah.”
“Not ready yet?”
“No.” Frank shook his head. “Not yet. Is that wrong?”
Peacefully Ellen smiled at him, lifting her hand to his face. “Not at all. Can I walk with you?”
“Uh …” Frank breathed outward. “I’d love that. Actually, I was heading over to the bar to watch Lars play Dean Darts.”
“Oh.” Ellen grunted. “For as much as I like Lars, that is so wrong.”
“What is it?”
“Come on,” She took his hand. “You’ll see.”
Frank opened the door.
“So how was your day so far?” Ellen asked.
“Uneventful.” Frank said. “Just doing some sightseeing.”
“Sounds like …”
“You, Frank.” The call of his name was close.
Frank looked around. “Is someone calling me?”
“Yeah, I am.” He said.
“What the fuck.”
Ellen tugged on his hand and pointed downward.
Frank shifted his eyes. The moment he looked at Tigge
r a huge grin hit Frank and he peeped a happy squeal. “Oh my God.”
“Frank, meet Mike’s son, Tigger.”
“Tigger?” Frank chuckled. “Man, look how little.”
Ellen winced. “Frank.”
“Oh. Oh” Frank smiled. “Can I lift you?”
“No!” Tigger snapped.
“Come on.”
“No.”
“I can’t believe Mike has a mini me.” Frank shook his head once. “I want one.” A shift of his eyes brought the view of Mike.
“You making fun of my kid?” Mike barked.
Frank scoffed. “What the fuck is your problem? I’m not making fun of your kid.”
Ellen’s eyes widened. “Mike what happened to your nose.”
“Ask Frank.” Mike said.
“Frank? Did you hit Mike?”
Before Frank could answer Tigger spouted out, “That’s what I want to know. You really hit my dad?”
“Yeah, I did.” Frank replied. “He was being a dick and not very welcoming.”
“Frank.” Ellen nudged him hard “You’re a guest in this town. You don’t run around punching the leader.”
“First off, El, I didn’t run around punching the leader. And the leader shouldn’t run around putting a gun in my fuckin’ face.”
Tigger snickered. “Right. My father had a gun on you and you still popped him? Was this after he put the gun down.”
“No, I put his gun down.”
Tigger looked up to Mike. Mike looked away. “How did you get it in? My dad is bigger than you.”
“You think that makes a difference. Your dad …” Frank hunched down. “Is too slow.”
“Ha!” Tigger scoffed. “Wanna know what I think.”
“What?” Frank raised his hands “I’m sure you’re gonna tell me.”
“I am,” Tigger said. “I think you lucked out. I think you’re too big, too old, and too slow.”
“Ha!” Frank mocked. “I may be old, I may be big, but I am not slow.”
“You can’t be fast.”
“You don’t think.”
“Frank.” Ellen cringed. “Please don’t taunt the child.”
“What? He’s taunting me.”
“Prove it.” Tigger said. “Prove you aren’t slow.”
“What like a race?” Frank asked.
“Yes,” Tigger said.
Frank laughed.
“What?” Tigger questioned. “What’s so funny?”
“Not a man in this town stands a chance.”
Tiger’s mouth opened. “I can’t believe my Dad let you hit him. You are so arrogant.”
“It’s not arrogance, its certainty. Put me against the fastest man and I’ll beat him.”
“Okay.” Tigger nodded. “That would be me.”
Frank laughed.
Tigger grunted. “I hate him.”
“Fine.” Frank smiled. “Tell you what little man. You name the distance, I’ll even let you start half way there, and I’ll still beat you by a mile.”
“Ha!” Tigger poked him in the thigh. “You’ll be out of breath before you reach me.”
“Name the distance.” Frank said. “If you win, name what you want.”
“I want a fair fight between you and my dad.”
“Tig.” Mike said.
Tigger waved out his hand.
“You’re on.” Frank agreed. “But if I win …” he smiled.
“What?” Tigger asked.
“I get to lift you.”
A pause, then a snide look. “You’re on old man.”
Danny and Lars emerged from the bar to find Ellen in hopes she would join them. As they stepped foot into the street they saw Frank and Tigger taking positions.
“What is going on here?” Lars asked.
“Looks like … oh, gees,” Danny said. “They gonna race. Big mistake.”
“I’d say, Tigger is lightning fast. No man can beat him.”
“Frank can.”
Lars taunted a light. “I highly doubt that.”
“Watch. But don’t blink,” Danny instructed. “It’ll be over in a second.”
Lars’ curiosity was piqued on Danny’s certainty. It was a good quarter mile run, and Tigger was at the halfway point. Mike’s less than enthusiastic call of ‘go’ rang out. Tigger’ took off; he only made it about twenty five feet before Frank had passed him and left him in the dust.
Tigger was oblivious, never saw Frank pass him. In fact, he was gloating as he hit the finish line, jumping up and down only to be taken aback at the sight of an awaiting Frank.
“You lose.”
“How?” Tigger asked shocked.
“Don’t matter. What matters is …” Frank held out his arms in a joking manner. “Let me lift you.”
“No!” Tigger took off running.
“Hey, you can’t welsh.” Frank chased him.
Lars’ mouth dropped open and stunned, he turned to Danny. “How in the world?”
“What can I say?” Danny lifted his hands. “He’s Frank.”
***
Outside hen house three, Joe rode passenger in jeep driven by Dan from security. He would have walked there, or even driven himself had Dan not been so excited about something.
Joe waved out a ‘hold on’ to Dan as he spoke on the phone to Danny Hoi. “I’m sorry, Danny, what was that.”
“I won’t work with him, Joe.” Danny said. “You know me. I’m the congenial guy. This guy is really giving me a rough time.”
“Did you tell him we aren’t forcing him to make this move?”
“Absolutely.”
Dan from security tapped Joe. “Joe, this is really important.”
“Danny, hold on.” Joe looked at Dan. “Is this thing you got to show me, is it gonna go away?”
“I could if it hatches.”
Joe gave a dagger stare then returned to his call. “You know, Danny what the problem is. He was out voted and he’s sore. Find someone else to work with you. I’m sure Mike isn’t the only one who has this information. If they aren’t cooperative, then they’re just gonna have to fend for themselves when they get here. Fuck em.”
Dan from security snapped a look at Joe “Did you just say fuck em?”
Danny asked. “Did you just say fuck em?”
“I do swear people,” Joe said. “Anyhow, gotta go. Call me back and let me know the progress.”
“I will, Joe, and thanks.” Danny said. “And for the record. I’m glad Frank broke Mike’s nose.”
“Frank broke Mike’s …” Joe pulled the phone away from his ear. “And he hung up. Talk about a dramatic ending.”
“What did Frank break of Mike’s?” Dan asked. “Window?”
“No, his …”
“Car?”
“Dan. No.” Joe was firm. “His nose.”
“Oh. Must have had good reason, Frank doesn’t run around breaking people’s noses unless they’re Dean. Even then it was a while ago.”
“You got a point. Now, what is it you want to show me?”
“This way, Joe.” Dan stepped from the jeep and led Joe to the hen house.
Joe hated the hen house. He remembered the early days of Beginnings when they had one. Now they had four, all over crowded, they would need more soon.
Hector was standing at the far end of one row of caged hens. “Hey, Joe.”
“Hector.”
Dan asked. “Any more?”
“Just the three from these end ones.”
Joe approached Hector. “What’s going on?”
“It’s not a security issue, Joe, but it’s weird, that’s why we wanted to bring you in. In all my years I’ve never seen it.”
“What?” Joe questioned.
“It was field trip day today; you know how Jenny brings the kids up so we can get help with the eggs. Well, look what we found. First ones we did, and there were three of them.”
Joe lifted his glasses and looked at the two eggs in Hector’s hands. “What am I lookin
g at, they’re eggs.”
“Heard of double yolk eggs, Joe.”
“Yeah,” Joe said. “Nothing abnormal there.”
“Well, these give new meaning.” Hector lifted the eggs, they were grown together length wise. “Daisy must have had a heck of a time passing these. No wonder she was screaming last night.’
“Holy shit.” Joe lifted them up. A beam of sun shone across the mutated eggs and Joe peered to the opening door of the barn.
Henry walked in. “Hey, Joe.”
“What are you doing here, Henry?”
Dan raised his hand. “I called him. Since rumor has it he’s getting back on council and Andrea is busy.”
Joe, with a slight roll of his eyes, exhaled.
“Holy cow, Joe.” Henry walked to him. “May I?”
“Be my guest.” Joe handed of the eggs.
Henry whistled. “It’s time to really find out what Dean’s been doing with the feed...”
“You know what, Henry.” Joe retrieved the eggs. “This is why you’re almost on council. I think that’s a great idea. Let’s go.”
***
Mike was waiting at home for Johnny to arrive. When he did, he was full of questions. But not as much a Johnny.
“John,” Mike halted him. “Come on. Stop. Tell me about the surgery. What did they say?”
“Ellen said she thinks it’ll go fine. When did this happen?” Johnny asked.
“What?”
“The fight, between you and my dad.”
“It wasn’t a fight. It was a single punch.”
“Wow.” Johnny said less than enthused. Not surprised at all.
“What about Gavin?”
“Who?”
“The Society doctor.”
“Actually, they want me there at four in the morning, so he can start the surgery by six. He wants to have a full day of observing. He thinks it will go well too.”
“That’s good.”
“What do you think?”
“I think if the doctors …”
“No,” Johnny stopped him. “About my dad.”
Mike huffed. “I think … I think something’s up.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean. The man hit me, and I have never felt a hit like that. And run …” Mike whistled. “I swear to God he ran as fast as any car.”
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