“But if you are from the future. You aren’t going back. So what difference does it make?”
Fort sat back. “I want out.”
“I understand that. But I do know…” Jess paused and smiled. “Here that buzz?” He nodded. “This will make you feel much better.”
“What will?”
There was a knock on the door and Richie popped his head in. “Hey, Jess. Got Bob Smith. Gonna show him round and I’ll be back.” He handed Jess the folder. “Can you leave that out for my sister, she’ll be here any second?”
“Thanks.” Jess took it.
The door shut.
“What?” Fort asked.
“Bob Smith. Your new roommate. You two can talk a lot.” Jess leaned back starting at Fort. Actually that was the plan. Bob, finally healed from his injuries, was moving to Containment to help Joe and to get information from Fort.
Fort shook his head. “Who is Bob Smith and why will I care.”
“Bond. I mean, you both are from the future.”
Fort rolled his eyes.
“Who missed me?” Ellen blasted into the office dramatically.
“Ellen,” Jess stood from behind the desk. “Good to have you back.”
“Good to be back. Hey, Fort.” Ellen rested her hand on his shoulder. “Are you still here?”
“Thank you,” Fort said. “Yes, I want out.”
Jess said, “Richie is bringing over Bob. Joe thought it be best to have him here for a bit.”
“Ah, Okay.” Ellen nodded.
“Ellen,” Fort interjected. “Jess said I should have been assigned or reviewed for a job. I need to get out of here.”
“Fort, you’re here for other reasons,” Ellen stated. “Delusions.”
Fort laughed. “Delusions? I am not delusional.”
“Okay.” Ellen nodded and grabbed his folder. “Maybe you healed. Let’s check. When were you born?”
“I was manufactured …”
“Stop.” She held up her hand. “Manufactured? And you wonder why we think you’re delusional.” She closed the folder. “I’ll talk to Joe, but I can’t make promises and I can’t do anything until Monday.”
“Why Monday?” Fort asked.
“I get married tomorrow and I have email to check. I’ll be by later,” She kissed Jess on the cheek. “See you in a few.”
“Let me know what you think of that joke I forwarded you.” Jess said.
“Oh. Forwarded jokes.” Ellen grinned. “Isn’t Beginnings great? Wait until everyone sees my dog.” Ellen walked out.
Jess just stared. “Did she say dog?”
Fort nodded and stood up. “A dog. Who cares?”
“I do. There are no dogs in this world.”
Fort fluttered his lips. “Maybe not now, but there are dogs in the future. Trust me.”
“They were rendered extinct by the plague. How is that possible?”
Fort raised his hands. “Don’t know. It is. They’re there. And trust me, at this point I’m beginning to think recreating an extinct species is a lot easier that getting me out of here.” Fort walked out.
Jess shrugged. “You’re probably right.”
****
There wasn’t a minute to spare, and Dean didn’t even have a second to see his children when he returned. He had to go from the plane, to Beginnings, to the Cryo. The extractions from Snoopy had to be processed. Everything he had for DNA and cloning was in the Cryo lab, and he was able to successfully move to the next step.
They did it. They had canine DNA.
Now if he could only get Ellen to let go of Fifi her taxidermy pet.
After securing everything in the lab, he made a quick stop by the school, saw the kids and headed to the clinic. He moves in his typical, Dean fast stride, appearing as if he paid no mind to anything.
But he did. Dean was fully aware of his surroundings, and the fact that building marked ‘Lars Rayburn Wellness Center’ was once the long since shuttered, shoe repair store.
“Lars Rayburn Wellness Center?” Dean spoke out loud, and then he felt it. An anger fueled with in his gut and it burned through his should. Dean turned hard and stormed to the clinic.
The sound of giggling—Andrea and Ellen—irked him, and he stormed into the lab. “Why does Lars Rayburn have a wellness center?”
“Oh, hello, to you, too. Dean,” Andrea smiled. "He has one, because he asked for one.”
“Sure and if I asked for one, do you think I’d get one?”
“No,” Andrea simply stated. “People wouldn’t trust all the time you would make them well, they’d worry you’d make them an experiment.”
Ellen giggled. “That was good. Wow, Lars has a clinic?”
“Yes, he does. It’s more of a woman’s place. Where a woman’s mind can heal along with her body.”
“That’s sounds great.”
Dean mocked. “That’s sounds great.”
Andrea scoffed. “Grow up.”
Ellen asked, “Have you met Lars yet, Dean?”
“Nope. And I really don’t care to.”
Andrea walked toward the door. “He doesn’t care much for you either, Dean. And I’ll leave you two be. I have those center pieces to finish.”
“Are you sure you don’t want me to go with you tonight?” Ellen asked.
“No. No.” Andrea waved out her hand. “Joe’s taking me and we’re stopping at the Hoi-Hoi on the Range for cocktails. We’re making an evening out of it. Plus, I have to pick up my mother of the bride dress.” She smiled.
“God!” Dean barked out. “Why is everyone making a big deal out of this wedding?”
Andrea patted him on the back. “Because it is. And do not do anything that will try to stop it. Because you cannot.”
“Andrea, if I wanted to stop this wedding, I could.”
With a hmm, and a smiling wave to Ellen, Andrea left.
Ellen whistled as she faced her computer. “Someone is testy.”
“He has a wellness center El.”
“I know, Dean. Don’t let it get to you. Are you checking your email?”
“Doing it now.”
“Be forewarned,” Ellen said. “Frank went crazy.”
“Holy shit.”
“What?”
“I have two hundred emails,” Dean said.
“Bet me most of them are from Frank. Every time someone sends him joke, he sends it.” Ellen sighed out. “The old world is back.”
“Speaking of which…”
“Fort is getting antsy in Containment,” Ellen said staring at the screen.
“Shame. I took the extraction to the lab. Everything looks good.”
“That’s good. I’m glad, I had a feeling it was going to take.” Ellen paused. “Joe wants Fort to sweat it out. He thinks sending Bob Smith to Containment might get Fort to talk to Bob.”
“And in return Bob talks to Joe.” Dean nodded. “Good idea. I mean …” his voice trailed off. “Ah, El, this is really nice. Thanks for this email.”
“I figured it’s the least I can do. Say something nice to you. I mean, the whole town barely seemed to notice we returned.”
“That’s because they’re so wrapped up in Lars.”
“They won’t be after we deliver puppies.” Ellen smiled.
“Speaking of puppies. Where’s Fifi?”
“I put her out,” Ellen said nonchalantly, returning to her screen.
This made Dean stop. “You … put her out?”
“Yep. Tied her leash to the railing outside. You didn’t see?”
“Oh my God.”
“She’s so cute. Al the kids at the school loved her and she has a great temperament.”
Dean spun his chair back around. “I got more mail.” he clicked. “Um, thanks, El.”
“Sure, no problem. I thought you’d appreciate me knowing I handle your urine samples and not Lars.”
“I do.” Dean ran his fingers through his hair.
“Are you coming to my wedding?”
His head cocked. “That’s a dumb question. Of course I am. Someone has to stand up and object.”
“Oh!” Ellen jumped from the stool. “Will you?”
“What?” he laughed.
“Will you stand up and object. That would be so cool.”
“Tell you what, El, I’ll uh … think about it. Okay.”
“Great. I’d …” Ellen cleared her throat.
“What?”
She pointed.
Dean turned around.
Lars stood there.
When Dean realized who it was, he slowly stood up. They locked eyes, not moving, staring, then after a moment, they took a few steps. Walking in a circle.
“Dr. Hayes.”
“Dr. Rayburn.”
“I see you still look as arrogant as you did years ago.” Lars said.
“And I see you still look like the horse doctor I imagined you to be.”
“I look forward to competing with you on many levels.”
“And I look forward to beating you on them all.”
“You annoy me.”
“You irritate me.”
“Nice to meet you.” Lars extended his hand.
Dean shook it. “Same here.”
Lars turned and walked out.
Ellen exhaled. “Okay, that went well.”
****
It was hand crafted, wooden, and painted. An American Flag with a jagged rip down the center, the tag sign on it read, ‘We may be torn but not unrepairable’.
It made Joe stop as he reached to knock on Hal’s front door. “I want one of these.”
“Yeah, pretty cool.” Robbie said. “They make them in Jordan.”
“That’s beautiful. Very fitting. They haven’t a clue how much. How’s the leg?”
“Good.”
“Seriously, you shouldn’t have been taking those steps.”
“Dad,” Robbie chuckled “I’m fine. Besides, I want to see this.”
“There’s nothing to see,” Joe said. “Hal said your brother is just busy.”
“If he’s just busy, why are we here?”
“To see him.” Joe knocked.
No answer.
“See,” Joe said. “He’s not here.”
Robbie scoffed a laugh. “He’s here.” Reaching for the doorknob, Robbie turned it and pushed op the door. “Hello.”
Still … no response.
They walked in.
Robbie first, and he laughed. Joe was curious until he too stepped in after Robbie.
Jimmy sat at the dining room table, which was not even ten feet from the door.
“Jimmy,” Joe snapped. “Why didn’t you answer?”
“Huh?” Jimmy looked up.
“Christ,” Joe blinked. “When’s the last time you shaved?”
Jimmy rubbed his beard. “A while. I’ve been busy.”
“Too busy to comb your hair.” Joe reached over running his fingers through it. “It’s curly.”
“Yeah.”
Robbie laughed. “This is great.”
“Say hello to your brother.” Joe said with a light tap to the back of Jimmy head.
Jimmy closed the lid to the laptop. “Hey, Robbie.”
“Good look for you.” Robbie winked.
“Thanks.”
“Jimmy.” Joe walked around to face him. “What are you doing?”
“Working.” Jimmy kept shifting his eyes to the computer. It was evident that he was antsy. “What uh, are you doing?”
“Frank said you went nuts,” Joe stated. “I’m wondering how far off he is.”
Jimmy laughed. “I’m not nuts. I’m focused.”
“Yeah, Dad,” Robbie said. “He’s focused.”
Joe nodded. “Okay. Focus later. We’re in town to finish the decorations for your brother’s wedding. Come with us, and grab a bite to eat at Hoi-Hoi on the Range.”
Jimmy gave a queer look. “Decorations for Frank’s wedding. Dad, why so early?”
“Early?” Joe looked at his watch. “It’s seven o’clock.”
“I mean, why so early,” Jimmy repeated. “The wedding isn’t until …” he paused.
“Tomorrow.” Robbie finished.
“Tomorrow? Holy cow!” Jimmy scratched his head.
“Jimmy.” Joe asked. “Do you know how long your brother Robbie was out of town?”
“Um ….” He cringed. “Not really.”
“Did you know he was shot?”
“I think. Not sure. Probably … not. No. Wow, you were shot. How are you feeling?”
“Pretty good. Thanks.” Robbie grinned.
“And you aren’t obsessed and overboard?” Joe asked.
“Not really.” Jimmy shrugged.
“What the hell are you …” Joe lifted the lid to the laptop. “So Frank was right. You’re working on this video.”
Jimmy nodded.
“Obsessively?” Joe asked.
Again, Jimmy nodded.
Robbie asked. “Any progress.”
“There’s a code imbedded. Jason feels it was put there intentionally. I’m cracking it.”
“Jimmy,” Joe said seriously. “Listen to me. Why? Why are you obsessing? The Great War, we’re gonna have some sort of grip on. Robbie brought back the uplinks to the United States Satellite Defense System.”
“Wow? Really? When I finish this I can help with that.”
“We’re hoping you’ll help now,” Joe said. “Its’ important to start scanning the air and sea, now.”
“This is more important Dad.” Jimmy said. “This is way more important.”
“Than the Great War?”
Jimmy nodded.
“Dad,” Robbie whispered. “It has to do with you. You’re more important than anything.”
“Robert. Do you know one of the things that make a person a good leader? The ability to think of the many instead of the one. I am only one. The Great War affects the many.”
Jimmy interjected. “Well, I personally don’t give a shit about the many. I’m not looking to be leader. I never want to be leader. I’m focusing on the one. You.”
“Jimmy.” Joe laid a hand on his shoulder. “Son, if it is my time to go, it’s my time to go. There’s nothing, you or anyone can do about it.”
“Bullshit, Dad.” Jimmy spoke with passion. “Being murdered is someone else determining your time to go.”
“I disagree.” Joe shook his head. “That’s just God’s way of saying how you go, when you do. If God says I go, then …”
“To cop a Dad phrase,” Jimmy winked. “I don’t give a rat’s ass what God’s plan is. Or what God says. God left us a long time ago. He chose the few remaining to start over. If I can intervene, if I can change or stop it, then goddamn it I will.” Jimmy stood up. “I love you, Dad. I just got you back in my life. When I was with the Society, not a day went by when I didn’t think of you, hear your voice, and wish you were alive. All of you. Well, you were alive. You are alive. And I will do everything … all of us boys will. We’ll do anything, and everything to keep it that way. Now …” Jimmy sat back down. “When it comes to this, there isn’t a minute to spare. I’m gonna get back to work.”
He sat before the computer, swallowed hard and stared at the screen.
Joe walked behind him, firming a grip on his shoulder has he bent down and laid his lips to his son’s head. “I love you, too. Thank you.”
Robbie reached over and gave a swat to Jimmy. “Do it. I know you can.”
After his father and brother had walked out, and he heard the door close, Jimmy leaned back and closed his eyes. He muttered a short prayer, and then chimed out words of self-encouragement, before even more determined, he dove back to that program.
****
The centerpieces were simple, but eloquent, a combination of effort of every woman and few men in Beginnings. A mirror and a candle center of it was encircled by flowers. Andrea didn’t have a clue how many there were until she had to bring them in alone. Telling Jo
e, go see Jimmy.
Ten boxes were in the back of the truck.
She brought in a few, set them on the tables, with the hope that Joe would be back to get the rest. He and Robbie were.
Then Andrea realized something they forgot. A centerpiece for the head table. Joe found Ben from Fabrics, got the items Andrea needed and Andrea made one.
The former fire hall looked beautiful.
“Amazing.” Joe walked up behind Andrea as she put the final touches on the centerpiece.
“Do you think it will work, Joe? Do you think they’ll like it?”
“Who? Ellen and Frank? Andrea, they won’t notice. But I have.” He kissed her on the cheek. “You and the ladies did a great job. And that dress …” Joe gave a twitch to his head and whistle. “You’re looking sharp. Don’t know if I can contain myself.” He kissed her on the cheek, giving her a hug.
Andrea giggled. “Joseph Slagel. You are bad. Planning on taking advantage of me tomorrow.”
“Who's talking about tomorrow?” He kissed her again, moving his lips playfully to her neck.
“You’re in a good mood.”
“Yes. Yes I am.” Joe stated. “Life couldn’t be better.”
Andrea’s hands paused in a hover. She turned around to face her husband. “I can’t recall the last time you said that.”
Joe shrugged. “I can’t recall the last time I really felt it like I do today.”
“Joe?”
“My God, Andrea am I blessed or what?”
Andrea smiled peacefully.
“Look around.” Joe held out his hand. “The wedding event of all time. Topping ours, and ours was a doozy.” He winked. “But the wedding isn’t just any wedding. It is Frank and Ellen. Do you know how long I have waited to see this? Frank in his dress blues, Ellen in a wedding dress. Two people. Soul mates. Getting married. And I … I get to walk her down the aisle, of a church, like the father I feel like. Like the father I am and been to her most of her life. Finally, after all these years. They’re doing it. Nothing is stopping them this time. I’ll make sure of it.” He winked. “And you, you know what makes it great. They’re mine. My kids.” Joe said proudly. “Andrea, in a world of loss I have it all. The love of a good beautiful woman, I have my sons, Ellen, my grandkids. I’m a happy man. Yep.” He exhaled and embraced her. “Life couldn’t be better.”
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