Aftermath_Beginnings Series Book 29

by Jacqueline Druga

  “Frank, what do you mean? Everything went to hell.”

  “Chaka this wasn’t our world,” Frank said. “You should have seen it. Fucking awesome. We had everything. Everything we wanted at our fingertips. Medical care that cured you. We had markets with food. I mean, any food you could imagine. If you were hungry, you didn’t need to cook. We had fast food. Technology. Danny Hoi is starting to bring it back but it is nothing compared to what it was. It was all there. Then a sickness came. Wiped out 99% of the population. If not more. Here we are. Right here, Beginnings, is just the start of the new world. The old one is gone. Gone in a snap of a finger with a cough and a fever.”

  “I did not know that.”

  “And so many people died, we couldn’t have funerals. There was so much death. So we kind of put that behind us. Robbie deserves more, you know? So we’re bringing the ritual back. Because we got into the bad habit of just burying the dead instead of honoring their life.”

  Chaka nodded knowingly. “Tell me this … funeral ritual. What does it entail?”

  “In the old days, we’d get a coffin. Which is a long box. We put the person in there. There were these things called funeral homes. They’d get the body ready, make them look alive and people would come and see them one last time. Then after a day or two of this, where people come and pay respects, we close the lid, put the box in the ground and that’s it.”

  “We have a very similar ritual. We too, lost that ritual when we went to war. Before the war, we would prepare the loved one, cover them with the golden cloth and flowers and items of their life. Friends and family would come and visit, leaving an item or gift with the body. Then on the third day, we set the loved one and items aflame until they are ashes. The smoke, we believe, helps carry the being to Yonbevan. Then we take the remains and scatter them in the wind. Sometimes … though …” Chaka reached to his chest, he wore what looked like a thin leather neckless. He lifted it and exposed a small vial. “Sometimes we keep part of them with us always. This is my brother.”

  “That’s pretty cool.”

  “Sorry, I’m late,” Dean rushed in the lab and closed the door. “Thanks for being here.”

  Frank held out a translator for Dean. “Here, you’ll need this.”

  “Thanks.” Dean positioned it in his ear. “And thank you both of you for coming down here.”

  “What did you need?” Frank asked. “Tests.”

  Dean tilted his head. “Answers, I am hoping Chaka can give. See, we may have a problem. We have one man very ill and five others starting to show symptoms. All of them very similar to Robbie. But only one was absolutely near Robbie. I can’t find any properties in the infection or virus that shows it’s airborne. I believe it started with something Robbie touched. This way.” Dean led them down the hall to the back room. “Frank brought it back for some reason. I am glad he did. I think it started with it because Robbie’s hand had a rash where he touched it.”

  “What is it that you speak of?” Chaka asked.

  “It came from the future, your future.” Dean stopped before the back portion of the containment lab. “It’s on the counter in the case. Can you see it? I can go get it for you if you …”

  “No.” Chaka laid a hand on Dean’s shoulder. “Do not touch it. Do not take it from the sealed room.”

  “It’s dead now,” Dean said. “But when I saw it …”

  “It is not dead. It will never die until it is burned,” Chaka said. “How did it get from Frank to here?”

  “I … I took it from his bag and brought it. It was in a bag,” Dean replied.

  “At any time did you expose it to the air?”

  “Yeah, but …”

  “It may be too late,” Chaka said.

  What is it, Chaka?” Dean asked. “What do you know about it?”

  “It is the bontori. It has been around for as long as I have known. It is said that Hubra created it many generations before as a weapon. Hundreds of seasons ago. Nature made it more potent. Before my time, it was used to keep primals away from the fields and stealing food. It is deadly to primals if they touch it, breath in its dust. All flowers had the dust that spreads so it can continue growth.”

  “Pollen,” Dean said. “That’s what we call it.”

  “Yes. The dust cannot be seen with the eye,” Chaka said. “Fields of them were placed to keep the primals away.”

  Frank asked. “So it’s not deadly to you?”

  “It is if we eat it,” Chaka said. “It is used as a poison against the, as you call them bad Hubra. It is also believed to be the downfall of the primal. It is rumored that primals were more civilized until the bontori caused problems with their ability to reason and communicate. Use of it as a primal deterrent was outlawed before my birth. It was found inhubrane. It is deadly for our pets. Only in isolated areas does this plant appear. Frank.” Chaka faced him. “I did not see this when we were together. How is that possible?”

  “You were on watch when we found it,” Frank replied.

  “Is there a cure for the illness,” Dean asked.

  “None. It is so bad that those in a radius can be infected by the dust … or pollen as you call it. Within seven moons it takes hold. Dean, you must destroy this. Destroy this now. Burn it.”

  “I can’t,” Dean said. “I can’t destroy it until I find a way to beat it.”

  “There is no way,” Chaka said. “Our Hubra of science have tried. The air has been exposed. It may already be too late. I fear for you.”

  “It’s been in here,” Dean said. “Even then, it’s that bad?”

  Chaka nodded. “Frank told me of a great sickness that took all most all life before Beginnings. This …” He pointed to the flower. “Could make that happen again.”

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  Hoi-Hoi on the range wasn’t as rowdy as it could have been, there was a laid back feel, and the crowd was small. Hal sat at the bar with Elliott, occasionally turning to look at Jimmy who shot pool with Henry.

  He pushed his glass forward, asking Stan the bartender for another.

  “Sure thing, Captain.”

  “How are you Captain?” Elliott asked. “Really.”

  “Really, I’m a mess, Elliott. But I can’t show it. I have to deal with it.”

  “No, you don’t. You can take time and grieve.”

  “I am. This is my way. Besides, how am I supposed to take time when …” He turned again to look at Jimmy, then as he spun back to his drink, he saw Frank walk in. “Frank’s here...”

  Elliott looked.

  Frank walked up to the bar, stood next to Hal. “I’ll have what he’s having,” Frank told Stan. “And you can place it on his tab.”

  Hal lifted his glass as his way of saying it was fine. “So big brother, this is a surprise. What brings you to Bowman tonight?”

  “I have something I have to do.” Frank took his glass and had a sip. “Hey, Ryder.”

  “Frank.” Elliott acknowledged him.

  “Something I can help you with?” Hal asked. “I mean it’s pretty late …”

  “No. No. I’m good.”

  “Hey, Frank.” Jimmy walked up to them. “Did you want to shoot a game?”

  “Nah, I just stopped in for a drink. I have something to do tonight here.”

  “Here?” Jimmy asked. “In Bowman. At one a.m.?”

  “Yep.”

  “Something me and Hal can help with?”

  Frank shook his head and brought this drink to his lips. “Nope. I’m good.”

  “Hey, while I have you two,” Jimmy said. “There’s something I want to run by you. I know we were talking about each saying something at the funeral. I would like very much instead, to play a song for Robbie.”

  “A song?” Hal asked. ‘You mean like a recording.”

  “No. I’m going to play it.”

  “You mean, bring an instrument on the altar and play?” Hal asked.

  “Yep, that’s how it’s done. If you guys would rather me not
…”

  “No.” Frank quickly interrupted him. “No, you do that. It will be great.”

  “Thanks.” Jimmy grinned. “I’m gonna head back to my game. If you need help with that, Frank, let me know.”

  Frank nodded, finishing his drink just as Hal backhanded him in the gut. Frank coughed. “What was that for?”

  “Frank.” Hal spoke through clenched teeth. “You just gave Jimmy permission to get up at the funeral and play a song.”

  “Yeah, so.”

  “So he plays the triangle.”

  “Yep.” Frank smiled. “Robbie would have loved it.”

  Hal nodded. “You’re right.”

  “I have to go.” Frank took Hal’s drink, downed it, set the glass on the bar then leaned forward kissing Hal on the head. “See you later. Love you.” He turned.

  “I love you …” Frank was gone. “…too. Elliott ...” Hal faced him. “Did my brother just kiss me?”

  “He did.”

  “Poor Frank.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  After checking to see if Jimmy was within ear shot, Hal spoke in a soft voice. “My father is just ….horrible about him. I thought that once he knew Robbie died of natural causes, that he would let this vendetta against Frank.”

  “It’s not a vendetta,” Elliott said. “Why would it be and what would make you say that.”

  “Because. It was decided that Frank would make the military decisions in Beginnings. Frank made the decision to not just wipe out the twenty-four hundred. He wants to surveillance, kidnap the leader, find out what the plan is and if necessary invade by ground to avoid unnecessary casualties.”

  “Okay.”

  “Well, my father doesn’t agree. He says they invaded our country and cannot possibly be up to any good. He wants to Dean Ami them.”

  “Okay, they disagree, that doesn’t make it a vendetta.”

  “He met with Johnny behind Frank’s back to plan the air drops.”

  Elliott just stared.

  “What? No response?”

  “Just Johnny?”

  “I was there, not by invite. Johnny was the only one invited. I just stayed.”

  “So he’s not hiding his plan.” Elliott said. “Maybe it’s a backup plan to Frank’s.”

  “I thought that, too. But it doesn’t sound that way. It says he doesn’t trust Frank. People in Beginnings look to Joe as leader. If he is second guessing Frank’s plan, everyone will.”

  “Maybe your father has a gut instinct on this one. You don’t know.”

  “True. But he seems so angry at Frank as if he doesn’t like or love him.” Hal looked at Stan refreshed his glass and he pulled it forward. “Elliott, may I ask you something?”

  “Sure.”

  “Do you think he’s being this way because …. Because Frank is not …”

  “No,” Elliott abruptly cut him off. “Absolutely not. Come on, Captain, Why after all these years would he suddenly decide he doesn’t like Frank.”

  “The secret is out,” Hal said. “He knew it, but he carried it alone for all these years. Granted only myself and Dean are the ones that know he’s not Frank’s father, but it still to him is out. Maybe he subconsciously doesn’t have to behave like a father to him.”

  “Captain as your friend I will tell you the truth. That is absurd. Your father is a good man, he loves you all the same and would probably kick your ass to hear you say that. No, it’s grief. He needs to work it out. Sadly it’s at Frank’s expense.”

  “Thankfully, my big brother is dealing with it,” Hal sipped his drink. “What do you suppose he has to do in our town at this hour?”

  “Whatever it is,” Elliott said. “It must be important.”

  <><><><>

  It wasn’t Frank’s intention to stay. His original plan was to ‘pass’ by, get a drink and head back to Beginnings. He thought it would be easy to do, considering the late hour. But it wasn’t.

  He had gotten his reports from Troy and a couple other men that all it took was a good dusting and cleaning and the funeral home looked as good as new, since it had been cleaned and painted previously when Danny prepared the town.

  The items needed were stored in the basement in a cold cellar and in good condition, Harv Stevens only needed a bit more make-up, which he picked up at the old Walmart that had not be ransacked.

  Frank just wanted to swing by, see how the place looked. He was surprised to see it lit up like a Christmas tree. He could see Harv moving about in there. He was still working, that made Frank feel good.

  After his brief drink at the Hoi-Hoi on the Range, Frank returned and sat down on the bench across the street watching.

  At one point, Harv opened the front door, grabbed items that had been left on the porch and walked back in.

  After about an hour, Harv left. Frank was going to leave, too but he couldn’t.

  There was one light still on. The basement corner room.

  He waited and checked to make sure no one saw him, then Frank went to the lower side door, where an old faded ‘Drop off’ sign still hung.

  The doors were unlocked and Frank walked in. The hall way was dark, lit only by the light that seeped from the open door of the one lit room. Frank headed there. Before he crossed into the room, he stopped and an old memory flashed through his mind.

  “Mr. Slagel,” the kindergarten teacher said to him. “You really don’t need to stay. You can go.”

  “No. I’m good. I’m good.”

  It was Robbie’s first day of Kindergarten. Their father was supposed to take him, Robbie was so nervous, he not only couldn’t sleep the night before, he climbed in bed with Frank. Their dad ended up with an emergency call and couldn’t be there for that first important drop off.

  “I’ll take him,” Frank said.

  “Are you sure?” his father asked.

  “Positive. You okay with that, Robbie or do you want me to get Uncle Jerry.”

  Little Robbie shook his head. “You take me, Frank.”

  So Frank did. He was the only one there that wasn’t a parent. It garnished looks from others, but he didn’t care. He stood at the door, holding Robbie’s hand, just as nervous as Robbie was waiting for the door to open.

  When it did, some kids ran in, some stayed behind frightened. Robbie clutched Frank’s hand tight.

  “Please, don’t leave me, Frank. Don’t leave me.”

  “You have to go in. Kindergarten is cool.”

  “Okay, but don’t leave me.”

  Frank didn’t.

  He missed his own first day of school. His thirteen-year-old body way too big for the little chairs, he didn’t care. Robbie did so good that day, and every chance he got, he looked at Frank. Looked at him with that look that said, ‘I’m so proud. This is my big brother.’

  That look never left Robbie’s face, Frank loved that look.

  With a nervous gut and fast beating heart, Frank stepped into that lit room. Even though he knew what he was going to face, a part of him wasn’t ready.

  Before getting closer, he took a few breaths and got it together

  Robbie was on the table, he was covered with a cloth.

  “Hey,” Frank said then sniffled. “Hey, little brother.” He ran his hand over his mouth, then laid his hand over Robbie’s arm on the table. “I was just thinking about your first day of kindergarten, In fact all day I have been thinking about you. How can I not, right? You’re my baby brother.” He squeezed Robbie’s arm. “You’re my baby brother.” Another sniff of emotions, Frank reached over and pulled the rolling office chair near the table. “If you don’t mind.” Frank pulled out small flask from his chest pocket. “I’m going to just hang out with you for a while. Just a little while.”

  Hal was closing up Hoi-Hoi on the Range when he got the news from one of his beat guards that Frank had entered the Stevens Funeral home through the rear basement entrance and had not emerged.

  He told Jimmy about it and the two of them, alone headed over
there.

  They entered the same way that Frank did and followed the single light to the room at the end of the hall.

  Hal was prepared because he knew what or rather who was in that room. He stood in the doorway with Jimmy at his side, looking at Frank before they stepped in or said anything.

  Frank sat in a chair next to the table where Robbie’s covered body was. His arms rested on his knees, and Frank caressed a flask in his hands as he stared down to the floor.

  He hadn’t even heard Hal and Jimmy arrive.

  Hal called out softly, his voice cracking as he did. “Frank.”

  Frank didn’t answer.

  “What’s going on, Frank?” Jimmy asked.

  “When Robbie went to Kindergarten …” Frank said soft, still not looking up. ‘I took him to the door. He was so scared, He asked me not to leave him. I didn’t.” He paused and pouted. “When he was twelve and had to get stitches, he asked, me, please don’t leave. I didn’t. When … he joined the service, went to Meps for his test, I brought him there. And he said ‘please don’t leave me.’ Frank cleared his throat. “The moment he took his last breath. He locked eyes with me, said my name and I swore, I heard him say, ‘don’t leave me’ but it wasn’t him. It was me, Screaming from inside with everything I had. Don’t leave me.” His head lowered.

  “Frank,” Hal said soft and stepped forward.

  “I walked by this place tonight,” Frank said, his voice cracking. “I just wanted to check. Just check. And all I thought about was Robbie in here, alone, was he scared, and somewhere in my heart, I heard my baby brother calling out, ‘Don’t leave me, Frank. Please don’t leave me. I can’t …” The flask dropped from Frank’s hand, his head lowered further into his hands. ”I can’t.”

  Hal heard it. A single heartbreaking sob came from Frank that cut into his own soul. Hal’s legs weakened. Jimmy must have felt it as well, he ran to Frank at the same time.

  “I can’t leave him. I don’t even know how I’m going to do this,” Even though his words were muffled, the sound of his agony carried loud and clear. “I always watched out for him. I never left him. How am I going to do this? How can I leave him now?”