The Big Ten: The First Ten Books of the Beginnings Series

by Jacqueline Druga

  “Now he wants you . . .” Joe said. “To share passages of inspiration.”

  Ellen jerked back in her chair with a tilted head look. “That’s a weird request. I only know where the doomsday parts of the bible are.”

  Joe slightly rolled his eyes. “That’s real inspiring. I’m not seeing anything.” Joe shook his head. “Maybe Ellen just has me frazzled. But after the kid part, and request to share Christianity with Ellen, The answer has to be in this quote.”

  “Quote?” Henry stepped forward. “What quote?”

  “It’s the only thing that doesn’t seem to be in a list format.” Joe read it. “And I know we’ll get through this one day. Like my Aunt Esther always said, it’s not the height of a man that measures his courage, it’s the heart.”

  Slowly Ellen’s head swayed. “They have to be breaking him Joe. He knows I don’t read the bible and . . . he doesn’t have an Aunt Esther. I don’t think. Not that he ever mentioned her. Weird.”

  Henry let out a long frustration breath. “Joe, are we stupid. Esther. Esther.”

  “The book of Esther.” Joe said.

  “Bible passages.” Henry pointed to the note.

  Joe snapped his finger. “Get Reverend Bob.”

  The bushy, gray haired Reverend paced about the living room with his easy to read Bible. “It would help if we had numbers.” Rev. Bob flipped a page. “Any numbers at all in the letter.”

  Joe lifted his hand up as he read the letter. “Weeks, maybe it means three. No. Wait. One day. He says one day.”

  “Esther, one.” Rev. Bob stated.

  “Didn’t . . . .” Frank spoke up. “Didn’t he say something about size.”

  “Yeah.” Henry smiled brightly. “The height of a man.”

  Frank arrogantly sat back. “Must mean me. I’m six three.”

  Joe shook his head. “As much as like to think that, the number sequence it wrong. He’s not gonna give a six before a three. Wait, how tall is Dean?”

  Frank fluttered his lips. “Four foot two.”

  “Frank, Christ. Sorry revered,” Joe looked to Ellen. “How tall is Dean. Five-six?”

  “Joe.” Ellen gasped in offense. “He’s taller than that. He’s five seven.”

  Reverend Bob held up a finger. “Now that makes sense. Chapter one, verses five through seven Listen.” He began to read them. “‘When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down and show him respect, he was filled with rage. So he decided it was not enough to lay hands on Mordecai alone. Since he learned Mordecai was a Jew, he decided to destroy all the Jews throughout the entire empire of Xerxes’ . . .”

  “Stop.” Joe interrupted. “Let’s break that down first. Who’s Mordecai and who is Haman?”

  The Reverend began to answer. “Well Biblically speak . . .”

  “No.” Joe shook his head. “Barring the story that we’re reading. We have to look at the words as a message. Henry?”

  “Simple Joe. Mordecai is you or Frank. Haman is Robbie.”

  “And you know this how?” Joe asked.

  “Think about it.” Henry began to pace. “Haman was out raged. He wanted to destroy Mordecai and all the Jews. If we were Haman that would make no sense. We had no intention to destroy everyone ousted. Just oust them. Robbie took our children, and Dean. What I think he’s trying to tell us is. Taking out Frank or you is not enough. He wants us all.”

  Joe nodded. “I think we know that though. All right Reverend continue. If there’s more.”

  “Just a bit . . . ‘So in the month of April, during the twelfth year of King Xerxes reign, lots were cast to determine the best day and month to take action. And the day that was selected was March 7, nearly a year later’.” The Reverend closed the bible. “That’s the last verse he gave.”

  Joe rubbed his chin. “Best time to take action. And that passage gives a time frame. But a year? No way.”

  “Dean mentioned an amount of time.” Henry said. “His letter stated it seemed like weeks.”

  Frank interjected. “So that means they are gonna strike again in weeks, or we’d better do something in a few weeks. Which we can. Simple enough.”

  Ellen’s one long word interrupted the tactical thoughts. “Ooh. It’s a word game. I get it.” She tossed her hands up and stood. “I’ll be back.”

  Joe’s eyes shifted. “We’re are you going?”

  “Back to my house to get Dean’s bible. I have to pick out a return message you know. I wonder what I can tell him.” With a complete look of ponder, Ellen hurried from the house.

  With concern, Henry, Reverend Bob and Frank looked to Joe. Very reassuringly Joe closed his eyes and shook his head. “No.” He peaked at the door, opened his mouth to speak, shut it and shook his head again. “No.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

  July 2

  Dean basked in the warm sun. On his back, arms folded behind his head, he rested flat on the dirty, weed overgrown street. He just lay there, waiting. Robbie sat on a crate to the left of him, Moses walked guard at his feet. Dean had to laugh at them, watching him like he was some sort of huge threat to him. Yeah, big five-foot seven, one hundred thirty pound, Dean was gonna take them all on. But then again Dean knew that he could, he knew very simply that he could. He could wipe out Moses and twelve others of them in about three minutes. Dean smiled at that thought. If he had to do it he would. The sugar cookies. The cookies that Beginnings sent for the children were grabbed suddenly by all of Robbie’s men. They opened the bin full of supplies, found the cookies and ate them right away. If only Dean could convey to Ellen to sprinkle some of the substance they used for rabbit control on top of those cookies, Robbie’s men would experience extreme stomach discomfort almost immediately. Projectile vomiting, convulsions, and then Dean would exclaim, “It’s the plague again!” Who would doubt him? He was the scientist and they knew it.

  Dean’s face must have been very visibly expressing his thoughts. Moses stomped his foot close to Dean’s head to snap him out of it.

  “Hey Doctor! What’s so humorous?”

  Dean opened his eyes, and Moses came into focus. The vision of Moses shaking on the ground, screaming for his pitiful life made Dean smile more. “Nothing Moses. I was just reflecting.”

  “Seem awfully happy. Quit it.”

  Robbie just shook his head. “Moses leave him alone. He’s waiting for his letter.”

  “You see, that’s what I don’t get Robbie. He’s been kidnapped. If I’m not mistaken he has two children at home. Why is he not concerned with them? Why is he only concerned with this woman Helen.”

  “Ellen! Please.” Dean called out from his laying position. He wanted Moses to shut up. Moses was making sense and it wouldn’t help any if he started putting any doubts in Robbie’s mind. “Obviously you were never in love. Then again, who could love you?”

  Moses cried out, a gut cry of anger. He raised his knee, lifting his boot directly above Dean’s head. “I could squash you in a heartbeat.”

  Dead didn’t flinch. “Go ahead. What do I have to lose? Besides, it won’t make you look better Moses. It will make you look dumber. If that’s possible.”

  “Uh!” Moses’ boot came pummeling down to Dean’s head, rearing to smash it like it was an unwanted insect.

  Robbie, with quick reaction, flew his hand forward, clasped Moses’ ankle, stopped it from its submergence, and sent Moses flying backwards, joining Dean on the ground. “You will never take physical force on this man without my permission. Do you hear me?”

  Moses jumped from his feet and lunged over Dean for Robbie. Dean, realizing it was soon to be the Clash of the Titans, rolled his body out of the way of the two men.

  As Moses came flying hands first, Robbie, without fear, without moving, stopped Moses with one single, heavily thrown right fist. Moses’ head snapped back and he flew to the ground. Robbie charged to him, lifting him by his collar. “This is my choice right now Moses. I choose not to kill you for attacking me. Next time you won’t be so fortun
ate. There were many others before you who weren’t as lucky as you are right now.” Robbie dropped him to the ground and reached his hand down to Dean. “And you. You have to stop getting on him. I’m not going to always be able to protect you. How am I supposed to stop him from coming into your room while you sleep and breaking your neck?”

  Dean swallowed, perhaps a little in fear. That thought hadn’t crossed his mind. “I’ll give that some thought.”

  “Good.” Robbie turned his head to the trotting horses that had entered Egypt. “Now maybe you can stop pouting. Your letter has arrived.” Robbie waltzed with arrogance to the men who dismounted the horses. “The note?” He held out his hand.

  The one man slapped the note into his hand as he untied the box from the saddle of his horse. The other man with him did the same.

  At the sight of the boxes hitting the ground, other men in the camp began to charge the unopened care packages. They knew what they sought. They were scavengers.

  Dean ran to them. “Wait!” He called out. “Robbie, make them stop. Now.”

  “Stop!” Robbie caught the attention of the lunging men. “Why did I just stop them?”

  “Because. These supplies are for the kids. This is the deal. This is the third box and your men are stealing their food. The cookies, Robbie. Let the kids have the cookies.”

  “Get away from the food.” Robbie ordered. “It’s not ours.”

  “Thank you.” Dean walked over to the boxes, he picked one up, he glared at a man who tried once again to reach for it. “Go head, steal the cookies. How do you know. . . “ Dean stared at the men who encircled him. “How do any of you know that they aren’t figuring that you men are eating the cookies? What if they know you are? What if they are slowly poisoning you? Maybe I’m just saving you because I know it. Any stomach problems lately?” He began to carry the box away. He stopped one more time to look back. “Ever hear of Flowers in the Attic?”

  ***

  Hurrying about was something Ellen just didn’t want to do. She finished up her last counseling appointment at the containment center, checked on the twins at school, and raced back home.

  “Sorry I’m running late.” Ellen called out to Frank as she ran into the house. I’ll get your lunch for you. Frank?” She looked up the steps. “Frank?” He wasn’t on the first floor. “This is weird. Maybe he’s in the shower.” She walked up the steps and continued to call out his name. After checking every room, the big revelation that he wasn’t in the house, hit her. Where was he? Then she heard her answer. “No. He wouldn’t be.” The sound of steady gun fire could be heard coming from a distance. Ellen knew the return of Joe and George with the huge amounts of ammunition would signify shooting practice. But would Frank be there? “I’ll kill him.”

  Walking heavily, and at a quick pace, Ellen stormed through town to get to the training area by the tunnel where the shooting dummies were set up. Passing Joe’s newest addition was the only thing that made her chuckle in her anger. A huge board sign sat erected in the center of town. Like a score board, it read ‘hostage crises, day 13'. Joe was making it his point, every morning he changed the numbers. Like Beginnings was the center of some sort of high media incident and Joe wanted to display it.

  Closing in on the roadway near the tunnel gate, she spotted him. Frank stood ten feet behind a row of men. He stood there leaning on his cane with one hand. Wearing his usual green military pants, and white tee shirt. She could see him waving his cane in the air at the men, and hear his huge thunderous voice shouting.

  “Hey!” Frank shouted. “What the fuck. Yeah, you’ll hit your target if it weighs seven hundred pounds. Son of a bitch! Hold it up. Hold it up! Christ!” Frank slammed the end of his cane on the ground and shook his head in disgust.

  “Frank!” Ellen, out of breath called to him.

  “Oh. Hey, El.” He hobbled over to her, seemingly more straight than he walked a few hours earlier. “What are you doing here?”

  “I came up here to ask you the same thing.”

  “Shooting drills. I didn’t want to miss it. I have to teach these guys precision, you know.”

  “Hey, El.” Johnny who took his short cut between them on the way to shooting practice, slowed down. “I saw Rev. Bob. He said you two are pestering him to marry you.”

  Frank’s mouth dropped open. “Doesn’t he have a vow of silence.”

  Miguel who was right behind John, stopped and placed his big body in between Ellen and Frank. “I hope that the Lord will make you see the error you will make if you marry before Dean returns. It is time, now to be honest. Open. No more lies.”

  Frank rolled his eyes. “Yeah, go grab a gun or something.”

  Ellen was shocked at Frank’s behavior toward Miguel. “I can believe you were that rude.”

  “And I can’t believe you’re still wearing Dean’s ring.” Frank grabbed her hand.

  “At least it’s not rude.”

  “You don’t think?”

  “Frank.” Ellen said his name with irritation. “The man is kidnapped. Allow me to have a sentimental attachment.”

  “To Dean?” Frank questioned one hand on his hips “I’ll tell you what El, why don’t I just keep you warmed up and when he gets home, you can run back to him.”

  “Stop this . . . I don’t want to fight.” Ellen reached up and grabbed his arm. “I want to bitch at you instead.”

  “What?”

  “Why are you here, Frank?” Ellen’s tone raised. “I hope it’s just to teach your sharp shooter abilities to these men. You aren’t really going to go out on the mission are you.”

  “El.” Frank nearly laughed. “Of course I’m doing the mission. What do you think?”

  “I think you’re fucked up.” Ellen started to walk away.

  Frank in a wobble, followed. “Wait a second.” He reached out and stopped her. “You don’t want me to go?”

  “No.” Ellen pulled away and turned around. “I don’t.”

  “This is what I do.”

  “Then let someone else do it. “ Ellen argued. “Why does it have to be you. Why do you always have to be the one to rush in. Frank, something could happen to you. I watched you die once, I won’t watch you die again.”

  “Fine.” Frank nodded slowly. “Fine. And I can’t believe you of all people are saying this. You would think, with precious fuckin Dean’s life at stake you’d want me to. El, I’m sorry.” He stepped to her. “But I have to do this. I want your support here. But to be honest with you. Whether I have it or not, I’m still going in.”

  “I understand. Go back to training.” Ellen said softly, turned and started to walk.

  “El?” Frank called out. “Your support?”

  Ellen kept on walking.

  ***

  Robbie dropped the other box on Dean’s desk. It landed with a loud thump. “Here’s your note. I read it. You can too.”

  “Thanks.” Dean took the ripped envelope and smelled it. It smelled like Ellen and that helped. “Could you guys have at least not ripped the envelope? We work very hard on maintaining all of our paper products.” He pulled out the note.

  “My stationary apologies.”

  Dean didn’t laugh at Robbie’s humor, he unfolded it and began to read. “Dean, you’ve been on my mind so much since I last got your letter. You and the children. You are in all of our prayers. Have courage Dean please. I know we’ll work this out between us. Even if I have three more days to wait, at least your letter will reassure me, during these past thirteen days of terror, that apart, we can use this tim to at least bring out some good in all this. Keep reassuring me Dean. I miss you. Come home. All my Love. Ellen.” Dean kept staring at the note. Finally, after a long glance he laid it on his night stand. His mind raced. Where was it? The bible reference? Did Ellen actually write this letter, not Joe? She had too. Dean knew if it was in there, the reference, it was hidden. He saw numbers. Three and thirteen. Did she forget it? He’d have to wait until Robbie left to break it down. But what
if Robbie took it with him? He had to know. “Robbie can I keep the letter?”

  “I don’t want it. I had a hard time reading it.”

  Dean didn’t want to, but he had to agree with Robbie. “Her handwriting is atrocious. Her spelling has got to be . . .” Dean tried to hide the instant smile when the revelation hit him. He went over to the stand and picked up the letter again, he gazed over it. He knew he saw it and hews right. Ellen misspelled the word ‘time’. She dropped her ‘e’. Leaving the word Tim. “Um, Robbie. Could I be alone please?”

  “I’ll be back. I need you to distribute your supplies to the kids. Five minutes.” Robbie left the room. Never giving a second thought to the note.

  Dean scurried for the Bible he hid under the mattress. He pulled it out. Tim. She must have meant Timothy. But which book? Timothy 1, or Timothy 2. Dean glanced at the letter. It read ‘use this Tim to.” that had to be two. Dean had to hurry. He grabbed the bible and opened up to the section. ‘But evil people and imposters shall flourish. They will go on deceiving others, and they themselves will be deceived.’. “What?” Dean plopped to the floor, shoving the bible back into the mattress. He grabbed the note again. “Come on El.” Dean read over it. “Imposters? Evil people?” Dean thought, and thought hard. And as his eyes laid close to the note, the final sentence grabbed him. She asked him to keep reassuring her. Of what? Of imposters? Of Evil people? If Dean was in Joe’s position, what would he want to know? “Oh am I stupid.” Dean jumped up and placed the note back down. “But how to find out, is the question.” Dean made the mistake of speaking out loud, he didn’t notice Robbie walking back into the room.

  “Find out about what Dean?” He slammed the door.

  “Oh about Ellen.” Dean’s racing mind, filled with possible answers, reflected on Dean’s ace.

  “What about her? Does it have to do with Frank?”

  “You could say that. She is having his baby you know. I forgot about that.”