“Dr. Hayes.” She spoke rudely to him. “I haven’t the time for these games. We have to get things ready. The embryos are part of our things. Where are they?”
“Gone. Now if you’ll excuse me.”
“They are not gone.” Joanna blocked his exit.
“They are. Sorry. We had a power problem and they died. Plain and simple.”
“We safe guarded against something like that happening. Now . . . We are missing our embryos and our vials.” Joanna stated.
“You wouldn’t get the vials even if I had them. I can’t take any chance on what is in them.”
“It was an universal viral anti-serum. We were to take it just in case the virus was still in the air.”
“Then you really don’t need them.” Dean slid his body between her hips and the door. He grabbed the handle. “I cured the virus. And I disposed of the vials safely.”
“A move like that shows your true ignorance of science. I’m telling you Dr. Hayes, I want our embryos back, and we must have them before we depart. Is that understood?”
“Perfectly.”
“Good. Then you will return them?”
“Nope. They are no longer viable, I’ve told you that. Sorry Joanna.” Egotistically smiling, Dean pulled the door closed and ensured the lock. In his walk down the hall away from Joanna he looked at the notes in his hands. Dean was proud of how well he kept his cool demeanor despite the fact that all Joanna had to do was look down, glance at his notes and she would have discovered his lie.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
July 29
Dean knew that voice when it called his name, the unmistakable English accent. He finished switching power cords in the outlet and stood. He turned on the microscope. “What do you want Joanna. And please knock next time when you come into my lab.”
Joanna knocked her fist three times on the counter with a giggle, them moved closer to him. “It seems Dr. Hayes, you and I have gotten off on the wrong foot.”
“Probably not.” Dean held a slide up.
“Probably so. It seems we can’t agree on these embryos and it has caused a professional rift between us. I would like very much to get past that. The rest of us leave in two weeks. I’d like to use this time to get to know you better.”
“Really, why is that?” Dean adjusted the stand of the microscope.
“I owe you an apology. I have insulted your work without knowing of it.” She moved closer to him. “And if nothing else, it could benefit you.” She spoke softly. “Seeing how the female population seems to be a minority, a little companionship couldn’t be all that bad, would . . .”
A heavy slam on the counter jolted Joanna and Dean. Ellen stood with her hand on a stack of papers, fingers tapping. “I’m back.” She titled her head sounding upset.
Joanna titled her head with a smile. “Oh, hello Ellen.” She lightly placed her hand on Dean’s back. “Think about it Dr. Hayes.” She stepped back. “I’ll leave you two to your work.” Brushing her hand against Ellen as she walked by, Joanna left the lab.
Ellen let out a loud exclamation of shock and disgust. She ran over and shut the door. “I can not believe she just hit on you.”
“Is that what she was doing?”
“Oh don’t play dumb with me.” Ellen lifted herself to sit on the counter. “I hope to God you aren’t considering sleeping with that.”
“It would be sex Ellen. And you know sex to some men in this community is a commodity.”
“You aren’t that shallow. I will lose all respect for you. All respect. I would never . . .”
“El.” Dean turned around, folded his arms and leaned against the counter. “I have no intention of sleeping with her. I know what she’s up to, I’m not that stupid.”
“Oh good.” Ellen let out a sigh of relief.
“But . . .” Dean walked closer to her. “I’m curious.” He rested his hands on her knees. “Why are you so upset about this?” He raised one eyebrow. “Jealous perhaps.”
“No. I just can’t believe that she would do that. And I . . .” She watched Dean in a pacifying manner, nod his head. “All right maybe just a little.”
“Thank you.” Dean smiled. “Now, talk to me about Melissa.” He backed up.
“She’s definitely pregnant.” Ellen spoke with excitement, and handed him the test results. “HCG levels are through the roof. Seems the implantation of, G.A.F.-Number 37 was successful.”
“Yes.” Dean clapped, crinkling the paper.
“Dean, what does G.A.F. stand for?”
“Please Ellen, have you been married to Frank that long? G.A.F., Genetically altered fetus.” Dean shook his head.
“When will we get to view him?” Ellen asked. “Are you gonna do an ultrasound soon?”
“Not for a few weeks. It would be nearly impossible to see much. Give it some time.”
“Oh good. At least I won’t miss anything while I’m gone.” Her feet swung about.
“Gone?” Dean slanted his head with an odd smile. “Where are you going?”
“Uh . . .” Ellen slid off the counter. “To the bathroom.” She tried to make her getaway.
“El.” Dean reached for her. Her sudden willingness to get away told him something. “Where are you going? Does Frank know you’re planning on going somewhere?”
“I’m going to the bathroom.” She pulled her arm away nervously. “And no. I don’t inform Frank every time I have to go.”
Without any more questions, Dean let her leave. She was up to something, he knew her too well. At first he wondered if it had to do with Joanna, and as soon as the thought of Joanna hit him. Dean panicked. Fearful of the timing coincidence of Ellen’s ‘being gone’ comment and the newcomers nearing departure, he took off to find Frank. Dean needed his fears confirmed or put to rest. If Ellen were leaving Beginnings, Frank would surely know.
^^^^
“I’m telling you Dean . . .” Frank marched with a huff along side of Dean to the utility buildings. “It’s a wasted trip to see my Dad. He’s not gonna know something about my wife I don’t.”
“And I’m telling you, Frank, she’s planning on going with them.”
“Never.” Frank pounded a few times on his father’s office door then opened it. “Dad? We need to talk to you.”
Joe stared up from his work and straightened himself. “Come in.”
Frank sat down immediately. “I need you to tell Dean something for me. I need you to inform him that Ellen is not going to Colorado.”
Joe took a deep breath through his nose, he folded his hands, and motioned his head to Dean to sit. “I’m afraid to tell you, she is.”
“See Dean I told . . . she what?!” Frank cried out. “She isn’t fuckin' going with these people. I won’t allow it.”
Joe subtly shook his head. “She is, and you will.”
Both Dean and Frank reacted verbally at the same time. “No!”
“Boys.” Joe held up his hands. “These people asked for Ellen to go. They need her to help set up the survivor program. I didn’t want her to go at first, but then I thought about it. Who would be the most unsuspecting spy to send? Ellen. She’ll find out more than anyone else. And the best part is, she won’t know she’s doing it. We’ll pick her mind when she gets back.” Joe leaned forward. “Now, I believe she will be totally safe . . .”
Frank had to interrupt his father. “No. I won’t let her leave. She can’t go out there.”
“She is Frank. On August 12th. You know Greg and I are heading down to that small town in Texas. We’ll pick her up on our way back. Ten days tops she’ll be gone. ”
Frank dramatically shook his head. “No. But if she goes, then I’m going with her.”
Joe disagreed. “Can’t do that Frank, besides the baby, you’re too important here.”
“Then I’ll go with her.” Dean suggested.
Both Joe and Frank looked at him at the same time.
Joe shook his head at Dean’s suggestion. “Neither of you will go. I already asked s
omeone. I asked Miguel to go and watch over her. He’s the biggest and the strongest man I have next to you Frank. She’ll be fine with Miguel. This is a plan in motion. Don’t screw it up either of you by trying to get her to change her mind. Got that? Now I need to get back to work.”
Frank and Dean reluctantly agreed and they slowly stood up.
Turning just once more to his father, Frank gave it another attempt. “Dad, look, she’s my wife. I should have at least some say so in this right?”
“Oh sure Frank, you can say whatever you like. But it’s Ellen’s call. If she doesn’t want to go, she doesn’t have to. End of this discussion.” Joe returned to the work that he was doing before his son and Dean interrupted him. He paused before he brought his pencil down to the lined paper. He listened to the silence of his office and began to debate in his mind whether or not he was truly making the right decision.
^^^^
Dean walked his separate way from Frank as they left Joe’s office. He saw it on Frank’s face. The shock, the anger, the frustration. And rightfully so. Ellen was his wife, she was planning on leaving the sanctity of her home, and when did she plan on telling her husband? Dean knew this shouldn’t shock Frank. They were dealing with Ellen. Ellen did what she wanted to do. Still, a part of him was worried. He just couldn’t decipher if it was out of pure fear for her, or because of anything he felt for her, and him just not wanting her to leave. Dean told himself over and over as he walked to the lab--just put the fear part to rest--the visitors had done nothing harmful other than touching Brian. As Dean reached the clinic, that final thought crossed his mind. And another worry hit him. Ellen’s little fib about Brian. Could that be why they wanted her?
As he made his approach to the double glass entrance doors, he could see the dark shadow of Ellen emerging forth. Dean stopped on the step. Thinking, ‘don’t say anything, leave it be, just say hi, keep quiet’. Dean slightly turned his head, he was just going to wave that’s all.
“Hey, Dean!” Ellen flung open the doors. “I got tired of waiting on your ass to get back. I’m heading to containment.” She moved closer to him, placing her face close to his. Why was he cowering? She wasn’t that frightening. “Dean?”
“Hi El.” He lifted his shoulder.
“What is up with you? You look really guilty.”
“Oh, nothing, I . . .” Dean stood up and faced her. “What the hell is wrong with you? What are you thinking, up and leaving your kids, the baby, even Frank. When did you plan on saying anything?” Dean spoke fast and with angry enthusiasm. “You don’t even know these people. They tell you they want you to help them. How do you know they don’t want to do some sort of sick experiment on you. You don’t. You just agree. And do you even discuss . . .”
“Whoa!” Ellen stepped back. “Is this what’s up with you? My leaving for a measly week?”
“Yes it is.” Dean placed his hands on hips, ready to fire again.
“O.K. See ya’” Ellen almost with a hop, jumped the step from the clinic building and walked, seemingly happy, to containment, never looking back.
Dean raised his hand, then smacked lightly into his forehead and ran his hand down to his chin. “I quit.”
^^^^
It was on Frank’s mind all day also. He tried to reason his reaction but in his mind he only grew more angrier. Coupling that with the several fights he seemed to pick with his father throughout the day, Frank could have been in a better mood when he arrived home. He forgot Ellen had a social skills class. Therefore another hour of waiting and stewing.
Frank lay on his bed, the hour had come and gone. He knew Ellen was avoiding him. She had to know he knew. Dean approached Frank in the later afternoon telling him his attempts were futile in trying to convince Ellen. Frank was grateful for his try. Perhaps he should have said ‘thanks’ instead of telling Dean that Ellen was his wife and to mind his own business about it. And Frank couldn’t figure out what was up with Joanna. He made a gentleman’s approach to her. He asked her politely, to reconsider her choice of his wife. Frank knew he didn’t come off threatening until Joanna irked him by asking him, ‘why don’t you want her to go? Are you afraid she may not wish to return to Beginnings?’ Maybe it would have been better to laugh her off. Maybe he shouldn’t have told her he’d just run down and snatch her back. And ending the conversation with a ‘fuck off’ wasn’t the bright idea, it merely caused Joanna to edge him on more about the unlikelihood of Ellen’s return.
How many times did he straighten the sheet that covered him? Ten? It was a nervous thing. The product of his all day thinking. Frank realized he should have found Ellen sooner.
“Sorry, I’m so late.” Ellen opened up the bedroom door, smiling. She walked to the bed and kissed the sulking Frank. “Uh oh. What’s wrong?”
Frank slid his one leg up, almost as if subconsciously to knock off her hand. “When were you planning on telling me you were leaving?”
“What are you talking about Frank. Where am I going?” She stood up from the bed and turned her back to him as she began to undress for bed.
“Stop it El. Colorado. You’re going to Colorado.”
“I am not.” Ellen laughed at him. “Now where would . . .”
“Knock it off!” Frank brought his tone down. “Just knock it off. I know. I know all about, so talk to me.”
“Fine.” She walked to the bed and sat. “I am leaving. I wasn’t supposed to tell you for another week. But if you know, you also know I’m not going to be gone for that long.”
“You’re right. You’re not going to be gone for that long. Because you aren’t going.”
“No Frank.” Ellen tried to get up but Frank pulled her back. “I am going. This is the reason Joe didn’t want me to tell you. Listen.” She looked into his eyes. “I have been here in Beginnings for six years. I have a chance to go out and see the world that I seemed to forget was out there. These people feel that I am an asset to our survivor program. Do you know how important that makes me feel? If you did, you would not fight with me over this.”
“I could say the same for you. If you knew how important you are to me, you wouldn’t go. El, I can’t protect you out there. I can’t. You aren’t safe out there.” Frank held on to her wrist. “In here, you’re safe.”
“Miguel will be with me . . .”
“Miguel is not me. Miguel wouldn’t lay his life on the line for you like I would.”
“You’re wrong, Frank. Miguel would. And nothing is going to happen. We’re taking the bus straight there to that installation. Don’t do this to me, Frank. I’m going.”
“No you aren’t, El. You are going to tell my father you changed your mind. They’re gonna have to find someone else to go. I won’t let you.”
“You won’t let me?” Ellen laughed at his remark. “Ten days. That’s all I’ll be gone.”
“I don’t trust these people. I get this bad feeling when I think about it.”
“You just aren’t going to see this clearly are you?” Ellen stood up from the bed. “I’m not gonna sit in here and argue with you. I’m leaving.”
Frank flung off his cover. Racing to the door, he slammed it shut as soon as she opened it. “You aren’t walking away.” His hand rested on the door above her head. “Listen to me.” He ran his hand down the side of her face. “You are what matters to me. I can not keep you safe if you leave. You won’t be safe. How many different ways can I tell you that? Please.” He kissed her softly. “Please don’t go. Don’t go with these people. I am begging you.” He kissed her again. “Please.”
“I’m sorry Frank.”
Frank’s hand whacked against the door. “Fine.” He stepped back. “Fine, this is going to come between us.” He raised his hands. “This is going to be a source of argument between us for the next two weeks, I can see.”
“No it won’t. I won’t argue over it.”
“Know something, El.” Frank climbed into bed. “I will stop you.”
“How?” Ellen spoke t
hrough a sort of laugher. “You’d have to take some pretty drastic measures.”
“I’ll do what I have to, to protect my family.” He covered himself and shut out the light. “Goodnight.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
August 12
“Joanna?” Jeffrey Barnett knocked once on her front door and proceeded inside. “Are you here?”
“Yes I am.” She walked down the steps laying small bag at the foot of the stairs. “I was just finishing up.”
“Everything is loaded on the bus. The equipment, everything.”
“No Jeffrey, not everything.” Joanna reached behind him closing the door which he forgot about. “We don’t have the embryos. We don’t have our vials. We don’t have the master program. These are all very vital things.”
“But not detrimental. It’s a step back, not a landslide. As far as the vials go, I really think that Dr. Hayes disposed of them. And the embryos are well hidden. We’ve searched everywhere. We can’t find them.”
“Dr. Hayes and his team again.”
A smile appeared on Jeffrey’s face. “Payback is a real bitch. Huh?”
“You took care of everything?” Joanna asked.
“Everything. Dr. Hayes, if all goes as planned, will experience a minor set back after we’ve left. And as far as the master program goes. They can’t possibly have it. If they did, we wouldn’t be taking Mrs. Slagel with us, would we?”
“No, not at all. Ellen. She’s the first step to getting that child with us. We know what he is capable of. Fortunately, they do not. It is in our favor that she has so many problems with her spouse. She told me just last night that they’ve been on bad terms. It’s perfect. It will make it even more believable that she doesn’t want to come back right away. And if everything goes as scheduled on that hill after we leave, we won’t have to worry about him bolting down to get her either.”
“I’ve taken care of that myself. Electronics is my forte. But what about this Miguel they are sending with us. We didn’t count on him.”
The Big Ten: The First Ten Books of the Beginnings Series Page 105