Joe (Beginnings Series Book 25)

by Jacqueline Druga

“I didn’t see anything!” Frank snapped. “Seal it. Now! Ryder, this coffin does not get open again, and that’s an order. Make sure of it . . . Robbie.” Frank gave a twitch. “Let’s go.”

  With an air of anger, Frank and Robbie left.

  “Captain, let’s put the vault on.”

  “He saw Elliott.” Hal stated, reaching with Elliott. “That’s why he’s upset.”

  “He saw the corpse of his father, it was an emotional . . .”

  “Oh, bullshit, Elliott. Bullshit. He saw, I saw . . . you saw.”

  “What would that be, Captain?” Elliott, with a grunt, lifted the vault lid with Hal. “I saw your father’s body.”

  “But it wasn’t my father. Since when, Elliott, did corpse get gray hair while buried? We didn’t notice the gray hair the day of the explosion, because he was covered with black soot, and ash, and burned. The body was cleaned up by someone who didn’t know my dad. You noticed it, too.”

  “It doesn’t make sense.”

  “It makes brilliant sense.”

  “How?” Elliott asked. “If your father is alive, how did we get a Joe body?”

  “Think about it. If I made a mistake right now, and you had the ability to time travel. When would be the best time to convince me that I had made a grave error?”

  “After the effects of that error were evident.”

  “Exactly. Or else I wouldn’t believe it. So a time traveler, simply tells my future self the mistake could have been averted if I were to die. Killing me in the future would have no bearing, but what if we didn’t want to kill me? Just make it look like I was dead in present time. How would we pull that off? How would I look like I die, but there’s my body?”

  “By having two of you.”

  Hal nodded. “One from the future, one from the present. You kill the future me as a body, it effects nothing.”

  “How are you going to prove that? Do you want to prove that? I mean there is a reason that your father faked his death. Perhaps it should be left that way.”

  “I need to know. I just need to know.”

  Elliott nodded. “So just confirmation will do it?”

  “Yes.”

  “And you know how to get that.”

  “I know where to start,” Hal stated. “Let’s finish this up, seal this place, I want to take you back to town. I have a brother to speak to.”

  ****

  Elliott had convinced Hal that he needed to clear his mind, think of what he wanted to say, have a drink, then embark on his quest.

  The short trip back to Bowman was time enough to convince Hal that maybe Elliott was right.

  But he wasn’t in Hoi Hoi on the Range that long before even Elliott was convinced of where Hal could get his confirmation.

  The general buzz about the return of the brain flu was bad enough, but what struck them both was the fact that the newest victim was none other than Elvis. Elvis diagnosis didn’t just come from seeing the typical floating head of Joe, but rather midnight visits from Joe’s ghost in full body.

  That alone was enough to send Hal straight to the clinic and a visit with the King.

  ****

  “Are you sure we’ll be all right out here?” Christopher Columbus asked.

  Jenny giggled. “Of course we will be. We’re like a hop, skip and a jump away from Bowman. Don’t be silly.” Jenny adjusted the small fire and blanket.

  “Why did we come out this way?”

  “Well, we have to. It’s part of scenario so I enjoy it, understand.”

  Christopher tilted his head.

  “I’m helping you out,” Jenny huffed. “Really Christopher. You are attracted to me and you are still a virgin.”

  “Yes. Yes. I am to both.”

  “Then let’s do this.”

  “Yes, we will. I am very excited.”

  “Obviously, not enough yet, you are still you.” She giggled “Now, go in the distance and spy on me. Watch me. I’ll undress, get myself aroused, which should make you aroused and when you have transformed, find me. Now, I’ll be blindfolded, so we’ll pretend I am your prisoner and you are taking me.”

  “Why are we doing that?”

  “Sometimes fantasy helps us to achieve as women.”

  “Achieve what?”

  She sighed out. “Something you wouldn’t understand. Now go. Go.”

  “I cannot wait.”

  “Me either.” Jenny shooed him away as if he were a bug, then once out of her eyesight, with thoughts of a really arousing night on mind, she began to undress.

  ****

  “Thank you for taking time to talk to me,” Hal pulled up a chair near the bed for Elvis.

  “No problem, sir.”

  “I’m sorry that I woke you.”

  “I’m used to it. The brain flu has been waking me up frequently.”

  “By that you mean?” Hal asked.

  “Visions.”

  Hal nodded. “Who all have you seen visions of?”

  “Just one man. Joe.”

  “My father.”

  “Wow,” Elvis said. “Your father is a great man.”

  “Yes, yes he is. Now, am I correct in saying that you saw his whole body and not just a floating head like everyone else?”

  “Yes. Which tells the doctors that I have a real bad case of the brain flu.”

  “So the visions of my father are very real?”

  “Real enough to touch. I shook his hand, or rather, thought I did.”

  “Did he say anything to you?” asked Hal.

  “When he first showed up he just wanted to meet me. Then he made me sing, then we talked. He spoke about my mistakes in life. Sort of thing.”

  “When did you know they were illusions brought on by the brain flu?”

  “When Chester-Chester told me Joe was dead, then told me Joe was dead. Then he suggested twice mind you that I had the brain flu and if Joe came back I’d know.”

  “And did he?”

  “Yep. I asked him if he was dead and he told me people know he is dead and that’s when he confirmed it.”

  “Confirmed what?”

  “That I had the brain flu. He said, ‘You don’t really see me, you have the brain flu. Roy will confirm.”

  “I see. He actually said Roy will confirm it.”

  Elvis nodded.

  “Odd.” Hal stood up. “Thank you for your time, you have been most helpful.” He moved to the door.

  “Mr. Slagel? I mean Captain?”

  “Yes, Elvis.”

  “You look just like him.” Elvis winked.

  “Thanks.” With a deep breath, Hal walked from the clinic room, immediately outside of the clinic he retrieved his phone and began to dial. “Elliott.”

  “Did you get confirmation, Captain?” Elliott asked.

  “In a way, yes, but there’s one more place I need to go. Do me a favor, Elliott, call Roy and occupy him.”

  “The clone? Why?”

  “I want to check out his stuff. Surely he’s a part of this and he wouldn’t fake my father’s death nor confirm it without proof of why. I’m going to find that proof.”

  Elliott wished him luck, Hal didn’t need it. He felt strongly that he was going to get what he needed. Closure felt imminent.

  ****

  The nearer Chaka drew the nearer the scent, the pet looked ready, yet wasn’t bound in anyway, something wasn’t right. A pet alone, unbound. Then Chaka saw. Off to the side, deep in the foliage, a tiny primal. Meek, pacing. But even small, the primals exhibited intelligence. They were cunning and Chaka knew it was a trap. Lure him in with the pet, and when he indulged in the pet, they’d get him. But Chaka was certain the measly primal didn’t see him.

  The bait was out, and like the one animal did to Chaka, he was going to get that bait without getting caught. The primal was unarmed, he was probably the one who would call in the forces.

  So, quickly, with barely a ruffle of sound, Chaka shot to the primal, hitting him on the head, and rendering him unconscio
us.

  He sought out the pet.

  Jenny adjusted her bra and her breasts within the cups so they didn’t drag on the ground. While she positioned herself on her hands and knees. She heard the ruffling sound and cocked her head.

  “Christopher?” She called out and debated on taking off her blindfold. That was until she heard the snort. Jenny smiled. “I got you aroused didn’t I?”

  What was it the pet was saying? She spoke words, unlike any other pet.

  Chaka sniffed. Her flesh smelled sweet, as if she were doused in something to hide her woman scent.

  That was ok with him.

  The pet was positioned ready. Hands not tied. She wasn’t scared or fighting like any pet he’d encountered.

  He inched closer looking down to her. The only thing that was bound were her offspring food source. Probably to keep Chaka from getting any.

  That was fine with him.

  The slight movement of her rear end caused him to get confused, almost like he was invited.

  Was it a trap? Perhaps there was some sort of explosive device tucked within the pet.

  He placed his humongous hands on her. One on each of her hips.

  She giggled. “You’re gonna have to cut those nails you beast.”

  Her rear wiggled again, and Chaka purchased a hold, widening it for examination. He’d give a good look and would be able to sniff out any explosive device.

  She made an un-frightened noise again.

  And Chaka deducted there was no explosive. In fact, he was pretty certain in this new world, pets were willful. She moved back into him.

  It could have been the moment, who knew, but he didn’t think he should wait.

  Jenny wiggled her bottom. Trying to entice Christopher. She had to admit, her stomach fluttered with a tad of excitement. Yes, some people would think it was freakish, but Jenny was curious.

  What would it be like? Christopher certainly was probing around, not that Jenny minded. But she was primed and ready to go. She felt his hands tighten, his presence behind her.

  “Come on Chris, take me,” Jenny said. “With hands that big, I have to wonder . . .”

  Jenny gasped. Under her blindfold her eyes popped wide when she didn’t have to wonder anymore.

  After a brief moment of adjustment, she smiled.

  ****

  Hal should have known. Robbie took Roy in as a roommate.

  Jess was working, Robbie was out, and Roy was with Elliott. Hal began his search.

  He would start with Roy’s room first, then hit every other inch. If it wasn’t there he was going to go up to the old trailer where Roy used to hide.

  It was all easier than he thought. Of course, why would things be too hidden. Who would look?

  A black sack made of material Hal had never seen was perched between the top shelf in the closet and the wall.

  Hal pulled it down. It wasn’t heavy.

  He took it to the bed to check the contents.

  Two items fell out.

  One was a black square item with a digital label that read, ‘History Lesson 5-14.’ The other a book.

  The book was entitled, ‘The Black Parade by Danny Hoi’. At first Hal was thinking maybe Roy was collecting until he opened the book. The paper was different and more o the publication date was nearly seventy years in the future.

  It was a simple flip to the center of the book that told Hal everything. One read of a paragraph and it was evidence. Evidence Roy brought to show a world and what happened with Joe alive.

  Hal closed the book grabbed it, the disk and put them both in the sack.

  He was going to approach Robbie. There were two reasons for those items.

  One, Roy brought them to show why Joe had to die. Or two, when Joe had to fake his death.

  Hal was wagering on the later, but he had final person to confirm it.

  He sought out Robbie.

  ****

  It didn’t last long, actually not long at all. Just at the height of Jenny’s demented enjoyment it was done.

  She plopped down with a gasp.

  “That was wonderful.”

  What was this reaction Chaka was getting? The pet didn’t move. It was then he finally noticed her eyes were covered.

  He was preparing to leave when she rolled onto her back.

  He inched back when she moved her legs.

  “Would it be too much to see if we can get you to get aroused again? Huh?”

  Chaka said nothing. He watched her legs open and he took hold of them bringing himself closer.

  Jenny smiled and lifted the blindfold

  When she saw him she knew it wasn’t Christopher, she knew by the looks of him that he was unmistakably part of the LEP family.

  They ate people. Devoured them. Were carnivorous.

  Jenny was ready to fight, scream for help, try to get away, but her intelligence took over.

  Surely if he was going to hurt her he would have done so. He only wanted his way with her.

  What happened to her life was much more important than what happened to her vagina.

  So with survival on mind, Jenny closed her eyes and just laid still.

  ****

  Robbie, in such Joe fashion, rocked back and forth in Frank’s desk chair. It wasn’t a typical Joe chair, it was high back leather.

  “You’re like super cool with this chair, Frank.” Robbie smiled.

  “I love that chair, so tell me again why you were here.”

  “Oh, we were . . . I was looking for maps, I thought you had them of the bowman area so we can search for that future thing.”

  “File cabinet.” Frank pointed. “Out of my chair.”

  With a snicker, Robbie stood.

  A single knock on the door.

  “Yeah,” Frank called out.

  The door opened, Hal popped in his head. “Frank have you seen . . .” His eyes shifted to Robbie. “There you are.”

  “Here I am.”

  Hal shut the door. He looked at Frank, then at Robbie. Just looked. From one brother to another.

  “What?” Frank asked.

  “Are you in on this too?” Hal asked, stepping in.

  “In on what?”

  “Is he?” Hal asked Robbie.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Robbie replied.

  “You know exactly what I’m talking about. Do you know? Frank? Do you?”

  “I probably do.” Frank shrugged. “There’s not much I don’t know.”

  “I thought so.” Hal moved to the desk. “I’m giving you one chance to be honest before get pissed.”

  Frank cocked back with a laugh. “What the hell Hal? What’s wrong?”

  Hal tossed the black sack on the desk.

  “What the fuck?” Robbie asked. “Were you in Roy’s things?”

  “What is it?” Frank asked.

  Hal spoke directly to Robbie. “So you know about that.”

  “Yeah, I do, you have no right . . .”

  “Me? No right? Fuck you, Robbie.”

  “Whoa!” Frank called out. “Stop this.”

  “Where . . .” Hal spoke hard. “Is our father.”

  Frank fluttered his lips. “Oh, I can answer that. He’s in the cemetery. We just saw him.”

  “Ha, ha, ha.” Hal said. “Robbie where is he?”

  Robbie spoke slyly. “I think he wants a different answer. Well, Hal, depending on what you believe, he can be in heaven or . . .”

  “Knock it off!” Hal blasted and grabbed onto Robbie. “You know. Where is he?”

  “Hey!” Frank pulled Hal back. “What the fuck is this shit. Calm down!”

  “I refuse. Robbie, do you know what’s in there?” Hal pointed.

  Frank lifted his hands in surrender. “I don’t know what’s in there. I’d like to.”

  Hal dropped the contents on the desk.

  “Whoa,” Frank said. “Danny wrote a book.”

  “Sixty years from now,” Hal said. “That’s from the future
.”

  “Did you look at it?” Robbie asked.

  “A page.”

  “Well, you know what? We aren’t supposed to see it.” Robbie quickly gathered it. “It tells of shit we shouldn’t know, and stuff we can make worse. Leave it be.”

  Hal laughed in sarcasm. “Make worse?”

  “Yes, if we knew.”

  “Robbie this is bullshit. If this is cover for him, so he can’t make the same decision twice . . .”

  “Who?” Frank asked.

  Hal continued. “There’s no need.”

  “Who?” Frank asked.

  Hal kept going. “He doesn’t have to hide anymore.”

  “Who?”

  “We just don’t let him make any decisions. We leave it up to Frank.”

  “Who? George?” Frank asked. “Who are we talking about?”

  Robbie shook his head. “Hal, you don’t get it. That stuff is so we make our own decisions on our own. Roy brought it to prove that when Frank makes a certain decision that is supposed to differ from Dad’s that we stand behind Frank.”

  “So he brought it to show why Dad had to die?”

  “Yes.”

  “Not why we had to hide him?”

  “Hide who?” Frank asked.

  “Yeah, hide who?” Robbie questioned.

  “Stop it!” Hal barked. “Then tell me. Have you figured out yet, Robbie, why Dad killed himself.”

  Frank said, “Dad didn’t kill himself, Hal, Ralph did.”

  “Really?” Hal said smugly. “Then why were Dad’s fingerprints on the detonation device, the bomb, and the timer?”

  It was almost as if a pause button were placed on Frank. His mouth opened slightly.

  “Robbie got a match on the prints. Dads. Prints matched everything.”

  “What” Frank stumbled back.

  “Yes.”

  “No.” Robbie argued. “Bullshit.”

  “It’s not bullshit, Robbie, you know it. I saw it. The prints matched.”

  Frank questioned. “Robbie, the prints matched Dad’s?”

  Robbie nodded.

  “Why didn’t you say anything?” Frank questioned.

  “I don’t know. Scared at first.”

  Hal stepped forward. “Why would Dad kill himself? If you aren’t hiding it. Then you have to have a theory on why.”