“Is . . .” Robbie held up an unsteady finger. His eyes were bloodshot and beady, his speech borderline slurred. “Is F . . . F . . . F . . .”
“Frank?” Dean asked.
“That’s it. Is he here?”
“Um. Yeah.” Dean opened the door wider, turned into his home, and called out. “Frank. For you.”
Attaching his shoulder harness, Frank came down the stairs and picked up speed with anger when he saw his brother. “Robbie.”
Robbie, in a stammer, approached Frank. “Hey.”
“Fuck.” Frank waved his hand in front of his nose. “Good thing you’re off tonight.”
“Yep.” Robbie walked to the couch. “I love you, Frank. You know that? You’re like the best brother in the whole world.”
“You just don’t want me to beat the hell out of you right now.”
“No, that’s why I got drunk. See, I wouldn’t be a challenge.” Robbie winked and plopped down. “Whoa, this is soft.” His hand smoothed over the cushion.
Dean hid his snicker as he stepped into the living room. “Robbie, can I get you anything?”
“No.” Robbie shook his head once. It seemed to move out of control.
Frank, disgusted, placed his revolver into the harness. “What do you want? I’m going to work.”
“I have to apologize.” Robbie started to stand but fell back down. “Apologize. I’m sorry, Frank. I am so sorry.”
“No, you’re not.”
“No, I’m not. But I’m sorry anyhow.” Robbie squinted. “Does that make sense?”
“No.”
“O.K., try this.” Robbie held up his hand and drummed up a drastic thinking look. “I’m sorry I electronically had sex with Ellen.”
Dean laughed.
Frank didn’t. “Robbie!”
“What?”
Frank walked to the couch. “Did you read those letters?”
Dean moved closer. “Frank, I believe Robbie wrote those letters.”
“Shut the fuck up, Dean,” Frank snapped. “Did you read those letters?”
“Nope.” Dean shook his head. “And even if I did, I can’t get mad at Ellen for something that happened before us. Nor would I get mad at her for doing something while I was married to someone else.”
Frank quickly looked at Dean. “I didn’t know you were married to someone else.”
Robbie looked up. “Neither did I. Dean, you dog. You hid it all these years.”
“I was never . . . I was using that as an . . . forget it.” Dean waved both Slagels off and walked from the room. “I’m going in the kitchen.”
Robbie, holding onto the couch as a major support, stood up. “It was just all in fun. It passed the time, Frank. That’s all.”
“Robbie. I read those letters. You made it seem like . . . You made it out as if whenever you read what El wrote you, well you . . .”
“Jerked off?”
“Yes.”
“I did.”
“Uh!”
“Sometimes.”
Dean’s laughter carried into the living room.
“Dean!” Frank yelled.
“So did El,” Robbie said.
“Robbie!”
“She what?” Dean flew from the kitchen. “She didn’t.”
“Dean!” Frank snapped.
“Yeah.” Robbie nodded. “I think.”
“Robbie!”
Dean grinned. “No way.”
“Dean!” Frank’s voice squeaked.
“That’s what she said,” Robbie stated.
“Robbie!”
“Frank!” Dean yelled. “We’re talking.”
“You’re being fuckin perverted,” Frank scolded.
Robbie laughed out loud ‘Ha’ “And this is coming from Mr. Glass Window.”
Dean quickly looked at Frank. “What’s he talking about?”
“Nothing,” Frank answered.
“Ha!” Robbie laughed.
“Frank?” Dean questioned.
“Nothing.” Frank said.
“Robbie.” Dean looked at him.
“O.K.” Robbie held up his hands. “Just picture Ellen in the mobile lab on one side of the glass and Frank on the other.” Robbie tried to wink. “Unconventional sex.”
Dean’s eyes widened. “Oh my God. No.”
“Yep.”
A sneer took over Frank’s face. “Robbie.”
“At least I . . .” Robbie pointed to his own chest. “Was in the privacy of my own home. You, Frank, hey . . . it was cold that night. Didn’t you freeze?”
Dean nearly choked in shock. “I think I heard enough.”
“I’m going to work.” Frank walked to the door, grabbing his coat. He stopped as he opened the door and pointed to Robbie. “I’ll deal with you tomorrow.”
“O.K.” Robbie wobbled and swayed in his look at Dean. “Can I stay?”
“Sure.”
“I’m not making it home.” Robbie dropped to the couch.
“Robbie, after you sober up, you may not make it to Thursday.”
A simple and sloppy ‘oh boy’ precluded Robbie’s quick arrival into the land of drunken slumber.
^^^^
“If we were in New Bowman . . .” Hector spoke softly as he walked up beside Jess at the Social Hall bar.
Jess only raised his eyes above his glass.
“I’d offer to buy you a drink. Danny dollars, you know.”
Jess smiled.
Hector leaned into the bar and dropped his voice with seriousness. “Discretion. Discretion is so important especially when you work side by side with a lot of men.”
“I know,” Jess stated.
“The other night.” Hector nervously fiddled with his drink. “I’m sorry things turned out like that. I thought you knew and I just want to make sure you don’t . . .”
“Say anything?” Jess shook his head. “I won’t. I knew what I was getting into. Any man would. They know the ropes. They know the secrecy. I just thought I was ready. I wasn’t.”
“Maybe another time?”
Just as Jess began to shake his head to turn Hector down, he felt the slap of a hand on his back.
“I need a drink.” Henry reached between them. “Hey Hector, Jess.”
Jess stood up and picked up his coat from the bar stool next to him. “Hey Henry. Take mine. I just poured it. I’m really beat.”
“Thanks.” Henry took it. “Leaving?”
“Yeah.” Jess put on his coat. “Night, Henry, Hector.”
Sipping his drink, Henry looked at Hector who stayed where Jess left him. “I didn’t know you guys hung out.”
“Me and Jess?” Hector cleared his throat. “We started to, I thought. The other night we shot pool, threw darts, and got pretty drunk together. We were gonna go have some fun, I thought, you know, but he left. I wanted to see if he wanted to try it again.”
“Well if he doesn’t, let me know.” Henry said. “With this trial, I may need a night to let loose and take my mind off of everything. I’m always up for an evening like that. And I won’t leave. You can ask anyone. If you get me going, you don’t get rid of me.”
Hector was shocked. “Really.”
“Oh, yeah.” Henry drank some. “A lot of people think I’m so serious and straight. Really, get a few drinks in me and I’m not.”
“I never knew that about you.”
“Hidden secrets.” Henry finished Jess’s drink. “See?” He held up the glass. “Of course I have to ease into it. It’s been awhile.”
“I understand. Hey . . .” Hector laid down darts on the bar. “Wanna start easing into it tonight?”
“Yeah.” Henry took the darts, smiled, reached for the bottle, and poured another drink. “But make sure you stop me tonight. I can’t go all out. Tomorrow is a big day.”
“I totally understand. One step at a time. It’s been a while for you. Do you mind if I ask when was the last time you went all out?”
“Oh no, not at all.” Henry walked toward the dart board.
“God, it was over a year ago. It was with Frank. He was in that ‘I want her back’ stupor after he and El broke up when she cheated on him with Dean. Man, the next day I paid.”
“I bet. I mean you’re talking Frank.”
“Tell me about it. He’s hard to keep up with.” Henry took his line position to throw.
“I never knew that about Frank either.”
“Yeah, he had a real problem with it for a while. He was always doing it.”
“Oh my God, that surprises me.”
“I saw it coming though, you know, his addiction. He doesn’t anymore. But don’t let it get out. O.K.?”
“Promise. I’m always quiet about it. Don’t worry.”
“Good.” Henry took his stance. “Enough about Frank. That was a night I want to put out of my mind. You at least strike me as someone who won’t let me get out of control.”
“No, I won’t. I just like to have fun.”
“Me too.” Henry smiled. “Wow, this might work, huh?”
“Yeah.” Hector grinned. “It might.” Folding his arms, he watched Henry throw.
^^^^
New Bowman, Montana
“So I didn’t bore you?” Elliott asked in his very slow walk down the street with Ellen.
“No, I had a really good time.” Ellen saw they drew closer to Hal’s. “The night flew by. I really didn’t want it to end.”
“Neither do I.”
Ellen stopped walking, let go of his arm, and stood before him. “It doesn’t have to.”
“What do you mean?”
“We can turn around and go back to your house and just . . .” Ellen saw the completely horrified look Elliott tried to conceal. “Maybe not. Bad suggestion.” She began to walk again.
“Actually, it’s a really great suggestion . . .” Elliott felt Ellen slow down. “For someone else to be given.” He cleared his throat and they resumed their pace. “I make no sense.”
“Not at all,” Ellen said. “But I understand.”
“You do?”
“Yeah.” They stopped in front of Hal’s door. “You enjoy the company and conversation.”
“I do.” Elliott stood before her.
“But as far as having a man-woman type relationship, you’re not interested.”
“Do I give that impression?”
With a flutter of her lips in laughing sarcasm, Ellen answered. “Yes.”
“I’m sorry,” Elliott spoke softly. “I probably am trying so hard to hide the fact that I haven’t a clue on what the hell to do or how to act that I come off not having any interest in you.”
“Do you?”
“Oh, without a doubt. But realistically, who am I to ask for your interest in return. I just want to take what you give me already and enjoy it and not ask for more.”
“You could have more.”
“I’m going home.” Elliot stepped back. “Goodnight.”
As Ellen watched him turn and walk away, she stomped and whined. “Elliott.”
Elliott stopped walking. He turned back around. “Yes?”
“Why won’t you touch me?”
“I did. I held your hand. And did we not embrace last week?”
Ellen closed her eyes and hid her laugh. “My son holds my hand and hugs me.”
“Ellen.” Elliott spoke with passion as he walked back. “I’m doing the best I can. I don’t believe I even know where to begin.”
“I’m not telling you to have sex with . . .”
“Please,” Elliott silenced her. “You have not been without affection. I have for almost eight years. Myself, the Captain, many of us have acquired a skill in learning to live without it. I don’t believe I know how to try to live with it anymore.” He saw the reach of her hand and he wanted to run away but he didn’t. He felt the palm of her hand lay upon his cheek in a soft feeling motion, with her fingers spread and Elliott rolled his face into her hand to enjoy the softness of her touch.
“Kiss me, Elliott,” Ellen whispered.
“I can’t.” Elliott stood straight up. “It won’t be very good. I’m nervous, I’m flustered . . .”
“I don’t care. Follow your instincts, that’s all. Follow your heart. Take it slow. It doesn’t have to be a ‘Gone with the Wind’ kiss. Just a simple kiss.” In the darkness of Hal’s doorway Ellen felt Elliott move closer to her. The more he drew into her, the more her breath became shallow. Like a school girl awaiting her first kiss, Ellen saw Elliott lean down to her and she closed her eyes, waiting.
“Look who’s . . .” Hal spoke as his door flung open. “. . . here. Wow.” He smiled and nodded as the two of them sprang back. “Sgt. Ryder, don’t you have an early call before you take Ellen back to . . .”
“Hal.” Ellen raised her eyes. “Go inside. Bye.” She waved.
Hal looked at Elliott.
“I’d better go.” Elliott stepped from the doorway. “I’ll see you in the morning. Night, Ellen.” With his signature nod, Elliott pivoted and walked away.
Hal tilted his head after looking at Ellen. “What a shame. Did I interrupt something?” Laughing, Hal grabbed her arm and tugged her inside.
^^^^
Pine Springs, Texas
Carlton was a stout little guy with balding gray hair who limped as he carried a glass of water to the hooded man. He set the cloudy water down next to the lantern on the table by where the man sat. “You haven’t drank or ate much.”
“I’m not hungry but thank you.” He still wore his gloves as he lifted the glass of water. “And thank you for not making me reveal.”
“I suppose there’s reason you’re not wanting to. I’ll let you go. Sorry about Hoss pushing it.” Carlton pulled up a chair. “He is a little hostile but it’s a fine skill acquired for guarding our entrance. He used to be one of those Wild-men that ravage. He broke and ran to us. Hostile is where he gets the name Hoss from, not Bonanza.”
“Excuse me?” He was lost.
“Don’t know what I’m talking about huh? Must be young. What’s your age?”
“I was eleven years and three months, sir, when the world was cleansed, plus however long it’s been.”
A moment of math and Carlton whispered. “Eighteen.” He nodded. “I see. Where you journeying to? Do you have a destination?”
“Oh, yes.” The hooded man set the glass down and spoke enthusiastically. “I am hoping to find a cure for myself. I know where I’m searching. See, I draw.” He reached down to his bag and pulled out tattered papers and laid them about. “It’s a place I know of. I don’t know where it is but from what I heard, this is what I think it looks like. I used what I read in books to help.”
Carlton looked down at the drawings of distortedly drawn green trees, glass buildings, domes, and people dressed in bright colored jumpsuit. “Son, I’ve been living in this world a long time. So have you. There is no place like this.”
“Oh, yeah. I’m sure. I am very sure.”
“I hope you find it. But you’re welcome to stay. Who . . . who are you. What’s your name boy?”
“My name?” He paused. “My name is . . . I call myself Christopher. Where I come from they say I am now a fugitive, but I say I am an explorer.”
Carlton slid the pictures back. “And like so many, you’re searching for Utopia.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
October 27
Beginnings, Montana
Joe stared in thought, as asked, at the thin gold chain with the crucifix and the small beads of off white pearls that lay on the dresser.
“See,” Andrea spoke softly. “Both go with this outfit. Ben made it. Isn’t it nice?”
“Yeah.” Joe nodded, looking at the tailored blue suit she wore. “Either one will work.”
“The jury judges you. If I wear the pearls, will I look too flashy? But if I wear the cross, will I look as if I’m trying to play the religious woman who wouldn’t hurt a soul?”
“There’s no playing that woman, Andrea. You are that woman.”
“Oh Joe.” Andrea breathed out as she faced him. “I didn’t think I’d be nervous on this day. I am. We know it won’t be long before the trial is over. Sweet Jesus, what happened to the long drawn out days of O.J. Simpson?”
Joe brought forth a comforting smile as he took her hand. “I know these words don’t mean much at a time like this, but know that everything will work out. You have the love, support, and belief of your family behind you.”
“And if they find me guilty?”
“They won’t.”
“Joseph, I’m a wise old woman. I know things don’t look good.” Her head lowered. “What then? We have not sat down and discussed that possibility.”
Joe took a deep breath. “You may not see it, but me and the boys, Frank, Robbie, and Hal, our minds are constantly turning to divert that situation. We’ll come up with something. We’ll get you out of this mess, kid. I promise. One way or another . . .” Joe took her into a warm embrace. “We’ll get you out.”
^^^^
New Bowman, Montana
Hal thought it was pretty early for a summons, but he knew it had to be important. The sun had barely risen and he found himself in Grace’s judicial chambers with a woman who looked as nervous as everyone else.
“I apologize, Captain, for this early meeting,” Grace spoke behind her desk. “But I needed to speak to you before all of this goes underway.”
“I guess I needed to speak to you too.”
“Really.” Grace leaned back in her chair. “Why?”
“I just need you to tell me how this is all going to go down.”
“It’s a historical day, the first criminal trial in the new alliance.” Crossing her legs, Grace pulled her chair into her desk and folded her hands. “I spoke with both sides, defense and prosecution. They are aware that this will not be a circus. Things will move quickly. Facts will be presented and witness shared. They also know new laws will be established. They know I will not fool around with things that do not pertain. The jury is not only deciding the guilt or innocence of a well respected woman. Their decision affects the health of the communities and the residence of this woman, within our sanctity or out. So they can’t be boggled down.”
The Next Ten: Beginnings Series Books 11 - 20 Page 121