The Next Ten: Beginnings Series Books 11 - 20

by Jacqueline Druga

  Then she spoke. After a slight clearing of her throat, Grace wiped the beading perspiration from her brow and stared out into the court room. Her hand tapped in nervousness.

  “Sorry for keeping you waiting.”

  This is it, Danny thought. It’s time for Henry to make his lame argument then mine. Soon this thing will be over. He even started to contemplate in that split second of silence how long the jury would be out.

  Then Grace continued speaking. “I believe in this first case, this history breaking case, that we presented a fair trial. Yes, laws were developed, but I think the foundation that our forefathers laid was here with us. The scales of justice were at times unevenly balanced, but we have dramatized things, highlighted them, and . . . hid some things as well. A vital witness that we all overlooked, including myself, has come forward. Now I thought all night about this.” She spoke heavily. “I thought . . . would his testifying be important? The answer I came up with was . . . yes. Another question I pondered was do I actually want to do this to a fellow Untied Western Alliance citizen? My answer was . . . no. But we decided that both sides would be presented and I believe they have. Our council, ill experienced, learned and did their jobs well but it would be unfair of me to ask them to question this witness. So therefore, I will. Three simple questions will be asked. I instruct the jury to use your own judgment in determining the validity of what he has to say.”

  Both Henry and Danny peered at each other with questionable looks.

  Judge Grace nodded her head and the court assistant brought close to the microphone what appeared to be a small speaker phone, the cord extending way behind the bench. The assistant bent the microphone in, adjusted the volume, and stepped away.

  Judge Grace looked down to the notes. There were three important questions she had thought about all night. “We will swear you in,” She glanced quickly at the speaker phone. “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?”

  “I do.”

  Joe’s gasp of shock rang out in the room.

  “State your name and occupation for the record.”

  “President George Hadley. Eastern Caceres Society leader.”

  A mumble began to erupt in the court room and before it blew full-fledged, Grace hit her gavel. “Mr. Hadley, you came to me of your own free will to testify at this hearing. Is that correct?”

  “Yes.”

  “You understand I have three questions, not including these preliminaries, to ask of you?”

  “Yes.”

  “We’ll begin . . . .First question . . . Is Andrea Winters-Slagel working in Beginnings as an inside spy for your society?”

  “She is.”

  Andrea shrieked as she stood. “You son of a bitch! Sweet Jesus!”

  “Mrs. Slagel,” Grace warned. “Mr. Hadley, how did this arrangement come to be?”

  “Andrea and I were lovers on and off. It was a whirlwind romance. When we realized that we couldn’t hide what I was all about and what I needed Beginnings for, we devised that if I was thrown out or had to leave, she would be ‘me’ inside those walls. My eyes, my ears, my actions or at least find people to do the ‘hands on’ work.”

  Andrea could only close her eyes. So much pain was strewed across her face it was hard to hide it from the jury who kept looking at her for reaction.

  Danny grabbed her hand. Joe reached forward and laid a comforting grip on her shoulder.

  Grace continued. “Last question. What can you tell us, Mr. Hadley, are some incidences that you know of first hand in which Mrs. Slagel played a big role?”

  “Convincing incidents?” George questioned. “There are so many. Her husband Miguel’s death is one of them. We were sure that Miguel would be asked to go to Colorado with Ellen. He did. It was planned out. I distinctively remember Andrea telling me she did not want him to return. See, we thought after Colorado, Beginnings would be no more. It was kind of demented of her, but she would have rather have seen him dead then hurt him with their break up. Another incident that comes to mind is these cases that Beginnings has in their possession. I’m going to be honest; their contents are very valuable to us. Andrea has made it her mission to seek those out. She’s had the strain to the new virus since it was hand delivered to her at the back gate nearly a year ago when we developed it. You see, John Matoose was wimping out on us. A warning had to be given. Andrea delivered that warning in the form of the virus. I believe she used apple bread. The only problem was Joe had eaten the apple bread as well. So when it came down to switching the blood, we were fortunate that our person hadn’t become ill yet and was able to switch his tubes as well. That was Cindy.” There was a pause. “And Dean Hayes. Little worm, sorry. She hates him as much as I do. I became angry with Andrea. I hated when she got her hands dirty and she took a big risk trying to kill Dean that night in the mobile lab. First, she wasn’t strong enough, no matter how little he was. Second, that was Rev. Thomas’ project. Of course, Andrea told him about casting stones at Ellen. She always viewed her as the little sinner whore.”

  It was all too much for Andrea. She couldn’t speak. The video testimony hurt her badly enough. George’s words made her cry. Head down, the tears flowed.

  George was not finished. “Dean. I say Dean was Andrea’ big motivation. She’s kind of obsessed now with a situation he has himself into now. I’m not sure of all the facts, but he got someone else pregnant or something like that. I don’t know, Andrea rambles about that. And Andrea . . . gets her digs in every chance she can with that by pushing incidents and causing tension. You people don’t know her like I do. She’s a hell Cat. Grew up on the streets. Survival of the fittest and that is what Andrea is.”

  “Thank . . .” Grace noticed Danny Hoi’s hand raised. “Mr. Hoi?”

  “Can I please ask one simple question of my own? Just one, I think the jury needs an answer to,” Danny said.

  Grace, knowing it wouldn’t happen, looked at Henry. “Does the prosecution object?”

  “Absolutely not,” Henry stated.

  “Go on, Mr. Hoi,” Grace told him.

  Danny took a deep breath. “I think everyone in this court knows what you are George and what you are responsible for. I don’t need to brow beat that. So I won’t. Just . . . just tell us what you have to gain? What is your reasoning for coming forward.”

  “My reasoning? It’s not for spite, bitterness, or some sick trick. Andrea knows why I am doing this. I know you people won’t kill her. I’ve been asking her for a long time to find a replacement for herself in Beginnings and come to the East. She refused. So what do I have to gain? I’m hoping for Andrea’s conviction and ousting because I love her . . .” George’s voice softened. “I want her home.”

  It was almost as if their closing arguments meant nothing. Both Danny and Henry felt it as they delivered them. And they both, like everyone else in the courtroom, saw it on the jury’s faces. They held a look of true confusion and debate that wasn’t there prior to George’s testimony. Closing arguments were short and poignant. Henry’s was delivered with a lack of luster, but Danny’s was delivered with passion. But neither would know how much of a bearing their points would hold until the verdict was reached. Like everyone, their hearts beat with anticipation and worry. All that could be said was said. What could be shown was shown and all arguments that could be given were made. The trial was over. The unknown decision was pending . . . The jury was out.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Beginnings, Montana

  Once more with the brush was all Jess thought as he hunched down before his bedroom mirror and checked his reflection. He didn’t want his hair to look too good, after all Ellen had just called out of the blue.

  “Are you doing anything?” she asked. “I thought you might like some company . . . Great, be there in a minute.”

  Their short lived game of who could throw the better digs at who was about to end. She had to have missed him as must as he missed her. They might not ha
ve had the makings of a great love affair or ‘movie’ romance but they had a good time and a closeness that was hard to find in Beginnings.

  Not wanting to appear to anxious or happy, Jess knew in his mind he would act cool when she arrived. Not cold. Just standoffish enough to make Ellen say she was sorry first. And . . . it worked in Jess’s favor that she was coming to his house.

  The moment the doorbell rang, Jess was out of his bedroom, down the stairs, and at the door. After a deep breath and getting rid of his smile, Jess flung the door open. “Hey,” he said to Ellen who stood there.

  “You look glad to see me,” Ellen said.

  “Actually, O.K., I am. When you called about the company, you called at the right time. I could use the company.”

  “Maybe a . . . date?” Ellen asked.

  “A date?” Jess grinned. “Yeah. We can make it a date.”

  “Jess?”

  “Yeah.”

  “It’s, uh . . . cold.”

  “Sorry.” He opened the door wider, stepped aside, and let Ellen walk in. Just as he went to close the door, she stopped him. “What?”

  “Jess.” Ellen peeked her head out the door, beckoning. “Come on, he’s up for the company.”

  Jess had to wonder. Was it the kids? Henry? Who? Jess stepped further back when Brad, a UWA soldier stepped inside.

  “Jess. Brad. Brad. Jess,” Ellen introduced.

  “Nice to uh . . .” Jess extended his hand. “Meet you.” He shifted his eyes to Ellen. “El?”

  “Huh?”

  “What uh is . . .” Jess started to close the door. “Going . . .”

  “Wait.” Ellen stopped him and slipped between the two men toward the door.”I’m leaving.”

  Jess was confused. “I thought you asked me if I wanted company.”

  “I did,” Ellen answered. “You said ‘yes’ Hence Brad. He’s gay too, you know. Have fun.” With a flashing smile and a wiggle of her fingers, Ellen pulled the door closed as she darted out.

  Away from the just closed door, Jess faced Brad and showed probably one of the most uncomfortable smiles he had ever forced out in his life.

  ^^^^

  “Why do you keep looking at your watch?” Frank asked as he, Ellen, and Dean sat at their dining table.

  “I’m not,” Ellen replied. “Take your turn.”

  “You are and it’s broken,” Frank commented.

  “No, it’s not,” Ellen giggled.

  “El, It’s always been broken.” He moved his game piece.

  “You owe me rent,” Dean spoke up. “And no, Robbie fixed her watch in the onetime ripple, remember.”

  “Oh yeah” Frank nodded and handed Monopoly money to Dean.

  “What?” Ellen asked confused.

  “Your watch isn’t broken,” Frank commented.

  “No, it’s not,” Ellen said.

  “So why do you keep looking at it?”

  “I have to go.” Ellen stood up. “I’ve been here an hour. Josh doesn’t watch the kids longer than that.”

  “El.” Frank stood as well. “Come on. Oh!” he snapped his finger. “Let’s pack it up and bring it over your house. Dean?”

  “Sounds good to me.” Dean started collecting the pieces.

  “It doesn’t . . . sound good to me.” Ellen stated and moved to the door. “I had enough of you two.” She reached for the door. “I have to get home. Thanks for letting me wait it out.”

  “Wait what out?” Frank asked.

  “The assurance time.”

  “Uh,” Frank dramatically gasped. “We’ve been used. She was waiting on . . .” He saw Ellen oddly open then shut the door. “El? What is it?”

  “Did you know . . . did you know between Harold’s house and Gemma’s you can see Bev’s?”

  Dean grunted.

  “Yes. No. I mean, why does it matter? We’re not spying?” Frank said.

  “Maybe you should,” Ellen commented. “That way you can see who all is going in and out of her house. For example.” Ellen pointed. “Johnny. God I hope he’s not getting involved with her.” Shaking her head, Ellen left.

  Dean looked up from the game he was putting away. “Why would Johnny be going into Bev’s house?”

  Frank shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe it’s something medical.”

  “Medical.” Dean’s eyes widened. “Shit.”

  “No.”

  “Yes.”

  “It couldn’t be.”

  “I’m telling you, it might.”

  Frank opened his mouth, paused and extended a finger. “Just so we know we’re on the right wave length. Are you meaning . . .”

  “She needed help.” Dean raised his eyes.

  “Not Johnny.”

  “You never know, Frank.”

  “Stay here.” Frank pointed as he stormed to the door. “I’ll fuckin find out myself.” Before Dean could stop him, not like he would, Frank was out the door as well.

  ^^^^

  “It sucks,” Danny commented.

  “Sucks,” Richie mimicked only in a more demented way.

  “I thought you’d want to know.” Danny stood from the couch in the Skills Room, “I mean, when you were in control of your faculties, you were a help.”

  “Help.”

  “It just sucks.” Danny swung out his arm.

  “Sucks.” Richie swung out his, knocking into Danny.

  Danny chuckled. “Cute.” He moved across the Skills Room. “I’ll let you know when the jury comes in, not that you’ll understand.”

  Richie tilted his head with his new typically confused look.

  “I promise as soon as I get my head clear and this George conspirator thing is over, I’ll fix that microchip of yours. Until then, is there anything I can get you?”

  “Bev.” Richie snickered. “Knows.”

  “No. No.” Danny shook his head. “I can only get a new chip. Your nose is fine. Besides she has a girl nose, Rich.”

  “No.” Richie shook his head drastically following Danny down the main corridor.

  “Yes. She’s a girl.”

  “Bev.”

  “Rich, get over it.” Danny reached for the keypad.

  “Dad.” Richie yelled. “Dad!”

  The buzz of the Containment door made Danny stop. He made himself smile as he turned around. “Thanks for looking up to me like that but I’m not that old. Night, Rich.” With a tap to Richie’s cheek, Danny smiled again and walked out.

  Richie growled and hit himself on the head several times. He twitched once, rubbed his chin, and headed back to the Skills Room. “Sh . . .sh . . . sh . . shit.”

  ^^^^

  It was a Frank-like booming opening of her front door and it made Ellen shriek, drop her book, and nearly fall face forward when she sprang up from the couch.

  “You!” Jess pointed at her in anger and slammed the door closed.

  “Um . . .” Ellen nervously smiled. “How was your . . .”

  “Where do you get off!” Jess watched her back up and he moved to her, stepping over the coffee table.

  “Jess, look.”

  “Where do you get off calling me up, asking me if I want company, and then bringing me over a date!”

  “I was trying to . . .”

  “What! Do you think what I am, was, whatever . . . is a big joke!”

  “Shut up!” Ellen screamed. “God!! Can I explain without you interrupting?”

  Jess barely could speak through his outrage. He nodded though his huffing breaths.

  “All right. First off, I’m going to own up here to a . . . . a jealousy thing. Damn it, I laid the ground work for a great heterosexual guy and I’m sorry I don’t want another woman reaping the benefits of my hard work. So . . .” She lifted a finger. “So . . . Knowing you, and I’m not making a gay reference here. Knowing what you are searching for, the companionship thing and knowing what you need, that part was a gay reference. I decided to see if I could help in a way that wouldn’t make me jealous, a way that would reall
y work for you. Brad . . .” she steered back when Jess moved to her even closer. “Brad, he’s gay.” Ellen spoke upbeat. “Always has been like you so it wouldn’t be like an acquiring skill. And . . . and Jess, he wants the same thing. He’s cute. He’s built, young, and funny. What more could you ask for?”

  “You.”

  “What about me.”

  “You. That’s what I ask for. You.”

  “I’m not a man.”

  Jess growled as he tossed his head back. “El. Haven’t I told you sex isn’t important. Huh? You and I, we get along great. The nights we spend just sitting around, talking, watching movies, that . . . that is what companionship is. We cuddle. That feels good.”

  “Jess, it will never fulfill you. You’ll eventually have to find it elsewhere and move on. That is why I ended it.”

  “Because you’re afraid I’ll move on.”

  “Yes.” Ellen nodded. “I was getting close. I was liking our time. The spoiling. Hell, come on, I was going to go out on a limb and have the understanding in Beginnings with you and Robbie. But that wouldn’t make you happy. I like you. I want you to be happy. But I also could see myself getting hurt. I’ve been hurt a lot and if I can avoid it now, I will.”

  “You’re no making sense, only excuses.”

  “No.” Ellen shook her head. “No, can’t you see. It doesn’t matter what I do. It will never fulfill you one hundred percent and eventually you’ll follow the gnawing at you and seek out what you need.”

  “I can say the exact same thing about you and trust me, I’m more apt to be right about you . . .” Jess said.

  “How?” Ellen asked with a snap. “How can you even go there? I’m talking about not fulfilling and you having to move on.”

  “So am I.”

  “Jess, you’ve lost it. Pay attention. I won’t fulfill you because I am not a man.”

  “No, you pay attention. I won’t fulfill you because I’m not Frank.”