He waited until he was outside to put on his coat and he slipped the flask into the inside pocket. With eyes forward and anger building, the aching of Hal’s legs seemed to sink to the back of his mind and was buried beneath the thoughts of finding his nephew.
Hal walked past the last row, fifth row, and the fourth row of houses. He stride was fast, his peripheral vision cut off. Blinders on, he focused on the lights of town.
“Hal,” The male voice called his name.
Hal slowed down and looked to his right. “Oh, Jess. I didn’t see you. Good evening.” He started to walk again.
“Hal, you got a minute?” Jess asked.
Wanting to say ‘not really’, Hal refrained. “Sure.” He stepped back to Jess. “What’s up?”
“Well, I was gonna grab you tomorrow, but I’m glad I ran into you. I heard what happened up at the back gate region today.”
“Yes. Well, it appears I had the wrong . . .”
“Map,” Jess finished. “Yes, I know. That’s why I wanted to talk to you. I just wanted to make sure that you knew I checked what was hanging there on that file cabinet. It’s my job. I put the maps on the boards then, after my mind is clear but before rounds, I check them again. And I did, about fifteen minutes before you went out.”
“I see,” Hal said.
“Yeah, I’m sorry. I really thought I checked them good. I feel really bad.”
“Well, mistakes happen.” Hal gave a reassuring squeeze to Jess’s arm. “No one got hurt.” He also felt relief that it wasn’t done intentional.
“I’d love to make up an excuse and say someone switched them but . . .” Jess gave an apologetic look. “I guess my mind was in the wrong place. I swore they were fine. But the only other person who went in the office after me was Johnny and why would he switch them, right?”
Hal hesitated. “Right. Thank you for clearing that up, Jess.”
“Night.” Staying put while Hal moved on, Jess slipped into thought. He would had never of done what he did had John Matoose not given him so much verbal proof and sounded so convincing. It really wasn’t much, just a mention of a name, but unknown to Jess, it was much more than the simple seed of doubt he was supposed to subconsciously plant it Hal’s brain. It ended up being the confirmation Hal needed.
^^^^
New Bowman, Montana
“No.” Ellen slightly smiled, leaning against Hal’s apartment door in the hall. “Don’t tell me.”
“El, I have to.” Frank stood before her.
“Frank.” She snickered. “No, you don’t. It’s late.”
“I know.”
“We’re tired,” Ellen said. “It was a great date.”
“Yeah. Yeah it was.” Frank smiled.
“Then let’s just end it right here and you can pretend you left and came back.”
Frank thought about it for a second. “I guess that would be all right. Can I . . .” He stepped to her and placed his hand on the door above her head. “Can I kiss you right here?”
“Oh, absolutely.”
Every ounce of Frank’s face smiled as he tilted his head and brought his lips to Ellen’s. His head secured her back with a gentleness and they kissed. The smile that preluded it was still there when Frank pulled back. “Night, El.”
“Night, Frank.” Ellen reached behind her and opened the door. She walked inside with a change of demeanor. “Want anything to drink?”
“Um . . . nah. It’s been a long day. I just want to go to sleep.”
“Me too.” Ellen put down her purse and sighed.
“Heavy huh?” Frank sat down on the couch.
“It’ll take some getting used to. Frank? I’m sorry I dragged you to the clinic again.” Ellen walked around to join him.
“No. It’s fine. In fact, it’s better. That way we don’t have to do it in the morning before heading back.”
“True.” Ellen tapped her hands on her knees. “I need to thank you. You were a really big help tonight.”
“With Elliott?”
“Yes. You were really great. You showed me how much my friend you are.”
Frank nodded slowly. “Thanks. But . . . I get the feeling, don’t get mad, that I’m gonna lose out.”
“What do you mean?” Ellen asked with surprise.
“Us. I’ve been trying for so long and so hard to get you back and what do I do? Instead of proving we should be a we, I keep proving we should be good friends.”
The corner of Ellen’s mouth rose. “You’re serious? You’re worried about that?”
“Yeah, El. Not that being just friends is a bad thing, it isn’t. But when you have a lifetime behind you, you kind of feel cheated.” He shook his head. “Maybe it’s wrong to assume. I don’t know. How long have we been together? Weigh that against how long we been apart. You’re the love of my life, you know. The longer we are apart, the harder it seems to get you back.”
“Frank.” Ellen kissed him on the cheek. “Where have you been?”
“Huh?”
“You said it’s wrong to assume. I guess I was wrong. I just assumed since I was back with Dean and you two have this unholy alliance, that I was back with you as well.”
“Gee, thanks El. I’m with you by default?”
Ellen’s eyes widened. “Oh, my God, I didn’t mean it that way. I just meant that all these little steps we were taking, plus all our years, we didn’t have to vocalize it.”
“I’m lost.”
“I’m saying.” With a giggle, Ellen shook her head. “We’re passed the point in our lives where we have to officially state we’re back together. I just thought with all the things we’ve been making time to do together, it was our way of saying it. Unless you don’t want to get back.”
“Can I . . . can I think about it?”
Ellen laughed and nudged him. “You coming to bed? I’m tired.”
“I’ll be there in a little bit. I want to read some of that play. You know the one about the pilgrims?”
“Romeo and Juliet?” Ellen asked with oddity as she stood. “Why?”
“Well, not because I’m enjoying it. I guess I will when they land on Plymouth Rock. But check this out . . .” He picked the book up from the coffee table. “On the left page is the original play and on the right page is the English version.”
Ellen was confused at first. “Oh, O.K., I get it. They simplified it on the right pages.”
“Yeah, whatever. And here I thought this Shakespeare guy was just repeating himself.”
Laughing, Ellen folded her arms, leaned down to Frank, and kissed him on the cheek. “Goodnight, Frank.”
“Night, El.”
She took a step back. “I love you.”
The book nearly toppled from Frank’s hand, her words were so unexpected. He smiled then looked over his shoulder. “I love you, too.”
Ellen turned and walked toward the bedroom. She stopped. “Frank, let me ask you something. We had this date. It went so well. You kissed me. Why did you stop at the kiss? Why didn’t you try?”
“I wasn’t going to. That wasn’t what tonight was about.”
“You’re right. Thank you. Goodnight.”
“Night, El.” After smiling briefly, Frank picked up the book and dove into his Shakespearean Pilgrim story.
^^^^
As predicted, Johnny was the only one in the Social Hall. It was perfect for Hal. He walked in, went straight to the bar, and poured a drink. “Hey, John.”
“Hey, Uncle Hal.”
Hal downed the shot’s worth of whiskey and set the glass on the bar. “Alone?”
Arrogant, Johnny looked around the empty Hall. “Um . . .yeah,” he said with attitude. “Dad’s in New Bowman.”
“He seems to be the only one you hang out with. Why is that?”
Johnny looked up. “What do you mean?”
“Kind of sad. You don’t associate with many people.”
“I’m not a people person.”
“I didn’t get that.” Hal
poured another drink. “Of course, it’s hard for me to judge, right? Really, I’ve known you as an adult for just a few months.”
“True.”
“Speaking of which.” Hal took a sip and leaned into the bar. “Let me ask your opinion. Would you say . . .” Hal lifted a finger. “Would you say I am more of a stranger to you than Uncle Robbie?”
“Yeah.” Johnny nodded. “I knew Uncle Robbie more growing up. I hardly saw you.”
“I was away,” Hal said. “I mean, the last I saw you, you were nine years old. You’ve grown up.”
“Most people do.”
“So . . . would you say, above Uncle Robbie, Pap, and your Dad, I would have a different perspective when it comes to you and you have a different perspective when it comes to me?”
“Why are you asking me this?”
“Because I need to know if there’s something wrong with me?”
Johnny laughed. “What do you mean?”
“I believe I see you differently than my father or my brothers do.” Hal explained so calmly. “I believe they see you through such rose colored glasses that they can’t see how dark you really are. How any care, love, or concern you have is overshadowed by some sort of obscure vindictiveness you have toward your father.”
“Vindictiveness to my father? Where are you getting this from?” Johnny scoffed.
“You’re not encouraging him to drink?” Hal asked.
“No,” Johnny snapped. “My dad’s a fucking alcoholic. Why would I encourage him?”
Snidely and with typical dramatics, Hal tilted his head. “Fucking alcoholic. Fucking alcoholic? Terms of endearment, Johnny?”
“You’re a bigger asshole than everyone says you are.”
“And you’re more screwed than you believe.” Slam! The flask landed hard on the bar before Johnny, then Hal dropped the little phone key. No sooner did Johnny shoot up than Hal’s strong hand shoved him back down in his seat. “Listen to me,” Hal whispered hard in Johnny’s ear. “I look at you different than my family does. I hardly know you and I don’t like what I see. I see someone trying to hurt my brother, my family. I won’t stand for it. I won’t let it happen. Know that. If I ever catch you trying to put another bottle in my brother’s hand . . .” Hal softened his voice. “I’ll break your fuckin neck without a second thought.” He stepped back. “Have a good night.” With a swipe of the key off the bar and into his hand, Hal walked away.
Johnny snarled at the sound of tromping boots as Hal left. With anger, he reached for a bottle and poured a drink. “Yeah threaten me, asshole.” Johnny looked back at the door as he downed his drink. “Threaten me.” He poured another. “But who’s the one who has your bandana with Bev’s blood smeared all over it.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
November 14
Beginnings, Montana
Frank wasted no time whatsoever in changing back into his basic Beginnings attire. In fact, he made Ellen wait until he changed in his office to walk her back into town. Ellen didn’t mind. Though she loved the Frank UWA look, it was good to see him dress like himself.
“So what’s the plan?” Frank asked Ellen in their walk.
“With?”
“Tonight.”
“Oh.” Ellen nodded. “If you want the kids, that’s fine.”
“Can you stop by?”
“I’ll talk to Dean and see what he has planned,” she told him. “I am going to tell him you and I talked and that I want to go with the arrangement you two have, no kiss and tell rule and all”
“Good. Oh . . .” Frank reached into his back pocket as they started to walk again. “Before I forget.” He handed her Dean’s Danny Dollar card.
“Thanks. I’ll put this back in his hiding place.”
“What’s he gonna say when he finds out?”
“Dean?” Ellen laughed. “He’ll never know because he’ll never use it. He’s too cheap. Hey, there’s Hal.”
Frank grumbled.
“Be nice,” Ellen said softly. “You know why.”
“Did I miss something?” Frank asked. “Because . . .” He grunted when Ellen elbowed him in Hal’s close approach.
“Hey, El.” Hal nodded. “Frank.”
“Hal,” Frank said his name snidely. “I see you wasted no time in putting on the pansy uniform.”
“Hal,” Ellen interrupted. “The guard told us when we came in. We’re really sorry to hear about the break up.” She reached out, laid her hand on his arm, and kissed him on the cheek. “If you need to talk, I’m here.” She stepped back. “Frank, I’ll talk to you later.” On tip toes, she kissed him.
“See ya, El.” Frank watched her then he noticed Hal just staring out. “What’s wrong with you?”
“Frank? Why does everyone think I had this relationship with Jenny?”
“You did.”
“I did not,” Hal snapped in offence.
“I know,” Frank laughed. “Distorted fuckin views of people. Hey, Hal.” Frank sounded so much like a kid. “Guess what? Me and El are back together.”
“Really?” Hal smiled. “Frank, that is great. I am very happy for you. I mean it.”
“Yeah, me too.”
“Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.” Frank shrugged.
“Without sounding like a dick . . .”
“Can you?”
“Hmm,” Hal grumbled. “Listen, what about . . . did Ellen say anything about Elliott?”
Frank paused in his answering. “We talked last night about it.”
“So you told her to stay away from him?” asked Hal.
“No, Hal,” Frank barked. “I didn’t do that. I know what’s up with them. Her and I talked. And . . . I think, I’m not sure, but I think your friend will have his friend back soon enough.”
Peacefully and with gratefulness, Hal looked at Frank. “Thank you very much.”
“You’re welcome. I have to go. I got things to get ready for the meeting, Have you seen Robbie?”
“He’s in the cryo-lab.”
“Excellent. I have to go there anyhow.” Frank started to leave.
“Frank, before I forget.” Hal approached him. “I need to let you know I have never given you enough credit. You work very hard here in Beginnings. Your job is vital. I’d admire that. I have developed a whole new respect for you.”
“Thanks Hal,” Frank nodded. “That’s pretty nice. Your job . . . your job’s a piece of cake.” He gave a swat to Hal’s arm, took a step, and stopped. Flashing a grin, Frank walked off.
Utter disgust took over the look on Hal’s face and by the time he could say anything. Frank was gone.
^^^^
So unlike his usual juvenile self, Robbie, with his arms folded, listened with a mentor look to Johnny.
“It’s bad, Uncle Robbie. I don’t know what I did.” Johnny unhappily did Dean’s filing in the cryo-lab.
“When did you start to notice it?”
“Scrabble, the other night. Remember? He kept staring at me.”
“To be honest, I didn’t notice. What exactly did Hal say to you last night?”
Johnny sighed out. “He was acting like a bully or something. I don’t know. He said he didn’t like me. That I’m a bad influence on my father because he’s . . . and he called him a fucking alcoholic.”
A smirk hit Robbie. “Hal said that? Not that I don’t believe you, but it just doesn’t sound like Hal.”
“The Hal you knew. How well do any of us really know him?”
Robbie shrugged in debate. “Uh, I don’t know if that applies to me. Really, I mean, yeah he’s been gone for seven years, but still, Johnny, there’s twenty-six years remaining that I knew him. But . . . I’ll keep my eye open, unless you want me to say something.”
“Not yet. But if he keeps trying to pull that intimidating shit, I’d appreciate it.”
“Sure.” Robbie gave a swat to Johnny’s arm and turned when the cryo-lab door buzzed opened. “The man of the hour.”
“That’s me,” Frank said as he strolled in. “And you are just the man I wanted to see. Hey, Johnny.”
“Dad.”
“You look different,” Robbie commented to Frank.
“I’m dressed like me.” He ran his hand down his tee-shirt. “It feels good to not have to work at putting your clothes on.”
“I bet,” Robbie chuckled. “What did you want to see me about? The meeting?”
“No. Something else. Ready?” Frank grinned. “El and I got back together last night.”
Robbie blinked several times. “Really?”
“Yeah. You don’t look happy.”
“I am but I thought you guys were already back,” Robbie said. “Is that what you wanted me for?”
“No.” Frank shook his head. “What I wanted was, since you are the big religious community leader, I want to talk to El, and Dean of course, about doing one of those dedication deals. I want you to do the honors.”
“Wow.” Robbie was shocked. “Yeah, I’d love that. That’s really great you asked me. It means a lot.”
“I’m glad you’ll do it.”
“Let me know what El and Dean say. O.K.?” Robbie got an agreeing nod from Frank. “I have to take off. Johnny, talk to your dad about that.”
“I will.” Johnny lifted his hand in a wave.
“Frank, I’ll see you at this big meeting that’s such a secret.” Robbie moved to the door. “Oh, hey, Frank, what’s the secret meeting for?”
“Group suspect meeting about Bev’s murder.”
“Thanks.” Robbie left.
“Shit,” Frank said. “I told him.” He shrugged. “Oh, well. Hey, what did you need to talk to me about?” He asked as he walked to the back room.
“Uncle Hal,” Johnny replied.
“What about him?”
“He’s been kind of strong arming me. Being mean. Pushing me around a bit.”
Frank stopped. “Hal? That doesn’t sound like him. When did he do this?” He stepped into the back office.
“Last night at the Social Hall.”
“Maybe you were drinking too much and you’re over exaggerating.”
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