It was quiet for the second that Dean stormed out, then after Joe, Hal, and Robbie all looked at each other, they shrugged and went back to waiting on their slice of cake.
Ellen knocked once on the bedroom door before she walked in, calling out softly. “Dean?” She pushed the door closed with her foot and looked at him sitting on the bed. “I brought you a slice of cake.”
Sadly, Dean looked up and took it. “Thanks.” As soon as he gazed at it he saw the finger streak obviously left by Josephine. “Um, maybe later.” He set it behind him on the bed.
“What’s wrong?” Ellen sat next to him.
“Nothing. No. Everything.” Dean slowly shook his head. “I’m just having a really bad day.”
“Can I help?”
“I wished you could, but you can’t. It’s something I have to deal with.”
“I see. Dean, it’s not good to hold things back. You and I just learned this.”
“I know.” Dean closed his eyes tight. “But this . . . this I can’t say anything about it. Please, trust me.”
“It’s eating you up.”
“Combined with other things, yes.” Dean, with an exhale, lifted the small gift. “This is why I’m late.” He handed it to her. “Happy Birthday.”
“Can I open it?” Ellen asked with a smile.
“Yeah. I hope you like it. I went through so much trouble buying you something. The Danny dollar system is screwed. Danny gave me a hard time. Henry is being a bitch. Ben rips up my card,” Dean growled. “So I thought, what can I give you? And I thought of that. You and I, we’ve had some problems. So think of that gift as my symbol that I will be here and I’ll always listen to you from here on in.”
Ellen unwrapped the gift. It was a small plastic container from the lab. “Oh, Dean.” She whispered out in awe. “It’s one of the clones of your ear.”
“Yeah.” Dean lifted a shoulder in a shrug. “I jelled up the fluid so the ear floats really well. It should always look pretty fresh and I sealed the plastic so it won’t open.”
“This is so great.” Ellen kissed him on the cheek. “This is the best present.”
“I thought it was a pretty ingenious gift idea.”
“I just asked you for this.”
“Yep.” Dean smiled. “I know. So you like it?”
“I love it. I’ll put it right here . . .” She stood up, walked to her dresser, and set it before the mirror. “Now I can see it every day. It’s so cute.”
“Thanks.”
“Join the party.” Ellen went back over to him.
“Maybe in a bit.” He took her hands. “I have to let my mood calm down. But before you go back, can I . . . steal a moment with you.” He pulled her closer.
“I think I can manage a moment.” Ellen spoke seductively, slipping her body between his legs and leaning her chest close to his.
“Maybe just a few . . .” Dean wrapped his arms around Ellen and raised his lips to her. “Moments.” He kissed her. The kiss widened. Pulling Ellen even tighter to him, and with him, Dean backed down to the bed. Just as he met the mattress with Ellen right against him, he stopped. “Shit.”
“What?” Ellen lifted her head slightly.
Dean closed his eyes and with disgusted defeat, he let out a long whine and cried out, “The cake.”
Looking at the icing and cake remnants that spewed across the bedspread like a culinary explosion from beneath Dean’s shoulder, Ellen did the only thing she could do. Laugh.
^^^^
It wasn’t as cold as the season dictated it should have been, but Elliott wore his longer coat and walked at a steady pace down the streets of New Bowman. He felt as if he had walked all day and, in essence, he did. Frank’s rounds. Killer baby lessons, and as he approached the time when he’d rather just rest for the night, he found himself doing what Hal did every night. He just walked around and made sure all was fine in New Bowman. He really didn’t mind filling in. It was just he felt a little drained. But the Captain wanted to be by Frank’s bedside waiting for Frank to come out of the initial dose of Salicain. Elliott supposed the Captain had some sort of demented wake up plan in order.
The hour was late, but the noise from Hoi-Hoi on the Range carried in the sleeping streets. Elliott figured it was the last of the dart throwers finishing up for the evening, having a good time until, like in the old world, last call hit.
And just like in the old world, where there was booze and high levels of competition between males, there would be trouble. He was not a frequenter of Hoi-Hoi on the Range, but Elliott knew that would have to be a stop, especially when he heard the laughter and saw the three men walking up his street.
They were newcomers, recent residents of the town. They had wandered in since New Bowman welcomed all. There were four of them all together and something about the new men made Elliott want to re-examine the Bowman attitude of containing survivors. Hal didn’t believe in containment, especially in a town where it was ninety-five percent male and the female population was under lock, key, and guard all the time. But the new men were loud, rough, and angry.
The bitter and defensive attitudes they brought into New Bowman when they arrived sent red flags up to Elliott about them. Hal too, but Hal’s attitude was that any UWA soldier could handle themselves and the newcomers should there be trouble. Elliott did have to agree with that.
The laughter of the three men stopped when they neared Elliott.
“Evening, Sgt. Ryder,” One spoke.
“Gentlemen,” Elliott nodded. “I see Ralph isn’t joining you this evening.”
“Yeah, he did.” The one spoke again and pointed back. “He’s still at the bar. He got kind of miserable so we left him.”
“I see.” Elliott peered some down the street. “Well, I must be off. Have a good evening, gentlemen.” Another nod and Elliott, with his hands in his pockets, just to ease his mind, headed straight to Hoi-Hoi on the Range.
Bulls-eye. When the dart landed and the alarms of a win rang out, Robbie cheered.
“See?” Danny gave him a proud pat on the back. “What did I tell you?”
“I can’t believe I did that.”
“Concentration.” Danny put his finger to his temple. “It’s just a matter of concentrating, changing angles, and perception. And . . . confidence.”
With a shake of his head and a happy ‘whew’, Robbie smiled. “That felt so good. I stopped hitting the wall.”
“And we beat Hector and Henry.” Danny looked toward the tables where Hector and Henry sat in conversation. “Geez, they don’t know. Hey!” Danny hollered to them across the partially crowded saloon. “You two, we won.”
Neither looked.
Robbie shrugged. “Let’s set up for another game.”
“You said you were working,” Henry spoke in a low voice.
“No,” Hector corrected. “I said I was busy and I would be late.”
“Working.”
Hector chuckled. “When in the world did I say that? I was planning a surprise which involved coming here to Bowman.”
“And seeing Misha?”
“Who?” Hector asked and lit a cigarette.
“Some woman who runs the dress shop.”
“Is that her name? If so, yeah, that’s who I went to for the surprise. Don’t ask.”
“You’re getting involved with this woman and you don’t even know her name?” Henry asked.
“What?” Hector laughed in surprise. “Where in the world did you get that from?”
“Danny said she’s interested in you. Asked about you.”
The smile dropped from Hector’s face. “That’s not even a funny joke to play on a guy.” He grabbed his drink.
“It isn’t a joke. Danny wouldn’t joke about that. If she’s interested, you should really go for it.”
“Really?” Hector asked. “Why would she want me?”
Robbie answered as he pulled out a chair. “You’re cute. I mean, if I was a woman, I’d think so.”
&nb
sp; Henry looked up when he saw Danny approach. “Hector doesn’t believe Misha asked about him.”
“She did.” Danny stood by the table. “She’s looking to pick up a primary and secondary relationship.”
Hector whistled. “Whoa. And she thought about me?” A slight smile hit his face. “Oh, man, Henry. Can you imagine? What if she would want to run it the way Beginnings does and the primary picks the secondary. I would pick you.”
“You would?” Henry asked.
“Hell, yeah. You’re my best friend. This . . . this could be great. Danny, are you sure?”
“Absolutely. I’ll talk to her again, if you want.” Danny said.
Robbie interjected. “Can I offer some advice? Not that I’m one to talk or anything but . . . if she’s looking at you and not a UWA, keep one thing in mind. The UWA guys act differently. Real different. She’ll expect that. I mean, look at suave Elliott Ryder. I think you should handle it like him, innocent, naive, suave and . . . honored to be considered. Man, that shit worked with Ellen, didn’t it? I keep watching him snatch her further and further away from Dean and Frank and it’s all because of the way he is.”
“For what it’s worth,” Henry spoke up. “In my opinion, Robbie, you deserve to be with Ellen. No, wait, Ellen should be with you.”
Robbie smiled gently. “Thanks Henry. Now we may let you win.”
“Speaking of winning.” Danny pointed to the dart board. “We kicked your asses last game. We’re ready for another. Henry, you’re up.”
Finishing his drink, and not paying attention, Henry stood up, pushing out his chair as he stepped back. “Don’t get so . . .”
“Hey!” The deep male voice of Ralph blasted with a hard shove to Henry. “Watch it.”
Henry flew forward, landing hands first on the table. Hector jumped up.
Before any trouble could ensue, and seeing not only Hector, but Henry going for the husky man who obviously wasn’t UWA, Robbie decided to intercept. Bodily, he stepped between them. “Easy,” he spoke calmly. “Just take it easy. That wasn’t necessary.”
“Stay out of it,” Ralph snapped and moved for a ‘fight ready’ Henry.
“No, man. Chill, all right.” Robbie held up his hand. “No one wants a fight.”
“What? Are you a joke,” Ralph laughed, “trying to be a peacekeeper? Usually I would just nail you for sticking your nose in my business but . . .” Stepping back, Ralph snickered. “I don’t fight cripples.”
In defense of hurtful words, Robbie took a hard step to Ralph and instinctively reached for the man. Just as he laid his hand on Ralph’s shoulder, Ralph spun hard and brought his tightly closed fist in a sail to an unprotected Robbie’s face.
Robbie, thrown off balance by the surprise and force of the punch, spun from the hit, and landed face down on the table before him.
Sadistic and in a mood for a fight, Ralph lunged for Robbie, but only made it a step.
Click-click.
Frozen. Ralph didn’t move when he felt the cold barrel of the revolver pressed hard to his forehead. Slowly he raised his eyes to meet those of Elliott.
Elliott’s eyes were stone cold and they didn’t even blink. The gun stayed firm and so did his finger on the trigger. “I would suggest . . .” He spoke hard and in control. “You step back right now.”
Ralph did.
“Put your hands up and turn around slowly.” Holding his aim, Elliott caught two of his men in his peripheral vision. He called their aid. “Privates, could take him to the Detention Hall for me? Thank you.” As he waited for the men to take hold of Ralph, Elliott lowered his weapon and started to turn around. “Robbie, are you . . .” Elliott stopped not only speaking, but swore he felt so badly that he also stopped breathing. Robbie, with his head down, was leaving the bar.
^^^^
The sound carried out of the gymnasium of the UWA training center, a building that once was the high school of the former Miles City.
Thump, thump-thump. Slow, steady, strong. It seemed to match the beat of Hal’s heart as he walked slowly into the gym. He made his entrance quiet and stood by the door watching his younger brother far in the corner.
Thump, thump-thump.
Robbie, in a sloppy boxer’s stance, punched one of the bags that hung in the corner. He hit more for emotions than for skill and Hal could clearly see that.
Head down, Robbie would hit, pause, shake his head, and hit again.
Taking in a deep breath, Hal walked heavier, allowing his footsteps to click across the wooden planks of the floor.
Thump.
Robbie stopped. His hand slid down and his head lifted, yet he didn’t turn around. “Only two men . . .” He spoke soft. “. . . walk with so much arrogance. Elliott Ryder . . .” Robbie turned around and lifted his hand. “Or my big brother.”
Hal grinned. “Elliott told me you were here.”
“I asked for the key from one of your guards. I guess . . .” Robbie exhaled. “I guess that’s how he found out.” Slowly, he walked to the bleachers and sat down.
Hal joined him. “How are you?”
Robbie only gave a small shrug and raised his eyebrows. “Bruised, but not physically. You know what I mean?”
“I can try to know.”
“How about this then . . . I’m embarrassed.” Robbie let out a laugh that showed his humiliation. “I forgot, Hal. I completely forgot. It still feels like it’s there, you know. I’ve caught myself before, but never like this. You, me, Frank, and Jimmy. Dad taught us to kick ass and to defend. There I was, doing everything I was taught, stopping trouble, intercepting, and this asshole ... this asshole calls me a cripple.” Another chuckle flowed from Robbie. “I was livid. I grabbed him and by the time I realized I had him with my only hand . . .”
“He nailed you.”
“He nailed me.” Robbie’s head lowered. “When has that happened? Never.”
“I wouldn’t say that,” Hal shrugged. “It was probably the last time you got into a skirmish with me or Frank. So, you’ve been nailed unexpectedly before.”
“It’s not the same thing.”
“Oh, but it is little brother. It is. Like with Frank and myself, you were at a disadvantage tonight.”
“What are you talking about? Now maybe, but not before. I was never at a disadvantage with you and Frank.”
“Robbie,” Hal said arrogantly. “Now or before, you honestly couldn’t beat me or Frank.”
“Hal, please.”
“No, not Hal please.” Hal hid his laugh. “Perhaps when you grow up . . .” Hal chuckled. “In all seriousness. Yes, you are at a disadvantage but that is only now.”
“Only until I get my arm.”
“Do you really think you need that arm?” Hal asked.
“Um, yeah. I got nailed tonight. My only offense and defense was occupied.”
“See, that’s where you are wrong. Your left arm is not your only offense and defense. You have an entire body to use. You just have to learn how to use it. And when you do, you’ll not need that bionic arm to beat the likes of Ralph Mouser.”
“I know Elliott placed him in the Detention Hall,” Robbie stated.
“I apologize for that.” Hal lifted his hands. “Of all people to be there, arrogant Elliott Ryder.” He shook his head. “You know he won’t let me or you live that down.”
Robbie snickered, “That’s not what I mean. You put the man in the Detention Hall. That’s not the way you usually handle things.”
“No,” Hal said, “it isn’t. But when do I ever do things normally? He is on his last warning.”
“Because of me?” Robbie asked.
“Absolutely.”
“Is that fair?”
“I never claimed to be Dad. I will honestly say, I am not fair. I do play favorites. Well, Dad does too, he just doesn’t let it get out.”
“So, what does this last warning mean?” Robbie questioned.
“It means one more ounce of trouble, of any kind, and he’s out of B
owman. Excommunicated.”
“What if he doesn’t leave or starts trouble.”
Calmly, Hal answered. “He’ll be shot.”
Robbie laughed. “Yeah, right. What are you gonna do? Put a gun to his head and shoot him?”
“Good Lord, Robbie. Who do you think I am? Frank?” Hal spoke offended. “No. We don’t do that in New Bowman.”
“I didn’t think so.”
“No,” Hal exhaled. “However . . . accidents do happen.”
Robbie quickly looked at him.
Hal lifted his hands. “It’s happened before.”
“Hal, I’m shocked.”
“Don’t blame me. It’s Elliott, all Elliott. You do know I would vote to reform.”
“Right,” Robbie scoffed. “Frank would be proud.”
“Speaking of our brother.” Hal noticed Robbie’s demeanor dropped. “I’m not Frank but I would love to be him right now because he would know exactly how to make you feel better at this moment.”
“You’re doing good.”
“Thank you, but he has a demented way of doing things.”
“Yeah, he does,” Robbie said. “He probably would have me training or something.”
“Which . . . I could do. You know that,” Hal spoke softly. “But I don’t want to.” When he saw Robbie’s shock, he lifted his hand. “Not that I don’t want to train you. I do. I just don’t want to take that from Frank. Robbie, you do know he’ll have you doing things as if you never lost that arm. Would you like to know what I want?”
“What’s that?”
“I would love to have all three of us work together on this. A brother thing. I would like that. But in order for that to happen, we need to get Frank up and about. We need to speed his recovery so we do not delay this training.”
“That might be difficult. Unless . . .” Robbie said. “You have an idea.”
“Ah, little brother, but I do. It’s mind over matter. The mind heals and I figure some good motivation would do wonders for our brother’s healing process.” Hal grinned an ornery grin. “And do I have some excellent motivation ideas in mind.”
The Next Ten: Beginnings Series Books 11 - 20 Page 231