The Next Ten: Beginnings Series Books 11 - 20

by Jacqueline Druga

  Ellen shook her head. “Pissy. Elliott, could you be chivalrous and toss my bag in the back.”

  “Absolutely.”

  Hal, gripping the steering wheel, rolled his eyes. He exhaled when he felt Ellen next to him.

  “Why do you hate me today?”

  “Why?” Hal looked at her. “Not you. Frank. Since you are the closest thing to Frank, I’ll take it out on you.”

  “I’m telling.”

  Hard, Hal looked at her. “Tell.”

  “Captain,” Elliott intervened. “Maybe we should just . . .”

  “Go? Yes.” Hal started the truck then reached for the gear shift,.

  “Don’t cop a feel.”

  Hal grunted, “Elliot, could you switch places?”

  “Elliott lets you cop a feel?” Ellen asked.

  Elliott snickered.

  Hal got out of the truck. He walked around and opened Elliott’s door. “Drive.”

  “I’ll drive,” Ellen suggested.

  A big ‘no’ came from Hal and Elliott.

  “Fine.” Ellen folded her arms. “Elliott, you drive. You can cop a feel.”

  Hal scoffed as Elliott stepped out and he got in. “Please, Elliott cop a feel. If he shy about the picture, he certainly can’t cop a feel.”

  “The picture?” Ellen asked.

  Hal pointed to the driver’s door.

  Ellen looked just as Elliott slid in. “What picture are you shy about?”

  Elliott got back out of the truck.

  ^^^^^

  A single stride step across Mike’s office and Lars was able to peek at the Society soldier who stood in the reception area of the former police station.

  Lars whispered, “So he’s not here about Johnny?”

  “Nope.” Mike shook his head.

  “What then?”

  “As he introduced, he’s a messenger from the Society.”

  “A messenger?” Lars chuckled. “What? I know he can’t possible bring good tidings.”

  “He brought a message from Hadley.”

  “We expected this,” Lars stated. “Since Sgt. Doyle defected, we wondered how long it would be until the Society found out about us. So what does Hadley want?”

  “To meet. He wants to meet and discus Lodi’s position.”

  “Position? Position with the Society? Or position in the country?”

  “I’m thinking both.”

  “Ouch.”

  “Ouch?”

  “You know if you aren’t for the Society and working for the Society, he’s not going to want you on this side of the country. The Society is an awful big deliverer of pain.”

  “I know this,” Mike said.

  “So what are you going to do?” Lars asked.

  “I know we aren’t joining the Society if that’s what he wants.”

  “Then we’re moving the town.”

  “I’m not . . .” Mike sounded confused. “I’m not quite sure . . . running away is the solution either.”

  “It’s one or the other, Mike.”

  Mike shook his head and sat down behind his desk. He stared at the documentation that the Society solder had given them then lifted a pen.

  Lars watched him sign. “What are you doing?”

  “Agreeing,”

  “Agreeing to what?”

  “Agreeing to make a decision.”

  Lars rolled his eyes slightly. “I’m lost. We definitely aren’t joining the Society, right?”

  “Right.”

  “So we’re leaving Lodi.”

  “I said I’m not so sure that’s an option.”

  Lars hands went up. “Then what are you doing?”

  “I’m thinking, thinking long and hard, but I better think fast because according to what I just signed.” Mike lifted the document. “Hadley shows up in five days.”

  ^^^^

  Dean could smell the coffee before he even opened Ellen’s office door, coffee that was that fresh, with an aroma that strong could only signify one person.

  Joe.

  Dean smiled and walked in. “Hey, Joe,” Dean said with some relief, and checked out the two cups on the desk.

  “Have a seat, Dean,” Joe indicated.

  “It is so good to see you.” Dean sat down.

  “You look like shit.”

  “I feel like shit.”

  “What happened to your head? Someone’s not beating you, are they?”

  Dean rubbed his forehead. “No, it’s Frank therapy.”

  “Oh.” Joe nodded. “Is it working?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe. I don’t know.”

  “So . . .” Joe leaned back. “I guess you’re wondering why I am here.”

  “No, not at all. You came to check on me,” Dean said. “Of all people, I expected you to be the one who’s concerned. I’m fine. I really am. I want out but I’m fine.”

  “Good to hear that but that isn’t why I’m here.”

  “It isn’t.”

  “No. I’m here about complaints.” Joe folded his hand. “We’ve had complaints about you.”

  “From who!” Dean got defensive.

  “Well, Dean, you name them. They all complained, except Ellen. She didn’t.”

  “The residents are . . .”

  “It isn’t just the residents.” Joe stated.

  “Richie?”

  Joe tilted his head. “Among others.”

  “Who?’

  “Anyone who comes in here.”

  “That’s not fair, Joe. Come on, I’m stressed.”

  “You are also to abide by the rules.”

  “I want out,” Dean stated adamantly.

  “You agreed to stay in here until Danny tuned up your chip or you overcame this, whichever comes first.”

  “Well, how long until Danny tunes up my chip?”

  “I asked him today. He said four more days.”

  “What!” Dean scoffed. “He said four days, two days ago.”

  “I’m willing to bet, two days from now he’ll still say four more days.”

  “This sucks.” Dean tossed out his hand. “Well, I want out.”

  Joe nodded. “Okay.”

  “Okay? Just like that?”

  “Just like that. You’re a disruption, Dean. An arrogant, smart ass disruption who believes he is above all help even though he was the one who said he needed it. But . . .” Joe stood up. “I’ll sign you out.”

  “Thank you.” Dean stood as well.

  “But from this moment on” Joe walked to the door. “You fuck up your life, you go half cocked with Misha, or you ruin what’s left of your relationship with Ellen, it’s on your head. In here, you may feel trapped, but you’re safe.” Joe opened the door. “Let’s go.”

  “Wait.”

  Joe smiled without Dean seeing. He wiped off the grin and turned around. “Yes?”

  Dean exhaled and sat back down “Can I at least be productive if I stay?”

  “This is mop making week, Dean.”

  “Joe.”

  Joe chuckled. “Productive how?”

  “Tell Ellen to bring some notes in for me to work on, things I have been trying to do, theories. Consult on things. Let me do that.”

  “Why aren’t you now?”

  “Ellen said I couldn’t. She said that was the rules.”

  “She’s lying.”

  “Oh my God,” Dean said, shocked.

  “I’ll speak to her.” Joe jingled the keys in his pockets. “Here’s what I’ll do for you. When I spoke to Danny, I told him that he had previously told me four days. He denied that. I asked him today during the meeting and we have him on tape. Four days from now, if he gives me shit, I’ll play the tape and make him do the tune up.”

  Dean exhaled. “Thank you, Joe.”

  “You’re welcome.” Joe opened the door. “Head on back to the activity. I heard it’s a good one.

  Dean stood up and moved to the open door. “Oh, yeah, we’re breaking down the deep meaning of See Spot Run.”r />
  “You have a wide open field of possibilities with that one.”

  Dean chuckled. “Maybe.”

  “How about I bring the twins by for a visit tomorrow before school?”

  Dean paused. “I would love that.”

  “I’ll do it.”

  “I appreciate it, Joe.”

  “You know, Dean . . . who knows, Maybe Frank’s therapy will work before that.”

  “I don’t know.”

  “If I were you, I’d try real hard and make it work.” Joe indicated to his own forehead. “And soon. At the rate them bruises are appearing on your head, after a few more days of Frank therapy, you may not even care if you leave this place.”

  Dean kind of laughed at the comment as he headed back to the analytical session of ‘See Spot Run’. The bruises on his forehead were nothing compared to the bruises in his life. If it took Frank to literally beat the sense back into Dean’s head, Dean would do it. He had to, the faster the better. All he wanted to do was get out of the craziness world of Containment and back into the ludicrous world of Beginnings where he belonged.

  ^^^^

  Robbie laughed. He really laughed. “Ok, wait. Wait.” He held up his hand as he sat on his bed in the clinic. He looked at Frank, then at the speaker on the table next to his bed. “I got one.”

  “Hold on. We have to pour,” Frank said and lifted the bottle. He poured a shot’s worth of whiskey into each of the two shot glasses. “Hal, you pouring?”

  “I’m pouring,” Hal responded, his voice carrying through the speaker.

  “Don’t forget to clink,” Frank said. “You didn’t clink last time.”

  “Frank.” Hal had question in his voice. “You aren’t drinking too are you?”

  “Nope,” Frank answered quickly.

  “Robbie? Is he?” Hal asked.

  Robbie looked at Frank’s whiskey filled glass then he glanced at Frank. “No, Hal. Frank is drinking water.”

  “Good,” Hal stated. “Now go on, tell your tale.”

  “Ok.” His demeanor changed again and Robbie chuckled. “How about the time I was in high school and my band was playing? Jimmy was coming up and before he did, he kept boasting how he was playing in a band and getting good.”

  Hal laughed. “I remember and you asked him to sit in.”

  “Yeah. He was so happy when I asked.” Robbie chuckled. “I almost died when I found out what instrument he played.”

  Frank joined in. “Robbie, you should have seen your face when Jimmy brought up the triangle to play.”

  “Wait,” Hal interrupted. “Jimmy didn’t play the triangle.”

  “Yeah, he did. He came up and made that ding-ding-ding.”

  “No, he didn’t go ding-ding-ding.”

  “Dong-dong-dong?” Frank quizzed.

  “No!” Hal barked. “He didn’t go ding-ding-ding or dong-dong-dong. He went crash-crash-crash. Jimmy played the symbol.”

  “Oh!” Frank said in revelation. “That’s right. Oh, well same difference.”

  “What?” Hal snapped. “How is it the same difference?”

  “Symbol. Triangle. They’re both shapes.”

  “One is large and loud sounding; the other is small delicate.”

  “Hey,” Frank snickered. “Like you and me. I’m large and you’re delicate.”

  “And you’re an asshole. However, good story, Robbie. It’s worth a cheers,” Hal stated. “Cheers.”

  Robbie raised his glass to Frank. They both clinked on the speaker phone and downed.

  “What the hell is going on?” Joe blasted as he stepped in. “Are you drinking? Robbie, this is a goddamn clinic.”

  Gasping from the alcohol, Robbie pointed to Frank. “It’s his fault.”

  “My fault,” Frank admitted. “We’re celebrating. Blame Hal too, He suggested it.”

  “I can’t blame Hal, Frank,” Joe said. “Hal’s not here.”

  Frank pointed to the speaker phone. “It kind of looks like him. It’s square.”

  Joe shook his head. “Hal, are you there?”

  Nothing.

  “Hal?”

  Still nothing.

  “Hal?” Joe waited then shrugged. “I can’t believe you tried to blame it on Hal.” Joe reached for the glass from Frank’s hand. “Give me that. Have some goddamn strength. What the hell’s the matter with you drinking?” Lightly he reached out and smacked Frank on the side of the head. “I’m putting a goddamn shoot to kill order out on your big ass the next time someone sees you drinking alcohol.”

  Hal’s voice slipped through. “Frank? You said you weren’t drinking.”

  Joe quickly looked at the speaker phone. “Hal, why didn’t you answer me?”

  “I was in the bathroom,” Hal responded. “Frank? You said you weren’t drinking.”

  “Yes, I did,” Frank stated.

  “Then you lied,” Hal said.

  “Yes, I did.” Frank nodded.

  “Why? Why would you lie?”

  “Um, Hal . . .” Frank held back a snicker “I’m an alcoholic. Why would you believe I wouldn’t be drinking?”

  “One.” Hal responded. “Robbie said you weren’t. Two, I thought you quit.”

  “I did,” Frank answered. “But I started again and I’ll quit. I will. Can we drop it?”

  Hal grunted.

  Joe pulled up a chair. “Yeah, let’s just drop it for a second. How ya doing, Robbie?”

  “Good. I get out tomorrow. Andrea said I can use my arm for a limited time only.”

  “Oh my God!” Frank blurted. “That’s not right. That’s just not right.”

  Hal’s huff carried through. “I’m afraid to ask.”

  “I’m not,” Joe said. “What’s not right, Frank?”

  “He only has his arm for limited time. Robbie, did you argue to keep it?”

  “Um, yeah,” Robbie answered innocently, “but they wouldn’t listen. Maybe you could plead my case.”

  Frank nodded with a wink. “First thing tomorrow.”

  “Christ,” Joe mumbled. “Anyhow, what are we celebrating?”

  Robbie answered. “We’re doing Jimmy stories since it was just his birthday. We were toasting to him.”

  “Yeah,” Frank added. “Plus, we have to because we don’t want his ghost to haunt us.”

  “No we wouldn’t.” Joe shook his head. “But I’m glad all you boys are here.”

  “Dad,” Frank interrupted. “Hal’s not here.”

  “Frank,” Joe argued. “He is too. In the speaker phone.”

  “Um, Dad?” Frank dropped his voice and spoke almost as if he were embarrassed for his father. “Hal’s in New Bowman He can’t fit in there.”

  “Good God!” Hal gasped.

  Robbie laughed.

  “Come here,” Joe called Frank.

  “What?”

  “Closer,” Joe beckoned. “Come here.”

  Frank leaned in. “What? Hey! OW!” He pulled back and rubbed his ear.

  “Moron,” Joe griped. “Anyhow . . . I was thinking about something and I wanted to run it by you three. I want . . . I want us five, you boys, me, and Ellen to take a vacation, like the old days. Well, almost. Jimmy won’t be there. I want us to go somewhere alone for a couple of days. Soon. I want to. No planning. If we plan, things will go array. I just want us to spend some old fashion time together. We can reminisce, fight, whatever. Let’s do it.”

  Robbie sadly looked up. “Dad, are you not telling us something?”

  “No,” Joe spoke calmly. “Nothing I’m not saying. I just want to do this. I want to be with my family and my family only. No Beginnings problems, nothing. What do you say?” Joe looked at his sons, then the speaker phone. Their silence was not only long but reeked of an unwarranted sadness. “Boys, I promise you I’m not doing this as some sort of last time around thing. I just plain want to do this.” Joe waited. “Boys? One of you?”

  ^^^^

  Hal’s finger traced the rim of the shot glass as his hand
gripped the phone tightly to his ear. Swallowing hard, Hal heard his father’s words, but he also heard behind them. Something was prompting his father to do the vacation and that something was definitely not a strong desire for alone time with his kids. Did Joe really know something or was it just a unconscious premonition? Whatever the reason was, Hal knew and felt that this vacation would not only be the first one in a long while but more than likely, the last one he would ever take as a family with his father.

  Hal exhaled when he heard Frank break the silence first. An enthusiastic single clap carried over the line from Frank along with his upbeat voice.

  “Oh, yeah!” Frank spoke. “I’m in. A fuckin vacation. I love it.”

  “Me, too,” Robbie said. “Not too soon though, Dad. I want to show off my new arm.”

  “Hal?” Joe questioned.

  Hal nodded then silently cleared his throat. “I was looking at my date book and you’re right. Let’s not plan it. Let’s do it on a whim.” Staring down at his desk, fingernail tracing against the surface, Hal looked up to see a UWA soldier preparing to knock. “Dad, Frank, Robbie hold on.” He covered the mouth piece. “Yes?”

  The private inhaled.

  “Well?” Hal asked.

  “Captain . . .” He shook his head. “This . . . this you got to see.”

  “Can’t Sgt. Ryder see it?”

  “No. This you got to see.”

  Lifting his index finger to the soldier, Hal returned to speaking in the phone. “I hate to end this, but I have to go. One of my men has informed me there is something I must see.”

  “Nothing wrong is there, Hal?” Joe asked.

  “Not that I feel but I’ll get back to you.” Hal hung up the phone and stopped. “You realize, Private, this better be important.”

  “I think it is. I’m not sure.”

  Hal paused at the door. “You think? You aren’t sure?”

  “Nope.” The private shook his head. “But this you got to see.”

  “So you’ve said. Fine.” Hal held out his hand. “Lead the way.” After exhaling once in annoyance, Hal followed his soldier to the ‘this’ he had to see.

  ^^^^

  Ellen finished the last noodle in her bowl of Oodles of Dan Noodles and pushed it forward. “Elliott, you make those the best.

  “They are as easy to make in as in the old world.” Elliott took her bowl and carried it to the kitchen. “I wish you would let me cook for you.”