The Next Ten: Beginnings Series Books 11 - 20

by Jacqueline Druga

  ‘Oh my God’ was the phrase that raced through Jess’s mind. Jess knew that story well and the last time it was told. Joe still didn’t know the truth. Frank, Robbie, and Hal were all hesitant to tell Joe as if Robbie would suffer some repercussion not covered by a parental statute of limitations.

  All the reasoning, all the deducting that Jess did, all the anger that filled him over the course of the day due to his belief that James wasn’t Jimmy, was tossed out the window. Not only did James give that look when he stared at the picture, he told a story famous with the brothers. A story often told. A story always ending with Frank, Robbie, or Hal stating, ‘man, whatever happened to the picture that was taken that day?’

  Mystery solved. Picture found.

  The missing picture was held by . . . the missing fourth brother.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  February 4th

  ‘Ah, peace.’ Hal thought as he sat alone in the mess hall, gaining his spot before the others poured in for the pre dawn breakfast bell.

  “Ah, solitude.”

  “Ah, quiet.”

  “Ah . . .fuck. Frank. Shit, goddamn it.’

  Hal hurried and got his shudder of a wince out of the way and flashed a tired smile as he saw Frank walk into the mess.

  Frank waved.

  Hal’s smile was fake and nice was and he, too, waved, just once, half assed.

  He figured another second of quiet while Frank retrieved coffee, then Hal winced again, Elliott walked in.

  ‘What? Does no one feel like sleeping in this morning?’

  “Captain.” Elliott nodded as he walked.

  “Elliott.” Hal smiled then wiped it away as Elliott move to the food line. “Christ.”

  “Frank.” Frank said as he sat down. “I know people have a hard time distinguishing between two great individuals.”

  Hal’s mouth dropped open.

  “What?” Frank asked.

  “I cannot believe you just likened yourself to our Savior.”

  “Hal, fuck. Easy. I’m kidding.”

  “No, you weren’t,” Hal snipped.

  “Yeah, I was.” Frank held his coffee “Man, you’re pissy.”

  “Pissy? Pissy?” Hal questioned.

  “Captain?” Elliott stood before the table. “Am I interrupting if I join?”

  “No, not at all. Sit, please.” Hal indicated.

  “He’s in a bad mood,” Frank said.

  “I believe,” Hal corrected, “you used the word pissy.”

  “Really?” Elliott asked as he sat down. “Why are you upset?”

  “Because I’m tired and my brother is nocturnal,” Hal answered, disgruntled. “Because Frank, and I use his name so there is no confusion . . .” Hal glanced at Frank. “He gets in a bad mood, consumes too much alcohol, walks all the way to Bowman to cool down, and talks to me all night.”

  “I feel better,” Frank stated.

  “We never discussed your problem,” Hal said.

  “I still feel better, thanks.” Frank nodded.

  “Well, I’m glad you do, because I’m tired. So maybe next time you need an all night ear, try Elliott. He’s nocturnal and doesn’t sleep. He too irritates people when things are on his mind. He plays music all night. Perhaps, you too, can utilize these annoying release tactics, you’re talking, and his playing, then you can form a rap band.”

  Frank stared for a second. “See, I knew you were pissy. I haven’t a fuckin clue what you just said.”

  “I said . . .” Hal’s voice raised some the lowered. “Bother Elliott next time you just need to ramble all night.”

  Elliott shrugged. “I wouldn’t mind, Frank, if you need to talk.”

  “Thanks.”

  Hal growled. “Must you be such an ass kisser, Elliot?”

  Elliott looked at Frank. “You’re right. Pissy.”

  Again, Hal growled.

  “Ok,” Frank said. “If you’re done making noises, we might as well talk about something while I’m here.”

  “Can we wait until I had my coffee?” Hal asked.

  “No.”

  “Of course not.” He tossed his hand up then looked at Elliott. “He’s not funny.”

  “Anyhow . . .” Frank continued, “I need you to take John Matoose off of your roster for UWA. He’s coming back to Beginnings roster.”

  “What?” Hal laughed. “I didn’t hear this from him.”

  “You don’t need to. You’re hearing it from me.”

  “Under whose authority?”

  “Under whose authority for what?” Frank asked

  “Under whose authority am I to release him?”

  Frank just stared.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “You confused me.”

  Once again, Hal made the growling noise. “Who authorized it?” he said in a snap.

  “Dad.”

  “Dad didn’t tell me.”

  “Well, Dad said and I said,” Frank argued.

  “I don’t care. I need him and until I hear otherwise, he stays.”

  “Fuck, Hal, you have five million guys, like you need him.”

  “I do not have five million guys. I do need him. He stays.”

  “He’s one man,” Frank stated.

  “He stays.”

  “He’s ours.”

  “You kicked him out.”

  “We took him back.”

  “Too late,” Hal sang the words. “He stays.”

  “Asshole.”

  “Moron.”

  Elliott blinked several times. “Is this usual breakfast conversation?”

  Hal ignored the remark. “Just out of curiosity, why are you so adamant about getting him back?”

  “We need him.”

  “Why now?” Hal asked.

  “Robbie’s on light duty and . . .” Frank mumbled inaudible words.

  “What was that?” Hal tugged at his own ear.

  “Robbie’s flying Ellen to Lodi and John’s a pilot. We need him to fly recognizance until Robbie gets back.”

  “Very well.” Hal nodded. “I’ll release him temporarily until Dad fills out the proper paperwork for me.”

  “Captain?” Elliott lifted his hand. “Do we have paperwork for that?”

  “Hush, Elliott.” Hal waved him off. “You know, I’m surprised you aren’t trying to block Robbie from going.”

  “No, someone has to go if she insists on going. I trust Robbie to go. I trust Robbie not to turn his back on my wishes. Ellen . . . She is a different story.”

  “She is also standing right behind you,” Hal indicated.

  Frank didn’t turn around.

  Ellen shifted her eyes to Frank, then to Hal and Elliott, who stood up. “I just wanted to say goodbye. We’re leaving now.”

  “May I walk you to the plane?” Elliott asked.

  “I would like that, yes.” Ellen nervously smiled. “Hal? If you aren’t too mad at me . . .”

  “I’m not mad, Ellen. Of course I’ll see you off.” Hal walked around the table to join her and Elliott. They started to walk and Hal stopped. “Frank? Are you joining us?”

  Frank, not turning around, only lifted his hand.

  Hal shrugged. “I guess that’s a no.”

  After murmuring a saddened ‘his loss’, Ellen took one more look at Frank and left the mess hall.

  ^^^^

  A partial hangover headache and a painful piss boner caused Jess to wake up earlier than his alarm clock was set. He felt ninety and walked like it as well. His head was tilted trying to shuffle his sinus pressure more center to relieve the pain and he limped from the impending urinary explosion. In fact, Jess actually had to wonder if the bladder pressure caused a chain reaction to his head, because some of the headache was relieved when Jess . . . was relived.

  Then it hit him.

  “Fuck,” Jess murmured out. The night before. Information revelation and any groggy state Jess experienced was gone.

  He spent so much time trying to determine how to hand
le things if he found out that James wasn’t Jimmy that Jess failed to set forth a plan of what to do if he was.

  And that was where Jess’s mind had to go. He knew the night before he had thought of a ton of ways, but somehow, the alcohol he swore he wouldn’t consume caused him to forget those brilliant thoughts he had.

  But one truth remained. Jess was convinced that James was indeed Jimmy Slagel and James wasn’t some plot set up by the Society. The hard part would be, convincing Jimmy that Jess himself wasn’t some sort of plot by the Society.

  Jess was ninety-nine percent sure he had found a missing Slagel. Wording had to be chosen. A route of deliverance had to be planned. As soon as Jess figured that out, first opportunity, taking a chance or not, he was going to take that first step in reuniting the Slagel family. He was going to speak to James and spill his guts.

  ^^^^

  “Is the fuel good?” Joe asked Robbie outside the plane.

  “Fuel’s great. I took her out for a test flight yesterday. She’s doing well.” Robbie replied.

  “Any sign of bad weather, you land.” Joe waved a finger. “You hear that?”

  “Yes.” Robbie nodded. “Before you ask, I have a charger for the phone so we are good to go on that.”

  After glancing at his watch, Joe looked up. “Well, you better get moving. Where’s that biker?”

  Robbie shrugged. “Probably in North Dakota right now. He drove home.”

  “He drove?” Joe questioned. “You can have him there in three hours.”

  “Yeah, but he had his bike and it’s a Harley.”

  “True.”

  Robbie extended his hand. “Wish me luck.”

  “Robert, I trust you. Luck and my prayers are with you.” Joe looked at the hand Robbie extended. “Do you mind if I hugged you instead? That new limb gives me the creeps.”

  Ellen’s offended gasp rang out, “Joe, are you rude.”

  “No, I’m honest.” Joe hugged a chuckling Robbie. “It feels fake. It may look real, but it doesn’t feel real. It feels . . . cold.”

  “That’s still rude,” Ellen interjected, causing the separation of the embrace. “I’m all loaded up and ready.” She exhaled. “Can I have a hug too, Joe?”

  “No.” Joe turned, cracked a smile, turned back around, and hugged her. “Do good and come back.”

  “I will.” Ellen kissed his cheek.

  “I’m gonna start to call you the wanderer soon You haven’t been home steady since before Christmas.”

  “We still have that family vacation.”

  “Yes, we do. Get going.” He patted her cheek.

  Robbie stood before the side opening of the plane and the four steps that graced the door. “Whenever you’re ready, El.”

  Ellen nodded and walked to the step. Her foot extended to the first one when she heard the call of her name.

  “El. Wait.”

  Joe grumbled. “Christ. I hope he doesn’t start to make a scene. Hurry up get on the plane.”

  Ellen nodded and scooted faster.

  “El.” Frank trotted to her reaching out just as she crossed over the threshold.

  Joe snapped his fingers in a swing of his hand. “Son of a gun, almost.”

  Frank gave a curious look to Joe, then still holding Ellen’s arm, spoke, “El, don’t go yet. I want to talk to you.”

  “If you’re gonna fight, ignore me, or yell then . . .”

  “No.” Frank shook his head.

  “Fine.” Ellen stepped down. “What?”

  “I just . . .” Frank paused when he heard the scuffling of feet. He looked around. Robbie, his father, Hal, and Elliott all looked in different directions, not paying attention, “I just didn’t want . . .” Again he paused. He looked back. Were they closer? After thinking, ‘nah’, Frank continued. “I didn’t want . . .” He growled when he saw them all leaning in. “Fuck! Back off. Do you mind!”

  They all seemed offended as they did back up. Robbie went into the plane, Hal, Joe, and Elliott moved further away.

  “Thank you.” Frank announced then returned to Ellen. “I didn’t want you to leave on bad terms.”

  “Thank you for that.”

  “You’re leaving Beginnings again and I just worry.”

  “Frank, I have good reason. Johnny . . .”

  “No.” Frank covered her mouth. “I don’t want to know your reason. Okay?”

  “I think you should. I don’t want you to think I’m betraying you.”

  Frank shook his head. “How about this? You don’t tell me anything and I will just believe that you had good reason and you weren’t betraying me.”

  “Where is this coming from?”

  “My heart.”

  A flow of whining moans, along with ‘man was that sappy’ comments rang out.

  “What the fuck is wrong with you?” Frank blasted. “You aren’t supposed to be listening.”

  Hal rolled his eyes. “Can you be anymore sappy, Frank?”

  “Yeah. Yeah, I can.” He looked at Ellen. “I love you. Be careful. Okay?”

  “Thank you.” She leaned to kiss him and Frank grabbed her.

  “Come home to me safe, please?”

  Ellen nodded.

  “Call me.”

  Again, Ellen nodded.

  “And if you need . . .”

  “Frank!” Joe blasted. “Knock it off and let the woman go.”

  “Okay, Okay,” Frank stepped back.

  Ellen stared for a moment. The look on her face conveyed a sense of relief that she had made up with Frank. “Watch the kids and Dean.”

  Frank winked.

  She started up the steps and paused before going in. She glanced when the engines started. “Frank? Is there anything you want me to do for you while I am there?”

  “Just come back the same.”

  “I will.” After one more peaceful smile, Ellen emerged into the plane. Before long, she would be in Lodi and in a sense, whether Frank wanted her to or not, Ellen would be doing something for him.

  ^^^^

  Hatred, maybe. It was hard to pin point. But Johnny knew for certain that whatever went through his mind the moment he aimed the gun at his father, was nothing but a blur. He couldn’t determine what he was thinking or why. It was so unclear to him.

  Just it was unclear when he did everything else he did.

  He had been out of control . . . and without a doubt, would be out of control again.

  He hadn’t left his room in twenty-four hours with the exception of going out on to the roof with Tigger. Within that room, he did a lot of soul searching along with thinking.

  To the best of his medical knowledge, he pieced together a prognosis of his own, a worst case scenario. Unfortunately, with Lodi technology, and medical availability, the worst case scenario was fast becoming the only scenario.

  With that thought and how he reacted the last time the tumor grew, Johnny sunk.

  He saw what he was, how he acted, and what he did. He knew how he would get, how he would eventual turn, and imagined what acts he was capable of committing. With all of that pieced together, all the facts, Johnny deducted there was only one course to take.

  He knew what he had to do and for the first time in his life, it would take more courage than he believed he had.

  ^^^^

  Was it Frank’s imagination or did Dean look like Satan? Dean’s green eyes looked awfully close and they looked as if through flames as he stood gazing at the ignition of Frank’s lighter.

  “What?” Frank asked.

  “Why are you smoking so much.”

  “I’m not.”

  “Frank, you just put a cigarette out and now you’re lighting another one.”

  “Dean, enough.”

  “I finally get fresh air and now I have to . . .”

  “Dean!” Frank snapped.

  “All right. All right. I am grateful for the temporary outing though.”

  “I knew you would be.” Frank stopped the truck.

 
; “But why Bowman?” Dean questioned.

  “My Dad is here for the afternoon.” Frank opened his truck door, got out, and waited for Dean to slide out of the truck from the driver’s door.

  “We’re here to see your dad?”

  “It’s the only way to get you completely released from Containment.”

  Dean stopped walking. “Are you serious?”

  “I think you’re healed. Quit stopping without warning.”

  “Sorry.”

  Frank opened the door to the building of Hal’s office. “We’re meeting him here. Try to keep up the pace, Dean I don’t want you to fall again.”

  “Don’t walk so fast.”

  “Don’t lag.”

  “Why don’t you just take off the wrist leash, Frank,” Dean held up his arm clamped with a small cuff like apparatus that had a long chain connected to Frank.

  “It’s the rules, Dean. I can’t.” Frank walked up the stairs with him. “But the second my dad authorizes your release, you’re free from your connection to me.”

  “I have to say I’m surprised. I didn’t expect this.”

  “You can say I have my reasons.” Frank knocked once on the door to Hal’s office. When there was no answer, he walked in. “My dad should be here in a second. He’s getting some things. Sit down.”

  Dean did.

  Frank stood by his side and within a few seconds, Joe walked in.

  “That was fast,” Joe commented and walked to Hal’s desk. “Frank? Why is Dean shackled?”

  “He’s a dangerous Containment resident, Dad. He escaped.”

  “True.” Joe sat down.

  “Did you get them?” Frank asked.

  “They’re waiting in the hall.”

  “What?” Dean asked curiously.

  Joe held up his hand. “Frank. Are you sure you aren’t wasting my time. Not two days ago . . .”

  “He’s good, Dad. I promise. The deal was if he is cured and his mind normal, he can return to normal shit in Beginnings. I am proud to say we don’t need Danny to fix him. I did.”

  “Oh, brother,” Joe grumbled.