Not that Joe had a problem getting up early. He actually liked to get up early to have time to himself before dealing with the folks of Beginnings. But he had a problem being up and about before the sun but he had to find Frank. After sitting over his morning coffee, listening to the sounds of Frank and Dean bickering carrying into his home, Joe had to speak to Frank. Their fighting was getting out of hand. The night before was bad enough with Dean constantly flipping off Hal. Even when Frank got mad at Dean because Dean told Andrea the food was good when he never complimented a Frank meal, Joe handled it with only the slightest irritation. But when Frank asked if he could have that shiny robe and matching slippers, Joe admittedly grew concerned. The morning argument was just as imbecilic as any the night before. Dean was bitching–loudly–that Frank left hair on the soap.
Joe had his own theory on why the former worst enemies suddenly fought like an old married couple. They just spent far too much time together raising the kids. Joe put no credence to Andrea’s comment of, ‘Joe, perhaps they have something special between them we do not understand’. Or Hal’s comment of, ‘Good God, Father, Frank’s been gay forever. Didn’t you know?”
Tired of hearing the stupid arguing that no two men should have, Joe wanted to step in and try to stop it. Personally, he’d rather see Frank and Dean beating the hell out of each other rather than fighting about toothpaste on a towel.
Impressed at the snow clearing Frank and his men did on the street, Joe sought out his oldest son. He wanted to talk to him before things got hectic in the day. Finding him wasn’t difficult. Everyone who had seen him told Joe that Frank was sneaking around, trying not to be seen, and informing everyone that he was on his way to see Danny Hoi, but not to tell.
Why did Frank have to sneak to see Danny? Was it another oddball attempt to getting on the talk show? Arriving at Mechanics, Joe raised his hand to the door and stopped when the voices seeped out.
“I don’t know, Frank, “Danny said.
“Danny, I had quite a few men tell me you can and rumors have it you do things no other man can do.”
“True.”
“So?”
“I hate to turn you down, Frank.”
“You’ve done things like this before for other men.”
“It’s not as often as you think. I try to do what they ask and give what they want. Sometimes I deliver, sometimes I don’t. If Joe ever found out some of the things I do, I’d be doomed from this leadership-style position.”
“No,” Frank scoffed. “No, he wouldn’t mind. You’re making the men happy.”
“True.”
Outside the door, Joe blinked. “What the hell?”
Danny continued, “I don’t want it to get out that I’m doing this for you. You’re you. You’re Frank. Others might feel slighted. Why is he so special, you know?”
“But I am. I’m Frank. I need this.”
‘Dear God,” Joe whispered to himself.
“True, but honestly, Frank,” Danny said sorely. “I did the best I could last night.”
“I know you could do better. It was just a little taste.”
“Wasn’t that enough?”
“No, I want more.”
“More?” Danny asked.
“More. Bigger. You know, at least six inches.”
“God, Frank, I can’t go that big.”
Thinking, ‘Enough’, Joe knocked once and stepped right inside. “Frank, don’t try to hide.”
“Fuck,” Frank, who was heading into a duck position, stopped. “Dad.”
“What in God’s name are you two talking about?” Joe asked.
Jokingly, Danny answered, ‘Gay sex.”
“What!” Joe blasted.
“I’m kidding, Joe.” Danny held up his head. “Hot dogs.”
Almost with a tad of non-belief, Joe nodded. “Hot dogs.”
“Yeah,” Frank said. “Danny made the mini ones. I want him to make bigger ones.”
“I was just telling Frank that’s impossible. I can’t make them bigger. I’m going on scraps here. I get what I can. Quality, you know. I give quality. Jerry from Meats hooked me up.”
Frank intervened, ‘But not much, just a little. You know, what meat really doesn’t get used.”
“A-huh.” Joe nodded.
“Frank,” Danny continued, “wants me to go to Jerry again, this time for more. I can’t go down again. He’ll think I’m nuts. Granted, I used what I got.”
“Danny I’m sure there’s a lot of bit and pieces they don’t’ use. That’s what you used before. Just don’t make them small. Make less but make them bigger.”
“I guess I could. Do you think there could be a demand, You know Joe Rules.”
“Demand?” Frank laughed. “My God, we’ll love them. My guys are looking for something like that while doing their rounds.”
“Hot dogs.”
“Hot dogs.” Frank nodded.
“Maybe I can. Joe, do . . .” He paused. “Frank?” Where did your father go?”
Frank shrugged. “He was probably bored. He never was much of a hot dog eater.”
“Don’t you think it was a bit rude?”
“Frank fluttered his lips. “It’s my Dad.
Joe’s head was still shaking when he walked away from Mechanics. He chuckled a little at where his thoughts went, if only briefly. Never in his life did he think he’d see the day when hot dogs were the reason for a secret meeting. Then again, Joe remembered, it was Beginnings.
^^^^
Jimmy’s hand rested on the lid of what looked like it used to be a metal suitcase. Jess worked diligently inside of the case. “Jess, are you sure it isn’t too fast, too soon?”
“Positive. You want to go home, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Weren’t you the one who wanted to leave right way?”
“That was before we led the Society to believe that Johnny was nearby, before we set up this whole scheme of chasing defectors that don’t exist, and before you supposedly decoded that message giving Johnny’s location. Too fast, Jess. It’s looking too easy.”
“It’s fine. Done.” Jess breathed out and moved from the case. “I told George this evening, we are going to get Johnny. Everything is set up. Get the Jeep ready behind that warehouse. We have the explosives, the troops that are our back up, and our witnesses. We’re fine.” Jess closed the case. “We go tonight.”
^^^^
Dressed full force, Hal and Elliott walked together in Beginnings. They both were in UWA attire, their boots were shiny, and they wore long black coats.
Hal questioned, “Did we or did we not just leave Beginnings not even six hours ago?”
“Captain, you agreed to meet with Danny Hoi.”
“That was before I knew Frank would have us plowing streets last night.”
“It was fun,” Elliott stated.
Hal paused. “Yes, yes, it was. I did rather enjoy the game of plow chicken on the access roads.”
“You do have to admit, you and Frank had Henry and Danny going about that perimeter.”
Hal laid is hand on his chest and, with a pleased look, opened his mouth slightly, trying to hold in the laugh. “I had to give it to Frank. He was the convincing one. I had a hard time keeping a straight face, especially when he told them if you go off the road, you fry. I can still see the look on Danny and Henry’s faces when they swerved.”
Elliott chuckled. “I couldn’t see their faces but the screams were funny. Wait.”
“What?”
“We’re meeting Danny right? What if it’s some sort of payback?”
“Nah.” Hal shook his head. “Robbie wasn’t there and Robbie is right . . . there.”
Elliott turned around. “Hey, Robbie.”
Robbie grinned. “Wow, don’t you two look official.”
“No, we always look official,” Hal corrected. “Right now, we look good.” He smiled. “Do you have any idea where this Hoi House Sounds Stage One is?”
“W
arehouse Nine.” Robbie gave a wave of his hand and led Hal and Elliott through the space between two warehouses. “Viola.”
“Good God. Does Dad know about this?” Hal asked as he saw the warehouse. It was painted bright blue and the sign out front read ‘Hoi House Sound Stage’. “Does Frank know there’s a guard out front? Why is there a guard?”
Robbie answered, “He’s not really a Frank guy. He’s Os-Oscar acting the rent-a-cop now.”
“Again, why?” Hal repeated.
Elliott tired to intervene, “Didn’t all TV studios have guards?”
Hal looked seriously at Elliott. “You’re attempt at sarcasm is noted.”
“Hal.” Robbie laughed. “Lighten up. I’m betting this is gonna end up being fun.”
“You’re right.” Hal nodded. “It is Danny. He is amusing and really, what can make it miserable?”
Question answered.
Dean harshly moved through Hal and Elliott. “Fuckin asshole blocking the way.” Shaking his head, Dean walked to the warehouse, spoke to Os-Oscar, then went inside.
“Well.” Hal exhaled. “Shall we go in?”
“Man, Hal.” Robbie shook his head. “He hates you.”
“I am well aware.” Hal approached the door.
“H-H-Halt.” Oscar held up his hand with clipboard. “Wh-who goes the-there?”
Hal blinked. “Me.”
“K-K-Ka” Oscar closed his eyes tightly, shook his head and lifted his views to Robbie. “I kn-know y-y-you. Y-ou c-c-can go n-n-n- in. Y-Y-You t-t-too.” He pointed to Elliott then checked the list. “Y-y-y . . . n-n-n” He closed his eyes again. “K-K-K-K. . . . K-K-K-K”
‘Yes?” Hal nodded.
“K-K-K-K-K . . . N-N-N . . .G-G-G-G.”
“Good God, man, spit it out.”
“Name,” Oscar stated proudly.
Again, Hal blinked. “Captain Hal Slagel.”
“G-G-G.”
Irritated, Hal reached for the door. “I’ll just go on in.”
Hoi House Stage One was decked out. ‘When did he do all this?’ was the thought that went through Hal mind. It was clean with plaster board was on the walls. A large stage took up the entire front of the building and a center aisle divided two sections of chairs in rows like a studio audience.
“Oh.” Danny walked off the stage. “You’re here.”
“Danny.” Hal looked around. He waved to Jenny who sat with Ben from Fabrics and Henry on the left. Dean sat by himself on the right hand side.. “Does my father know about this?”
“Sure. I think. If not, he will, right?” Danny said.
“Danny, you’re using his warehouse,” Hal stated, “not that it isn’t brilliantly done.”
“But I was authorized to use it by the leader of the community,” Danny defended.
“My father did authorize it?”
“Um . . . no.” Danny shook his head. “It was in those few days that I was leader it was authorized. Have a seat. You and Elliott sit by Dean, Robbie, over there with Jenny. Okay?”
“What’s going on?” Robbie asked as he made his way to the seat.
“Yes,” Hal said as he sat next to Dean. “I’d like to know that . . .” He paused when Dean huffed, stood up and moved a chair away. “Also.”
Danny grinned. “It’s pretty big and good. We have to wait for the man of the hour.”
Boom. The door to the warehouse opened. “Whoa!” Frank stepped inside. “I feel the performer in me coming out.”
Hal rolled his eyes and leaned to Elliott. “We hear the performer in him all the time.”
“Hey!” Dean snapped. “You know, I would appreciate you not talking about Frank.”
“Yeah.” Frank nodded and walked up the aisle. “Danny, this is fuckin awesome.”
“It is,” Danny agreed. “Have a seat next to Elliott, Frank.”
“I’m not getting on stage?” Frank asked shocked.
“Not yet,” Danny said. “We . . .”
“Soon?” Frank began to sit down.
“Soon.” Danny clapped his hands together once “Now . . .”
Frank stood up.
“Frank?” Danny asked. “What?”
“You said now.”
“Yeah.”
“So now?”
“Now what?” Danny questioned.
“Get on the stage,” Frank said.
“No.” Danny shook his head. “Not yet.”
“Oh.” Frank sat down. “Soon?”
“Soon.” Danny nodded, “Okay.’ Pleased, he exhaled. “Now . . .”
Frank stood up.
“What, Frank?”
“You said now.” Frank walked to the aisle.
“Not now as in now, now is in now. Understand?” Danny asked.
“No.”
Hal grumbled. Robbie laughed.
“Just sit down,” Danny informed politely,. “I’ll let you know when. Okay? I’ll let you know when I mean now.”
“Okay.” Frank gave a thumbs up.
“We’ll begin.” Danny regained that pleased look. “Now . . .”
Frank stood up.
Hal’s hand dropped to his leg with slap. “Good God, Frank, sit down!”
“Hal! Fuck! He said now!” Frank blasted. “Right, Danny?”
Danny was ready to shake his head, but he didn’t. “Correct. Get on stage, Frank.”
“Oh, yeah, I’m a star.” Pointing a taunting finger at Hal with a ‘ha, I told you’ Frank walked up to the stage. “Now what?”
“Pace,” Danny instructed. “Walk across once. I want to see if it’s roomy enough.”
Nodding, Frank walked from one side of the stage to the other. “Feels good.”
“Thanks, Frank.”
“No, problem.” He stepped off of the stage and went back to his seat.
Still feeling uneasy about using the word ‘now’, Danny went safe and started with . . . “All right.” He had their attention. “There is a reason I called all of you here and I’m gonna tell you. As you know, DBS, or Danny Broadcasting System, will be operational in two days. Linked through an airwaves communication system, we have seven receiving TVs set up in here. Jordan is too far right now to receive the signal. Three in Beginnings . . . Yes, Hal?” Danny saw him raise his hand.
“Where are the locations? I haven’t seen any.”
“Oh, we put them in today. They are located at the clinic, Containment, and the Social. In Bowman, They are at Danny Bucks, Hoi-Hoi on the Range, and the mess hall.”
Frank saw Hal writing. “You’re taking notes.”
Hal merely gave a scoffing look. “Put it this way, Frank. It’s for when you ask later.”
“Danny.” Frank spoke up. “I have a TV in my house. Will that work?”
“No,”“ Danny answered. “I don’t have enough links. However, I am able to tap into the old cable lines still in existence in New Bowman and Jordan. In Beginnings, I’d have to run lines. That would have to wait until this summer. But, Joe willing, I can get Bowman cable ready by the week’s end. Back to what I was saying and why you are here. Three shows so far have been planned. I am taking applications for other shows as well so if you have an idea, submit your proposal to me. Dean, I’m hoping you’ll do a science guy kind of show.”
Frank lifted his hand. “If he doesn’t, can I?”
“Um . . . sure, Frank.” Danny continued, “The three shows are the news at ten, that’s at night and will be the last program, the Hoi Hour talk show, and the reason you’re here.”
Curiously Frank looked about. “He’s having a show about us sitting here?”
Danny chuckled. “Close but no. You eight are here because I would like you to be the first participants in my new weekly game show.”
“Oh! Oh!” Frank said excited, “Yes I am Mr. Game Show. Yes!”
Hal received a quizzical glance from Elliott. “That is true, Elliott. He is.”
A mumble of excitement took over the room and everyone had a question to ask.
&nbs
p; “Wait. Wait.’ Danny lifted is hand. “Let me explain. First, you eight are the best and can be the best representation of what I want the game to be. There will be two teams. The first team will play round one. The winner of that round will go on to play the winner of the second team. Eventually, down the road, we’ll have a big play off. Now the point of each round is to eliminate your team mates.”
Frank had to question, “By killing them?”
Amongst the moans, Danny shook his head. “No.”
Frank nudged Dean. “Too bad, Dean. You’re out of luck with Hal.”
“Continuing,” Danny said. “Frank, Hal, Elliott, and Dean are team one. Robbie, Jenny, Henry, and Ben from Fabrics are team two. Team one will play first. Your names will be placed on a wheel. When it is you turn, you spin,” Danny explained slowly. “Whose ever name it lands on will write a secret, or something you know about them, on a slip of paper and slide it to that person. If that person doesn’t want to have it said over the air, he will say ‘I give’. If he says, ‘I give’, then he or she is out. We’ll do this until we have one remaining person from that team. For example, if Hal spins the wheel and it lands on Elliott, Hal would write an Elliott secret. If Elliott doesn’t care, Hal says it. If Elliott doesn’t want it said, he is out.”
Elliott raised his hand. “What if the Captain has nothing to say about me?”
“Then the Captain would have to pass,” Danny answered. “You only get three passes then you’re out. Understand?” Danny received nods. “The winner of team one will meet the winner of team two in a game show style quiz for points.”
Robbie, who had been silent, spoke up. “What’s the name of the game show?”
Danny answered proudly, “I Give.”
Frank stared. “You give?”
“No, I Give,” Danny corrected.
“That’s what I said,” Frank came back. “The name of the show is You Give?”
“No,” Danny shook his head. “I Give.”
“What?”
“Excuse me?” Danny asked.
“You give what?”
Both Hal’s hands slapped up to his own face. “It’s Abbot and Costello.”
“No, Hal.” Frank shook his head. “It’s he gives.”
The Next Ten: Beginnings Series Books 11 - 20 Page 362