“Oh, yeah.” Frank nodded.
Shaking his head and moving back toward the truck, Hal stopped. “My God, look at this place.” He pivoted left to right. “It is absolutely …” Hal peeped out a shriek. “No wonder you came up here all the time, Frank. You loved dinosaurs.”
“Yeah, I did.” Frank nodded. “What does that have to do with it?”
Hal chuckled. “Right.”
Frank leaned to Robbie. “What’s he mean?”
Robbie whispered, “He’s referring to the Davidson Archeology dig site.”
“Where?” Frank asked.
“Good God, Frank. Over there,” Hal gasped. “You mean to tell me you been coming here for years and you never noticed the large hole with dinosaur bones?”
“There’s a hole with dinosaur bones?” Frank turned. “Oh my God, look at that. Robbie, did you see?”
“Um, yeah, Frank. I can’t believe you didn’t.”
Frank shrugged. “Sometimes you just don’t notice things.”
Joe stepped into the conversation. “All these years and you never once questioned the Davidson Archeology trailer up here?”
“I thought it was construction,” Frank said.
“The word ‘archeology’ didn’t tip you off?”
“I thought it was an old construction site.”
Perturbed, Joe shook his head. “Get the goddamn bags.”
“Weapons. I’m weapons,” Frank corrected.
“Whatever,” Joe stated with aggravation, but then he stopped. He reminded himself right then of why he was there. A family getaway just like old times and like it or not, the fights, the dumb comments, and the miserable moods were all part of the old times that Joe loved.
***
George Hadley had just finished looking at the time frame for his trip to Lodi. Evening was the estimate of arrival and that wasn’t bad. He went there for two reasons. Planning on presenting a peaceful front, George needed to walk through the iron wall of Lodi, Ohio. The first was to negotiate whether they join the Society, leave, or face the consequences. The other reason was Johnny.
It was a big day for George. A lot was going on and if it wasn’t for Johnny being in Lodi, George wouldn’t leave his post at Quantico. But seeing Johnny, determining what he was actually doing in Lodi, and getting Johnny back was foremost.
Bertha Callahan, George’s right hand woman, gave a nod to George as she held the phone to her ear.
“We have him on the line. Shall I put him on speaker phone?” she asked.
“How’s the connection?”
“Fuzzy.”
George shook his head. “No, be the go between. The static will drive me nuts. What’s he got?”
“He says the Slagel clan have arrived at the site and are unpacking now,” she informed. “But he says they look like they brought a small armory. Are they expecting trouble?”
George chuckled. “Nah, that’s just the Slagel clan. How many men do we have positioned and ready to hit that camp?”
Bertha answered, “One-seventy.”
George nodded. “Plan of attack?”
Bertha presented the question over the phone then transferred the response to George, “The terrain aids, but he wants to keep a few men on the outskirts in case of trouble. Otherwise they want to draw them all out into the open, and then once they are out, show the Slagels that they are outnumbered.”
“Surrounding them completely?”
“Yes,” Bertha answered. “Execution?”
George took a moment to think. “Open fire on them?” George shook his head. “No. There’s a chance that the Slagels can scatter. Give any of them a chance and we’ll have problems. Remember how many of our guys the three of them took out last time? Frank and a small armory …Tell him to take the big guy out. Take out Frank first but before the defensive side of the clan kicks in. Let’s not let them think it’s an execution. Make it a believable hostage situation. If they think they’re gonna be taken hostage, they’ll start planning a course of action for that.”
“Then surprise them with open fire?” Bertha said.
“Yes, after …”
She nodded. “We take out Frank.”
“Got it.” George winked. “Oh, Callahan, any word on where Jimmy Slagel is?”
“Our scouts arrived near Beginnings and haven’t spotted them.”
“Good. Good. Hopefully he’ll be far away. Yeah. I want a hell of a homecoming for him but I want to make sure he comes home after we take out his family. The last thing we need is another Slagel up there. Then we could possibly be outnumbered.”
Bertha snickered. “You’re joking.”
Very seriously George looked at her.
“You’re not.” She exhaled slightly then began to give instruction over the phone.
George monitored the conversation but only until Steward walked in.
“It’s not good,” Steward Lange said. “I’m still getting Chief Manis’ fax machine. Maybe you should have said something when Johnny picked up.”
“That wasn’t an option. Johnny can’t know that I know he’s there. A fax machine,” George scoffed in irritability. “Unbelievable. The open means of communication for a shit little town is a fax machine. Well you know what we need to do then.”
Steward shrugged, “Um, fax them?”
“You got it,” George said. “Get a letter together and fax them. Tell Lodi and their Chief Manis we’re on our way.
***
Jimmy slid his hand across his fluttering stomach as the helicopter lowered down on a deserted street outside of New Bowman. He looked out the window and tried not to show any nervousness.
“Sick?” Jess Boyens asked.
“Um, no.” Jimmy smiled and then turned to John Matoose as he shut off the gears. “Good flying job.”
“Thanks,” John replied, “Well, I’ll head down to dispensary, get you some equipment, and then I’ll take you out to where your family is.”
Jess asked, “Jimmy, you don’t mind us bringing you here instead of Beginnings, do you?”
“No.” Jimmy shook his head. “I wanted to get cleaned up. It doesn’t matter where.”
“Good.” Jess smiled, “Ask John. Your dad will have a fit if the people in Beginnings meet you first.”
John agreed with a chuckle. “They’d never let Joe live it down.”
Jess continued, “At least here, no one will rub it in.” Jess opened the chopper door. “Shall we?”
Jimmy only nodded. New Bowman was his last stop and the nearer he drew to seeing his family again, the more his body felt it.
The cook on duty fell asleep and a huge batch of Oodles of Dan noodles burned, which wouldn’t have been that much of a disaster, but lunch was running behind. A mess hall problem was the last thing Elliott Ryder needed to deal with but he paused in his schedule to do so.
Elliott ripped a sheet from his clipboard, and handed it to Sgt. Owens as they walked. “Why does everything need the Captain’s approval when the Captain is gone?”
“Murphy’s law.” Owens shrugged.
“I guess.”
“And what about … you know.”
Elliott stopped walking. “Did you find out why the Beginnings chopper landed here? Is there a problem in Beginnings?”
“I assume not. You’re evading my question,” Owens said.
“That’s because I don’t want to make the decision.”
“It has to be made.”
Elliott contemplated. His physical movements showed his hesitation. He took off his red bandana and scratched his dark hair then fiddled with the goatee. “What would you do?”
“What would I do?” Owens snickered. “Shoot them. They need shot.”
“Both of them?”
“Both.”
Elliott exhaled. “Has Blue taken a look at them?”
“Sgt. Ryder, they are dying. It doesn’t take a medical professional to see that. They have these lesions now all over their …”
El
liott held up his hand. “But is shooting them the answer? Isn’t there some other way to put them out of their misery?
“You know if the Captain was here he’d say,” Owens deepened his voice. “Good God, Elliott, they’re not humans. They’re horses. It’s the way of the wild. Buck up.” He gave a slap to Elliott’s back.
“Buck up? I don’t believe the Captain would say buck up, but you’re right. Do it.”
“Got it.” Owens nodded then turned. “Oh, hey, Matoose is here with two men. You can ask him why he landed. It looks like …” He squinted. “Boyens. Can’t be.”
Elliott spun sharply and quickly. “Jess?” He looked closer. “It is.” Blindly he handed Owens the clipboard and made his way toward John, Jess, and Jimmy.
“Elliott!” Jess called out brightly and hurried his way. “Oh, man, it’s good to see you.”
Elliott gave a warm embrace to Jess. “I see now why John landed,” he said, referring to Jess’s presence.
“Yeah.” Jess grinned. “Isn’t this great?”
“Yes, it is,” Elliott replied. “John, good to see you.”
“Thanks,” John smiled. “Hey, I hate to be rude, but I have to check in with Danny and let him know the situation. Can I use your office?”
“Absolutely,” Elliott told him. “Go on.” Elliot waited until John started walking away then faced Jess and Jimmy. “Are you going to introduce me to this …”
“Jimmy, this is Elliott Ryder,” Jess introduced.
Jimmy extended his hand. “Jess has told me about you. You look familiar to me.”
“I have one of those faces.” Elliott said, nearly evasive, and then turned to Jess. “Is he staying here or are you taking him to Beginnings?”
“Eventually Beginnings,” Jess replied, “but you know what has to be done first.”
Elliott nodded. “Yes, I do.”
Jimmy spoke up, “Ryder.”
“Yes.” Elliott nodded.
“Why do you look and sound so familiar to me?” Jimmy asked.
“I don’t know.” Elliott surged then turned attention to Jess again. “Shall we process him?”
Jess chuckled, “Joe probably would want it anyhow. You know Joe.”
Elliott agreed with a smile. “Yes we do.”
Jimmy added, “He’d really want to process me like a straggler?”
Passively nodding, Elliott answered, “Joe is a stickler. It doesn’t matter how clean and well mannered you are, he processes everyone. He even processed the Captain.” He exhaled. “Well, I must be going.”
Jess looked quickly at Elliott. “I have to say you do shock me. I thought you’d be more excited right now.”
“It’s been a rough day. Perhaps later.” He glanced at his watch. “I’ll catch up with you later, Jess.” He nodded at Jimmy. “Jimmy, nice to meet you.” Elliott turned and started to walk.
“Got it.” Jimmy snapped. “Chico?”
Elliott stopped and turned slowly around. “What … what did you say?”
“Chico,” Jimmy said. “Your nick name on the Christmas cards and letters. Hal called you Chico. That’s how we know you. Is that right?”
“Yes, but … how … how would you know this?” Elliott asked and stepped closer.
Jimmy laughed. “He talked about you a lot. You guys were friends or am I mistaken? Of course, I wouldn’t put it past my brother to make up the whole …”
“Uh!” Elliott shrieked. “Brother?”
“Yes,” Jimmy nodded.
“Who?”
“Hal, Frank, Robbie …”
“Jimmy?” Elliott stated shocked and with a point. “Jimmy Slagel?”
Jimmy snickered. “Yeah, I thought …”
“Uh!” Elliott shrieked.
Jess held his one ear closed. “You learned that from Frank. Elliott, why are you so shocked? Didn’t you know?”
“No!” Elliott snapped. “I hadn’t a clue. Oh my God.”
“No wonder you weren’t excited,” Jess stated.
“No wonder.” Elliott placed his hands on Jimmy’s arms and squeezed, “Jimmy,” he gasped. “Wait until the Captain finds out. How did you …”
Jess interrupted, “Long story. Right now we want to get him cleaned up, weaponed up, and take him close enough so he can walk right into the middle of the little family vacation.”
Jimmy grinned. “I’m back. I’m home so I’m gonna surprise them.”
Elliott closed his eyes, still clenching Jimmy. “And what a welcome surprise it would be. You, Frank, Hal, Robbie …” Suddenly Elliott’s eyes popped open. “Oh my God! We’re in trouble.” Elliot knew his statement was absolutely correct when, in response, Jimmy gave that typical, arrogant, Slagel grin.
***
Prior to the world going bad, Margaret Hadley had graced the cover of nearly every single magazine and periodical published in the world. The ‘Outstanding Woman’, the “First Lady’, she was once named America’s Feminist movement worst female nightmare for her antics and playing the part of a woman.
Margaret had the reputation of being beautiful, slim, and age defying. Younger than her husband, George, Margaret appeared even younger after being cryogenically frozen. As George approached sixty-three, Margaret turned fifty.
She didn’t look it.
However, standing in Dean’s lab, she looked tired. She pulled at her eyes as she stared at her reflection in the mirror above the lab sink. She kept puckering her lips.
“In case you’re wondering,” Dean said. “I’m back in the lab.”
Startled, Margaret stepped back. “Maybe I’ll talk to Danny Hoi about reinventing cosmetics.”
Dean snickered, “It’s been done. Henry reinvented eye makeup and lately, four shades of lipstick.” Dean laid a folder on the counter. “Or is it five? I don’t know.” He shrugged.
Margaret faced him. “So why when I asked Andrea about makeup, she replied, ‘Women paid a hefty price with their bodies to have makeup brought back for them on a run so don’t expect sharing.”
Dean laughed. “Andrea is funny with you. Go see Danny or Jenny.”
“Jenny hates me.” She pulled up a stool and, with exasperation, sat down. “All of a sudden, all of the women hate me. I tried to distinguish myself from George.”
“It’s not George, it’s Andrea,” Dean said. “She’s threatened by you. Andrea has the reputation of being the queen around here, mother to all. You are a strong woman and she sees that as a threat. Don’t worry.” Dean pulled a stool and joined Margaret in sitting by the counter. “It’ll pass. Even though you’ve joined us a bit ago, you’ve not been around. You’ve been with your son. So … in an essence, you’re still new.”
“And getting special treatment?” Margaret asked.
“Somewhat.” Dean slid the folder between them and exhaled. “Good news. Sort of. Preliminary shows we’re off and running and it could work.”
“So I’m exuding …”
“Perfect levels.” Dean nodded. “Still good. In fact, physically and medically, you’re in great shape.”
“You’re sure it will work?” she asked.
“Are we talking medically or are we talking scenario?”
“Both.”
“Yes. Both should work. Hey.” Dean lifted a finger. “You’re the one who brought up contingency plans and having a back up. You just … you kind of took on the backup role. If not you, who else? No one can know what’s going on or the truth behind it. No one.”
Margaret nodded. “It will look, how can you say, all natural.”
“Yep.” Dean closed the folder.
“What happens, and it will, when it works? What’s the cover story?”
“I have an idea.” He winked.
“It could cost you personally.”
“I realize that, but the end result will get it all back, don’t you think?” He smiled. “So, step one. Testing. Complete.”
“When do we move to step two?” she asked.
“Soon. In fact, v
ery soon. You’re at a perfect time. On my end, I’ve been ready. Any longer and it will no longer be viable.”
“Can I asked what would have happened if I didn’t become your back up?”
“Anyone from Beginnings is out so, basically, I would have had to scrap it.”
“You worked so hard. You’ve accomplished …”
“I know.” Dean stopped her. “But the work I did wasn’t sanctioned by anyone. I did the work on my own. Ellen doesn’t even know about that part of it. Joe … Joe would have a fit.”
“So we do this soon?” Margaret asked.
“Soon. Tonight even. You up for it?”
Margaret’s hand slapped the counter with enthusiasm. “I’m up for it. My legs and body are open for you.”
Mid laughing, Dean stopped when he heard the clearing of a throat and looked up to see Andrea staring into the lab. “Andrea.”
“Sorry to … interrupt,” Andrea said with a hint of attitude. “I was just stopping by. Jenny has all the kids and she and I are dining with your children, Dean. Are you joining us tonight?”
“Uh …” Dean’s eyes shifted from Andrea to Margaret, then back to Andrea. “Not tonight. I have plans.”
“I see,” Andrea gave a half-smile ‘Have a good time. Dr. Hayes.” She nodded. “Mrs. Hadley.” Turning, Andrea walked off.
Margaret shivered “A chill.”
“Andrea.” Dean tilted his head.
“You realize you may have inadvertently started a cover story.”
“Yes, I do. Though I hate to admit it,” Dean said, “but with Andrea meeting Jenny tonight,” “we may have started the cover story with the best one.”
CHAPTER TWO
The fire snapped and caught, igniting the start of a soon to be roaring flame. Joe removed the poker, set it down, and rubbed his hands before the fireplace. “Now that’s a good fire.” He backed up and sat down next to Ellen on the small bench in the living room. “Isn’t that a good fire?”
“Excellent.” Ellen looped her arm through Joe’s and leaned on him. “This is great.”
“All you have to do is get settled.” Joe nodded. “Settled. Once everyone gets settled, tension lessens. It was always that way. You know that.”
The Next Ten: Beginnings Series Books 11 - 20 Page 382