And Then ... Farewell (Beginnings Series Book 22)

by Jacqueline Druga

  Callahan set down her papers. “What’s up?”

  “That was Joe Slagel.”

  “And are we becoming friends, since?”

  “Ha, ha, ha. No. Seems Mike Manis hopped a Harley and is on his way here to kill me.”

  The indifference presented in George’s tone stumbled Callahan back with the weight of the words he conveyed. “This is not a joke?”

  “Nope.”

  “Permission to proceed making necessary preparations for actions, sir.”

  “What do you have in mind?”

  Bertha fumbled. “I … just ... I need a moment to register all this.”

  “It’s one man.”

  “It’s a threat to you and we need to take it seriously.”

  “I am,” George shrugged.

  “Sir, any perimeter can be breeched no matter what precautions …”

  “Robbie Slagel is flying down.”

  “And that means what to me?” Bertha asked.

  “It means he’s gonna try to cut him off at the pass, if not, he’ll land here and work with you.”

  “Why do I need Robbie Slagel?”

  “Because Beginnings wants him alive.”

  “If I may?”

  George nodded. “Go on.”

  “If Manis breeches the perimeter, steps foot onto this base with a weapon, he is a threat and I will eliminate him.”

  “As I would expect, that is your job. If you were a police officer in the old world and an intruder came in my home to kill me, you’d do the same thing.”

  “So why do we care or need Robbie here.”

  “We don’t. But I think it’ll be interesting to see who gets it done first. Mike, you, Robbie or me.”

  “You?” Callahan asked. “Sir, you will be moved from Quantico …”

  “Bull shit Callahan, I’m not going anywhere. I’m not running. I didn’t get to be President or decorated by high tailing it. I know it is my responsibility as leader to stay alive, but I can do that without running or hiding. And if he finds me, if he approaches me. I will handle it just as you would or anyone else for that matter.”

  “Can we keep you under watch?”

  George nodded. “If you wish.”

  “When are we to expect Mike?”

  “He should be arriving in the next several hours if not sooner. They estimate three.”

  “Permission to leave to create a plan.”

  “Permission granted.”

  Callahan nodded once, turned, grabbed her things and left the office.

  George though, he sat back. There was a look of ‘pleased’ on his face as he twirled a pencil in his hand and reflected on the challenge of Mike Manis.

  ***

  Joe didn’t give much thought to it until Frank said he had him watched twenty-four seven. Who was guarding him? Joe looked over his shoulder four times, and didn’t spot a soul. He ended up saying. ‘Fuck it’ either Frank didn’t have a guard on him, or there was and Joe looked really silly.

  He snatched a flyer regarding the romance lecture, and cringed at Andrea telling him he had to prepare his own meal, she had goodies to cook for the lecture.

  But the flyer, the surveillance, Andrea weren’t the reasons Joe crossed center town. He headed to the clinic.

  If someone was to ask him why he was heading to the clinic, he would say, “I don’t know.”

  There wasn’t any business, and Joe sought the channels of his mind to find a reason.

  Pure and simple his reason was Johnny.

  He walked unnoticed down the hall of the clinic, made the right and headed to the rooms.

  He didn’t need to ask what room Johnny was in; the guard posted outside told Joe that. He approached the door.

  A UWA guard stood there.

  “Sir,” he snapped to attention.

  Would Joe ever get used to that? He doubted it. He nodded an at ease.

  “How are things?” He asked the guard.

  “Quiet.”

  “Anyone ask about whose in there?”

  “No, sir?”

  Melissa’s voice stirred Joe. “Did you need a progress report, Joe?” Melissa asked.

  Joe turned and faced her. He moistened his lips in his minds own anticipation of a response. After a breath, he closed his mouth tightly, “No. No. Just checking on security. Thanks.”

  “You sure, Joe?”

  “Positive, thanks.” He gave a squeeze to Melissa’s arm, placed his hands in his pockets and walked away.

  From his hospital bed it woke him. The sound of his grandfather’s voice. It made his insides twist and turn, and heart race. Johnny sat up, “Pap.” He muttered. Looked around. The door was closed. He did hear him. He did. He tried to stand, but couldn’t. “Pap?” his voice echoed in the room. “Pap. Pap-Pap please. Don’t go.”

  About ten feet down the hall Joe stopped. He completely stopped. At that point he didn’t see the look on Melissa’s face. A look that waited, and actually reflected a hurt. She whimpered out a “Joe?”

  Closing his eyes tightly, Joe ran his hand over his mouth. He heard Johnny call his name one more time, and after a painful shake of his head, doing one of the hardest things he ever had to do, Joe walked on.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Again … back in Bowman. Hal was grateful fuel really wasn’t an issue for the ten mile jaunt. He stayed behind to speak to Jimmy then him and Danny, grabbed a bite to eat and headed back. Admittedly he wanted to go back home to stay. He didn’t even feel like going to his office though he knew he had to check in some time. After dropping off Danny at Elliott’s camera training, he proceeded to go home, only calling Elliott on the phone.

  “Thanks, Elliott,” Hal said. “I’m just gonna grab a rest and I’ll do your evening rounds. No, No, I’m sure.” He shut the truck door. “Talk to you then.” As he placed the phone away, he paused, grinned, and waved, mouthing the words, “Hello Elliott.”

  Probably slap happy from limited rest, Hal reached for the door that led to his apartment.

  He didn’t expect to see Frank sitting on the steps.

  “Frank?” Hal said with surprise and closed the door. “What are you doing here?”

  “Waiting for you.”

  “You didn’t go to my place?”

  “Nah, here’s fine.” Frank exhaled.

  “You all right?”

  “Yeah, I wanted to talk to you.”

  Hal looked out the door. “Where’s your jeep?”

  ‘Not out there.”

  “How … how did you beat me here?”

  “You drive like an old lady,” Frank said. “Besides, I ran.”

  “Good God, I cannot get used to be the real life bionic man.”

  “Bunny man.” Frank winked. “Jackrabbit.”

  “Doesn’t matter it’s unnatural.”

  “It’s faster to run.”

  “For you.” Hal led the way up the staircase. “What’s up?”

  “I don’t know if you’re the one to talk to, but I’m gonna try. You sometimes give good advice.”

  Hal hesitated in taking a step, “Thank you for that.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “What’s up?” Hal continued up the stairs, stopping at his apartment and opening the door.

  “Dad was at the clinic.”

  “Is he sick?”

  “No.” Frank said. “He went to see Johnny.”

  He tried to not show his shock over it, but Hal paused in opening the door. “Do we know why?”

  “He said to check on security.”

  “You don’t buy it.”

  “No.”

  “Did Dad tell you this?” Hal asked. “Did you want something to drink?’

  “Can you make some of that coffee?”

  “Sure,” Hal walked to his kitchen. “So did Dad tell you?’

  “No.” Frank responded. He could hear Hal clanking about and in his readying to say more, he saw it. A picture of all of them when they were young. “This is a great picture.�
� Frank lifted it.

  “What was that?” Hal emerged from the kitchen.

  “This picture. It’s great. Look at how long your hair was.”

  “I know.” Hal grinned looking over Frank’s shoulder. “Now, big brother. What is it?”

  “Mark from security is following Dad, which by the way, he said Dad was trying to spot him and was pretty funny about it. Dad kept looking over his shoulder.”

  “He must think your posted guard is a wonder.”

  “I train the best.”

  “Did you bother to tell Dad that Mark was wearing the Iffy suit?”

  “No.” Frank smiled.

  “That was a great idea on your part.”

  “The suits are fuckin great. Anyhow, Dad went in. Didn’t go in the room. Checked with the guard and left.”

  “And the problem with that was?”

  “Mark said he was upset.”

  “Why?” Hal asked.

  “Johnny … Johnny was calling for him.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Frank ran his fingers across the table. “From what I heard, it really bothered Dad. Johnny was calling out to him to stop. Dad didn’t.”

  “Does this bother you?”

  “What? That Dad didn’t stop? No.” Frank shook his head. “I did the same thing. I never spoke to my … to Johnny the whole time in Lodi. It’s just that... why does it seem easy to forget all that he has done, Hal?”

  “He’s your son, Frank. Your flesh and blood.”

  “I know. But that doesn’t take away what he did.”

  “No, it doesn’t. But it still doesn’t change facts.”

  “I know.”

  Hal stared at Frank. “You ran here, Frank for a reason.”

  “Exercise.”

  Hal tilted his head.

  “Venting. Answers. I don’t know. There’s times, you’re good to talk to. There’s times I just want to … get your take on things.”

  “Are you feeling bad for not talking to him?”

  “Would it make me wrong to say I am feeling bad?”

  Slowly, Hal shook his head ‘No, big brother, it’s your kid. It makes you human.”

  “Fuck that, I don’t want to be human.”

  “Believe it or not, there is some debate with that issue on whether or not your really are.” Hal pointed back with his thumb. “Let me get that coffee and we’ll talk.”

  “Sounds good.”

  Hal began to walk away.

  “Hal?”

  “Yes.”

  “What are you doing tonight?

  “Why?”

  “Well, there’s a lecture …”

  “A lecture?” Hal asked. “In Bowman?”

  “Beginnings.”

  “You’re kidding me. Beginnings is having a lecture.” Hal nodded. “Where is it at?”

  “The library.”

  Hal nodded impressed. “What’s it on. It isn’t anything inane like how to wear pink parkas is it?”

  “No. It’s hosted by Lars Rayburn and …”

  “Lars?” Hal questioned. “He wastes no time does he, working his knowledge in.”

  “He’s the expert.”

  “Hmm.” Hal folded his arms “I’d be interested in hearing what he has to say. You know see if he comes across less boring than Dean when Dean does lectures.”

  “I don’t even think Dean knows what he’s talking about when it comes to lecturing about this.” Frank said.

  “Frank, please, he has to, he wouldn’t have come as far as he did.”

  “True.” Frank nodded. “He just doesn’t seem like he knows.”

  “I’ll concur with that,” Hal chuckled. “I have to admit Frank; I’m surprised there’s a lecture on this at all.”

  Frank fluttered his lips. “Are you kidding me? Everyone is excited about it.”

  “Then he must be a captivating speaker.” Hal said. “And you want to go.”

  “Fuck yeah. I know people don’t expect me, Frank Slagel to be at a meeting like this. But I want to show my verified side.”

  “Diversified.”

  “What?”

  “You want to show you diversified side.”

  “That, too.” Frank said. “Plus, I figured you would know more than me in that department. Although I am pretty knowledgeable.”

  Hal chuckled. “Thank you Frank, although I don’t think I’m all that knowledgeable in that department.”

  “You admit that?”

  “Why not.” Hal shrugged. “There’s no shame in admitting when one has no experience.”

  “And here I thought that was a rumor.”

  “What was?”

  “That you weren’t experienced.”

  “In that? No. I probably could use the lecture.”

  “Good then we’ll go.”

  “Yes, and I think just to be impressive we should take notes.”

  “Good idea.”

  “I’ll get the coffee.”

  “Thanks.”

  “And Frank?” Hal smiled. “Thanks, this is going to be good. I like being able to do things with you. This will be different. Should we invite Jimmy?”

  “Nah. Just us. If he wants to go he can go.”

  “Good idea.” Hal smiled once more, turned and walked into the kitchen.

  Hal was a lot more agreeable than Frank expected and that ‘upped’ his mood, of all things, the last type of lecture Frank expected Hal to be enthused about was a romance lecture. But then again, Hal may have been looking at it as more of a bonding thing than anything else.

  ***

  When Robbie got the go ahead from Joe to fly to Quantico, he offered to call George himself, coordinate something, and eliminate the go between.

  It was the first time he had talked to Callahan and she was pretty indifferent about it all. Almost to the point where she didn’t want Robbie there. But she told him where to fly in, and what frequency to use. She also asked him to notify her if he intercepted Mike.

  Robbie agreed, but didn’t think he would. Had he been flying a chopper, it would have been different, but the plane made it difficult.

  Somewhere in his mind, he had it envisioned differently. Like flying around the states surrounding Montana. There actually was traffic, not much, but vehicles moving, in and around DC. Robbie scoped the back roads. No luck there either.

  There was still the chance that Mike had changed his mind, or created a ruse about going to DC. That was a chance, but Robbie doubted it.

  He headed straight to Quantico, not knowing what to expect on his landing other than he wasn’t being considered an unwelcome guest.

  “Eagle One, making my approach.” Robbie called out over the radio. “I see the landing strip up head. Over.”

  “Eagle One you are clear to land. Over.”

  “Roger that. Coming in now, out.”

  George monitored the radio and estimating flight time expected the call when it arrived. He was ready and waiting to greet Robbie Slagel.

  The ‘wait’ for him to arrive bred some conversation between him and Callahan regarding the relationship with Beginnings.

  The Society’s stance against Beginnings and vice versa had come to a standstill following the end of the game that entailed chasing Ellen across the country.

  The engagements that were once daily or at the very least weekly, started to subside when the savages emerged, and since have begun an unspoken cease fire between the two powers. There seemed to be a stand still on gaining control on the other’s side of the country.

  The only act of war committed was actually done by Lodi when George’s convey was on its way to monitor the ‘game’. He had actually even forgotten about that until Callahan reminded him.

  But there was something about Robbie Slagel’s pending arrival that made George happy. Admittedly, he enjoyed spending time with Henry when they monitored the game. He enjoyed working with Robbie when they took out savages.

  Callahan was just at a loss.

  Are they
the enemy or aren’t they.

  “You of all people should know,” George told her. “You can be at odds with a country yet have a friend inside.”

  Robbie wasn’t his friend, but of all the Slagels, George always liked Robbie.

  Who didn’t?

  The only grudge he had against him was the fact that he was a Slagel. George didn’t know Hal, but was willing to bet he didn’t like him. No one was quite like Robbie.

  The Society. For so long they were the enemy, and in a sense they still were. But the tides were about to change and Robbie could feel that.

  He was on the ‘other side’. The last time was the Savage Wars, and they worked together. This time wouldn’t be the last, and Robbie knew it. The impending Great War would bring them together again, and a part of Robbie felt, the good old days of fighting the Society were going to be a thing of the past.

  Bertha Callahan was not what he expected. He only figured it was Bertha because the Society farmed the women and Bertha, in uniform stood waiting by a jeep.

  Robbie finished securing the plane, and walked to the jeep. She stood about ten feet in front of it, a woman nearly his height and bulk. She extended a hand to him. “Mr. Slagel.”

  “Callahan.”

  “I’d refer to you as respective rank, but to the best of my knowledge the UWA is the only ones in the provinces that use a rank structure.”

  “Call me Robbie. But I was a staff sergeant prior to the plague.

  “Sgt. Slagel, I’ll call you.”

  “Thanks.” He released her huge hand. “I did a …” He paused in speaking when the jeep door opened and, to his surprise, George emerged.

  Robbie didn’t know how to react. George was the last person he expected to see on that runway.

  Did he look pleasant? Robbie wondered. Or was it just his imagination. Actually, to Robbie, George was presenting an air of ‘happy’ in his approach to Robbie, almost as if he was glad to see him.

  Robbie did his typical pucker of his lips, trying to muster up the appropriate look. The shock could have slammed him backwards when George, arm and hand extended, grinned, and spoke upbeat.