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

by Jacqueline Druga

  Ellen wiped the back of her hand across her face, smearing the tear, she turned around to see Dean who was standing in the cryo, hand across the back of his neck.

  “You okay?” Dean asked.

  Ellen nodded. “It’s just weird that’s all. To get this. I haven’t even checked my email.”

  “Wow, and he yelled at you.” Dean smiled. “How great is that?”

  Ellen smiled. “Pretty great. I just wish he was going to be here to see this experiment pull through.”

  “Me, too, El.”

  Ellen sighed out. “Back to the puppies.”

  Dean reached over and rubbed her shoulder. He leaned down, placing his lips to the back of her head. “Things will never be the same, El.” He stopped back with a sigh matching Ellen’s. “Back to the puppies.”

  ****

  “We spent the entire morning getting this thing together,” Danny said as he and Henry sat in Frank’s office. “It should work rather easily, but we’re backing it up with paper ballots.”

  “Each person registers on paper and through the computer,” Henry said. “Except for Jordan.”

  “Why not Jordan?” Frank asked.

  Danny replied. “They don’t have computers or want computers. We just shut down basic internet and computer use in the libraries of Beginnings, Bowman, Creedville, and Jordan town.”

  “And they’re set up as polling stations?” Frank quizzed. “What about poll workers?”

  Danny nodded. “I picked three from this community. Each leader had three poll workers chosen for their polls. We’re all meeting at Lincoln Hall at 8:00 pm with the paper ballots and Henry will bring the data together at 8. We’ll do the count.”

  “Danny can’t be there for the vote count.” Henry said. “He’s named on the ballot. We have Gemma and Creed as Voter officials.”

  Frank nodded. “Good. You guys did great getting this shit together so fast.”

  “Well, we had two days, wasn’t bad.” Danny said. “Anyone who’s interested, we will announce official results at Lincoln Hall at 10 PM, and have the official swearing in right after the announcement. You wanted no delay, there’ll be no delay.”

  Frank agreed. “That way I can help whoever gets elected tomorrow morning.”

  “Hopefully, whoever it is won’t need too much help.” Henry said.

  “What’s our official count of voters?” Frank asked.

  “We set the over sixteen rule,” Danny said. “That’s Beginnings law since early on for voting. 1,504 Doyle Camp, 221 Beginnings, 517 Bowman, 3,406 Creedville, 945 Jordan, total adult voters ... 6,593. What the turn out will be, I don’t know.”

  Frank whistled. “Holy Christ, did we fuckin grow or what?”

  “We grew,” Henry said. “Big time. Before I forget, Fr. O’Brien agreed to do the swearing in and agreed to be sober. If by chance he is not, and Jason doesn’t win, then Jason will swear the new leader in.”

  Danny added. “And just so we aren’t swamped in Bowman, DBS will broadcast the results to all communities. Jordan of course radio.”

  “We’re good to go, then.” Frank looked at his watch. “I wanted to vote and I have shit to do, so I want to get there when the polls open.”

  Henry smiled. “This is so old world, Joe would be proud of you.”

  "I think so,” Frank said. “Speaking of which ...” He lifted some on his chair and pulled out a paper. “Check this out,” He held it up. “I haven’t checked my email in days. Guess who sent me an email?”

  “No way,” Danny smiled. “Frank that’s great.”

  “Yeah, it’s more than a hello. Makes me wonder. Everyone got one.” Frank said. “My dad just said he was passing time. But I wonder if he knew something.”

  “Like psychic?” Henry asked.

  Frank shrugged. “I don’t know. But I want to see everyone’s note. Because mine is just too weird. Listen to this …”

  Frank,

  I hope by the time you read this that you are already married to Ellen. Do me a favor, son, in case you get this beforehand, let nothing, I mean, nothing stop this wedding. It is something we need as a family. I love you and Ellen both with all my heart. I love the whole lot of you more than life itself. I’m proud of you. I’ve had a good life, no regrets, and it’s been a full one. You made sure of it. I’m writing all my kids, but only putting this in your note. Frank, if something should happen to me, make sure that nothing changes. That Beginnings will not falter. That it won’t skip a beat in my passing. Make sure, Frank, for me, will ya. I trust you with our life’s work more than anyone else. I love you. You have not only been my son, but my right hand man more than you realize. …

  Frank paused …with a breath.

  “You Okay?” Henry asked.

  “Yeah,” Frank took another breath. “Here’s the weird part.”

  I hope this note was all in vain and we laugh about it later. I love you, Dad.

  Slow blinks and looks of shock graced Danny’s and Henry’s face as they stared at Frank over that last line.

  ****

  Hal,

  Just thought I’d write you an email to let you know you have always been my favorite. You have always shined in my eyes and never disappointed me. My other boys should wish they could walk in your shoes. Know you are always right. That you never made mistakes and were always the perfect child. You should have been named Joe. Love Dad.

  That was the first email, Hal saw them both.

  Hal,

  How’d you like that? I was sitting here pissing away time, writing emails, and I thought, what a perfect tool a ‘praise’ email would be for you. So, just to irk your brothers, so you can pull it out any time and use it, I wrote it for you. Just make sure you get the headers so that know it was really from me. Ha-ha. Knowing you, as I do, you’ll be just like me and hold that over your brother’s head. Especially Frank’s. How many times did we do that? How many times did you blame it on Frank and I knew. I knew the truth, but I let you get away with it, all because the look on your brothers’ faces were priceless. That was a demented joy you have given to me. You do well, son. There’s not much I can say. I’m proud of you. Really proud. That’s all for now. I love you, Dad.

  Like his brothers, Hal had printed the emails and kept them on him. He read them before entering the gymnasium. And he entered with a huge grin.

  Elliott approached him right away. “Captain, forgive me, are you drunk?”

  “Me, no.” Hal smiled. “I received an amazing gift, Elliott. Here.” He handed Elliott the emails.

  Elliott took a moment to read them. “Oh my God.” He laughed. “Your father played a practical joke.”

  “What a gift.”

  “I’m envious.” He handed the emails back.

  “As well as you should be. My mind is clearer.” Hal placed the emails in his pocket. “How are we as far as attendance goes?”

  “About two hundred.”

  Hal nodded impressed.

  “Do you know what you’re going to say?”

  “I do. Do you?”

  “No, I didn’t know I was speaking,” Elliott said.

  “You never know, Elliott. You should always be prepared. Then again, you are the man who just whips heart searing words off the top of his head.”

  “Heart searing words?”

  “Yes,” Hal grinned. “Shall we?”

  “After you,” Elliott motioned his hand.

  Hal stepped before his men. “Gentleman.”

  They all stood.

  “Please be seated,” He waited until they were in place. “Thank you for attending today. I wanted to have this opportunity to speak to you all personally, before voting commenced. Today … today is a very historic day in the United Western Alliance. We are, the United Western Alliance. Provinces of Beginnings. My father assumed leadership when Beginnings was established. He carried that well, and with each province, he branched out his leadership. Just like the old world, we five provinces are truly ruled individually, un
der one government. And just like all the states needed individual leadership to give the attention required, a leader to join them all was required. Just like now. One leader…” Hal held up a finger. “One top leader, a President of the union we have formed. Commander and Chief. There will be two questions posed on the ballot today, and I urge you to get out and vote. I know many of you are, and I know many of you are sustaining. Voting takes a moment. The two questions are the name of the title he or she shall hold, and the person who shall hold the position. We with the UWA have always referred to the leader of Beginnings as the president, yet they don’t, not all. I feel strongly that it needs to be established once and for all for history. Secondly, and very importantly is the leader. When you go in to cast your vote, I want you to think. I want you to think of individual leadership. I want you to think of overall leadership. Review in your mind who would best step into the shoes my father formed so honorably. Who knows the job? Who would you trust? Over two hundred years ago, our constitution and law was established. It was a beginning, and today, as we, like our forefathers, sit on the brink of war. Perched on the brink of fighting for this country, we, too must establish our historical and humble beginnings. Thank you.” Hal nodded and stepped back. “Sgt. Ryder is there anything you’d like to add.”

  “No, I’m good.”

  “You’re ... good.” Hal said. “Hmm.” He grinned then looked at the men. “Have a great day.”

  ****

  Ben from Fabrics set up a cappuccino stand right outside of Lincoln Hall. The hall, designed to hold 900 was filled to capacity before nine PM. With some quick adjustments, Hal opened up the gymnasium and Danny hooked up broadcast abilities.

  A place where the huge stage graced the end of the auditorium, where plays and concerts were once performed was buzzing. Danny had reserved seating for many people, especially the Slagels since it was their loss that caused the election.

  “Check in,” Frank spoke into his radio head set.

  “Bull in.”

  “Red Rover in.”

  “Ardent One in.”

  A few more rattled off their code names.

  “Eagle One,” Frank called out.

  “Positioned.”

  “Roger that. You good. Over.”

  “Catching a glare.”

  Frank stopped mid aisle, allowed people to pass and shifted his eyes to the stage. He caught the reflection of the spotlight off the scope. “Bull come in. Get a hold of the light people have them make a one o’clock adjustment on the red spotlight. Over.”

  “Roger that, I’m on it. Over.”

  “Out.” Frank lowered his headset mic when Hal approached.

  “Hey big brother,” Hal extended a handshake. “How’s it going?”

  “We’re secure. My guys are in position. Yours?”

  “Front, back and sides. I also had to send men to the gymnasium since we filled up here.”

  “Weird,”

  “Tell me about it. Speaking of weird.” Hal pointed.

  Ellen and Dean walked down the aisle.

  Ellen waved and moved quickly to Frank. “There’s nowhere to sit,” She said.

  “You’re up front. A Slagel row is reserved.”

  “Wow, I feel important,” Ellen said. “What about Dean?”

  Hal interjected. “He’s on his own.”

  “Oh, that is so wrong.”

  Frank partially smiled. “He can have my seat.”

  “Are you sitting?” Ellen asked.

  “Nah, I’m keeping things moving on security,” Frank said. “Okay?”

  “You sure?”

  “Yes. Go. Sit.” Frank instructed.

  Ellen tip toed up and kissed him. “Did … Andrea get here yet?”

  Frank shook his head. “Not yet.”

  “If you and Hal could keep an eye out on her. I’m worried,”

  “Why?”

  Dean answered. “She lost her husband Frank. She’s been laughing and giggly for the last few hours. Weird.”

  “Maybe she’s in shock.” Frank said.

  “That’s what I thought,” Dean replied. “I even spoke to Lars and Jason about it. You know, her lack of tears, emotions, and just snapping back to normal so quickly. But this is too quickly.”

  Hal questioned. “Could she be taking something?”

  “Possible.” Dean said. “I’ll keep an eye on that, but I need you guys to talk to her. I’m just concerned.”

  “Got it,” Hal said.

  Ellen took a step and stopped. “Frank, you don’t think anything will happen, do you?”

  “Nah.” Frank shook his head. “Just a precaution.”

  Ellen nodded her appreciation for his response and finished walking down the aisle with Dean.

  Hal turned to Frank. “As if you would tell her.”

  “I know.”

  “Do you think there’s a chance?”

  “Do you?’

  “Yeah, with Dad’s killer still on the loose and possibly sitting with Ellen.”

  “Doesn’t make sense, Dean it does and … Shh. Here comes Andrea.”

  Andrea smiled brightly. “Boys.” She kissed them both on the cheek. “Do you know where the seats are?”

  “Down front,” Frank pointed. “See Ellen and Dean.”

  “I’ll take you down, there,” Hal said.

  “Thank you, Hal.” Andrea lopped her arm through his.

  “Not a problem,” Hal led the way.

  When they arrived at the first row, and Hal indicated to the end seat, Andrea looked, turned her head and faced Hal. “There’s only one seat.”

  Hal partially smiled. “You only need one seat.”

  “But …” She looked to her left and huffed. “Well, don’t you blaspheme, you know I hate that.”

  “Andrea, I didn’t …”

  “Fine. Stand. I’ll sit.”

  “I fully intended on …”

  “You’re the one’s who’s been through an adjustment ordeal not me. Excuse me, Hal.” Andrea plopped down, folded her arms, crossed her legs and stared forward.

  Hal was a little taken aback by her behavior, he walked closer to her, and before he could crouch down and say anything, Andrea did.

  “No.” She whispered “Forget it. Don’t be absurd. Sit on your lap?”

  “I beg your pardon Andrea, I never made that suggestion. Are you Okay?” Hal asked.

  Andrea switched demeanor and patted Hal’s hand. “Not you, you’re a sweetheart.”

  “Not me? Then who wants you to sit on whose lap?”

  “Him.” Andrea point to the aisle.

  Hal looked across the row from Andrea. “Hap?”

  Andrea leaned forward. “Hap? Sweet Jesus not Hap. Him.”

  “Who?”

  “Your father.”

  At first Hal’s mouth opened, he released a forced knowing ‘ah’, nodded once, and laid his hand on her back. “I’ll leave you to resolve it then.” He smiled, turned, lost the grin, and went to Frank.

  “All situated?” Frank asked.

  “Um, Frank? I think we may have a problem.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Andrea … she …” Hal stopped to try to determine the best way to tell Frank. “She just said that she …”

  “If I can have your attention please,” Henry spoke over the auditorium speaker system.

  Both Frank and Hal turned toward the stage.

  “If I can have your attention,” Henry said.

  A mumble of voices drew into a silence, with a few coughs here and there, as Henry stood at the podium.

  “Will you please rise and join us as Elliott Ryder sings the National Anthem.”

  Everyone rose to their feet as Elliott took the stage. The soldiers in the room turned toward the flag and stood at attention.

  His lone voice was joined by few, as he solemnly sang the nation’s anthem. Loud, clear and emotional, Elliott sang out.

  When he was finished a rush of applause field the room and silen
ce once again entailed as Henry took the podium.

  “I never thought I would stand here, and be the one to deliver such a historical moment in Beginnings’ history,” Henry said. “When we first started Beginnings we never envisioned this. A general election. A new leader. A return to rules and democracy. Not like we didn’t have them, but now, we have been forced to do them. Joe Slagel would be proud. Tonight, we are going to swear in our new leader. A leader that will take us into the future we did all envision. Danny Hoi has set up what we believe to be a fair and balanced voting system. With the exception of Jordan all provinces used a backup system. Paper and computer. These results will be kept in History for anyone who wants to review.” Henry shuffled his notes. “I’m nervous.” He smiled. “The ballot contained names and an open section for those of you to fill in your nomination. The provinces have voted.” He spoke slowly. “6,274 people cast their voice today. The computer count was run three times and backed up with the count of paper ballots. The decision is overwhelming.” Henry’s voice echoed. “And I believe well deserved. There were a few fill in names here and there, but undeniably, and unmistakably, we united in one voice and called out our choice. For our new Leader …” Henry turned. “Frank Slagel.”

  Frank’s head cocked and he looked around as thunderous applause and cheers filled the room. “Wait.”

  Hal grabbed his hand then embraced Frank. “Congratulations, big brother. You can say it’s pretty much unanimous.”

  “I voted for you, Hal.”

  “And I voted for you.” Hal smiled. “You are the only choice here, Frank. You.”

  Frank dropped his voice. “I’m no leader of a country, Hal.”

  “I beg to differ; you are the leader of a country. Go …” Hal motioned his hand down the aisle.