“Toddlers,” Frank corrected.
“Whatever,” Dean said.
“No.” Ellen added. “They can’t.”
“Yeah, Dean,” Frank said. “They can’t.”
“I didn’t think they could either.”
“But they’re babies,” Ellen said.
“Toddlers,” Frank corrected.
“Whatever,” Dean said. “Think about this. They grow super-fast. What if reproductively they grow even faster? We have Marcus yeah, but we don’t know where he stands. He doesn’t have a mate. Fast reproduction would explain Ellen, why in the future there are so many and we are overrun.”
“No,” Frank shook his head. “They can’t. They’re gay.”
Dean’s head cocked and he looked at Frank. “Excuse me?”
“They’re fucking gay, Dean. Two men. Two women, Together.” Frank snickered. “That was good, huh? Anyhow, even I know two of the same sexes can’t have a baby.”
“But they’re gay?” Dean asked.
“Yeah.”
“Where are you getting that from?”
‘You.”
“I never said they were gay, Frank.”
“A-huh did too. You said.”
“No I did not,” Dean snapped.
“Dean, you did. You said they were bisexual.”
“What?” Dean laughed.
Ellen interjected. “Bisexual isn’t gay, it means they go both ways.”
“Like Henry?” Frank asked.
Ellen nodded.
Dean chuckled. “I didn’t say bisexual. I said asexual.”
Frank waved out his hand. “Same difference.”
“No it is not. God!” Dean barked.
“Doesn’t matter, still gay. If two men have sex they are …” he held out his hand waiting for an answer.
Dean answered. “Gay.”
“Two women having sex. El?” Frank asked.
“Gay.” Ellen nodded.
“Then two asexual having sex would be gay.” Frank nodded.
“I was referring to the fact that I didn’t think they had a sex determination,” Dean said. “They were neither male nor female.”
Frank fluttered his lips. “Even better. Two non-gender … Gay.”
Dean growled in frustration. “Ok. Why would you assume they were having sex?”
“Well, you can’t have babies if you don’t have sex.” Frank pointed to his temple. “And I saw them. I think. Yeah. Pretty sure. The day I got your coyote. I thought I saw two of them having sex.”
“Oh my God.” Dean stumbled back. “Do you know what this means?”
“Yes,” Frank said. “They’re gay.”
“No!” Dean snapped. “It means they could be reproducing.”
“Oh shit,” Ellen said. “Killer babies …”
‘Toddlers.” Frank corrected.
“Can you imagine,” Ellen continued. “Killer Toddlers having babies.”
“Fuck,” Frank blurted. “They have to be some small ass babies. Fuck. Now we have killer off spring. Which could be even more killer than the Killer Toddlers were when they were babies. I haven’t trained them.”
Dean said. “A new civilization.”
“What do we do?” Ellen asked.
“Find out for sure,” Dean replied. “And for that.” He turned to Frank. “Looks like you’re gonna have more than coyotes to look for up there.”
Frank grinned. “Oh, yeah.”
<><><><>
Robbie arrived in Bowman, just in time for the radio call that George was ready to land. He gave him coordinates and told him what to look for.
They spotted the plane fly overhead.
The signal that Hal and Elliott had to go to the landing strip.
“Frank said the housing is ready for him” Hal said as he drove. “You are to take him to Beginnings. Frank wants to meet with him first to determine exactly why he is here and what the agenda is.”
“Yes, Captain.”
“Frank would … no we all would like very much for you not to be far from his side. At least until we make that determination.”
“Understood Captain.”
“Are you nervous?” Hal asked.
“Absolutely, not,” Elliot responded.
Hal stopped the jeep, watching as it landed. “Well, I am. This is an unprecedented day for Beginnings and to be honest, Elliott, I’m not sure how to react.”
Elliott gave Hal a reassuring look, a partial smile and watched as the plane came to a stop.
Hal took a deep breath as he watched George step off the plane. George then went to the side and unloaded his bag. Hal and Elliott walked toward him.
The moment George saw them, George saluted Hal.
It took Hal aback, but he returned the Salute. “Mr. Hadley. Captain Hal Slagel.”
“I knew as soon as I saw you.” George smiled and shook his hand. “My God do you look like your father.”
“Thank you.”
“My condolences on your loss. I mean it.” He gave a squeeze to Hal’s hand.
A pause. A nod. “Thank you. May I introduce you to my right hand man? Sgt. Elliott Ryder.”
“Sgt. Ryder.” George shook his hand
“Elliott’s new role is one such as Nolan Howell’s when you were in office.”
Gorge nodded. “Secretary of State.”
“In a way. Yes, sir.” Elliott said.
Hal spoke, “Elliott will be taking you to Beginnings. You’ll be staying there.”
“Good. Good. I was hoping. I’m also hoping to just blend in for a while, like the old days. I’m here to discuss strategy, yes, but I want to take in Beginnings.”
“Absolutely,” Hal said “I know my brother has an early evening meeting planned. I’m not sure what his agenda is as far as taking you to see the other leaders. This was quite the surprise visit. We didn’t have much time to plan.”
“I understand.”
“I have some business to attend to here, and some training to overlook. But I’ll be in Beginnings shortly.”
“I look forward to it.”
“Well,” Hal exhaled. “Elliott, if you’ll drop me in town, then you can take Mr. Hadley to Beginnings.”
“Yes, Captain.” Elliott reached for George’s bag.
George stopped him. “I packed them, I loaded them, I can carry them. Thank you. Sgt. The ride and escort is plenty.”
“As you wish.” Elliott nodded, turned and began to walk with Hal.
George followed. “Oh, Captain. There is one request. I’m not sure if you or your brother can meet.”
“And that is?” Hal asked.
“Above all else. Before anything else …I’d really like to see my wife.”
It was a request they didn’t expect. Hal nodded. “We’ll see what we can do.”
<><><><>
Hal bid a pleasant farewell to Elliott and George as they dropped him off in New Bowman just near a training section of the town. But Hal needed to get something from his office and turned around, heading there.
He was surprised as he passed the mess hall and saw his brother Robbie in there. Robbie was alone, sitting at a table eating.
Hal again, two steps back, opened the door to the mess hall and went in. “Robbie.” He called out pleasantly.
“Oh, hey, Hal.” Robbie looked up.
“Not heading back to Beginnings yet?”
“I was,” Robbie replied. “But when I found out they were having Oodles of Dan Noodles I had to stop in.”
Hal chuckled as he sat down. “They always seem to prepare those when there’s something happening in town at night. All the men want to get out quickly.”
“What’s happening in town?” Robbie asked.
“Line dancing.”
Robbie partially smiled, shook his head and dove back into his bowl.
“What has happened to my brothers?” Hal asked.
“What do you mean?”
“You are not the same anymore Robbie. Frank is
not the same.”
“Frank’s the president and trying to be something he’s not,” Robbie said.
“And you aren’t?”
Robbie shook his head. “Nope. Just busy. Pissed. I’m head of Security now; I have that to deal with. But then Frank oversees everything I do. Pisses me off. I’m pissed because I have this investigation. My own father’s murder. Pisses me off that I have to do it and pisses me off that I’m not making progress. It also pisses me off that the fingerprints aren’t Dean’s.”
This caused Hal to sit back. “Six times you used a derivative of the word ‘piss’, and when Robbie did this sudden hatred of Dean emerge?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, at the meeting you were very quick to believe he killed our father. You weren’t willing at all to give him the benefit of the doubt.”
“Uh, Hal?” Robbie leaned in toward the table. “He was in the video.”
“Yes, I know.”
“Just pissed me off.”
“Yes, I know. But we have established … it wasn’t Dean. So why are you angry and determined about the prints?”
“Because, Hal, if the clone was in the room, it would make sense that the clone set the explosion. But the prints on the timing device aren’t Dean’s. Which means, the clone never touched the explosive. If he did. He was wearing gloves, and he wasn’t he one who set the timer.”
“Another person involved?”
“Possibly.”
“And this is what’s affecting your mood?”
Robbie nodded. “Yeah. So far prints aren’t matching. I have a clear print on the device and timer and I have to start from scratch to find a match. That and the fact that I’m bitter over Dad.”
“Understandable,” Hal said. “But, Robbie, this isn’t you. Just like it isn’t Frank to not be annoying, it isn’t you to be so serious, and bitter. Can you try, please, to let this go?”
“If I could get some sort of direction. Some help, I would feel better. I don’t want to stop until I solve this Hal. Something is not right. Something is not right about this whole thing.”
“Dad’s death?” Hal asked.
“Yes. I mean we have Dean’s clone at the scene. An explosion. An unknown print on the device and an unknown substance in Darrell, our only witnesses, blood. The whole kill dad thing doesn’t make sense. Why would someone in Beginnings want him dead? I went through all those who knew him. No match. I need something.”
“You need to go back to the start.”
“I know. But what would be the start?” At that moment, Robbie’s phone rang. He lifted it. “Yeah. No shit.” His eyes widened. “Let no one. No one talk to him until I get there. Thanks.” He hung up.
“You’re smiling.”
“I think I may have a start. Or at least a place to start getting answers,” Robbie said and stood.
“What? What’s going on?”
“Darrell is completely, and utterly awaken and coherent.” Robbie grinned. “I’m gonna talk to him.” He slid the bowl of noodles to Hal. “Thanks.” He gave a swat to his back. “Enjoy.”
“Robbie …” Before Hal could say anything further, Robbie was out the door. He murmured to himself, “Keep me posted.” He shrugged and enjoyed the remaining noodles.
<><><><>
Jam worked. It was better than nothing and Beginnings women did make the best raspberry jam. On fresh soft bread, the sandwich hit the spot.
Roy indulged. His mood wasn’t the best, and he didn’t feel like doing the crossword puzzles his friend brought him.
Jenny needed help in designing hers. And when that Forrest guy made puzzles, they were too obscure. Franks were hard because he didn’t spell things correctly.
Aside from those, the buzz in town over George Hadley’s arrival made Roy nervous. But one thing was certain, in the future he knew, the future he left, and there was no George visiting Beginnings before the war.
Progress was being made.
He only hoped and wished that he could go to the future and see the results. But he couldn’t he was stuck.
George’s visit to Beginnings was all new to him; in fact, everything was changing from the history he knew. But with George in Beginnings, he had to be careful. More people would be out and about.
His friend told him jokingly, then he could go line dancing. Roy didn’t know what that was, but it sounded fun. He enjoyed dancing. He just never had anyone to dance with. He was certain he would do the Twist better than anyone, and once he had a partner for the Jitterbug, he’d be the envy of everyone.
Once in his seclusion a female agent entered his room. He made her dance with him. She told him how wonderful and light on his feet he was.
Dancing. Yes.
But his friend so no. It was too risky. After all, Dean didn’t dance.
Would anyone notice? No one seemed to pay too much attention to Dean. Unless he was in trouble.
Roy could find out if Dean was home. Usually when he was home he stayed there. But since he moved to a new place, and since Richie move in with him. Dean was rarely home.
Then again, Ellen would surely make mention of Dean being at line dances. Especially if she went.
Keeping track of Dean was easy. Where he was and so forth.
When Roy started making his multiple trips back in time, he had to steal the SUT tracker, copy it, and then return it. His way of keeping track of Dean’s whereabouts so they didn’t cross paths.
He even made adjustments to his own version of the tracker, having sound effects and alarms that signified when Dean was close or when Dean left Beginnings.
It was the thought of how much trouble Dean got himself into inadvertently that made Roy think of protecting Dean.
With the knowledge that he was going to be around or there when Joe died, Roy realized there was a chance someone could see him, and seeing him meant someone saw Dean. Dean at the site of a murder wasn’t good.
Especially since Dean had a history of bad coincidental luck.
Roy had to come up with a way to make Beginnings want to track Dean.
At first he thought about making it look as if Dean were going to go to the Society. Then he came up with the idea of committing an inane crime.
So he knocked out Forest and stole his toenails. With Dean working on getting Christopher Columbus to look normal, the strange body part would make sense. Roy thought for sure, Ellen or someone would have found the toenails in the lab.
But they didn’t.
So Roy kept doing inane acts. Becoming the serial mutilator. He actually left so many clues; he got frustrated, that he had to outright set up Dean. He did that by knocking out Henry and Dean and using Henry’s nails to scratch Dean.
There.
That did it.
Roy stopped. He had no reason to perform the mutilations. Admittedly, he did have some fun with it. But from that moment on they tracked him. Just like Roy did.
Thinking about Dean, line dancing, Roy picked up the tracker. Dean was still at the clinic. Still in the lab. He was getting longer and longer in one place.
Just as he was about to set down the tracker, he though once again about the mutilations. With them having stopped, did it bode well for Dean? Evidence was mounted against him. Even though the crimes were silly, they were still crimes.
He wondered if the serial mutilation case was buried, if they even thought about it. With all that happened, Joe’s death, the impending war, the serial mutilations were probably a thing of the past. No longer to be pursued. Dean was in the clear.
<><><><>
Did Frank do it on purpose? It wasn’t there a few hours earlier. Then again, the trailer slash temporary office was new.
In fact, Henry couldn’t recall ever seeing a sign like it on Frank's office before. Of course Henry never wore a hat, so if it was there, it was never a bother.
But the sign glared at him. The new sign.
It read: Out of respect, please remove all headgear before entering.
Henry debated between knocking and inviting Frank outside or removing his baseball cap.
Why? Why was it there?
In the pre plague world days it was customary to remove headgear, especially with the military.
Thinking about it, Henry never recalled seeing anyone indoors, that was in Security or UWA wearing a hat.
Hal removed his bandana. So did Elliott.
Henry reasoned at that moment he was being neurotic. Frank didn’t hang the sign on purpose, he was reminding everyone.
After a deep exhale, he knocked.
“Yeah,” Frank responded.
Henry removed his hat, ran his fingers through his growing hair, and stepped inside. “Hey, Frank.”
Frank was seated at the table, looking over reports. “Did you bring reports from our towns?”
“Yeah, got them right here.” Henry stepped forward.
“Good. This will give me …” Frank looked up.
“What?” Henry asked.
It started. At first Frank’s mouth dropped open, then the corner of his mouth rose.
“What, Frank? What?”
“Oh my God.”
Henry growled.
“Your hair.”
“I knew it. I knew it.” Henry complained.
“What did you know?”
“You hung that sign on the door on purpose so I would have to walk around with my hair like this.”
“No, Henry, I hung it so people would remember to remove their fucking hats. You did. Good job.”
“I think there should be an exception to the rule. I’m training my hair, Frank. It’s wiry.”
“I see that.”
“Bentley said another month.”
“Good. At least when I look at you I don’t see... victim.”
“Ha, ha, ha.” Henry put the reports on the table.
“Verbal?” Frank took them and sifted through.
“Everyone is fine with the news about Hadley. Doyle is strained. But that’s to be expected. But, the news isn’t a big shock. So we’re good.”
“How are you with this?”
“I don’t know.” Henry stood there.
Frank looked up. “Is there something else you wanted?”
“Can we talk?”
“For a minute. I’m trying to get things done before Hadley gets here and Ryder is on his way.”
Consigning Fate: Beginnings Series Book 23 Page 9