State of Time: Beginnings Series Book 6

by Jacqueline Druga

  It was ornery. It was arrogant. It was so much the Captain. “Elliott.” He grinned, then suavely dismounted the horse and grabbed the reigns. “She’s ready for you.”

  Elliott chuckled. “No.”

  “Frightened?”

  “Um, yeah,” Elliott said. “Not to mention totally beat up. No. Seven horses. Seven times bucked, tossed, and dragged. No.”

  “But this is the one.”

  “You said that last time. And why are you so insistent we ride horses.”

  “Um . . .” Cocky, the Captain scratched his head. “Seeing how we have to move about once in a while. I don’t know. Transportation?”

  Ellen let out one fake ‘ha’ of a laugh. “You’re funny. What about motorcycles. They use little fuel.”

  “Motorcycles? It’s been done.”

  “What do you mean it’s been done? By who?” Elliott asked.

  “Ever see Mad Max?”

  “That doesn’t count.” Elliott had a snap to him. “It was a movie.”

  “Still.” The Captain extended the reign to Elliott. “Take her. Get on. She’s yours.”

  “I can barely see.”

  “She will be your eyes. She’ll take you.” The Captain ignored Elliott’s laughter. “The others didn’t mix with your chemistry. You need one who mixes. Feels you.” The Captain spoke with passion. “One who can understand you. That’s the way it works. And . . . I strongly believe your distaste for animal life is being conveyed in a negative energy to the creatures, therefore triggering the defense mechanisms of these animals to strike out against you as a foe.”

  Elliott’s mouth dropped open. “You are so full of shit. This has nothing to do with negative energy or chemistry. They’re wild.”

  “Did I just ride her in?” The Captain asked. “Yes. I did. Perfectly. Gentle she is. This Elliott is your horse.” The Captain leaned into Elliott. “Do you trust me?”

  “Unfortunately.”

  “Then do this.” The Captain smiled when Elliott grabbed the reigns. “You’ll ride like a champ.”

  Preparing to get on the horse, Elliott snickered and shook his head. “If this horse throws me.”

  “She won’t.” The Captain winked and stepped back. “I know.”

  Grinning, the Captain watched as Elliott awkwardly mounted the animal. Then the realization hit him that perhaps he really didn’t know. The Captain cringed when he watched the animal buck up, toss a yelling Elliott, and drag him a good twenty feet before Elliott was released.

  ^^^^

  Beginnings, Montana

  Henry wasn’t in the best of moods. And things hadn’t gotten any better. He thought he would have felt a million more times at ease after leaving quarantine. But then again, he had to spend an hour chasing Robbie around. To Henry, Robbie wasn’t funny and he of all people added to Henry’s hideous mood. Every time he felt that bad mood start to leave him, something else would happen to set him off again. He still had work to do at mechanics and taking time to stop for Joe’s meeting was irritating him also. And he felt that irritation grow when he saw Joe working outside the bakery building. “Joe? The meeting Joe.” Henry told him as he stopped behind him.

  “Oh, Henry sorry.” Joe switched the tool he was using on the outside breaker box. “I’ll only be a few minutes. Josh and Denny were throwing a football in the street and knocked the cover loose. Could you inform everyone?”

  “Yeah Joe, I’ll tell them.” He said less than enthusiastic then stopped walking. “Why are you doing mechanical work? We have a division. Joe, your son won’t stop being lazy until we stop doing things for him.”

  Joe stared seriously at Henry. “You done? Good. Go tell everyone I’ll be a few minutes late. “Thanks.” Joe returned to the box.

  Huffing, Henry shook his head and turned. When he did he saw Dean and Ellen just standing there looking at him “What!”

  Dean with a snicker held up his hands. “Easy.” He took hold of Ellen’s arms and moved toward the social hall. “Let’s go, El.”

  “Dean.” Sharp toned, Henry raced up. “I hope she isn’t coming to the meeting. She’s not allowed. Joe said she only interrupts. It’s a brief meeting, Dean I want . . .”

  “Henry.” Dean stopped him. “What is your problem? You’re out of containment. No longer cooped up and . . . and mind you, you’ve done the impossible. You’ve proceeded to convince the most selfish man in Beginnings to share. Quit complaining Henry. Life us pretty good to you.” Again, Dean took Ellen’s arm.

  “You would think,” Henry griped. “You’re not chasing Robbie Slagel around and Dean, you keep interfering as well.” Henry grew even more frustrated when Dean just slipped into the social hall with Ellen.

  Still hearing Henry’s outside complaining, Dean smiled when he walked into the hall. Frank stood at the bar. Robbie, in his usual arrogant manner, sat at the long table next to Jason, awaiting whoever else would arrive for the meeting. Immediately, Dean walked up to Frank, snatching the glass of whiskey from his hand as Frank brought it to his lips. “No booze, not tonight.”

  “Fuck you, Dean.” Frank snatched it back. “It’s the first time in a long while I don’t have the kids. I can drink. Besides, I want to be relaxed for my reunion with my . . .” He raised his eyebrows. “…wife.”

  “Frank, you are going to experience side effects really soon. Alcohol will magnify it.” Dean reached for the glass again.

  Frank argued, “Maybe for someone like you. Beat off.” He finished his drink quickly.

  “Fine.” Dean threw his hands up. “Suffer.” He stormed off taking a seat at the table.

  The ‘boom’ of the social hall door opening caught everyone’s attention, but they paid it no mind when Henry burst in. He shifted his eyes to the bar, then hurried to the table, grabbing Ellen’s arm before she sat down by Robbie. “I prefer you didn’t sit by him. He had you enough today.”

  Arrogantly Robbie laughed, “Man, Henry, a bit possessive? It was a joke.”

  “It wasn’t a joke, Robbie,” Henry came back. “And Frank, you have to tell your brother he can’t steal Ellen like that.”

  Carrying his bottle of whiskey, Frank moved to the table. “Robbie don’t snatch Ellen up again. Henry doesn’t like it.” Laughing he sat down.

  “Oh, funny. Real funny,” Henry snapped. “You won’t be laughing when . . .”

  “Henry. Please.” Ellen tugged on Henry’s arm, pulling him to sit. “Robbie. Frank. You know he’s in a bad mood.”

  “Like we care, El. This is fun.” Robbie rocked some in his chair. “Where’s my Dad?”

  Henry answered, “He’s going to be late. He’s fixing something.” His eyes lifted to Robbie. “And why is that? Why is Joe fixing something? We have a mechanical division. Of course nothing was done in mechanical division while I was in quarantine. We’re weeks behind. Why is that Robbie?”

  “Gee, Henry. I don’t know.” Robbie tapped his temple with his middle finger. “Let me think about it though.”

  “See!” Henry pointed. “Why do you do that?”

  “Do what?” Robbie asked hiding his laugh.

  “Flip me off.”

  “I was flipping you off?” Robbie raised his hands. “Did anyone see me flip you off? I wasn’t flipping you off. Fuck Henry, go back to quarantine. We’ll make that the equivalent of the loony bin, because you’ve lost it.”

  “Is it any wonder when I have to deal with you?” Henry argued back.

  “Dealing with me?” Robbie snidely spoke. “What is so hard about dealing with me? I am the easiest going person in the community. Not you. You’re too much like a woman.”

  “At least I do my work Robbie.” Henry’s words were sharp. “You, you start and never finish anything.”

  “Like what?” Robbie leaned back with a smirk, lighting a cigarette.

  “The ceiling fixture in the chapel.”

  “Your job.”

  “The generator door on three.”

  “Your job.”

&n
bsp; “Inspecting the tunnel pipes.”

  “Your job.”

  Henry grew angrier. “Well what exactly is your job Robbie?”

  “Pissing you off and I do a very good job at that.”

  Henry immediately stood up, his chair sliding loudly across the floor. “I’m leaving. I’m not about to stay another minute in this room with that . . .” Henry pointed at Robbie. “…arrogant asshole.”

  Dean saw it coming, so did Jason who still snickered, and Ellen looked worried as she stood facing Henry. Frank, he was too engrossed with playing with his drink.

  Robbie stood up with rage. “What did you call me?!” he stormed even closer. “You Henry, have your fuckin nerve calling me arrogant, you little prick!”

  “It’s not nerve.” Henry moved Ellen away as he stepped to Robbie. “You’re so full of yourself you make me sick.” Henry’s body leaned to him with each sharp word.

  “You’d better be prepared to back up that mouth!” Robbie’s hand came down palm first into Henry’s chest, shoving him back.

  “And you’d better be prepared to back up that shove.” Henry’s hand covered Robbie’s face and with an angry grunt, Henry pushed Robbie back.

  Catching his step, Robbie flung himself forward to Henry.

  Ellen shrieked as Robbie and Henry grabbed on to each other. “Frank! Do something!”

  With the slamming of his drink, Frank stood up. “All right.” He spun around, reaching in between the two and separating them both harshly and stepping in the middle. “Stop the shit!” Frank saw both of their fists raise. “And lower them hands gentlemen. I have no intention of stepping from between you two and I’m in no mood to be hit. Got that!” Frank looked at Robbie. “Now sit down!” He turned his head to Henry. “And you! Fuckin chill or something. God!” Frank grabbed his own head. “Making my head spin. What is wrong with you, Henry?”

  “Frank, your brother just . . .”

  “No!” Frank spoke strongly. “You came in here bitching. You know the way people are. They’re gonna ride you when you get like that. Just . . . just calm down. Take a walk, get some air.”

  “No. I’m fine.” Huffing, Henry placed the chair back at the table and sat down. “I just want this over with. I’m busy.”

  Everyone’s heads turned to the mocking and nasal ‘nah-nah-nah-nah-nah.’

  Dean laughed along with Jason, but quickly stopped when Frank slammed down his hand.

  “Robbie,” Frank yelled. “Enough. All right? Quit picking on him.”

  “Sorry,” Robbie snickered.

  Henry rolled his eyes. “You know, it was a much better Beginnings without you.”

  “Yeah, well,” Robbie said snidely. “Probably not as good as a Beginnings without you.”

  “Ah.” Joe’s voice entered into the room. “Conversation pleasantries.” He walked to the table. “Ellen, get out. You’re not allowed to be here.”

  “But, Joe, I want to stay,” Ellen said.

  “No. It’s a brief meeting. I purposely didn’t invite those who would make it longer than brief. And see, you already have. I’m arguing with you. Go.” Joe pointed to the door.

  “Fine.” Ellen stood up. “Dean instigates. Jason laughs. Frank gets drunk, Robbie and Henry fight and I say nothing. They act like third graders and I get kicked out.” In a storming mode, she left the social hall.

  Joe was ready to engage in the meeting until he saw Frank’s puzzled look. “What’s wrong, Frank?”

  “I’m confused.” Frank scratched his head. “How is my getting drunk acting like a third grader? I don’t ever recall a third grader drinking whiskey . . .”

  “Frank.” Joe tried to stop him

  “Unless he has a problem,” Frank winked. “I don’t recall ever drinking when I was in third grade.”

  “Frank,” Joe spoke stronger.

  “No, wait that’s a lie.” Frank shook his head. “You let me sip your beer. Wait. Is that why Ellen said I acted like I was in third grade. Did she mean that?”

  “Frank!” Joe yelled. “Enough about the third grade comment.”

  “Joe?” Dean raised his hand some. “You let your son in third grade drink beer?”

  “No, no.” Joe shook his head. “Don’t even go there Mr. Scientist. Not when your prescription for teething infants is moonshine. All right.” Joe let out a breath. “If we can get to this meeting. First order is we will go tomorrow. And . . .” Joe noticed Dean waving his hand. “Yes Dean.”

  “Why do I have to go Joe? I don’t know anything about this car bomb stuff.”

  “Because I said you go,” Joe told him. “Aside from administering the antidote to the virus, you were the only one anal enough to keep every single drivers license you ever had. Hence, you have a valid license for back then. We need that to rent the car.” Not really in the mood for any more interruptions, Joe continued on. “Now, there is something I’d like to say so I don’t forget. Tomorrow, if we succeed, which I’m certain we will, we will be bringing back to Beginnings one scared, little older gentleman. So please, during this few days’ or weeks’ time that he’s adjusting, don’t scare the hell out him. Because I believe he holds answers to questions we haven’t even begun to ask.”

  Joe noticed it all during the meeting, and even more so as it died down and ended. Frank. He said not two words; his face drew paler and paler as the hour passed. As he stood from his seat he saw Frank leaning over the bar. “Frank? What’s wrong?”

  “I’m really sick. I can’t remember being this sick.” He only moved his eyes to Joe. “My head. It’s killing me and I just feel bad.”

  With a deep breath and fatherly concern, Joe used his instincts and laid his hand on the back of Frank’s neck. “You’re warm.”

  “Dad.” Frank shook his head and reached for the bottle.

  “Maybe it’s that antiserum Dean gave you. Let’s see.” With a short, ear piercing whistle, Joe not only caused Frank to wince, he caught Dean’s attention before he left. “Dean! Come here!” Joe shouted.

  “Dad, please,” Frank winced in pain.

  “What’s wrong?” Dean asked when he approached the bar.

  “Frank’s sick. Headache. Not feeling well. Fever.”

  “God, Dad.” Frank poured a drink. “I’m not a child.”

  “You’re my child,” Joe corrected. “Is he all right, Dean? You mentioned mild side effects.”

  “I’d say that’s what it is,” Dean stated, shifting his eyes and seeing Frank lift a filled glass to his mouth. He reached out and pulled it down.

  “Anything you can do?” Joe asked.

  “Nope. He’s been drinking. Everything’s worse. He just needs to sleep. Wait it out. Best I can tell you.”

  “Thanks.” Joe gave a pat to Frank’s back and a look of concern. “I’ll head to the house and give Ellen a hand. See ya in the morning.” Joe walked off.

  Frank stopped Dean before he too could leave. “You gave me this antidote tonight, on purpose, didn’t you?”

  “Frank,” Dean gasped. “You mean give you the antiserum that I know would cause drastic side effects on the same night that not only happens to be my former anniversary, but the same night you have a physical reunion with Ellen? I wouldn’t do that. I’m insulted you’d think that way.”

  “Sorry. But I’m just checking. Thanks.”

  “No problem. And no more drinking.”

  Grumbling in pain, Frank waited until Dean walked off and he grabbed the bottle again. If he was gonna feel badly, he figured he’d be so drunk that maybe he wouldn’t notice.

  ^^^^

  Bowman, North Dakota

  There were a few things that alerted Elliott to the Captain’s return to Bowman, the horse gallop, slow and echoing, the muffled voice of the Captain saying something, and the sound of drunken singing. Elliott thought he recognized the song as Nearer my God to Thee, that the male voice sang. but he couldn’t be sure. For all Elliott knew, his memory was just bad, not the gentleman’s singing voice.

>   Elliott heard these things, and confirmation came from the secondary night shift guard who knocked on Elliott’s door to summon him.

  Leather jacket, red bandana, and perturbed attitude was what Elliott wore as he made it from his house to the main street of the small town. As warned from the guard who saw them coming and the sounds that were their alarm, Elliott watched the Captain walk alongside his horse. With the Captain were four men. Three walked with him and the drunken man rode the horse. At least Elliott assumed he was drunk, not just by his singing, but by the way his body failed to stay upright with every easy move the horse made.

  “Elliott,” the Captain said with a smile as he stopped. He reached his hand up to help the older man from the horse.

  With a sloppy ‘thank you’ the older man missed the Captain’s hand and in a slide, fell from the animal’s body.

  Quickly, the Captain helped him to his feet. “There you go. Are you all right?” He asked then returned with a smile to Elliott.

  Elliott had a parental scold on his face. His eyes canvassed the horse that toted a cart, a cart that wasn’t attached to it earlier. It was full of supplies, bags and boxes.

  “Elliott?” The Captain snapped his finger. “Hello?”

  “Theirs?” Elliott asked pointing to the full cart.

  “Some.” The Captain looked back. “What’s wrong?”

  A deep breath came from Elliot first. “I’ll wait,” He gave a motion of his head to the newcomers.

  “Oh.” The Captain snapped his finger. “Brock, Kyle and John,.” the Captain introduced. “Kyle spent six years in the Air Force. Isn’t that wonderful?.”

  “Yes. And what about . . .” A point of Elliott’s head indicated to the drunken man.

  “Get this.” The Captain grinned from ear to ear. “I am so excited.” He tugged the drunken man forward. “Elliott. Meet . . . ready? Father O’Brien. Fr. O’Brien, Elliott Ryder.” High pitched like an excited child, the Captain spoke, “He’s a priest, an honest to goodness Catholic Priest. I thought since you played piano, you can be our church organist, Elliott. What do you think?”