The Horse Soldier: Beginnings Series Book 10

by Jacqueline Druga

  He ignored the mysterious notes and letters telling him the plan would not work, that the virus was not infallible. He chuckled at the notes that said they came from ‘the future’. The phone calls he refused to take. He dismissed them all as paranoid anonymous warnings from someone in the Society who gained a conscious and just wanted to stop it. And though he did safeguard--just in case--by cryogenically freezing not only more scientist, but others as well, George moved the Society ahead with the plan. It was too perfect not to. They had worked on it too much, too long, for it not to be.

  With a total loss of forty to fifty percent, how much easier on the food demand it would have been. And that percentage was based on averages. A twenty-five percent loss in the more industrialized nations, seventy-percent loss in the over populated and third world countries, and total annihilation in the parts of the world that just didn’t have the technology to help themselves. Pandemonium. Chaos. Breakdown of government branches all across the world. The Society would emerge from the ashes, a saving grace to a world gone bad, heroes. But the Society emerged to a dead world.

  But not completely.

  There still was a whole world out there, a world with people. Civilizations. Unfortunately for George, he only controlled about twenty percent. He was rebuilding. He had to. Even dead, overgrown, and filled with animals he wanted to change, he still loved his country. And with the other eighty percent out there rebuilding as well, George couldn’t take a chance on losing the land he had dedicated his whole life. Because if he was gaining enough technology to soon go over there and stop them, then the chances were, they were regaining the technology as well. As history proved, one man’s land is another man’s projected domain and George wanted to make the other man’s land his domain first. He would do everything in his power to get it.

  ^^^^

  Beginnings, Montana

  Maura Wilson. She was young and thin with fragile features that were complemented by her shoulder length blonde hair always was worn neatly pulled back. She had a face that looked even younger than her fourteen years. Seldom, if ever seen walking the streets of Beginnings, since she turned thirteen, she left her home with Gemma only for school, church and Bible instruction

  Gemma sheltered the beautiful young woman and with good cause. She didn’t shelter her from the children nor even Denny and Josh who recently were allowed to visit--chaperoned--for an hour in the evening. She sheltered Maura from the men.

  Joe knew this and Joe had Gemma’s trust, one of few men in the community who did. But even with Gemma’s full trust, it took a lot for Joe to convince Gemma to let him walk Maura to Bible instruction. Gemma finally gave in.

  Joe laid his hand on Maura’s shoulder as they stood outside the chapel. “I’m right out here. I’m waiting for you, but you do not tell Reverend Bob that. Correct??

  “Yes, Mr. Slagel.” Maura nodded.

  “You tell nobody what I asked you to do. This is very important.”

  “Yes. Did Reverend Bob do something wrong?”

  “No-no.” Joe shook his head and laughed. “It has to do with the Neville competition. He’s a big threat for taking it, being the religious hero and all and I just want to check on this one rule.” Joe winked. “You let me know what he says and that is that.”

  “All right,” she spoke angelically.

  “Now you go in there. Rev. Bob is out at the fields. You’re a little early so that gives you time.”

  “You’re waiting for me, right? Mother always waits for me.”

  “I’m waiting for you. But . . .”

  Maura giggled. “You’re playing the game so I can’t tell.”

  “Exactly.” Joe held the chapel door open for her. “Thank you.”

  ^^^^

  She felt bad walking into Rev. Bob’s office alone, but she was asked a favor. And since Maura encountered the cheating ways of Denny and Josh in a recent game of Candy Land, she wanted to help out Joe by making sure Rev. Bob played fair.

  So once in his office, she did as instructed. She grabbed the yearbook, opened it to page twenty-seven, then sat on the couch and waited.

  Reverend Bob walked in. “Maura, you’re early.”

  “Yes. I was bored. I was looking at your picture.”

  “You were?” Reverend Bob saw what she was looking at. “Maura let me . . .”

  “Why is your name different here?” Maura pointed. “Should it be?”

  “Do you know that name?”

  Maura shook her head. She really didn’t recognize the name.

  “Well.” Rev. Bob grabbed the yearbook and closed it. “I changed my name some years ago. Many years ago.”

  “Is that allowed?”

  “Yes it is. But it takes a lot of money.”

  “Why did you change your name?”

  Rev. Bob looked at the yearbook and to an innocent Maura. “If I share with you this story, you cannot tell a soul.”

  “I won’t.”

  Rev. Bob sat on the couch next to her. “I’m going to tell you and I’m going to trust you. You remember, Maura, what the Book of Matthew says about trust, don’t you?”

  Maura nodded. “Those who can be trusted will be given more.”

  “Exactly. God expects us to be trustworthy. I expect the same from you. We wouldn’t want to disappoint God, now would we?”

  The expression on Maura’s face dropped. A nervous lump formed in her throat. She swallowed it and listened to Rev. Bob speak.

  ^^^^

  The ‘Joe’ park in the center of town was busy for midday. It seemed everyone in Beginnings was taking advantage of the extremely warm fall weather by taking a break from their work day and strolling on the winding path that wrapped around like a maze in the so small park. Even Henry took advantage of the break. He sat on the little wall, finally getting a spot after Jenny gave it up. He held Nick in his arms, staring down at his son, a son he didn’t know as much as he should.

  Henry knew his reason for getting Nick out of the nursery for a break, Ellen. How much he missed her. How much Nick was a part of her. He stared into the face that seemed like his own and then he stared into the eyes that were Ellen’s. A rarity. Blue eyes. In Henry’s mind, Nick was absolutely perfect.

  He remembered the high hopes he had for him and Ellen when the baby was born. And then Henry remembered all the problems that followed thereafter. Problems he started alone. And problems that eventually tore him and Ellen apart. He had his chance and he blew it. The passing of time was what Henry hoped would heal those wounds. But the wounds stayed open and though Henry didn’t want to, he knew it was time to help them along in the healing.

  “Henry. God.” Dean’s frantic voice neared.

  “Oh hey, Dean.”

  “I got scared.” Dean sat next to Henry and immediately took Nick. “Hey you.” Dean spoke to the baby and Nick smiled. “Henry, I went to the nursery and didn’t see Nick. I panicked.”

  “I wanted to spend time with him.”

  “Oh.” Dean handed the baby back to Henry. “Here. Sorry.”

  Henry took Nick. “That’s O.K., Why did you think I took him?”

  “I don’t know. I thought something was wrong.” Dean looked at Henry. “Is something wrong?’

  “I miss Ellen.”

  “Yeah I do too.”

  “No Dean I miss her. I really miss her. I let some time go by. I tried to be her friend again. You know.” Henry swayed his head. “Like we were when we first started out. Even though that wasn’t what I wanted. But I tried. I stayed back when you and Frank shared her after Brian died. She lived with me and I stayed back. I stayed a friend.”

  “I know this.” Dean was somewhat confused by Henry’s rambling.

  “I don’t want to stay back anymore.”

  “Oh.”

  “I know you’re married to her and all. I’m happy for you. It was a long road coming. But . . . but Dean, I would really like for you and I to sit down and talk about the understand now.”

  “Henr
y?” Dean questioned. “Understanding?”

  “Yeah. An understanding.” Henry smiled. “You know the common thing that occur in Beginnings. I’m still dedicated to her Dean.”

  “Yes I know. But . . . but.”

  “But what?” Henry asked.

  “Henry.” Dean lowered his head. “I’m sorry. There’s not gonna be an understanding in this marriage. I’m not doing it. Plus, Ellen has expressed problems with you. She didn’t say what they were, but said she could never trust you fully.”

  “I think Ellen and I can get passed them if there is an understanding.”

  “Then you’re kidding yourself.” Dean said. “I know Ellen. Besides, no understandings. Not you. Not anyone. I’ve waited forever for this opportunity and I’m not sharing. Not at this time.” Dean started to get up.

  Henry stopped him. “Dean. Come on. You can’t be serious. You can’t . . . you can’t in a society like this have her all to yourself. No one does.”

  Dean only responded with a closed mouth and raised eyebrows.

  “You’re really serious.”

  “I have to go.”

  “You’re not even going to consider it?”

  “Henry.” Dean stood up. “If . . . if I allow an understanding. If Ellen choices to have one. I think, I think in light of all that’s gone on, I’m going to encourage her to let the understanding or secondary relationship go to a Slagel. It should be a Slagel.”

  Henry was stunned. But his shock only hesitated him for a second. With Nick in his arms he jumped up and stopped Dean again. “Dean . . .”

  “Henry I have to . . .”

  “No.” Henry stated strongly. “No.” The wind whipped his hair around and Henry’s face was stern and angry. His voice stayed at a low volume but rasped in his emotions. “Dean this fucked up.”

  “Henry, I’m not going to discuss this any further.”

  “Yeah you are.” Henry strongly told him. “You are. It’s fucked up Dean.” Henry lowed his face close to Dean’s. “Do you realize that? I shared her with you.” Henry’s neck muscles clenched and every word he spoke was sharp and with angry hurt. “I shared her. I had an understanding with you when you needed her. I gave you so much freedom with her. I nearly lost my best friend over it all. There was never a doubt in my mind what was right. It wasn’t fair to have her all to myself. Don’t you think I wanted that? Huh? I did. But it wasn’t . . . it wasn’t right. This isn’t right.”

  “Even if Ellen was all fine and dandy with you. I’m not obligated to share her with you.”

  “I know you’re not.”

  “So why are you acting as if I owe you.”

  “You do.”

  “What!?” Dean had a hint of laughter to his tone. “I owe you nothing.”

  “Bull shit!” Henry’s voice raised. “You owe me the chance to at least try with her. You owe me the opportunity I gave you. If Ellen doesn’t want me that’s one thing. But you telling her she can’t be with me is a whole other thing. It’s wrong.”

  “It’s the way it is.” Before anymore words could be said between them, Dean walked away.

  The warm wind picked up some and Henry held Nick close to his chest, covering the baby’s ears as he watched Dean walk away. His heart beat so strong in his anger that he didn’t respond to the tap on his shoulder until he no longer saw Dean. Henry turned to the tap. “Bev.”

  “I heard.”

  “It’s none of your business.”

  “I can make it my business. And you know it.” Her eyes shifted to where Dean was. “I messed it up for you Henry. I did that before I realized that Dean was a bigger asset to have. And guess what?” Bev looked at Henry again. “I’m gonna make it up to you.” She giggled. “I may need your help. But I’m gonna ruin Dean and Ellen.” She winked. “Just you wait and see. Prepare to pick up the pieces Henry.”

  Henry said nothing, he stared at her, then Bev grinned, rubbed Nick’s head and walked away.

  ^^^^

  Bowman, North Dakota

  “You are gonna have to just stop the whining,” Ellen instructed Grace. “You act like it’s the end of the world.”

  “My ear is ten times bigger.”

  “Than what?” Ellen leaned into Grace, examining her ear.

  “Than it was before.”

  “Well, you shouldn’t have carried me.”

  “You should not have punched me in my ear.”

  “Toughen up.” Ellen stood up straight and took off her gloves. “I’m not whining.”

  “Why would you whine?”

  Ellen shook her head and rolled her eyes. “I’m dealing with this stuff coming out of your ear. All done. Take the medication I prescribed and wait it out. That’s what Dean says.” Ellen walked over to the other side of the examining room and to Grace’s chart. “I’m leaving tomorrow. If it gets worse, we’ll have to bring you up to Beginnings.”

  “Are all the women as crass as you?”

  “Nope. I’m the top bitch.” Ellen grinned and grabbed the chart. “You’re done. I’ll check it tomorrow before I leave.”

  “Doctor,” Grace called out.

  “Yes?”

  “Could you retrieve the guards to escort me back.”

  Ellen snickered as she walked out. “No. Walk back alone. What is wrong with you?” She stepped out into the other room pulling the door closed. Ellen handed Grace’s chart to Blue. “All done.”

  “I’ll call for a guard,” Blue said.

  “Why is that?” Ellen asked.

  “Why will I call for a guard? Women do not walk the streets alone.”

  Ellen snickered “Did you see her? She has the ‘Elephant Man’s’ ear. Who’s gonna get her.”

  “You think you’re funny. Laugh again.” Blue instructed and pointed. “Or do you need me to call you a guard?”

  Ellen turned around and looked at Craig who stood by waiting. He waved and Ellen turned away again and faced Blue. “Why is he still here?”

  “Following you. He wants to talk to you. Do you want a guard?”

  Ellen looked over her shoulder back to Craig, then again to Blue. “No, he’s harmless, just annoying. He reminds me of my brother Richie.”

  “So you’ve said.”

  “Did I tell you my brother owed me two thousand seven hundred and thirty-six dollars? Never paid me a dime back.”

  “So you’ve said.”

  “I have to leave.” Ellen grabbed her bag. “I have processing to finish.” She facially winced as she stepped to the door.

  “Last chance,” Blue called out. “A guard?”

  Ellen shook her head and walked by Craig. She stepped out the door and he followed her. “Swell.” She walked a few steps, spun around, and barked at him. “Why do you keep on following me?”

  “You do.”

  “I do what?”

  “Get as upset as him.”

  “Who?”

  “The Captain.”

  Ellen fluttered her lips. “Yeah but there’s one big difference. The Captain won’t kick your ass. I will. Either that or I inject you with something really lethal.” Ellen winked and walked again.

  “Hey.” Craig trotted to catch her. “Can I go to Beginnings?”

  “No.”

  “Come on. I hear we’re a part of it. Can I go?”

  “No.”

  “Why?” Craig asked.

  “Because we don’t let just everyone in. And we won’t let you in.”

  “Why?”

  “Why?” Ellen said. “I’ll tell you why. You’re lazy.”

  “How can you tell?”

  “I haven’t seen you do anything remotely related to work around here. You have done nothing but follow me around since the crack of dawn and for no reason.”

  “I have reason.”

  “What is it?” Ellen neared Hal’s apartment building.

  “I want to know about you and the Captain.”

  “Why do you want to know about me and the Captain?”

  “Cur
ious.” Craig stood waiting for an answer. “Please?”

  “If I tell you what you want to know, will you leave me alone?”

  “Yes.”

  “Ask.”

  “Thanks.” Craig looked up and thought. “O.K. tell me why the Captain?”

  Ellen huffed out. “Hal is sweet, sensitive, kind, and attentive. O.K.?” Ellen reached for the apartment building door.

  “The Captain?”

  “Yes. And.” Ellen hesitated before going in, lifted both her hands up, spread them far apart, raised her eyebrows with a smile, and left.

  Craig scratched his head and curled his lip in wonder. “The Captain?”

  Seldom did men ever get under Ellen’s skin, but there was something about Craig that did. She didn’t know why. He seemed nice enough. She merely chalked it up to the fact that Hal had her brainwashed about Craig before Ellen even stepped foot in Bowman.

  Hoping that she got rid of Craig--at least for a little while--Ellen walked into Hal’s apartment, wanting to relax before she had to dart off to processing the men that would return with her and Danny the next day.

  She shut the door to the apartment that felt cold. Seeing the reason for it, she moved to the open window and closed it. Ellen laughed to herself when she thought how typically Slagel it was for the apartment to be cold. Frank hated being warm and never did their home exceed the temperature of sixty-five degrees unless Ellen made it that way.