The Third Ten

by Jacqueline Druga

“Um, no, Frank.” Joe said. “This has nothing to do with your book.

  “Then I’m lost.”

  Joe went on to explain that, what they were doing wasn’t getting concrete evidence, but enough to give them a lead.

  Frank was going to read minds.

  “Just pace as they stare at the exhibit and see if anyone thinks anything that can maybe link them as the mutilator,” Joe explained.

  In order to not overload Frank, they would do it in groups of twelve.

  Just Joe, Frank, the twelve men and the exhibit.

  “Like a painting?” Frank asked.

  “No. No. Christ, Frank how is a painting going to be generating thoughts about the mutilator,” Joe argued. “Were gonna use a victim as an exhibit. A victim whose scar from the mutilator is well seen.”

  “Don’t use Henry. He’ll be emotionally scarred.”

  “Not Henry.” Joe shook his head. “Think … tattoo.”

  “Uh. No. No …” Frank smiled. “Okay, that would be funny.”

  “What the hell are you talking about?”

  “Having Josephine show her butt.”

  “No! We’re gonna get Hap to show his chest.”

  “OK, that makes sense. What are we telling them about why they’re looking at Hap’s chest?”

  “Simple. We’re gonna see if they recognize the handwriting.” Joe held out his palm, so impressed.

  “Excellent Idea. Maybe one of them will.”

  “Or maybe one of them is the mutilator.” Joe winked. “We’ll see.”

  It didn’t take long for them to gather the twelve men. Frank got a notepad in case there were any thoughts he didn’t want to forget.

  In front of the stage Joe had them line up. Twelve men, all from security.

  “Why exactly are we here, Joe?” Dan asked. “It’s a big day. A lot of us switched shifts for this day.”

  Joe looked at him curiously. “What is so big about today?”

  “The christening of Creedville.”

  “I’m not understanding what you mean,” Joe said. “Creed and his people are arriving.”

  “But there’s a Christening of the town.”

  Joe shook his head. “Dan, you’re mistaken. It’s not a big deal.”

  “Are you sure, Joe? I heard there’s a Christening ceremony and a marching band.”

  “A marching band?” Joe asked. “Christ, Dan, this is Beginnings. Where would we get a marching band?”

  Dan shrugged. “Danny Hoi is in charge. Anything is possible.”

  “True. Okay.” Joe clapped his hands together. “Gentlemen. As you know Beginnings has been dealing with the serial mutilator. This mutilator has used a tattoo wand on some of his victims. I don’t believe any of you have had a chance to see the tattoos. What I want is for you to look and see if you recognize the handwriting.”

  There were some mumbles, most of agreement, and then Joe gave a nod to Frank.

  Hap stepped forward.

  “Hap,” Joe said. “Is going to take off his shirt to show his tattoo.”

  Some of the men groaned.

  “No, laughing.” Hap ordered “I’m doing this as a favor. I don’t have to do no fancy-schmancy dancing am, I Joe? I know you know I used to dance in my heyday.”

  “Not today. Only take off the shirt.”

  Hap was a bigger man. Pretty tall, never really lost his height as he got older. He carried most of his weight in his barrel chest, and it seemed he was one of this men whose belts held up the entire upper body portion.

  Again, men groaned, a few whistled, but the snickers stopped when Hap tossed a dagger stare.

  Frank began his pace, tuning in as best as he could as he walked behind the line of men.

  “This is dumb. Okay I’m looking... I’m looking.”

  Step. Step.

  “Hap was a dancer?” another thought. “Okay, I can see it.”

  Step. Step.

  “Looks like Trish’s writing. Then again, maybe not. Scott? I think so. Nah.”

  Frank rolled his eyes. Step. Step.

  “For a man of his age, Hap’s nipples really …”

  Whap.

  Dan’s head flung forward. “What did you do that for, Frank?’

  Frank snarled. “Sick. You are sick.”

  Dan was confused, and Frank kept walking. He made it through the first batch of men without anything really concrete to report. He hoped that next few batches of men would breed more information. As long as no one else had a nipple infatuation like Dan, Frank was going to be fine.

  ***

  Mike was surprised when he went to the hospital only to find an empty bed. He was the first to admit he thought the worst. But when Lars told him that Johnny was released Mike was even more shocked.

  It was only one week and the day before Johnny was just out of the coma.

  “Not much more we can do here that we can’t do at home. Not like the old world,” Lars told him. “Besides, Dr. Gavin went back, and Johnny wants to get ready to leave as well.”

  Mike blew that off and headed home.

  Johnny was laying on the couch, which made Mike happy. He was ready to lecture Johnny on taking it easy.

  Actually Johnny was sleeping. After checking on him, peeking in, Mike decided to not disturb him and turned to leave.

  “Mike, did you need something?” Johnny asked groggily.

  “I thought you were sleeping.” Mike said.

  “I slept for a week.” Johnny lifted himself to a sitting position. “I think it’s safe to say I’m gonna be sleeping light for a day or two.”

  “I’m amazed.” Mike walked back into the living room.

  “Oh, yeah? How come?”

  “You’re doing so well. You had brain surgery.”

  “I’m young and tough,” Johnny said.

  “That you are.”

  “And I have great incentive.”

  “That … that you do.” Mike sat down on the edge of the couch by Johnny’s feet. “They’ve been making big plans for the trip while you were out. Tigger’s calling it the Lodi Pilgrimage.”

  “Are you going, Mike?” Johnny asked.

  Mike shook his head. “No, John, I’m standing my ground here. Besides, I don’t know how Montana will handle both me and your dad.”

  “Would be interesting.”

  Mike nodded.

  “But you’d get tired of my dad kicking your ass.”

  Suddenly, Mike looked up.

  Johnny smiled.

  “Glad you can joke.” He gave a firm pat to his leg. “But I’m starving here. There are more men staying back than leaving.”

  “Mike can I be blunt?”

  “Sure.”

  “That’s not smart. You have the meteor and the Society.”

  Mike shrugged. “We’ll do what we have to do.”

  ‘What about Tigger? Does Tigger deserve to go the rest of his life without a father when he was lucky enough to have one in this world?”

  “Don’t you think I’ve given this a lot of thought?”

  “No, Mike, actually, I don’t,” Johnny said.

  “Well, I did. I grew up here, and I’m gonna fight for my right to live here.”

  “Mike it’s more than the Society. It’s the meteor.”

  Mike gave a scoffing chuckle. “Johnny, we don’t even know what affects that will have. But, I’m gonna fight for my right. If we lose, and I live, I’ll make my way to Beginnings.”

  “Really?”

  “Without a doubt.”

  “Okay, I’ll accept that.”

  “And I’ll let you rest.” Mike stood.

  “Is there another reason you don’t like the idea of Beginnings Mike?”

  Mike paused in his leaving. “Actually, yeah. We’re plain folk here, John. Beginnings, well, they seem a little off.”

  “What?” Johnny laughed. “What do you mean off?”

  “Strange.”

  “Nah, see it’s been so long since the world ended that I think yo
u forgot about how the old world was. The people of Beginnings are just bringing back the old world,” Johnny defended. “There’s nothing strange about them.”

  ***

  Hal was his typical dramatic self, and acted offended, adding a slight gasp to his voice as he asked Danny Hoi, “You want me to do what?”

  Danny winced some, tugged his ear, stopped walking and smiled “Lie.”

  “Lie.”

  “Hal, please.”

  “Danny, you asked me to host your show. I was surprised but I liked the idea. How did you put it, I would just listen and ask questions that made them further their explanation. Host. Yes. That’s it. But now you want me to add lies to the questions.”

  “No, yes. Well. Sit down.” Danny extend his hand. They were mid town of the new town Creedville, there waiting.

  Hal turned. “What is this? A park?”

  “It’s a hit in Beginnings.”

  “Christ.” Hal sat down on the bench.

  ‘Enjoy the peace now. Soon it will be a zoo around here.”

  “I understand the arrival of the people is going to be hectic. Aren’t we prepared for that?”

  “Yes, Creed organized the groups and go us the info before they left. We should be getting them moving along train by train car. Now back to the show.”

  “You want me to lie.”

  “Not lie,” Danny said.

  “Danny, tell me this? Isn’t the fact that people are making confessions good enough?”

  “I thought so,” Danny replied. “Until I saw some of the confessions.”

  “That bad.”

  “No, Hal, that boring.”

  “As my father so commonly says, this is the apocalypse Danny. How deep of secrets do you expect these people to have.”

  “It may be the apocalypse, Hal. But they are still humans. Humans’ sin. And our humans aren’t doing good sins.”

  After mouthing the words, ‘good sins’. Hal turned to Danny. “Maybe it’s you. Perhaps you just expected more. These may be good enough. I mean, it may be a big deal to the confessor and the confessee.”

  “I doubt it.”

  “What are some?”

  “Well,” Danny inhaled. “Gemma is confessing that she added an extra cup of sugar to Josephine’ yellow cake batter last week.”

  “And?”

  “And that’s it.”

  “Oh.”

  “See? See?” Danny asked.

  “Well, what exactly are you expecting me to do?”

  “You can …” Danny held up his hand. “I’ll show you. Pretended your Gemma.”

  “No.”

  “Come on Hal. Please.”

  “Fine.” Hal crossed his legs.

  Danny snickered. “I’m you.”

  Hal rolled his eyes. “Go on.”

  Danny cleared his throat. “So, Gemma, you added extra sugar.”

  “Yes.” Hal said. “One cup. Not two.”

  “Can I ask why?”

  Hal just looked

  “Make something up.” Danny instructed.

  Hal fluttered his lips. “I was jealous of her cake making experience.”

  “Hmm.” Danny rubbed his chin. “Isn’t it more the truth, Gemma that you were jealous of Josephine herself?”

  “Danny why would Gemma be jealous.”

  “Isn’t it true you were mad because Josephine slept with Hap and you love Hap?”

  “Good God Danny.”

  “Loved him for a while. Had relations once with him. But Hap wanted a more seasoned woman, one more open.”

  “Danny …”

  “You’re a prude, isn’t that true Gemma …”

  “Danny!” Hal snapped. “I cannot go on television in front of our entire community and accuse a wonderful Christian woman of jealousy and being a slut.”

  “Why?”

  “Why? Because I can’t.”

  “But the confessions aren’t good. We’ll flop.”

  “Danny, Please. You just aren’t getting the right registrants, that’s all. You need to investigate.”

  “What do you mean?” Danny asked.

  “Ask around. Ask people who they think has great secrets. Go to Trish, she knows all the rumors. Then confront the source of the rumor.”

  The corner of Danny’s mouth raised in a smile “That’s sound advice.”

  “Thank you. Just try harder. Don’t wait for them to come to you. Go to them. Trust me Danny, this is Beginnings. Somewhere in our province, someone has a twisted, cool secret,” Hal patted his leg. ‘You just need to find him or her.”

  ***

  “El, pass me the anti toxin,” Dean, peering into a microscope extended a hand blindly to Ellen.

  She handed him a syringe. “Why the antitoxin. I think our bunnies are dead.” She looked at two cages on the cryo lab counter.

  “We always lose bunnies El. They aren’t dead.”

  “What do you need the anti toxin for?”

  “In case a virus or bacteria caused this to mutate,” Dean said. “We’ll see if there’s a reaction in the sequence.”

  “You just messed up. Somewhere somehow, you messed up.”

  “El,” Dean rose from the microscope. “How can you say I messed up? I didn’t create this?”

  “You did. You were working with Christopher.”

  “Yeah, but this mutation isn’t my signature. Take a look.”

  Ellen move to the microscope and peered. “Okay, but what if you messed up and that’s why it doesn’t look like your creation.”

  “No. Sorry.” Dean shook his head.

  “Why are you arguing with this?”

  “Why aren’t you?” Dean asked.

  “Uh, for starters, you and I are the only ones that can create that. And since I know I didn’t …” she held out her hand to Dean. “Who’s left?”

  “Maybe, El … someone else has a hidden talent they aren’t letting out.”

  “Oh!” Ellen’s eyes widened. “That would be so cool.”

  “It’s a possibility.”

  “Dean, we can play I spy.”

  Dean chuckled.

  “Seriously, think about it. What if the person who made this is trying to set you up, so they can emerge as the next great mind?” Ellen gave a single shake of her head. “Fuckin’ Jason.”

  “What?” Dean laughed his response.

  “I’m telling you Dean, it’s Jason. He’s out to destroy us all.”

  “El, please.”

  “He is. It’s a big plot. I know a secret you know.’

  “Okay, I’m game.” Dean took off his gloves and leaned sideways against the counter. “What’s your secret?”

  “You know how Frank, Robbie, and Hal tested the time machine.”

  “No. I don’t.”

  “They did. Went to the future. Gone.” Ellen snapped. Her finger. “Beginnings was gone.”

  “How far in the future?”

  “Eleven months.”

  “That’s impossible. When we were there it was awesome.”

  Ellen nodded. “But what did we stop?”

  “The warehouse explosion.”

  “Saving countless lives. Whoa, Dean, who was among those lives.”

  “Jason.” Dean whispered.

  “Are you sure?” Dean asked.

  “About Jason.”

  “No about Beginnings being gone.”

  “Positive. They’re gonna fix it. But, then again, Jason said it wasn’t Beginnings he thinks his lab exploded. How convenient. And … and... speaking of convenient. Now the time machine isn’t working. He’s out to destroy everything. You watch. He acts all sweet and perfect. He’s taking you down Dean.”

  “El, you’re really going overboard on this.”

  “No, you watch.” She pointed to her temple. “That’s what I think. But then I can’t say what I think because I’m not supposed to know.”

  “If you aren’t supposed to know. How do you know?”

  “Frank told me.”

 
; “Why would Frank tell you?”

  “To ask about the future we saw and for the list of names of people killed in the warehouse, He thinks one of them is responsible for blowing up Beginnings.”

  Dean blinked slowly. “I don’t know, El, I don’t think its Jason. Call it my hunch.”

  “Your work, Beginnings, Bowman … speaking of Bowman. Did I tell you Elliot is not handling my marriage to Frank very well?”

  “I got news for you, El.” Dean leaned to her. “Neither am I.”

  “Really.”

  “Really.”

  “Hmm.” Ellen inched back.

  “What is this ‘hmm’?” Dean asked.

  “Well, Dean, you live with someone else …”

  “Ha, ha.” Dean walked to the microscope.

  “You’re starting a new family. Everyone says you’re getting married to her.”

  Dean’s phone began to ring.

  “Can you get that, El?”

  “Sure.” Ellen walked to the counter. “Of course, I’m gonna marry Frank. Why wouldn’t I?” she lifted the phone. “Dean’s phone.”

  Pause.

  “Oh, hey, Andrea, I thought you were going to the town christening.”

  Another moment of silence.

  “All morning why? Oh my God.” Ellen sliced her eyes. “Okay. Thanks.”

  “What’s wrong?” Dean turned.

  “Dean, I’m … I’m sorry.” Ellen laid the phone down. “That was Andrea.”

  “I gathered.”

  “Margaret’s at the clinic, Dean … she’s … she’s miscarrying.”

  He exclaimed a ‘fuck’ and before Ellen knew it, Dean had raced from the cryo lab.

  ***

  Dean was too late. Even thought it took him only a few minutes by the time he made it topside to the clinic and found out where they had Margaret, ten minutes had passed. Margaret was just given a sedative and it kicked in immediately.

  “I’m sorry,” Andreas said as she emerged from the room.

  Dean backed up against the wall and banged his head once. “Are you sure?”

  “Positive. While I was on the phone with you, she expelled the clot.”

  “Fuck.”

  “I know this is hard, Dean.” Andrea laid a hand on his shoulder. “And I’d love to tell you that you can try again. But the truth is her age played a factor into this.”

  “I know.”

  “Just because a woman still menstruates, doesn’t mean that her body can carry a child. And I don’t think the fact that she came from Bowman had anything to do with it.”