The Big Ten: The First Ten Books of the Beginnings Series

by Jacqueline Druga

  “Yeah.” Ellen rolled. “Shit. How much, Henry?”

  “Only twelve, El.” Henry held out his hand happily.

  “Look at you,” Dean said with disgust.

  “What?” Henry responded.

  “Why are you still here?” Dean questioned.

  “I’m visiting, El.”

  Dean rolled and moved his piece. “Ha! No Henry rent. You’ve been here since dinner. Go home.”

  Henry gasped. “Oh my God, are you rude. Tell him, El. He’s rude.”

  “You’re rude, Dean.”

  “Don’t listen to him, El.”

  “Listen to me, El.” Henry told her. “He isn’t very nice.”

  “Ellen take your turn.”

  “Don’t yell at me.” Ellen slowly took her turn.

  Dean tossed up his hands, bewildered.

  “See how you are, Dean.” Henry pointed. “That green monster called jealous is making you really mean.”

  “I am not jealous, Henry. Who am I jealous of?” Dean asked.

  “Me.” Henry rolled then moved his piece.

  Dean laughed.

  “Seriously, Dean,” Henry stated. “Next thing you know, I’m gonna have to start calling you Cindy.”

  Dean hesitated in his turn. “What?”

  “Cindy.” Henry said with fact. “You know instead of Marcia, Marcia, Marcia. You’ll run around going . . . . Henry, Henry, Henry.”

  Dean couldn’t help it. He laughed harder. “That wasn’t Cindy who said that. It was Jan.”

  “It was not,” Henry argued. “It was Cindy. She was the baby of the family and was jealous of her older sister.”

  “Henry, learn your Brady Bunch. It was Jan. She had the middle child syndrome. You can relate to that. You had it.”

  “I hope you aren’t insulting me, Dean. I can’t help it if I am a middle child.”

  “I’m correcting you. It was Jan.”

  “Cindy.”

  “Jan.” Dean raised his voice.

  “Cindy.” Henry saw Ellen stand up. “El, who was it.”

  “Laurie.” Ellen spoke softly and walked into the kitchen.

  Henry scratched his head. “Laurie?” He looked at Dean. “Was she a Brady?”

  “Wasn’t she the cousin that came to live with them?”

  “No that was Oliver.” Henry said. “Laurie?” Like a light lit above his head, Henry shined. “Oh no, El.” He saw he return with her coffee mug. “You’re thinking of the Partridges,. Laurie Partridge. I don’t think she even knew Marcia.” Henry finally took his turn again. “I never liked that show. You Dean?”

  “No. Reuben got on my nerves.”

  “Oh my God, that is so true. El isn’t that . . . El, are you sure you’re all right?” Henry asked her.

  Ellen smiled. “I’m fine. I wanna quit though. My head hurts. You guys finish.” She picked her pile of money and handed what was left to Dean. “You can have this.”

  Aghast, Henry’s mouth dropped open when he watched Dean take it. “Now see, that’s cheating.”

  “No it isn’t, Henry.” Dean combined Ellen’s money with his. “We’re married. Read the rules. When playing with your spouse and your spouse leaves the game you can take over everything they have. Community property.”

  Henry immediately grabbed the box lid.

  Ellen’s mind was elsewhere and she knew exactly where that was. Not on a board game, but on Frank. Wanting to be alone with her thoughts, she leaned down to Dean on the floor to kiss him. She paused when she heard the knock. “I’ll get it.” She walked over to the front door. Upon opening it, she saw Robbie and Joe. “Hey.”

  Joe stepped in and kissed Ellen on the cheek. “You look tired.”

  “I am. I’m going to bed. Why are you guys here?”

  Joe pointed to Dean and Henry. “I need to speak to them.”

  “Good luck.” Ellen said. “They’re stuck in the seventies.” She smiled at Robbie, knelt down and kissed Dean, said goodnight to Henry, who didn’t hear her, and walked slowly off to bed.

  Robbie shut the door. “Kids in bed?” He moved to the couch and sat down.

  Dean looked up. “Yeah. What’s going on?”

  Joe explained. “We have something to discuss with you. Henry. Henry? Henry!”

  Henry looked up from his box lid. “I’m not finding that rule, Dean, anywhere. Oh hey, Joe. When did you get here?”

  Joe grunted, reached out, took the box lid, and tossed it aside. He held out his finger to Henry before he could whine. “Seems we’ve had very informative night in Beginning, gentlemen. We had the Jason information. We had the revelation of the rigged temperature gauge and now . . . we have what Robbie is going to tell us. Robbie.”

  Robbie usually grinned when he knew something no one else did. This time he didn’t. He looked so serious and a little sad. “Seems like the investigation may be taking more of a turn than we thought it would. Unfortunately it’s in a direction none of us want.” With solemness to his demeanor, Robbie began to inform all of his newest revelation.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  September 23

  Beginnings, Montana

  In the little Beginnings cemetery, Dean and Ellen sat on the grass at the foot of the tiny grave of Brian. The sun was bright and it warmed them some whenever the fall wind wouldn’t kick up.

  Ellen released the strands of grass from her hand as she faced Dean. “Do you realize that it was one year ago today that Frank found out you and I had slept together?”

  Dean looked shocked to hear this. “You’re kidding, right?”

  Ellen shook her head. “Nope. One year.”

  “Whoa.” Dean looked at the grave. “A lot has happened in that one year.”

  “Yeah it has.”

  “El, do you remember when you wanted to get pregnant with Brian?”

  “Very well. Dean, you were so appalled that I came to you and asked you. You were funny now that I think about it.”

  “No.” Dean grinned. “What is funny is how I actually agreed to it.”

  “We wouldn’t have had the time with Brian if you didn’t.”

  “Yeah.” The smile fell from Dean’s face. “I have to tell you, El. It was one of the hardest things I did. You know, pretending he wasn’t mine especially when we knew he was.”

  “But you got to know him as your son and we didn’t even think that would happen.”

  “Who would have known Frank would have let me..”

  “Frank.” Ellen’s head dropped.

  “I know you’ve been missing him.” Dean reached out and took her hand. “I miss him.”

  Ellen raised her eyes. “You do?”

  “Hell, yeah. You don’t think I miss fighting with him?”

  “Is that why you fight with Henry now?”

  Dean’s mouth opened some. “You uh . . . you could say that. El, since we moved to the Frank subject, I need to talk to you.”

  “Sounds serious.”

  “It is.” Dean nodded once and moved closer to her. “I feel . . . I feel it won’t be long before George places that call.” He watched her expression totally change. “We have to face it. I will be leaving Beginnings soon.”

  Ellen closed her eyes. “I hate the thought of that. I hate the thought of you going out there. Trusting your life to him. How do we know.”

  “We know because Frank called that one day. Frank’s alive out there, El. They have him and me going is the only way to get him back. You know it.”

  “I know,” she spoke sadly.

  “And even though I know it’s gonna be another war between the two of us over you, I really can’t wait to see him.”

  “You do know I owe you for doing this.” Ellen looked deeply at him.

  “You don’t owe me anything. I’m not just doing it for you. I’m doing it for the kids, for Joe, Robbie, and though I’m not allowed to tell Frank about him, Hal.”

  “He’s going to be surprised,” Ellen said.

  “Yeah he is.” Dean
smiled. “Especially with Hal being at the break-in to the Society camp. Hal can be so dramatic.”

  “Look at his uniforms. But they are cool.”

  After a moment of silence, Dean spoke again. “There’s something else I need to talk to you about.”

  “I don’t like the tone.”

  “It’s important.” Dean’s fingers played around with Ellen’s hand. “Even though you and Robbie and Joe know why I am leaving Beginnings, the people in the community do not. They cannot. They cannot even suspect that I am up to something.”

  “I know this.”

  “Good. I’m glad you do because here’s what you need to do for me.” Dean’s voice softened. “You are to act like everyone thinks. You are to turn your back on my memory because you think I went to the Society.”

  “Dean I can’t do . . .”

  “El, no arguments, OK? Listen to me. The people in this town, they’re tough. They are not going to trust a single thing I have worked on since I am gone. If you stay dedicated to me, they won’t trust you either and . . .” Dean moved his face close to hers. “We worked too hard on what we have to let it go to waste to not be trusted. Now maybe some of the stuff . . .” He snickered. “But for the most part, our work is for the good and you have to continue it. You have to act as if you do not want my name spoken around you. Dean who? Hurt? Not Ellen. Not you.” Dean swayed his head. “You have to get cold. You have to act cold. Do you understand?”

  Ellen slowly nodded in agreement.

  “You have to move on quickly as if you are saying. ‘I’ll show him’.”

  “Dean, come on that is pushing it. You’ll be back.”

  “I know.” He kissed her. “I will and this whole thing will be over when I am. Frank will be back, the community will know why I left, and we’ll pick up where we left off. Until then . . . you’re disowning my memory. You disowning me and moving on is the only way to secure people’s trust. They have to continue to trust you, El, in order to trust our work. You may have trouble gaining trust. You may have trouble at first, but I know you’ll show them.” He winked. “I know you won’t let it bother you.”

  “Fuck them if they don’t like me.”

  Dean laughed. “See, that’s sort of the attitude I need you to take but only against me. As far as Beginnings is concerned, I betrayed them I don’t want people looking at you and thinking, ‘ok, Dean did it so when is Ellen going to turn?’ Understand.”

  “Yes.” She spoke in a low whisper. “You have put so much thought into this.”

  “How could I not? I’m leaving my home, my children, the woman I love all for . . .”

  Ellen had to interrupt the serious moment with a snicker. “All for a man you’ve done nothing but fight with for seven years.”

  The corner of Dean’s mouth raised and so did his eyebrow. “Hey, you’re right. What the hell am I doing this for?” he joked, scooted closer to Ellen, and pulled her to him.

  “For normalcy again.”

  Dean stared out to Brian’s grave. “With all that’s gone on, that could never happen but we can try. We can try.”

  Ellen rested her head on Dean’s shoulder. They stayed there for a little bit more before returning back to their work.

  ^^^^

  “Now see. That just don’t seem fair.” Marv, the part time security guard, drove the Jeep in toward sector thirty-two, the area located on the cliff behind the under developed section. “How can Ben from fabric have gotten Neville points?”

  “I’m telling you,” Dan radioed him back. “He pricked his finger trying to free Todd’s shirt from the sewing machine and he got points for acts of heroism and getting injured.”

  “Oh that is so lame,” Marv bitched.

  “Why are you griping? You’re getting points for going out there. You got pulled in the lottery.”

  “True. But still, Ben is right up there near Robbie and you. I’m telling you he bribes Trish.”

  “No way.”

  “Yes way. Did you see that new shirt she wore? It was ruffled like Neville’s. She said she made it.”

  “How do you know she didn’t?” Dan asked.

  “Please,” Marv scoffed. “You’ve seen Jeff’s uniform when she sewed the button on his cover. They were crooked when he fastened it up.”

  “True.”

  “And I’m here.” Marv turned off the Jeep. “Be back in ten.”

  “Hey, when you head into that field, watch out for the killer pigs.”

  Marv laughed. “Uh!” He screamed. “Joking.” He turned off his radio and hooked it onto his belt. “Here piggy, piggy.” He amused himself, heading into the field, his short body lost in the high grass “Oink. Oink.” He snorted a few times. “This little piggy went to market.” He slapped his own leg in such hysterics. “Wait, here’s one. Little pigs, little pigs let me come . . .” Marv stopped walking, stopped talking when he heard the shuffling of grass. One quick movement of the weeds and he jolted his body to the sound. “Hello?” Another sound and Marv saw the top of the grass sway. He lifted the tranquilizer rifle, turned slowly, and walked backwards to the Jeep. He hadn’t taken two or three steps when he watched the grass in the field move as if a wind picked up and touched only the brush. Faster he moved backwards reaching for his radio. The moment he reached to press in the button and bring it to his mouth was the moment he heard the squeal. “Shit. There are pigs up here. Son of a . . .”

  A swishing of the grass. A single high cry squeal. Marv turned to run and then he . . . disappeared with a painful scream into the high thick grass.

  ^^^^

  With a wide grin and a cigarette clenched between his teeth, Joe warmly shook Hal’s hand and gripped his son’s arm upon Hal’s approach to the utility buildings. “Goddamn, I hope I never lose this feeling when I see you.”

  “Hey Dad.” Hal leaned down and kissed Joe on the cheek. “How’s the last day going?”

  “Smooth. No problems. Let’s go into my office.” Joe pointed the way. “Did you bring those men?”

  “You know it. Danny all ready?”

  “He’s getting things together.” Joe opened his office door. “Supplies and such. He’s gonna set up mini tracking but it’s not going to be linked to us yet. At least they’ll see trouble coming ahead of time and they can give us a call.” Joe walked behind his desk. “Sit down.”

  “Thanks.” Hal smiled and took a seat.

  “Jess told me to ask you about those Bowman updates for our newspaper.”

  “I have them.” Hal patted his chest. “So what is this ‘Beginnings Day’ event I was asked if I was attending?”

  “Sort of like our community Thanksgiving. It’s a big party, first Monday in October.”

  “And they’re all getting ready now?”

  “What can I say? They’re party morons. They have nothing better to do.” Joe leaned back. “So how long am I graced with my son’s presence?”

  “I’m leaving in the morning. I don’t want to uh . . . use up any reasons that I’ll need to be here for when we start prepping for the Frank rescue.”

  “Valid point. So are you staying at the Comfort Inn tonight.”

  “Yep. Dean and Ellen’s house. What time is the party?”

  “What party?” Joe asked.

  “Your retirement party?”

  “Hell.” Joe waved his hand. “I’m not having a party.”

  “Dad, you mean you’re going out quietly?”

  “Pausing quietly. I’ll be back, trust me. I’m not allowing anyone to throw me a party. Christ, I hated in the old world when you would take a guy out to lunch for his last day, everyone pitches in gets him a gift, and he changes his mind. Nope, rather just be quiet until I come back.”

  “How do you think Henry will handle the leadership position?”

  “He’ll be fine,” Joe said. “I’m around and when I am not, Robbie is. It should be smooth. Now . . . enough catching up. Business. What do you have for me about the savages?”

  “You a
ren’t gonna like it.”

  ‘Try me.”

  “The maps and reports are with my things, but in a nutshell,” Hal began to explain, “there are two bigger ones. One in Wyoming, housing about a hundred savages. The other is about three hundred miles north west of here in Canada. It’d really big, Dad.”

  “How big?”

  “Three hundred maybe. My scouts said they go in and out of there so much it was hard to keep count.”

  “Any signs of movement?” Joe asked Hal.

  “None, but . . . how long till the warm weather sets in . . .”

  “And they migrate.”

  “Exactly.” Hal pointed. “Question. Will they make Beginnings their destination or Wyoming?”

  “The Wyoming camp could be their scout party moving ahead on a planned trail to somewhere.” Joe shrugged.

  “Are they that smart?”

  Joe nodded. “Smart enough to take out our tracking. If they’re smart enough to do that, my main concern lies with then breaking through the tracking and making it to our perimeters. I can very easily see four of them dying at the beams while the others race through.”

  “Is your man power is good to take them out?”

  “Our man power is very good. We’ll keep an eye on them through surveillance and start watching for movement.”

  “Excellent.” Hal looked at his watch. “Well I better get going to meet Danny. We’re supposed to take the men and supplies down to Miles City.”

  Joe stood up. “You’ll be by for dinner, right?”

  Hal grinned and his eyes closed slightly.

  “What?” Joe looked at him oddly.

  “Just hearing you say that makes me remember how many times you would say that to me when I was a teenager or in the service and stationed close to home. You’d say it every time you’d see me. God, you used to make me feel guilty for thinking about turning you down.”

  “Do I still?”

  “Hell, yeah.” Hal moved to the door. “And I will be by for dinner. Thanks, Dad.”

  Joe walked around his desk, leaned on it and, with a look of pride on his face, he watched Hal leave. Momentarily Joe pondered why he felt so good when he saw Hal and why he liked his son so much. Hal was doing well. He built a strong community. Hal was strong and had qualities that Joe admired. Joe decided he was going to enjoy the feel of basking in his son’s achievements because he realized that, in time, the ‘feel good’ would fade. ‘Captain Slagel’ or not, Hal was definitely one of his sons and it wouldn’t be long until Hal annoyed Joe just as much as the other two sons he saw all the time.