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

by Jacqueline Druga

  “O.K. But right now, I’m scared.”

  “Are you having feelings for Jess.”

  “No.”

  “A twinge of excitement when you think of the kiss?”

  “El, no. Stop.”

  Ellen snickered. “Sorry. I can’t help it. You’re just being paranoid again. Let it go. You’re fine. You’re just a very attractive man that’s all.”

  “Still the best looking man in Beginnings in your eyes?”

  “Still the best.” Ellen leaned into him and kissed him softly. “Goodnight.”

  “El, do that again.”

  “What?”

  “Kiss me.”

  “Robbie.”

  “Please?” Robbie moved to her. “Just kiss me and make me get to . . . well, the point that I know women still turn me on. Please.”

  “You want me to kiss you until you’re aroused?” Ellen asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Well, seeing how you’re a Slagel, this should take three whole seconds.” Ellen moved to him pressing her lips softly to his.

  Robbie laid his hand on her cheek, keeping the kisses soft, yet intense. He kissed her and kept kissing her. Then he grunted, pulled away and in frustration laid on his back. “Nothing.”

  “Robbie.” Ellen held back her laugh.

  “No, this is terrible. Nothing.”

  “Maybe it’s me.”

  “No, you’ve always done it before. It’s me. I’m gay.”

  “Robbie.” Ellen moved to him. “Come here.” She took hold of his shoulder, rolling him her way. She moved her body, nearly touching his. She kissed his neck and grazed her fingers tips oh-so-lightly up his thigh, tickling across is boxer shorts, and to his chest. Her hand laid flush against his chest hair as her lips moved to his and began to part his with intensity. A few seconds into the kiss, she felt his lips tense up, and widen into a grin. Ellen pulled away slightly. “Feel better?”

  Robbie bit his bottom lip with an ornery smile. “Yeah. Thanks, El.”

  “No problem. Goodnight.” She inched away from him, rolled on her side, and pulled the blanket up. “Shut out the light now.”

  Robbie reached for the lamp and turned it off. He adjusted the covers and grew comfortable in bed. “Hey El . . .”

  “Night, Robbie.”

  “But you know what? Now could be the perfect opportunity . . .”

  “Goodnight Robbie.”

  Robbie smiled, slid down further and closed his eyes. “Night, El. Thanks.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  September 26

  Beginnings, Montana

  There was a certain amount of awkwardness between Jess and Robbie as they lifted off, just before dawn, for their scouting mission. Robbie talked. Jess was quiet, which totally surprised John Matoose, because he had it pegged as Robbie not saying anything, especially after what Jenny told him when she came to say goodbye. How she heard Robbie chasing Ellen up the street, and how, because she was bored, she followed and eavesdropped. John Matoose found himself listening to the conversation, trying to find the hidden messages they sent to each other regarding the lovers’ quarrel. The sordid affair that Ellen busted. Actually John Matoose wanted to hear anything at that moment that didn’t have to do with the scouting mission, because hearing anything at that moment would make him less nervous. And John Matoose was nervous.

  ^^^^

  It was early and Joe wasn’t due in Distribution just yet. Not wanting to alert anyone to his checking out George’s things in warehouse ‘A’, Joe decided to wait until daybreak to do so, instead of at night when the lights would be seen. The streets of Beginnings only had those who worked early and headed to their shift, mainly security and field workers. Joe reviewed the checklist in his mind as he made his way to the warehouse. First thing was look through George’s things. Second was to locate Henry and find out what the hell he had been doing as leader because Joe had to assign security positions while Robbie was making the flight. That was a task Henry told Dan he’d prefer not to handle and to speak to Joe.

  Just about at the entrance to warehouse ‘A’, Joe heard his name being called, not seemingly for anything, more so a good morning hello. Joe, holding out his keys, turned to see Jason.

  “Early start?” Jason asked.

  “Yeah. You too, I see.”

  “Josephine had heart palpitations all night. I stayed there till I sent her home.”

  “Is she all right?” Joe asked.

  “Nothing serious. She’s fine. I think, my professional opinion, she has a bit of withdrawal. She tried to quit drinking,” Jason explained. “And, well, you and I know she can be quite the lush.”

  “What made Josephine decided to give up the bottle? Her health?”

  “A man.”

  Joe nearly choked on the laughter that blurted out. “A man made her quit?”

  “Actually she’s trying to impress him. Forrest.”

  “And what was your doctor advice to her?”

  “I told her to drink again. Forrest drinks as much as she does and I told her, at eighty-some years old, why quit now.”

  Joe was a little surprised by Jason’s unconventional advice. Had it been Dean, Dean would have had her in his new detox program. “Awfully unorthodox advice for a doctor.”

  “Yeah well, her heart won’t take the withdrawal symptoms, Joe, so let her go. Hell, her liver is still in great shape. She may still be skipping around here twenty years from now. Anyway I’m off. Wanted to say hi.”

  “Where you heading, Jason?” Joe asked, taking in that Jason had approached him behind all the town’s buildings. “Odd that you’re back here.”

  “Nah, I cut through this way to get to Mechanics. It’s easier. I have a req to turn in..” He started walking away then he stopped. “Oh Joe.” Jason turned back. “I wanted to ask you something. You can tell me it’s none of my business, but how’s the search for the Society insider going? I figured that’s what you were doing by asking for the history of the time machine.”

  “It’s going.” Joe held up a finger slowly. “Let me ask you a question, Jason.”

  “Shoot.”

  “You said something to Dean and Henry. You said ‘another person’ working for George. As if you knew of one.”

  “I do,. Well, I think. I’m not sure, but I’m pretty certain of it.”

  “Who?” Joe asked.

  “John Matoose.”

  Joe tried not to let his shock be seen. “What makes you say John Matoose?”

  “History. I gave it thought when things were going against us, especially when we went back March 6th and it seemed so much like a set up. I figured John had to know about this place when he met up with you guys. He was with the President. I think John knew more than he should and George used that against him. John’s whole demeanor changed when George left. It was consistent with someone who has a lot of pressure. That’s why I think George used John’s knowledge to get John to do things, held it over his head. He snapped easily and so forth but the clincher came after the new plague. John all of the sudden was removed from any security work except for flights. Straight Mechanics and you have someone tailing him.”

  “Why would you say that?”

  “Because I work odd hours and hardly ever sleep. John doesn’t see it. I do.”

  “If it is true and he is followed, you won’t . . .”

  “Say a word?” Jason held up his hand. “No. I figured the only reason John isn’t headless or out of here is because you’re probably using him for all you can get. I’d do the same thing. When the well is dry, fill it in.”

  “You’ve given this a lot of thought, haven’t you?” Joe asked.

  “Yes I have.”

  “As much thought to whoever else you think it is in Beginnings?”

  “Person or persons. I have several theories. I’ve been wanting to share them with you but a few are half baked.”

  “Well,” Joe bounced from heel to toe. “Let me tell you, they can’t be as half baked a
s some of the ones we’re dealing with.”

  “Then we’ll sit over a drink and talk about them,” Jason said. “Today, I’m gonna try to work in my lab. With Dean’s so-called disappearance, I’m pretty busy at the clinic. Maybe tonight or tomorrow.”

  “I’d like that.” Joe nodded once.

  “Good.” Jason stepped and stopped. “Joe, one thing. I know you’re looking at me as a insider for the Society. I don’t mind. I would too. But, with all honesty, I would like to tell you something.”

  “Sure.”

  “I may be guilty of some things in Beginnings, but working for George is not one of them.” Jason smiled partially and walked away.

  Joe watched Jason, wondering what he had mean by the last statement, and he figured he’d find out later. But at that moment, getting into the warehouse and looking through George’s things was top priority.

  Joe sat on the floor of the warehouse for maybe an hour, going through George’s things. He knew for certain his legs were going to kill him when he finally got out of the crouched down position. He looked differently than he had done before, because he looked with different knowledge. When he went through George’s books, he realized that was where he went wrong before. Like Henry had said, they were only looking for things to do with the Society. When they fine-tooth combed his things before, they were actually using a thick-tooth comb, because they merely skimmed over anything that was related to Beginnings. That was their major mistake.

  The book marks called to him, scrap paper, Beginnings made, placed neatly in the parts of the books where George left off. An avid reader and a man who read more than one book at a time, it wasn’t surprising to Joe that George used a marker. Joe even remembered him and Henry reading where George had left off in the books. They had glanced at the book marks but didn’t think anything of them. They were Beginnings paper, How much were they gonna tell them? How wrong Joe and Henry were.

  It was there, triple-folded long ways on page one hundred twenty-two of the book, ‘Poseidon Adventure’, with George’s handwriting on the smooth side saying ‘bookmark’ and a George drawing of a daisy. But when Joe unfolded it, he realized what it was. It was evidence they needed, but not evidence they wanted to admit. Someone from Beginnings really did try to warn George and Joe read the proof he held in his hand. A note dated from the future to George in the past. ‘This is a warning. Do not continue on with the Society’s plan. I urge you. The virus is not infallible. I know this because I write you from a future that has gone bad. Signed, a friend.’

  Perhaps George kept the note as a reminder of his mistake for possibly scoffing at it all those years ago. There was only one problem. The note was not handwritten; it was typed. With no signature there wasn’t any way to know who wrote it. Or was there? Joe glanced down at the note again, looking at it instead of reading it and that’s when he noticed. All the capital letters were faded and cut off some at the top. A hint of blue ink, only a hint, could be seen. A typewriter fault? A Henry-made typewriter ribbon error? Whatever caused it, Joe quickly ran through his mind how many typewriters there were in Beginnings and who all had them. That was where Joe was going to start. Placing the note in his chest pocket, Joe closed the ‘Poseidon Adventure’ and began to pack up George’s things. He had a new direction, one he would get started on as soon as he could. It was a little clue, but a clue none-the-less.

  ^^^^

  Binghamton, Alabama

  Frank kept watching, throughout his training and whenever he was in his office, for those six scientist to leave so he could go find Dean. When they finally appeared to be taking a morning break, Frank took advantage of it. He sneaked out of his building, stayed close to the walls, edged his way to the next, darted in and out of bushes, and tried, as if someone his size could easily be concealed.

  It dawned on Frank as he was making his mad dash to the doors of the lab building. Why was he hiding? He was C.O. of the base. Realizing this, he slowed down, stood straight, and walked in. He made his way to the main lab. The door was locked and he opened it with a key that Lt. Merrick had marked for him.

  Frank readied himself to scold Dean for not stopping by during the course of the morning to say ‘hi’. But he figured, like he was addicted to smoking, Dean was addicted to lab equipment or something.

  Frank didn’t see him when he walked into the lab, but that didn’t mean Frank didn’t know where Dean was. He remembered the special lab off of the freezer room. Frank deducted that was where they kept Dean, hidden away like a deformed child or something. And Frank was right. Walking into the freezer room, he could see Dean in the lab

  . . . on the phone?

  Frank opened the door, hearing Dean laugh.

  Dean’s back was to Frank and he was reclining in the chair. “O.K., just keep that in mind . . . I’ll try to call you later if I can get near a phone . . . I miss you too. I love you. Bye.”

  “No!” Frank cried out, running into the lab as Dean set down the receiver.

  Dean jumped at Frank’s scream. “God, Frank.”

  “That . . . that was El.” Frank pointed to the phone. “Wasn’t it?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Dean, you asshole! You can call Ellen?”

  “Yes.” Dean stood up. “It was part of the arrangement.”

  “Fuck.” Frank rushed to the phone and reached for it. “Where is she? I wanna talk to her.”

  “No, Frank.” Dean laid his hand on the receiver.

  “Dean.”

  “Frank.”

  “Get your hand off the phone. I’m calling El.”

  “And tell her what?” Dean asked.

  “Tell her I love her and miss her.”

  “And divulge that you have your memory.”

  “No!” Frank snapped. “I won’t say anything about that.”

  “Frank, you idiot. What the hell do you think telling her you love her would be doing? The lines are tapped.”

  “Oh.” Frank thought about it. “Why is George letting you call home?”

  “Because he thinks El is the only who know about it and it was part of my bargain. I have to have constant check-ins with her. If she doesn’t hear from me, I told George she would go to Joe and they would drop a weapon she and I worked on that would wipe out everyone on the east coast, except me. I’m immune.”

  “Is that true? Do you have a weapon like that?”

  “Um . . . uh . . . no. What are you doing here, Frank?”

  “Bored I guess.” He sat on the edge of Dean’s desk. “You know, Dean, I heard the end of your conversation. In all seriousness, don’t get your hopes up on keeping this marriage thing once I get home.”

  Dean laughed, stopped laughing, looked at Frank, and laughed again.

  “What?”

  “You think you’re gonna steal her from me?”

  “Yes.”

  “You think?”

  “I know.”

  Dean laughed.

  “Don’t . . .” Frank imitated Dean’s laughing. “Wanna bet on it?”

  “I’ll bet you. What do you wanna bet.”

  “That I can’t steal her off of you and break up the marriage?”

  “Yes.”

  “Let me think about it. I need a time frame though. She’ll have a certain loyalty to you for a short time for coming after me. But after that . . .” Frank fluttered his lips. “You’re little man history.”

  “You think?”

  “I know.”

  “We’ll see.”

  “We will.” Frank nodded.

  “Why are you here, Frank?”

  “What? Are you working on something?” Frank asked sarcastically.

  “No.” Dean shook his head. “I wouldn’t work on anything for them except to screw things up.”

  “So you have nothing better to do than to argue with me?”

  Dean let out a long sigh. “I guess not.” Dean pointed to his desk and extra chair. “Wanna catch up some more.”

  “Yeah.” Frank sat down
at the same time as Dean. “Hey Dean.”

  “What?”

  Frank leaned into the desk. “Guess what?”

  “What?”

  “I know something you don’t know.”

  Dean made a scoffing face, gasping in disgust. “What is this? Let’s play first grade?” Dean leaned back in his chair. “What do you know?”

  “I can’t tell you.”

  “Does it have something to do with the Society?”

  “Nope.” Frank played with the pencil holder. “It’s more personal.”

  “Then in that case . . .” Dean took the pencil holder from him. “I know something you don’t know.”

  “No you don’t. You’re just saying that.”

  “Nope.” Dean shook his head.

  “What is it?” Frank asked.

  “I can’t tell you. Joe orders.” Dean smirked thinking of Hal. “Ah. Bet it’s better than yours.”

  “Doubt it. Give me a hint.”

  “You give me a hint.”

  “I can’t.”

  Dean shrugged. “Neither can I.”

  “O.K.” Frank tapped his fingers on Dean’s desk as he rested his chin on his hand. “Catch up time. How did this Neville Competition start?”

  Dean smiled and leaned closer to his desk. He enjoyed arguing with Frank. In fact, he missed it so much, fighting with Frank actually put him in a good mood. They sat in his little office and talked about Beginnings until the scientist returned.

  ^^^^

  Beginnings, Montana

  The buzzing of the cryo-lab door opening wouldn’t have caught Ellen’s attention because she didn’t lock it. The sweet smell of cologne made her lift her head from the far counter and sniff. It drew closer. There were only two men in Beginnings who regularly wore cologne. Joe, but that wasn’t a scent for him. He was more the ‘Old Spice’ or “Brute’ guy. And Danny Hoi. But Danny consistently wore the same thing and that definitely wasn’t what Ellen smelled.