The Next Ten: Beginnings Series Books 11 - 20

by Jacqueline Druga

  “Ease.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Ease. Dean did this with ease. I would never give her up with so much ease. The ease tells me . . . he’s not in it a hundred percent. And you know what? He isn’t getting her back.” Frank nodded.

  “You’re not having an understanding with him.”

  “Oh, I’ll do that. He’s just not gonna be primary again. I won’t make a mistake this time, Dad. I won’t.”

  “Good. Now, when we . . .”

  “Am I adopted?” Frank asked with seriousness.

  “What?”

  “I heard your thoughts, I know what they implied. Am I adopted? I want the truth.”

  “Frank, I told you about reading minds.”

  “Oh, yeah, I know You said I might hear something I don’t want to hear. I’m not as dumb as everyone makes me out to be. I have looked in the mirror. I see the difference between me, you, and my brothers. So . . . truth. Am I adopted?”

  “No, Frank.” Joe shook his head. “I didn’t adopt you. You are a blood-born Slagel and that is no lie.”

  “Good. That’s all I want to know.” Frank said then watched Joe light a cigarette. “Hey, should you be smoking?”

  “To be honest . . . I’m debating right now on whether or not it makes a difference.”

  “But the treatments . . .”

  “Didn’t work,” Joe stated.

  “What?” Frank nearly lost his breath. “You didn’t say anything before.”

  Joe shrugged. “Why? I’m telling you now and you better not open your goddamn mouth.”

  “Dad.” Such sadness seeped from Frank’s mouth.

  “No. We’ll beat this.” Joe laid a hand on Frank’s knee. “I’m certain. I have to have a positive attitude.”

  “So, what happens now?”

  “Well, now we have our coffee and cigarette together. Then we wake the others . . .”

  “No. You know what I mean.”

  “Now,” Joe exhaled, “we try again. But after that and when I have my family back, I’d like to do something. Remember when you guys were teenagers and we’d all pack up and go somewhere?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I want to do that. I want to take a vacation. Me, you, Robbie, Hal, and Ellen.”

  “You mean like to Disneyland, because we’re gonna be in L.A?”

  Joe chuckled. “Sort of, but after we get back. Maybe a little camping trip before spring happens fully and shit starts to brew with the Society.”

  “I almost forgot about the Society. Funny huh? It’s been calm.”

  “It’s the calm before the storm.”

  “Tell me about it. Well . . .” Frank tossed his cigarette. “I’ll get everyone up and about.” He stood up. “Oh, hey, Dad?” Frank waited until Joe looked up. “I’m glad you’re my father.”

  Joe smiled as Frank walked away, safely thinking, ‘Yeah, Frank, me too. Me too.’

  ^^^^^

  “ETA two hours and fifteen minutes,” Danny informed as they sat in the Communications Room. “Last contact with Joe they were on the road. They know that God’s Castle . . .” He smirked. “According to Christopher, it is in some sort of hotel and park. So, they are going to start with MacArthur Park.”

  Henry shook his head. “I hate that song.”

  “What song?” Danny asked.

  “MacArthur Park. Someone, a long time ago, sang that.”

  John Matoose headed to the conversation, stirring his coffee as he walked. “Olivia Newton John?”

  “Nah.” Henry shook his head. “The woman was Black. Olivia is far from black. Who sang that?”

  Danny lifted his hands lost. “I don’t remember the song.”

  “Sure you do,” Henry said. “MacArthur Park is melting in the dark. Then it goes on to talk about someone leaving a cake out in the rain.”

  “Oh.” Danny nodded. “Yeah. Disco age. Donna Summer.”

  Henry snapped his finger. “Thanks. That’s her. I hated that song. Bet me they can’t get it out of their heads. Speaking of heads . . .”

  “Dean?” Danny asked.

  John laughed. “I am so glad Jenny and I aren’t the only ones wondering what’s going on in his head. You should have seen him with Josephine. I could barely pull him away from her to treat the people from Iowa, who, by the way, are doing good. Andrea says half of them can be moved to recuperate in Containment.”

  Danny gave an odd look. “Do we want to do that? I mean, Containment anymore is . . .”

  “A nut house,” Henry finished. “You’re right. What about moving them to a special facility in New Bowman?”

  “Sounds good. I’ll make a note of that.” Danny jotted down. “We’ll see what Sgt. Owens can do. Maybe Hal has something.’

  “Dean hates Hal now,” Henry said. “He loves Misha and is hot over Josephine, and is moving Frank into his house. And he’s our top mind, speaking of minds again.”

  Danny shook his head. “Nothing. I ran a diagnostic on his chip. As soon as I noticed his odd behavior, I ran it. It came up fine.”

  “Did you tune it up?” Henry asked.

  “I wanted to, but he just had a tune up last week. If we hit it too much with the refresher, we could damage the chip and Jason doesn’t want to go back in and put in another.”

  “Maybe it’s a mid-life crisis,” John Matoose suggested.

  Henry spun his chair to John. “That is a good guess.”

  “Think about it,” John said. “His age is right. His length of marriage is right. He wants a new house., new found freedom. He chases after Misha for youth and Josephine for sex.” He paused so all could cringe. “Hopefully that won’t happen. Mark my words. My Dad went through the same thing. I give him one month. He’ll be begging Ellen for forgiveness and shuddering that he even behaved like he did. Question is, will she forgive him?”

  “Absolutely,” Henry said. “I think she’ll be a fool enough to. She’ll forgive him based on the fact that she screwed up too.”

  John shook his head. “But she’s a woman, old world, this world, screw ups don’t count when you’re a woman.”

  Danny smiled. “How true. Now that we've had our morning gossip session, let’s get back to the daily meeting.”

  Henry sipped his coffee. “I’d rather bash Dean some more.”

  “Me too,” John said. “At least for a little while until we’re settled.”

  “Ok, it’s unanimous.” Danny shrugged. “Let’s talk about Dean.”

  ^^^^^

  “Sweet Jesus, Dean, we need to talk about this.” Andrea followed him around the clinic lab.

  “Andrea, can’t you see . . . Hold on.” Changing his demeanor, Dean hurried over to where Misha stood. “Is everything OK? Do you need any help?”

  “No, Dean, thank you.”

  After a smile, Dean returned to Andrea. He noticed the look of disgust on her face. “What?”

  “This.” She pointed. “This whole entire situation. I thought you had dismissed Misha. Misha, I thought you were harassed by Dean.”

  Politely, Misha smiled. “Where ever did you get that? We have reconciled.”

  Dean added, “I just have discovered things about Misha that . . .” He exhaled dreamily. “Well, just leave it a that.”

  “It is the innocence of our love,” Misha whispered.

  “Sweet Jesus. What about Ellen?” Andrea asked.

  “Ellen will be thrilled,” Dean said. “She’ll be very happy that I am happy.”

  “Please do not tell me you are sleeping this woman while you are wed to my daughter!” Andrea blasted.

  Misha looked so offended. “Not until we’ve wed.”

  “Isn’t she special?” Dean grinned.

  Andrea made a look of disgust. “Do not think this behavior is acceptable, not in my clinic. I hope when Frank comes back, he beats the crap out of you.”

  Dean chuckled. “Frank will wish me luck.”

  “You think?” Andrea asked.

  “Andrea,” Misha
spoke politely. “It is not in your hands now. Should you not be praising an end to a hostile situation instead of creating hostility in a peaceful one?”

  “No.” Andrea shook her head.

  Jenny walked into the lab. “Dean, I need to speak to you.”

  “Sure, Jenny,” Dean replied.

  “Good morning, Jenny,” Misha said

  Jenny growled at her, “Dean, your daughter Alex is upset. She said you told her this morning that you are not living in the house.”

  “You know this,” Dean told Jenny,

  “Yes, but there is a certain amount of tact required when you inform your children you aren’t with their mother anymore. Telling your daughter, I love Misha and I’m giving mom to Uncle Frank because I want my freedom is not . . . tact!” Jenny screamed. “She’s upset, Dean, you asshole!”

  Andrea closed her eyes. “Amen.”

  “I’ll deal with this,” Dean informed her, then turned to Misha. “Would you mind?”

  “Not at all.” On tip toes, Misha leaned into Dean and kissed him on the cheek. “I’ll go speak to Alexandra.” She walked across the lab. “Ladies.”

  “I have rounds. I’ll talk to you both later.” Dean walked out.

  It took a few seconds for Jenny’s shocked mouth to close then, after a snarl, she tightened her folded arms. “Stop me now, Andrea. Stop me now from killing one of them.”

  “Let’s just hope Frank does the honors,” Andrea said. “Something is wrong.”

  “Hello?” Jason popped his head in the lab. “Where’s Dean?”

  “Who cares,” Jenny scoffed.

  “I do.” Jason walked in further. “I have those divorce papers he needs to sign. I’ll leave them here.”

  “Divorce?” Andrea questioned in shock. “Sweet Jesus. Joe goes away for a day and all hell breaks loose. Jason, you have to check out that man. Something is wrong. His behavior is just not right. Could his chip be causing it again?”

  “Nope.” Jason shook his head. “We already thought of that. Danny checked it. All is fine. Dean’s just . . . a dick.” With a grin, Jason laid down the divorce papers and walked out.

  ^^^^^

  “They said you weren’t eating,” Creed spoke when he walked into Ellen’s room.

  “I’m not hungry,” Ellen said with little enthusiasm and energy.

  “You didn’t sleep. You don’t eat.”

  “What does that tell you?” Ellen looked up at him. “You have me in this room.”

  “It’s for your protection while I work in my lab.”

  “I want to go home, Creed.” Ellen stood up-. “Do you hear me? I have children.”

  “We can go and get them.”

  “No, I have a home.” Ellen moved to him. “I am not yours to keep.”

  “You are now.”

  “I haven’t been home in a month. Do you understand this?” Ellen asked. “I was ousted by my home for a period . . .” She stopped talking when he lifted a silencing finger. “What?” She questioned.

  “Your own people removed you from your home. Whether it was forever or a short period of time, that is wrong. You are welcome here. If it is your children you miss, we will find a way.”

  “No. No, it isn’t right. If it is a woman you want, why can’t I find a way to get you one?” She moved closer to him. “Creed, I miss my family. I am worried about Robbie.”

  “Robbie is responsible for nine deaths. How good is this man?”

  Ellen stared. “He is part of my soul. Robbie is very good. Things can be worked out. You could come to Beginnings.”

  ‘That is impossible and you know it. These people cannot live outdoors. They cannot live exposed to the elements. I am their leader.”

  “Then as their leader, imagine if we had one of your people.”

  “You do.”

  “I mean against their will.”

  “Then you’ve lied to me,” Creed spoke with shock.

  “I lied to save my life. Now I am concerned about Robbie’s. Please, let me go home.”

  Inhaling deeply, Creed turned from her. “Many years I have sought companionship. I need companionship. I will make you a deal . . .” Creed turned. “If Robbie makes a peaceful entrance and asks for you back, I will hand you over and you will find a way to find me a companion.”

  “Deal.”

  “However . . . if there is one more attempt at a hostile invasion, not only will he be killed but you are mine forever. Deal now?”

  Ellen hesitated. “Deal.”

  “Good, now I must return to my lab.” Creed began to leave.

  “Creed. Just . . . just out of curiosity.” Ellen followed him. “Not that I know it would happen, but just on the chance that it’s Frank that shows up, what then?”

  Creed smiled ornery at the door.”If this Frank shows up, then it’s a whole other ball game.”

  ^^^^^

  “It’s true.” Dean rushed into the clinic room where Josephine laid on the hospital bed. “You are hurt.” He shook his head in such disgust at Andrea who stood bedside. “You’re stealing my patient.”

  “Sweet Jesus.” Andrea rubbed her hand on her brow. “I am releasing this woman.”

  “She fell from a building.”

  “She didn’t get hurt.”

  “How do you know. Were you there?” Dean hurried to Josephine’s bedside and pulled up a chair.

  “Dr. Hayes,” Andrea scolded. “I’ll have you know, I am a very highly trained professional. Besides, it doesn’t take an MD to figure out when this woman got up and walked away, that she was fine. We need the space. More than that, we need her out of here.”

  Dean took Josephine’s hand. “How do you feel about going home? Will you be all right? I am really concerned.”

  “I need a drink,” Josephine said. “I’m pretty much close to being sober and I don’t like it.”

  Dean looked at her with compassion,. “Well, you do know that alcohol is not good for you. You of all people are some . . . some . . .”

  “Dean?” Andrea questioned.

  “Skippy.”

  “OK.” Dean slid the chair back. “Stop.”

  “Stop?” Andrea was curious.

  “Just . . . just stop. Stop everything.” Dean held up his hands.

  “Dean, what are you doing?” Andrea asked.

  “I’m stopping this. Right now. Just for a second,” Dean said, “because I want to talk to the reader.”

  “What?” Andrea was really lost.

  “Skippy, what the piss?”

  “Bear with me.” Dean lifted his hand. “I need to speak to the reader. Yes, you, the person reading this book. Come on, if you are this far into the series then you know my character. Is this pushing the limits or what? Can you believe what she is doing to me now? Can you? I’m in love with . . . Josephine? What’s next? I mean, let’s look back.”

  “Why are you complaining?” Josephine interrupted. “At least you’re a star, not some aging, drunken slut.”

  “Or,” Andrea interjected, “an overreacting, Bible pushing, holier than thou, menopausal woman. Be grateful and let this poor person reading go.”

  “No,” Dean argued. “No. I mean, go back. Go way back. First I pine after Ellen even though she cheats on me, has a child with someone else. No wait, that’s after the ripple. I get kidnapped, beat up, and let’s not forget killed, brought back, blinded, screwed up, and missing the cure to the new plague. I get blamed for having an affair with Bev and fathering her child. I misdiagnose my wife as a drug addict and now this. I’m under some post hypnotic suggestion. Please. I just need to make my peace. This series is winding down and she plans on using us in another. Oh yeah, didn’t know that, did you? Whoops. My bad, spoiler alert. Us versus the aliens. I can’t wait to see what she does to me then.”

  “Dean! Enough!” Andrea griped. “Good Lord, let this person go, I am sure they want to get to the Frank rescue scene. There are not that many pages left in the book.”

  “You’re right. You�
��re right.” Dean moved the chair closer to the bed. As he did, Josephine got out of bed. “Where are you going?”

  “I’m done. I’m going to get drunk.” She left the room.

  “But it’s not . . .” Dean started to turn and saw Andrea leaving. “Andrea?”

  “You took all the fun out of it.” Andrea walked out with Josephine.

  “Oh, well.” Dean shrugged. “Sorry.”

  ^^^^^

  Not only did every entrance into the underground world seem to be heavily guarded, but it seemed to breed another accidental death or two of an innocent Drune. Exactly how innocent they were Robbie didn’t know, but to him, they really weren’t a challenge. A simple stick no longer than three feet was their only weapon and all Robbie had to do was shoot them. After thinking about it, it wasn’t very fair. Robbie knew there had to be another way other than facing off with a few men who toted sticks while he had a gun. There must be another way to get in and get out and he truly thought he had that figured out.

  It would take him some time, a few hours maybe, to put it together, but it would work. After all, he was an explosives expert. Robbie was going to use his expertise to his advantage. He would literally blast his way in and blast his way out.

  Four straggly men and one woman, wanderers as Beginnings would call them, stopped Robbie near the empty Los Angeles river. Amazingly, they had traveled from Arizona where they left a home of several years. The natural rain forests of Mexico was where they were headed and they invited Robbie to join them. They were following the footsteps of many that lived with them at one time.

  It was flattering and they were pretty nice. Robbie tried to talk them into aiding him in his endeavors. A few extra men wouldn’t hurt, but they declined as he declined their offer. Their reason had nothing to do with not wanting to help Robbie but everything to do with the haunted city of Los Angeles. Their pass through would be quick, they informed Robbie. Their intentions were not even to stay long in L.A.. They didn’t want to take a chance on the truth of the rumor that once someone goes into Los Angeles, they never return. Robbie actually saw some truth in that statement, and at the rate he was striking out, he was beginning to wonder if he and Ellen would be part of those statistics as well.