Blink of an Eye: Beginnings Series Book 8 (53 page)

With his eyes glued to his clipboard
, he opened his office door, lifted his head, saw a smiling, naked Bev on his desk. He turned immediately around and walked back out, shutting the door behind him. “Robbie,” he called to his brother.

“
Yeah, Frank?” Robbie trotted up to him.

Frank motioned his head backwards
. “Use my jeep and take care of that problem in there.”

“
Problem?”

“
Yes.”

“
Uh ...” Robbie, clueless, shrugged. “Sure.” He walked into Frank’s office.

Frank moved over a foot to the little bench that leaned against his outer office wall
, He sat down, breathing out as he did. He listened to Robbie take care of the problem and Frank only lifted his head when he heard the jeep turn over then, drive away. Calmly, with just a hint of snicker, Frank looked at his watch and pulled a cigarette from his pocket.

He
’d smoke some then look at his watch again. He sat there like he was waiting on a bus. With his final puff of his cigarette, he glanced one more time at his watch, drew a smirk upon his face, and lowered the microphone of his headset closer to his mouth. “El.”

<><><><>

It was evident at that very moment in time why Ellen earned the title
‘The Little Mouse That Roared’. Still wearing her clinic lab coat, she stormed with a vengeance, hair flying out and coat flying back, across the street of Beginnings. She was a woman on a mission and it was seen in her face. Those who saw her, those who stood in her way, parted from her path as if she was Moses and they were the Red Sea.

Her eyes held determination along with anger
. Her face was stone cold as she moved quickly down to the second line of buildings. She didn’t stop, not once, she couldn’t. Flinging the door to the bakery open with a ‘bang’ Ellen flew by Cindy, who stood up from counting supplies, passed Josephine who quickly jumped from her way, and into the back of the bakery where the kitchen was located.

Ellen saw her as soon as she stepped in the kitchen
. Bev. With her eyes glued upon Bev’s, Ellen with straight-ahead bulldozer determination, moved across that kitchen toward her. In her furious stride, never slowing down, never pausing, Ellen reached out and snatched Bev up by the throat. Using her anger as her strength, she pulled Bev with her across that room as if she weighed nothing, and she slammed her back-first against the huge vat of grease.

Bev let out a blood curdling scream as her hands fought to free Ellen
’s from her throat. Her legs slid upon the floor in a struggle.

Ellen gripped so tightly to Bev
’s throat, her fingers could have punctured through the skin. She leaned close to Bev, feeling the heat of the hot oil that boiled less than a foot from Bev’s head, which dangled in toward it over the side of the vat. Over her, in a choke grip, pressing the back of Bev’s neck hard to the vat, Ellen placed her face. She ignored Bev’s cries. “I will take a lot.” Ellen’s deep graveled voice spat at her. “I will put up with a lot. I will not put up with you when it comes to Frank.” She rammed her hard again. “Go near him again, speak to him, look at him, and I swear to God, the next time, I will drown you in this oil.” Pulling her from the vat, Ellen tossed Bev harshly to the floor, stepped over her crying, shaking body as she stormed back out of the bakery nearly as fast as she stormed in.

<><><><>

Joe’s half square glasses rested on the hand that rubbed his eyes harshly, not wanting to hear what was being told. “Go on,” he told Andrea as he stood outside a clinic room door.

“
Some of them are third degree burns, Joe. Those are the ones she’s not feeling right now.”

“
Christ.” Joe moved his hand looking back at the closed door. “I don’t want to deal with the shit, Andrea.”

“
I know. Is there any way we can let it go? Ignore it.”

“
I would.” Joe cleared his throat. “But that asshole Kenny is in there with her now, screaming for justice. What am I supposed to do?”

“
I know it’s hard to not be a father right now. How about being both, the leader and her father.” Andrea laid her hand on Joe’s folded arms. “I’ll go with you, as your partner and as Council.”

“
Thank you, Andrea.” Joe lifted his head, took a breath, knocked on the door, and walked in. He looked at Bev in the bed, awake. Her face was tear streaked and swollen from crying. “How she doin?” he asked Kenny.

Kenny released Bev
’s hand and stood up harshly. “Look at her. She’s in pain, unbearable pain!” he shouted. “Your daughter is ...”

“
Easy!” Joe shouted. “Pipe down will ya. I’m not the one who shoved her in the grease pit, am I? No. Now sit.”

“
We want something down about this, Joe. Something needs to be done.” Kenny looked at Andrea.

Joe stepped closer
. “You do understand this is a delicate situation.”

“
Why,” Kenny asked with anger, “because it’s Ellen? I don’t care who she is. She did this, she should be treated like everyone else. I want her out.”

Joe had to try his hardest not to laugh
. “Oust her? What? Are you out of your goddamn mind? One! We don’t oust women unless it’s drastic. Two! Those two are at odds. Three, she’s my daughter for crying out loud! If I throw her out, do you even comprehend how many people will follow? That is not an option.”

“
I want Council to do something about this,” Kenny insisted.

“
And Council will.”

Kenny scoffed at that
. “Like you said, Joe, you’re her father and she’s ...” He pointed at Andrea. “She might as well be her mother. I want it to be Henry’s decision. Henry cares about my Bev.”

Immediately Joe turned from Kenny
. He couldn’t face him with the fear he would laugh at him.

“
Does he even know about this yet?” Kenny asked. “I bet he doesn’t. He’ll be upset. I want him to make the decision, Joe. Him. Even knowing how he feels about Bev, you know he’ll be fair. Henry is always fair.”

“
Henry can’t ...” Joe shut up and faced Andrea. “Henry doesn’t know about this, does he?”

“
Sweet Jesus, Joe.” Andrea shook her head. “No. He can’t make this decision.”

“
What did the man say?” Joe pointed back at Kenny. “He said Henry is fair. Well, Andrea, Henry is fair. We know that.”

“
Not when it comes to ...” Andrea whispered, “Ellen.” She cringed when Bev moaned.

“
He doesn’t need to know it’s Ellen. How much more fair can I make it.” Joe faced Kenny. “Will you accept Henry’s decision if he bases it on fact learned only through the anonymity of Ellen ...” Joe hunched at Bev’s scream, “... and Bev.”

“
You’re not going to tell him who is involved?” Kenny saw Joe nod. “I’ll accept that. I’ll accept that decision. I’m trusting you, Joe.” He pointed. “I’m trusting you to feed him the facts, no bias sides to the story.”

“
Yeah, yeah.” Joe shook his head and walked to the door. “I’ll go get him now. You’ll have his decision shortly.” Joe walked out and waited in the hall for Andrea.

“
Joseph, I cannot believe you are going to put Ellen’s fate in that boy’s hands without him knowing he is controlling it.”

“
Fate my ass, Andrea, this is Henry we’re talking about. Ousting is out anyhow. How bad will he be? This is Henry.” Joe started to walk. “Besides, it’ll be very interesting when he does find out it was Ellen.” He stopped and faced Andrea. “Kind of like the
Let’s Make a Deal
version of punishment. Huh?”

“
Joe.”

“
I’ll radio you as soon as he makes his mind up ...” Joe kissed her cheek then tapped it. “Sweetheart.”

“
No instigating it, Joe.”

“
It’s Henry.” Joe held his hands up as he walked backwards.

“
No allowing him to put himself in a position that will wreak him hell from Ellen.”

“
Andrea, it couldn’t be more brilliant. Like I said, how bad will the punishment be?” Joe smiled. “It’s Henry.”

<><><><>

No amount of good news from his Southern Divisions was going to put a smile on George’s face during his daily briefing. Three whole days had passed and still not a word came from John Matoose. To top it all off, it had surpassed his checkin time from his observation CMEs positioned within fifty miles of Beginnings. Things weren’t going as planned and George hated when that happened. It was time to take full control of the helm and steer it his own way.

After telling his right hand man
, Lawrence Gillian, also one of George’s Caceres Peace Ambassadors, ‘If John Matoose calls, put him through, smile over the phone, but tell him nothing. Fuck him.’ George left the meeting determined. He headed to his laboratories, knowing full well that they were near ready. He stopped at his Military Command, instructing his Sergeant Major to ‘intensify and prepare’.

George wanted
, in his hand, written reports of a plan of action and its expected outcome from his biological and military specialist. George wanted and needed these reports in his hand by the day’s end. With their reports and George’s own intensified plan, he would put in motion his actions to proceed in what he believed to be the final strikes against Beginnings. George was going to hit them fast, furious, and at full force. Most of all, George was going to hit them sooner than Beginnings had ever anticipated.

With a final grunt and a turn of his wrist
, Henry emerged from under the counter in the Monitorings’ security room. “Done.” He stood up, brushing himself off. “Now, explain to me, Jeff, how a bolted down terminal got loose.”

“
One word ... Frank.”

“
Frank?” Henry questioned. “Did he move it?”

“
No, he slammed his hand on the counter. He was pissed off at that Survivor who kept throwing things at Perimeter Nine because we wouldn’t let him in.”

“
Was that the one he shot at?”

“
That’s the one.” Jeff pointed and slumped farther into his chair.

“
Not in a good mood, Jeff?” Henry closed the flap to his tool bag.

“
Pissy mood to be precise. Trish thought she was in labor but it turned out to be false.”

“
That could do it. Of course Nick was born early so I really didn’t have to wait on him at all.”

“
The false labor isn’t what got me. It’s the reason for it. She was running after Bev so Josephine could beat her up.”

“
Why was she doing that?” Henry asked.

“
Trish can’t fight, Henry. She’s nine months pregnant.”

“
No, I mean wanting her beat up. What did Bev do now?”

“
Trish said she was flirting with me. Hell, I didn’t even pay attention to her. Now I’m going to have to hear about it even though I’m an innocent in all of this.”

“
Stay that way too,” Henry advised. “Take it from me, you see that girl coming, you run. Run from her. She’s trouble, Jeff, and has been the past couple of days here in town. She really burns me.” Henry began to get upset. “A trouble maker and I ...”

“
Henry.” Joe walked into the Monitoring room, interrupting. “Glad I found you. I need you.”

“
Oh sure, Joe.” Henry grabbed his tool bag. “Remember what I said, Jeff.” Tossing the bag around his shoulder, he joined Joe. “What’s up?”

“
To my office.” Joe waved his hand and led the way to the line of utility buildings not far from the Monitoring Station.

“
Did I do something, Joe?” Henry asked as they walked into Joe’s office.

“
No, but you will. Have a seat.” Joe walked behind his desk and sat.

“
What’s going on?” Henry sat and he placed his tool bag on the floor.

“
You’re on Council. In fact you’re second in command here in Beginnings. A situation has arisen in the community and you have to make the decision.”

“
Me? Just me?”

“
Yes, Henry.”

“
Why?” Henry asked.

“
One, the decision has to be based on anonymity. Andrea and I know the parties involved, so this one is on you.”

Henry blew slowly from his mouth
. “I hate being put in that position.”

“
I know, but you have to make a decision and it has to be done now. It’s on the lines of punishment.”

“
Oh no, Joe, you know I hate making punishment decisions. People end up thinking I’m not very nice.”

“
You have to do this one.”

Henry slid down in his chair
. “All right. What’s the situation?”

“
Fact, it involves two women ...”

“
Stop. Women?”

“
Yes, Henry, let me finish. We’ll call these women, Woman ‘A’ and Woman ‘B’. Fact. Woman ‘A’, on the word of a third party, went after Woman ‘B’, physically attacking her.”

“
Did Woman ‘B’ attack back?”

“
No.”

“
Did Woman ‘B’ provoke it physically?”

“
No.” Joe shook his head.

“
Woman ‘A’ based her attack on the word of a third party? She didn’t see anything for herself?”

“
No.”

“
Was it a simple attack? Slap and scratch sort of thing?”

“
That’s good.” Joe pointed with a chuckle. “But ... no. That’s why you have to make the decision. See, Woman ‘B’ is in the clinic now with a sprained neck and severe burns on the back of the neck, some of them third degree.”

Henry
’s eyes widened. “You’re kidding me? What in the world is up with the women in this community this week? My God, is it premenstrual week or something?”

“
You know how it gets the first few days after hormone injections.” Joe shrugged. “I always give leeway.”

“
Well I won’t. I’m really sick of the way these women get away with things, Joe.”

“
Henry.” Joe held up his hand.

“
No.” Henry shook his head. “You have a woman, who didn’t strike back, who didn’t physically provoke, who wasn’t even proven guilty and she’s lying in the clinic with third degree burns.” Henry sat up. “Oust Woman ‘A’.”

“
No!” Joe scolded.

“
Why?”

“
We don’t oust women, you asshole, unless it’s deadly.”

“
You gave me the decision.”

“
Well ousting can’t be one of them.”

“
That sucks, Joe.”

“
Tough.”

Henry tapped his hand on the arm of the chair
. “Well we have to send a clear cut message to the community. Woman ‘A’ has to be made an example.”

“
Henry, you think that maybe you should ...”

“
Joe.” Henry held up his hand. “My decision, let me think. Severity. We can’t stick her in the Fields. She wouldn’t work out. Hmm.” Henry thought and grew annoyed at Joe’s finger tapping on his desk top. “Joe, please.”

“
No. Henry, please. This isn’t a difficult thing to do. Come up with a punishment. How about an hour in Holding?”

“
No way! She burned and scarred a woman.” Henry snapped his finger. “I got it. This is good.” He leaned toward Joe. “Woman ‘A’ will be placed immediately in Holding until tomorrow morning, after and only after, she delivers a personal apology to Woman ‘B’.”

“
Henry, most of this day and all night in Holding? And an apology? Don’t you think that’s a little severe?”

“
No, Joe. That’s my decision.”

“
I don’t think ...”

“
Joe.” Henry raised his voice. “It’s my decision. You gave it to me. That’s fair and severe.”

“
You’re absolutely sure?” Joe asked.

“
Yes,” Henry answered.

“
Positive?”

“
Yes,” Henry grew perturbed.

“
I can’t change your mind.”

“
No, Joe. That’s it. I’m really tired of these women in this community. Did you see the long scratch on Frank’s arm from the Jenny fight?”

“
OK, if that’s your final word.” Joe picked up his phone. “Excuse me.” He dialed. “Robert, Henry made his decision. Woman ‘A’ is to be placed in Holding until tomorrow morning. Yes, he decided that.” Joe looked at Henry. “No, don’t take her there yet. Go get her and ... and bring her to the clinic. Part of her punishment is to apologize to Woman ‘B’.” Joe spun his chair and lowered his voice. “Knock of the laughing. Get her and bring her to the clinic. We’ll be right there. No, I’ll tell her the punishment. And uh ... call Andrea with this one for me. Thanks.” Joe hung up the phone and spun the chair to re-face Henry. “Ready?”

“
For what?”

“
To go to the clinic.” Joe stood up. “You decided the punishment. You hand it out.”

“
With pleasure, Joe.”

Wanting to tell Henry
‘you think?’ Joe decided it was best not to let any of the anonymity out of the bag. That little surprise would be best uncovered first hand.

<><><><>

Henry walked side by side with Joe
. He held his head high, ready for any argument Woman ‘A’ would give to him and battling his defenses in his head as they made their way to patient rooms.

“
This way,” Joe told him. They started to turn the bend but were stopped by Andrea.

“
Joe.” She grabbed him. “Stop this right now.”

“
Andrea.” Joe held his hand high. “Like Henry insisted, it is his final decision. Excuse us.”

Covering her face then folding her arms
, Andrea walked away. She didn’t want to witness the painful scene that would unravel.

As soon as Henry turned the bend
, he slowed down when he saw Ellen stand up from a chair outside of a room. Robbie was with her. “El?” Henry walked up to her. “What are you doing here?”

Giving scolding eyes to Robbie
, who snickered, Joe explained, “Ellen, you know why you are here don’t you?”

“
Yes,” Ellen said calmly, “my punishment.”

Henry
’s mouth dropped open. “You? You burned her?”

“
Yes, Henry, I did. So what?” Ellen said sharply. “Just tell me what my punishment is. This is fuckin stupid.”

“
Henry?” Joe motioned his hand. “Since the decision was announced to the other parties, please tell Ellen your final decision.”

“
But, Joe ...”

“
Henry,” Joe deepened his voice, “you were the adamant one. Tell her.”

Nervously Henry cleared his throat
. “These are severe, El. You have to go to Holding and stay there till morning.”

Ellen nodded slowly
. “Holding, like a criminal.” She closed her eyes briefly. “Thanks, Henry. So what’s the other one? You made it sound as if I have two punishments.”

“
Yes.” Henry breathed out. “You have to go in and apologize to her for burning her.”

“
No!” Ellen shouted.

“
Yes,” Henry said. “El, listen I ...”

“
No!” Ellen waved her hands about. “No, no, no!” She stepped back ranting. “I won’t! Fuck her! Fuck you, Henry! No! Joe. I’ll spend a week in Holding. Anything. No.”

Joe looked at Henry
. “Care to change your mind now, Mr. Final decision?”

Henry was a little upset by this
. Didn’t Ellen understand the severity of the injuries she caused and yet she was still so calloused about it. Taking a firm breath, Henry faced her. “More than anything, this is what you have to do. I made the decision. I stick by it. Apologize, El. You hurt her badly, really badly. I want you to apologize now. She deserves that.”

Ellen bit her bottom lip
, stared cold eyes at Henry, pleading eyes at Joe, and then shot her middle finger to Robbie who laughed. “Fine.” She tossed her hands up. “I’ll apologize.” She tossed her head back. “You coming?” Taking a calm pause before going in, Ellen opened Bev’s door and walked inside.

The moment Henry saw who was in the bed was the moment he wanted to drop over and die
. Before he could call out to stop Ellen, before he could do anything, Ellen had opened her mouth.

“
Bev.” Ellen faced the bed. “I’m told by Henry to apologize. Fine.” She cleared her throat. “I’m sorry.” She faced Henry. “And, Henry?” Without warning, without saying anymore, Ellen revved back her tightly closed fist, squared it away, swung it harshly, and landed it to the side of Henry’s face. Shaking her hand, she stormed passed Henry and Joe then walked up to Robbie. “Take me to Holding.” She walked with him. “And don’t try anything kinky with those handcuffs.” Without looking back, she moved with anger from the clinic.

Joe cringed and squinted when he looked at Henry who held the back of his hand to the corner of his eye. “Geez, Henry. Uh ... I ...”

“
You set me up.”

“
No,” Joe hid his laugh, “I gave you every opportunity to change your mind.”

“
Thanks, Joe. Thanks a lot.” Henry closed his eyes tightly.

“
I swear I didn’t expect that.”

“
Neither did I.” Henry twitched his head. “Can you at least tell me now why she burned Bev? Now that I know who the parties involved are.”

“
Simple.” Joe started to lead Henry down the hall. “Frank radioed her and told her Bev was in his office naked.”

“
What?” Henry stomped. “That’s sucks, Joe. She burns Bev because she flashes Frank, but she doesn’t go after her at all over me. That just sucks and now I have a black eye.”