The Horse Soldier: Beginnings Series Book 10 (60 page)

Joe recalled in his mind how angry Andrea was at the snooping issue, going behind Ellen’s back, and looking into her things. Joe even recalled how Andrea--while getting dressed for the house full of company she left--went on and on to Joe about the respecting of other people’s privacy and business. Honesty and trust. Joe whole heartedly agreed with Andrea, one hundred percent but there were times where you have to just swallow your morals and what’s right and dig at whatever cost for the truth. That was the reasoning Joe used in his mind when he followed his wife from the house in the middle of a Slagel family gathering. Telling them he wanted to walk her home because it was dark, Joe left minutes after she did.

E
verything Andrea preached about honesty, trust, and respect went right out the window when Joe saw she never went to the clinic. Quietly and in the dark, she sat on a bench behind the chapel with Rev. Bob--which was convenient for Joe because he could hide and not be seen. He couldn’t hear what they whispered, only that they did. But what they said didn’t matter. He didn’t need to hear the words. What he saw was enough. More so than Andrea’s lack of honesty was the fact that there in the dark, hidden and alone, were the two people in Beginnings who were somehow connected very personally to George. The two people in Beginnings who were Joe’s top suspects. And there they were . . . together.

It wasn’t even light yet, but Robbie spotted Jess and John right on time. There was a certain fright of a chopper heard in such a dead world, hence the reason Robbie just wanted to get out of there as soon as possible. Jess and John wasted no time getting in and closing the door, Jess for the simple fact that he just wanted to sit, and John Matoose because he awaited the reunion glances between Robbie and Jess.

“Man, do you two reek
,” Robbie commented as he lifted the chopper.

“Ha, ha.” Jess shook his head with a smile. “You try spending twenty four hours straight outside in forest filled with decaying bodies, compliments of Frank.”

“Frank?” Robbie laughed. “Taking them out is he?”

“Oh yeah. We got some good shots of him though.
Didn’t we, John?” Jess looked around to the back of the chopper where John sat.

“It was amazing seeing him
, Robbie,” John said. “You know, I told your Dad from the start that George wanted him and would set it up like Frank was dead. I didn’t think he was dead. But it still doesn’t hit you that Frank’s all right until you see him.”

Jess raised an eyebrow. “Robbie
, your brother has hair.”

“Yeah.” Robbie nodded. “All over his body.”

“No on his head instead of that clipped short hair. It’s hair.” Jess stated. “He looks . . .”

“Weird?” Robbie asked.

“Yeah.” Jess nodded. “But enough of the good news.”

“Shit.” Robbie shifted his eyes. “What?”

“Let’s just say when we get home and we show you the pictures, all that bragging you do about being the infiltrating champ better be true,” Jess said seriously. “You have your work cut out for you.”

^^^^

He was a flowery sort of gentleman, eccentric and different. George wondered, as he stared at the conductor, what he was doing working for the Society. It was bad enough that they had to stop the train ten miles from Binghamton, but did they have to stop it because Chuckie the conductor wanted to release all the bad feelings the train was picking up on the journey. George looked at his watch as he walked outside the train, getting some air on their unscheduled break. His views snapped to the sky.

“What’s wrong?” Chuckie asked.

“Did you hear that. It sounded like a chopper.”

“Oh that.”

“So you heard it.”

“The chopper?”

“Yes,” George said.

“No.”

“Then why did you say ‘oh that’?”

“Because I know exactly what you mean.” Chuckie tossed his hand George’s way. “Sometimes I hear the
television playing or a radio station. Sometimes I think I hear a car or a plane or even Mr. Rogers singing that Tomorrow song. Or is that Annie? Oh. Annie sang about the sun coming out tomorrow, Mr. Rogers sings about starting the day tomorrow. Did you ever catch that program?”

George really could have snapped and bit Chuckie’s head off. But instead he decided
, in his bewilderment, to just do his best to patronize the conductor so he would just drive the train. “Mr. Rogers?”

“Yes.”

“Yeah. I even met him.”

“Really?” Chuckie asked with excitement. “My daughters loved him.”

“Mine too. But what the hell does Mr. Rogers have to do with me hearing a chopper.”

“Everything.”

“How.”

“Because you didn’t hear it
just like I didn’t hear Mr. Rogers.”

“What the hell did I hear?” George asked.

“In the back of your brain there is this little memory reserve. It has life -like memories that overflow once in a while from your subconscious to your conscious. Sort of on the lines of déjà vu.”

“You’re crocked.”

“No, actually I’m sober. And . . .” Chuckie looked at his watch. “I’m getting off schedule. There was no chopper, just memories. But enjoy them.” He moved to the train. “Take in the good air while you can.”

“What?” George curled his lip in curiosity of the man as Chuckie got on the train. He winced when the whistle blew loudly.
Then George had to start running when the train started moving without him.

^^^^

The tea cups were little, almost child size, but they were authentic. Danny found them and gave them to Henry. He and Henry sipped their morning tea in Joe’s ex-office.

The expression on Danny’s face said he was pleased with the tea as he set the cup down. “Good.”

“I appreciate you coming up here to talk about this with me,” Henry said.

“No problem. And I get tea. You’ve done good
, Henry. You realize with my ideas and your hands and mind, we can recreate a better world.”

“But you’re inventive too
, Danny.” Henry pointed. “Look at all the things you made.”

“True. But that’s in mechanical. Yeah, I can figure out things. I am the resourceful guy.”

“That you are.”

“So are you.”

“Thank you.” Henry smiled.

“I mean, You made tea again. Pork rinds and . . . Jell-o. Who would have thought. That was really good.”

“Thanks.”

“We should sit down and come up with a list of things we need again.”

“Let’s do that.”

“It’s a deal. Now . . . your problem.”

“My problem,” Henry stated with a heaviness. “Well?”

“My opinion?” Danny leaned into the desk. “You’re letting it get control of you.”

“You think.”

“Yeah, most definitely
,” Danny told him. “The first day as leader, you took your time.
You,
Henry, took control. Now you’re kind of passive and it gets ahead of you and says ‘here’s the situation. I’m boss.’”

“Wow.” Henry looked at Danny. “That’s a really cool perception. So what do I do?”

“You have to say that you’re the boss now. Take control and give the situation no choice but to bow down to you.”

“How?”

“Cut it.”

“Cut it?” Henry ran his hand over his head. “I just did. A month ago.”

“Cut it again.”

“Like a trim?” Henry asked.

“No, like a cut. Come to the house tonight and have Bentley bring it just so it rests on your shoulders, no further.”

“Will that work
?”

“Henry, come on. The less you have the more you can control.” Danny was so serious. “
In my opinion, you can’t go short. You’ll look like a geek. Long hair suits you fine. But keep it long without being really long. You do this and watch how good your hair looks every day, without spending hours on it.”

“Like you.”

“Yeah. See?.” Danny ran his fingers though his layered perfect hair. It fell back in place. “Bentley does the best cuts. All it takes is a little dab of Hair Hold and five minutes of your time.”

“Maybe I’ll . . .” Henry looked up when the office door opened and Robbie walked in. “Hey Robbie. You’re back. How was Jess’
s trip to Canada?”

“Good.” Robbie shut the door. “This is a bonus
, the two of you together.”

Henry snickered. “You weren’t thinking of trying anything sexually kinky with us were you
?”

Robbie nodded as he bit his lip. “I won’t hit you
, Henry, because I need something from you two.”

“Uh-oh.” Henry shifted his eyes to Danny. “Watch your back. Kidding. Robbie? Should I cut my hair.”

“Yes. Can I have your attention?” Robbie asked.

Both Henry and Danny nodded.

“I need you two to make . . .” Robbie stared at them then stepped back. “Never mind. It’s too much to ask.”

“Whoa!” Danny called out. “What’s too much?”

“What I was going to ask you guys to do. It uh . . . it’s probably impossible to make especially in the time frame I need it. Forget it.” He walked to the door. “Have a good day.”

“Robbie!” Henry shouted. “Tell us what you need. Let us decide.”

“O.K.” Robbie stopped in his reach to the door. He spoke as if he were delivering impossible news. “I have a problem with a large number of SUTs in this area I have to make a run too. I can only afford to send a few guys and they can’t take them out. Basically, and I know this can’t be done, but I was sort of wondering if you do could device a descrambling unit like the Auralnator? Something that’s not bulky and can be taken with them. It has to be effective at a distance. Close, but not directly in the ear.”

“Played through a portable speaker system?” Danny asked and turned to Henry. “Can we pump the decimals out of something portable
?”

Henry thought about it. “Frequency is what we need to shoot for. Perhaps a different descrambling pattern.”

“But would it have the same effect?” Danny asked.

“Probably not
, because it’s not directly in the inner ear,” Henry answered. “But we could stun them.” He looked at Robbie. “Would that work?”

“Can it give
them enough time to pass through the region?” Robbie asked.

Danny shrugged. “Depends. We can test a time frame, adjust the frequency
, and program. You’re talking a portable system so you’re not talking too big. So you’re not talking too long of a time.”

“Half hour?” Robbie asked innocently. “Nah, that’s too much huh?”

“No.” Danny scoffed. “We can do better than that. Can’t we, Henry.”

“Yeah.”

“No way.” Robbie said. “You guys can’t”

Henry was offended. “Robbie we can. Bet we can get it to at least . . . . forty minutes. Right
, Danny?”

“Right. Ha!” Danny shook his head. “Why in the world would you even think
that us two great minds, great hands, mechanically inclined, resourceful handsome guys couldn’t do what you want?”

Robbie grinned with arrogance. “Because I need it done by tomorrow.”

^^^^

The phone was tight to Ellen’s ear as she stood at the back counter of the clinic lab, trying to place tubes into the centrifuge. It wasn’t an easy task considering she had to keep closing her eyes. “Josh, I don’t care. Josh . . . Josh, I know you’re babysitting. But I won’t be long. Josh!” she screamed. “Clean your room!” She grunted and laid down the phone.

“My room was never messy as a teenager.”

Ellen heard Hal’s voice behind her. She smiled. “Somehow I know better.” She turned around to see him. “It’s only been a couple of days and I missed you. I can’t wait till we’re living closer.” She stepped to him as he walked into the lab. She stood on tiptoes, placing her arms around him. She kissed him on the cheek. “Where’s the uniform?” Ellen asked as she ran her hand across his white tee shirt.

“Saving the crisp one for the, well
, you know.”

“
To impress Frank.”

“Annoy him will be more like it.”

“Thanks for coming to see me.” Ellen stepped a foot back, leaned against the counter, and folded her arms. “Are you staying with me while you’re in Beginnings?”

“Can I?” Hal asked.

“Oh you know it. I have the big house.” Ellen looked around Hal. “So did Sgt. Ryder come with you?”

“He went to see the two babies that were born. He said he hasn’t seen children in forever.”

Ellen laughed. “Then wait until he stays at my house.”

“Is he welcome to?”

“More the merrier. Hey, how are you gonna explain us to him. Doesn’t he think that we are a couple.”

“He knows of the way it is in Beginnings
and I kind of . . .” He saw Ellen stare past him. “What’s wrong?”

“I didn’t recognize him.” Ellen smiled gently. “Sgt. Ryder.”

Sgt. Ryder stood in the lab door. He too wore jeans and a tee shirt. “Ma’am, may I come in?”

“Sure.” Ellen, still smiling
. walked over to him. She surprised him by hugging him and kissing him on the cheek when he walked in. “Welcome to Beginnings.”

Sgt. Ryder blushed. He touched where she kissed. “Thank you for the welcome. I have to say, Beginnings is great
, what I’ve seen of it. Captain Slagel has told me he’s taking me to a place called the social hall tonight.”

“It won’t be crowded
,” Ellen said. “It’s Sunday. But it’s a nice place. Hal and you are staying at my house. Did he tell you that?”

“It’s no trouble?” Sgt. Ryder asked.

“Not for you, Sgt. Ryder,” Ellen told him.

Sgt. Ryder cleared his throat in nervousness. “Thank you so much for asking for me to help out in protecting you and your children. That means a lot to me.
Will you please call me Elliott?”

“Elliott.” Ellen titled her head. “Hey, we have the same nickname. El and
El.” She snickered. “Anyway, I really wanted you here. I will never forget how you saved Frank’s life and I will always be grateful for that.” Her eyes widened. “Oh Hal, you should let Sgt. Ryder be one of Frank’s men. He has that edge Frank likes in his men.”

Sgt. Ryder shook his head. “I don’t quite think I have that edge I saw Frank display. I think I’ll stick with Captain Slagel.”

Hal laid his hand on Sgt. Ryder’s shoulder. “You have no choice. You’re my right hand man. Well . . . we’d better go. We have to meet with my father and Robbie in a couple hours and I wanted to take Elliott around.”

“O.K.
,” Ellen said. “Josh is home if you want to drop your things off there. Just . . . stay out of his room.” She cringed. “And stay away from Cole. He’s nasty today too. He stepped on a nail and Andrea had to give him a tetanus shoot. He cried like a baby.” She winked then laughed.

“We’ll do that.” Hal walked with Sgt. Ryder from the lab. “Anyone else?”

“Um . . .” Ellen raised her eyes to the ceiling. “Yeah, Hap. He had an argument with Trish. And um . . . Fred because Lynn is premenstrual. Also avoid Ben and Todd because they’ve been fighting for a week.”

Hal was actually being sarcastic when he asked Ellen. Never did he expect a list. “We’ll make a mental note. Thanks. Oh and El . . . any news on Hank
?”

“Who?”

“The man that was killed.”

“Oh.” Ellen shook her head. “No. Haven’t figured out the animal yet. Danny’s been pestering me too. He wants it to be headlines in the paper.”

“Yet have someone else write the story,” Hal added.

“How true.”

“We’d better get going.” Hal lifted his hand in a wave as he stood by the door with Sgt. Ryder. “We’ll see ya later, El.” He and Sgt. Ryder started to walk toward the main door. As they approached it, Melissa and Marcus walked in.

Sgt. Ryder stopped cold as he stared at Marcus.

“Hi Hal,” Melissa said as she held Marcus’s hand. “Is Ellen here? she wanted to see us sometime today.”

“In the lab.” Hal pointed.

“Thanks.” Melissa smiled and kept moving.

“Captain . . .” Sgt. Ryder pointed. “What . . .”

“Don’t ask.” Hal opened the glass door. “This is Beginnings. I told you something is odd about this place. You should see what Ellen has in her and Dean’s lab.”

Sgt. Ryder took one more look back at Marcus. “I don’t think I want to.”

Hal chuckled and led Sgt. Ryder out.

^^^^