The Horse Soldier: Beginnings Series Book 10 Read online

  “Nope. In fact you started that rule about allowing facial hair.”

  “Oh yeah?” Frank nodded, impressed with himself. “So, when do I see my office?”

  “Right now. It’s in the main building.” George started walking with Frank. “You’ll have to excuse all the construction noise while you train. We’re renovating a building for a lab.”

  “Oh. Hey George, Richie, what does he do?”

  “Why?”

  “Well, I was thinking, in a world like this how often do we run into a familiar face.”

  “Not very.”

  “Any chance I can put him on my staff, even as my secretary or my footwork man?”

  “We’ll see what we can do.” George walked through the door Frank opened. “It’s down the hall.”

  “Thank you.” Staying close to George, but letting him lead, Frank followed him down the corridor taking in the view of everything as he did.

  ^^^^

  Beginnings, Montana

  “In every division,” Joe explained to Henry in his office, “you’re going to have your problems. Agriculture is a big concern in the late summer. Any call offs from there have to be replaced. Fields need tended to.”

  “Where do we get them from?”

  “Security, You will work it if needed. About now you start switching them over to food preservation. Look who did it the year before and ask Cole how they did. Fast is the name of the game in preservation. Only put the fastest workers there. Others move to the greenhouses.”

  “I see. What about workers for distribution?” Henry asked.

  “I’ll still be handling that. That’s my division and . . .” Joe looked up to the knock on the door. “Yeah.”

  Perky as usual, Danny poked his head in the door. “Wanted to see me, Chief.”

  “Um . . .” Joe shifted his eyes to Henry. “Nope. Henry did. Come in.”

  “Me Joe?” Henry panicked. “I didn’t want to . . .” He shut up when Joe cleared his throat. “I did. Danny come in.”

  Danny shut the door. “What’s up?”

  Henry saw that Joe wanted him to deal with it. “Well Danny, with me leading the community in two weeks, Mechanics may suffer some. I’ll still work it as much as I can, but . . . well, you understand. So, what I needed to know from you is, would you be interested in heading up the mechanics division.”

  “No shit?” Danny grinned. “Yeah, I’m an excellent employee motivator. In fact I used to be called Mr. Employee Motivator Guy.” Danny nodded. “Just tell me what I do.”

  “Good.” Henry nodded so seriously. “I’ll start making time each day to teach you.”

  “Thanks.” Danny walked back to the door. “Oh, almost forgot. Hey, Joe. Since I’m starting this newspaper again and since you’re retiring, any chance I can get you to write an editorial once a week. You have that grumpy feel about you.”

  “Bye, Danny.” Joe waved.

  “See you.” Danny walked out, then popped his head back in. “Oh if you guys are looking for me, I’m with the modular homes. Joe, you move in a week. Just thought you’d like to know.”

  “A week? That’s fast.”

  “What can I say.” Danny shrugged. “They call me Mr. Quick.” He grinned, shut the door, opened it back up and again popped his head in. “But for the record, I’m not known for that in bed.” The door closed.

  Joe stood for a moment with his mouth open. “Did I need to hear that? I didn’t need to hear that. Let’s get back to work.”

  ^^^^

  Looking and sounding bored, Robbie leaned against the door of the chopper as he flew, eyes as always, peered out. “This is Eagle One.” He did a ho-hum breath. “Flying east about sixty miles of Beginnings. I’m turning this around and bringing it back. No sign of Mathias’ men. Not-O, Nothing, zilch. No Neville nominations happening . . . . Oh shit!” Robbie sat up. “Shit.” He grinned.

  Joe’s voice came over the radio. “What’s going on?”

  “Shit. I have a group of Mathias’s men chasing a man across a field.” Robbie looked to the field below. The grass moved and through it Robbie could see a frightened man with a knapsack, running. Eight Society soldiers tailed close behind.

  “Can you do anything about the situation?” Joe asked.

  “Roger that, Chief. The bird is flying. Charge the trumpets. Eagle One to the rescue! I’ll get back to you.” Lowering his headset microphone, Robbie tilted the helicopter and picked up speed. He saw the man look up to him in a run and Robbie flew away on to circle around from the front of the man. With his hands steady on the wheel and his views focused on the Society soldiers, Robbie opened fired and, with precision, took the Society soldiers out with ease. He smiled. “Hey Chief, it’s Eagle One. Crisis over.”

  “Already?”

  “What can I say. I’m the man.”

  “Speaking of men, what about the one that was being chased.”

  Robbie looked out his window. “He um . . . he stopped running. He looks a little confused. Hard to tell. Shall I land and check him out?”

  “Yeah, do that,” Joe said. “We need all the bodies we can get. If the society was chasing him he must be an able body.”

  “Roger that Chief. This is Eagle One over.” Robbie began to circle around the area, looking for more Society soldiers and a decent place to land.

  ^^^^

  Dan didn’t mind filling in for Robbie, as Robbie put it, the main security guy. Dan didn’t mind at all. He had to admit to himself that he became a little frightened when Joe announced his retirement. Somehow he thought Robbie would end up being leader and that would mean he would probably be asked to be the new head of security. Dan thought about how honored he would be, filling in the Slagel reigns, but he also was quick to think of what he would say for his decline. Honored to run security. Yes. Ready. No. For one, Dan wasn’t strategically fast. He figured that was an inborn thing that Frank and Robbie had. The second thing that played a deciding factor was Dan knew those evenings after his shift of getting high off the weed he grew in his backyard would have to end if he was constantly on call. Another deciding reason was the exact same reason Dan was thinking about it as he drove. The pesky survivors at the front and back gates showing up at odd times like vacationers. Dan hated the thought of the front gate especially. The tunnel there bothered him,. It always brought out that little bit of claustrophobia he had.

  Stopping the Jeep about two tenths of a mile from the front gate, Dan could see the figure of a man standing there. He caught glimpse of a golden color coming from his head and the rich blue color clothing he wore. “Odd,” Dan spoke out loud, walking to him and also seeing a horse in the background. The closer to the front gate Dan got, the odder he thought it was especially when he saw the man up close. He looked to Dan like a cross between a biker and a soldier from an old John Wayne cowboy and Indian movie.

  Dan raised his radio to his lips. “Chief, we got a live one here.”

  “What’s going on?” Joe asked.

  “Hold on. Let me check this out.” Dan lowered the radio.

  “Sir.” The man saluted. “My Name is Private Willy Conrad from the United Western Alliance Army, sir. I’ve come in peace and I bring a note from our commander to yours. I also bring something that belongs to you, sir.” He held up the bag.

  “What’s in there?” Dan asked.

  “I am under orders sir to give this directly to your commander and chief . . . sir.”

  “Oh brother.” Whistling out softly, Dan brought the radio to his mouth. “I think I have a friend of Ellen’s out here.”

  Joe, so annoyed, swiped away Andrea’s hand as she tried to wipe his mouth with a napkin. “Andrea, please. Sit.” Joe grabbed his radio and picked at his lunch as he sat at his desk. “Dan, what the hell are you talking about?”

  “O.K., well I have this guy. He says he’s a soldier with the wait . . . . thanks, United Western Alliance.”

  “What?” Joe asked in shock. “What the hell is that?”


  “I guess we’ll find out. He has his horse and a note from his commander. He also is dressed like Ellen described those cavalry guys.”

  “You gotta be shittin me?” Joe pulled the radio from his mouth.

  Andrea whispered at Joe. “Joe. Eat. Now.”

  “Christ, Andrea, I’m busy. Dan?”

  “Chief,” Dan said. “He has this bag he said belongs to us.”

  “What’s in it?” Joe questioned.

  “Says he can only give it directly to you. Chief, he seems friendly enough.”

  “All right. Escort him in. Remove any and all weapons he may have on him and bring him directly to my office.”

  “Got it.” There was static and Dan came back. “Uh Chief, what about his horse.”

  “I don’t care what you do with the horse, damn it. Just bring me this man.”

  “Got it.”

  Joe set down the radio and rubbed his eyes. “Right in the middle of my lunch too.” Joe saw Andrea stand up and collect his meal, wrapping it up. “What are you doing? I’m eating.”

  “Oh Joe, you can’t. You have visitors coming. If I had brought enough then I’d say eat. But, sweetheart, that would be rude.”

  “Rude?” Joe’s hand followed the plate that left him, he grabbed a small piece of chicken off the plate as it was taken away by Andrea who hummed something.

  It was lucky for Joe that he didn’t have any food in his mouth when Willy Conrad and Dan stepped in his office because Joe would have choked. His eyes widened the same as Andrea’s when the well dressed soldier walked in.

  Willy saluted. “Sir, are you the Commander and Chief of Beginnings?”

  “Yes.” Joe coughed. “Yes.”

  “Private Willy Conrad. Very pleased to make your acquaintance.”

  “Likewise.” Joe was still stunned as he stood up, staring at the young man.

  Dan held up a sword. “Check this out, Joe.” Dan extended it in Samurai fashion and mumbled something that sounded foreign.

  “Dan!” Joe scolded. “Quit that. You’ll poke someone’s eye out.” Joe looked back to the soldier. “Private, you’re with the who?”

  “Untied Western Alliance Army, sir. We’re freedom fighters. Sir.” He lifted the bag and the letter. “I am under direct orders to see that you personally get these.”

  “Thank you.” Joe took them and grumbled at Andrea who peeked. He set the bag and the letter on the table. Joe’s curiosity got him first. He unzipped the bag. He knew as soon as his hand pulled out the shirt. “Frank’s. Private, Where did you get this from?”

  “Sir, in a search for our own men we discovered that. We have the location, sir. I for one am not aware of that, only my commander.”

  Joe grabbed the letter. It was sealed with wax and he broke the seal, slowly opening the note up. Joe raised his half square glasses, holding them, and began to read to himself. ‘To the Commander and Chief of Beginnings Montana. Dear Chief. It appears that we wage war in the same battle. A fight for freedom and a fight against the Society which tries to bring us down. I believe it is time that we consider joining forces in this one cause. My messenger will await your response and then we can begin this new union if you so choose. Sincerely, Captain Hal Slagel. United Western Alliance Army’

  The glasses flew from Joe’s face and out of his hand when he immediately trembled out of control and inhaled a gasp so loud it sent him flying to his chair and grabbing for his chest. Joe turned white. He breathed hard, unable to speak. The letter stayed clenched in his hand and it shook as violently as Joe did.

  Andrea and Dan raced to him.

  “Joe,” Dan called out.

  Andrea grabbed Joe’s wrist and held it. “His pulse is out of control.” She glared at the UWA soldier. “What is in this letter?” She grabbed Joe’s hand and moved the letter into her view. “Sweet Jesus,” she gasped.

  “Andrea,” Joe breathed her name heavily. “Dear God, Andrea, can it be?”

  “Sir.” Willy stepped forward. “Are you all right. Sir, I’m sorry we upset you.”

  “No.” Joe closed his eyes. He held up one hand, taking a few moments to control his emotions. Though he still trembled some, Joe reached for his glasses and nervously placed them on his face. With a very deep breath, he clenched Andrea’s hand and brought the letter into his focus again. Was he wrong? Did he read wrong? Did his eyes play tricks on him? Joe knew for certain they did not when he read the signature again. Captain Hal Slagel. And each time his eyes read it, Joe’s heart beat stronger and stronger.

  ^^^^

  Johnny was never known for lacking the Slagel trait of being unabashed, and he proved that the second Henry walked into the lab where he, Dean, and Ellen worked. His high pitched uncontrollable laughter stole Dean and Ellen’s attention away from a sample they reviewed.

  At first Dean raised an eyebrow and curled his top lip in oddity at Johnny’s laughter. He turned to see what Johnny was laughing at. Then Dean too, started to laugh.

  Ellen tossed her hands up and spun to see also. “I give up. What’s so funny?” She saw Henry walking in the lab. “Why are you guys laughing at Henry?”

  Johnny ran his hand down his face, catching his breath. “Henry, what’s up with the white button down shirt and tie?”

  “Hey.” Henry ran his hand down his tie. “Joe said it’s the leader uniform. I have to dress like this. Don’t make fun of me, it’s not very nice.”

  Ellen moved closer to Henry. “Well I think you look very nice.” She took off her lab coat. “Ready?”

  “Whoa.” Dean called out and rushed to stop her. “Where are you going? It’s not time to leave.”

  “Yeah it is.” Ellen played with the collar of Dean’s lab jacket. “You heard Robbie on the radio. He has a new survivor. Containment calls and I want Henry to walk with me. There’s so much prestige in that now.” She kissed Dean who grumbled. “I’ll check back in an hour.”

  Dean watched her leave. ‘I’m bringing you files to look at. You aren’t pulling a Frank today and hiding in your office.”

  Ellen’s fingers were still waving when she walked into the corridor with Henry. They saw Joe walking in. He looked straight ahead. There was a bit of sweat on his brow and he looked as if he had seen a ghost. “Hi Joe.”

  “Ellen. Henry.” Joe kept walking by them.

  “Joe?” Ellen called out. “What’s wrong?”

  “Um . . .” He scratched his head that held the letter. “Nothing. Is Dean in there?”

  “Yeah.” Ellen answered.

  “Thanks.” Joe walked in the lab.

  Ellen and Henry both shrugged and walked from the clinic.

  “Dean.” So serious, yet calm, Joe called his name.

  “Hi Joe.” Dean was still smiling over some rip on Henry remark Johnny had just made.

  “Hey Pap.”

  “Johnny, can I have a minute alone with Dean, please?”

  “Sure.” Johnny stood up and walked to the lab’s door. “Everything O.K., Pap?”

  Joe nodded and waited until Johnny left. He walked over and shut the door.

  “Did I do something, Joe?” Dean asked.

  “No, you’re about to.” Joe met Dean at the counter. “Dean, I need your honest, expert scientific opinion.”

  “Go on.”

  “You’ve studied the DNA of us. You’ve been working with Jess about his family. With all that, you know about the virus and DNA hereditary factors. Is this possible?” He laid the letter flat on the counter.

  Dean’s eyes shifted as he read. Suddenly he lifted his head. “Holy shit.”

  “Exactly.”

  Dean read again. “Holy shit.”

  “You’ve said that.”

  “Oh shit.” Dean flew over to the closet and ran inside.

  “Dean . . . the mad scientist strikes again.”

  “One second, Joe.” Dean’s faint voice and rummaging was heard. “I know it’s here . . . yep, got it.” He came out of the closet with a large bound manuscript. “I w
as about to pull this out to work with Jess. It’s my notes on the survivors.” He opened it up to the Slagel family. He chuckled.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “Nothing. See . . . Robbie’s in here.” Dean pointed “I ran tests on Robbie.”

  “Yeah so.”

  “Look at the date.” Dean went to show Joe the date and stopped “Never mind. It would be right to you.”

  “Is this a time machine thing?”

  “Yes. See, I wrote down that because of the mutation factor in the gene, it was possible, not probable, that more Slagels could be alive.” Dean grinned then turned serious. “You don’t think it’s a trick do you?”

  “No.” Joe shook his head. “This United Western Alliance. No. Not with our infection patient saying he was with the Alliance and the messenger that came today was dressed exactly like Ellen described, very cavalry like.”

  “Wow.” Dean took the letter again. “So what you want to know from me is, can this be your son or is it a similar name?”

  “Exactly.”

  “It’s possible, Joe. It’s worth everything you are to look into it.”

  “Thanks, Dean.” Joe patted him on the back and took the letter back. “I’m disappearing for a couple hours, maybe more. I need you to tell Henry there was a problem um . . . ” Joe took a second to think. “Tell everyone there was a problem in recycling. No one is there right now. I’m not to be disturbed. Tell Robbie that too when he comes back. Andrea and Dan know because they were there when I got this letter. You know now. No one else, not even Robbie is to know. No one. If this is not my son, I want no hopes to get up on Robbie or Ellen’s part. I’d rather have it be a surprise. I’ll radio you as soon as I know something. Help buy me some time, Dean.”

  “Wait.” Dean tried to stop him. “Where exactly are you going Joe?

  “Well, I’m taking a Jeep and me and this messenger are going on a little ride back to his home. Alone. I have to do this alone.” Joe raised the letter. “If this Captain wants a response, by God he’s gonna get one and if he ends up being my son, then he’s getting a bigger response then he ever thought he’d get. Wish me luck.”