On Borrowed Time: Beginnings Series Book 26 Read online

  “Well, stop. Okay?”

  “Why.”

  “It’s dangerous.”

  Frank scoffed. “Dean, you act like it’s gonna kill me.”

  “Uh, yeah, Frank it could.”

  “Nah, I still have six fucking lives left or is it eight. I lost count. You gave me a lot. Anyhow … come on.” He walked to the lab door. “I really can’t wait for you to open your surprise.”

  “Open?” Dean’s curiosity was piqued. Especially if Frank claimed he was going to call Frank the man after he opened it. Hurriedly, he shut down, stacked his files to log for the next day and followed Frank.

  <><><>

  “Ready?” Frank asked.

  “I can’t believe you’re covering my eyes.” Dean said. “You aren’t gonna blow out the keypad are you. You shocked me three times.”

  “I think it’s wearing off.”

  “Is that music I hear?”

  “It is.” Frank had left the cryo lab unlocked. After all, Robbie was in there and after he opened the door he lowered his hand from Dean’s eyes.

  “Robbie? Robbie is my surprise?” Dean asked.

  Robbie chuckled. “Dean, for as flattered as I am right now that you’d consider me a surprise, I have to say no.”

  “Then why are you in my lab playing the guitar.”

  “Music soothes the savage beast.”

  “Huh?” Dean looked at Frank. “What’s he talking about?”

  Excited and like a kid on Christmas, Frank waved his hand and walked over to the far corner of the lab. “Ready?”

  “Did you get an animal?” Dean asked.

  “You can say that?” Frank reached for the blind.

  “You have it in the deer room, so I am going to assume it’s an animal. We just cleaned that in there per Joe. It’s not something dead is it?”

  “Dean. Fuck. Just look.” Frank whipped down the cord and the blind lifted.

  Robbie played a fast riff on the guitar.

  Dean shrieked when he looked inside. His hands went flush to the window. “Is that?”

  “It is.”

  “Oh my God.”

  “I am. More or less.” Frank tilted his head.

  “Frank …. I ….”

  “Say it.”

  “Is it alive?” Dean asked. The future LEP lay on a cot. Its body so heavy, it indented nearly to the floor. Its arms flush on the side.

  Frank grunted. “Uh, Dean, you have to say it. But …Yeah, just knocked out. He ran into the fence.”

  “How long has he been out?”

  Frank looked at his watch. “A little over an hour.”

  “I want to sedate him a little more, just in case he wakes up.” Dean kept staring.

  Robbie stood. “Pretty cool. It’s like a train wreck, you can’t stop looking.”

  “I know. He’s huge. I want to examine him. I see you put him on a cot.”

  “He had a lot of stuff. It’s locked in the other back room,” Frank pointed. “I want to go through it with you tomorrow.”

  “I’ll wait until then. But I do want to get some samples. How did you do this? He seems like he may be intelligent and he ran into the fence.”

  “There’s no signs, Dean,” Robbie winked. “He’s not gonna know it sparks.”

  “Plus,” Frank added. “He asked … asked mind you, with the word pet. He wanted Jenny.”

  “He speaks?”

  “Oh, yeah. And, Dean, unlike with the pubes, the babies didn’t attack him. In fact, he was feeding them from what we saw.”

  “You’re kidding me?”

  Frank shook his head. “Nope. Had a fire set up and a deer … ready... roasting.”

  Dean ran his hand through his hair. “So he is civilized.”

  “That’s why I was nice.” Frank pointed. “And put him on a cot.”

  “He got along with the Killer Babies. I want to put Harry in here with him and see what happens.”

  “What? To mate?” Frank asked.

  Robbie laughed.

  “Frank, I mean …”

  “Because, Dean that’s fucking sick.”

  “Frank ...”

  “It’s just a baby. You need to draw a line on science Dean.”

  “Frank, no.” Dean held up his hand. “Not to mate. To see the reaction he has. I mean if he fed the babies, I am wondering if he’ll nurture the fetus.”

  “Like a mother?”

  “Yes.”

  “Dean ….” Frank leaned into him. “He’s male.”

  Dean opened his mouth. He shifted his eyes to Robbie who kept laughing. “Oh, I’m sorry.”

  “Didn’t think of that. That’s ok. You can see if he can be a father to him. Nurture him that way.”

  “I’ll do that.”

  “I’ll be back tomorrow to go through his stuff.”

  “Thanks. I have to tell you, Frank, this is great. I mean it. I want to sedate him so he’s out a little longer. Can one of you stay here, just in case, while I do some tests?”

  Robbie lifted his hand. “I’ll stay. I’ll play.”

  “Good.”

  Frank walked to the door. “I’m heading out. I can’t wait to go through his stuff. Dean, enjoy your surprise.”

  “I will,” Dean said. “And Frank?”

  Frank stopped before leaving. “Yeah?”

  “You’re the fucking man.”

  Frank grinned. “I am.”

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Had Joe’s re-emergence back into Beginnings not been such a long exhausting day, he probably wouldn’t have slept so hard and had such odd weird dreams. Nor would he had conked out so early. Joe would have liked hanging out with his sons since they seemed to be up to something.

  It was good to be back in his bed, radio on the night stand. Even though his dreams were weird. He kept dreaming that Hal was yelling at Danny Hoi for being on his phone and text messaging while playing really bad old eighties songs. And how Jenny Matoose and her love affair with Frank got into his dreams, Joe would never know. He’d have to tell Frank about that one.

  Getting to bed early mean Joe got up early. He had his cup of coffee and told Andrea to stay in bed.

  It was really his first official day back and wanted to get to the office and start. So coffee in hand, in the interesting Hoi Insulated Mug, Joe, with a crisp shirt on, walked to his office.

  The lights were out at Frank’s house, and he figured he’d not bother him. After all, Frank was shot and that was something that needed to be put on the agenda.

  Joe fully expected the shooter to come forth and apologize for drunkenly discharging his weapon.

  Accidents happen and at least no one got hurt. Joe would issue a punishment, something menial, like going to the cryo lab and mopping.

  Then again, knowing the cryo lab, that was a little steep.

  He moved at a steady pace, it was pretty warm and Joe enjoyed it. The cleanup crew was hard at work and they all waved to Joe. It wasn’t even fully light out yet.

  Coffee in hand, Joe entered his new office and sat behind his desk with a relaxing, ‘aw’, sip the coffee, wait for the night shift reports and plan out his day.

  Single knock.

  The door opened.

  Mark walked in. “Hey, Joe, morning, Really good to see you.”

  “Good to be back.”

  “You’re up and at it kind of early, excited, I suppose.”

  “You can say that.”

  “Me, too.”

  Joe crinkled a brow. Then he felt good because people were happy he was back.

  “Reports from last night.” Mark rested them on Joe’s desk. “Any word on the shooter.”

  “Not yet. I think he or she will come forward today when they sober up.”

  “Me, too.” Mark turned. ‘Have a good first day. Oh.” He stopped and spun, snapping his finger. “Just got a radio call, Jimmy is flying in with Lars.”

  “Everything ok?” Joe questioned. “I didn’t get a call.”

  “Yeah, he
said he wanted to see you.”

  “Hmm. Wonder what’s up? Ok, thank.”

  Mark nodded and left the office. No sooner did he leave, the door opened and Jess walked on.

  “Hey, Joe, you’re here early.” Jess said.

  “Yeah, and now I know why I don’t come in. Grand Central Station with you night people dropping off reports.”

  Jess smiled. “I just saw Hector getting the report off of Kyle. So look for him.”

  “Swell.”

  “Reports.” Jess laid it down. “Pretty excited about today?”

  “You can say that.”

  “Me, too.” Jess aid. “Gonna grab a couple hours so I don’t miss it. See ya.”

  “See ….” Joe looked up. “Miss it? I’m right here.” He reached for Jess’ containment reports. All looked normal, except he thought Richie was on the night shift. He grabbed the tracking to see if anything happened and he saw notations from Mark regarding Sector 32.

  What happened in the Killer Baby division?

  Joe read further. ‘Captain Slagel notified, Danny, Frank …” Joe wondered why he wasn’t informed at all.

  The door opened. Hector walked in. “Hey Joe. Reports.”

  “Set them down. Thanks.”

  “Early huh? I guess you’re excited.”

  Joe gazed up from the tracking report. “Not as excited as everyone thinks.”

  “Well I am. Noon can’t come fast enough.”

  “Tell me about it,” Joe spewed out those words wondering what was so important about noon, other than that’s when Joe took his lunch. “Hey, Hector, you hear the guys talking at all about who may have discharged their weapon last night?”

  Hector shook his head. “Whoever it was, I think is scared to come forward. They will though.”

  “”I agree.”

  “Well, I’m off. Long day … and I’ll leave this open …” Hector said as he walked out.

  “Why would you …” Just as Joe said that Danny walked in.

  “Morning Joe. Few repairs last night, mainly we handled cleanup which should be done in an hour.” Danny set the reports on the desk.

  “Danny what happened at Sector 32 last night?” Joe asked. “You, Hal, Frank were called.”

  “Nothing, the Killer Babies were just restless. Frank sang to them, all is good.”

  “Must have been a hell of a ruckus considering all of you were called.”

  “We weren’t, I called Hal, he called Frank and Robbie just showed up.”

  “Makes sense. Try to be around today Danny; I need to find out who this shooter is.”

  “Absolutely, Joe. I barely slept, I’m so excited. Big Day.” He hurried out the door.

  “What the hell?” Joe spoke to himself, then the door opened again and Joe tossed up his hands.

  “Hey, Dad.” Robbie said. He dragged in his walk and handed the reports to Joe.

  “You’re up early.”

  “Early.” Robbie breathed out a laugh. “I haven’t been to bed yet.”

  “All that excitement at Sector 32?”

  Robbie’s eyes widened.

  “Something happen other than the Killer Babies being rambunctious?”

  “Um, no, they’re going through their terrible twos.”

  “You don’t say.”

  “I do say.”

  “Anyone confess yet on the accidental shooting.”

  “Hence the reason I was up all night. It’s bothering me. Dad, I’d like you to officially but unofficially let me be put on this,” Robbie said.

  “Gonna make them walk an extra beat?”

  “I think it was more than that.”

  Joe was making notes and he paused. “You think it was on purpose.”

  “Yeah, I do.”

  “Robert, come on,” Joe leaned back. “Who the hell would shoot Frank on purpose? I know he can be a son of a bitch and annoying as hell, but no one hates him enough to kill him. And don’t say Johnny….” Joe pointed the pencil as he leaned forward. “He wasn’t even in town.”

  “I know. I got a copy of the list of everyone that came into town.”

  “Did someone stick out to you?”

  “No, Dad, just a hunch. A bad hunch.”

  Joe exhaled heavily. “I don’t want to believe it, but, under wraps, I’ll have you look into it. Report back only to me. Got that? No one else.”

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  “Now get some sleep.”

  “I will be after. I don’t want to sleep through it. I’m too excited.” Robbie walked out.

  “What the hell is everyone talking about?” Joe scratched his head and then after a sip of his coffee, booted up his computer. It went through the sequence, and Joe didn’t pay any attention until it started searching something.

  Internet connection?

  Joe had to be mistaken until his screen switched.

  Nearly spitting out his coffee, Joe set down his mug. “Status update.” He grumbled loudly. “Danny Hoi.” And with that angry stating of the name. Joe picked up the phone.

  <><><><>

  “Can you turn the music up?” Frank asked Dean in one of the therapy rooms at the clinic.

  “No, I’m reading. Keep walking.” Dean replied, reviewing his notes.

  “After today, that is gonna be a thing of the past.” Frank moved in a walking motion on the treadmill.

  “What is, reading?”

  “No paper.”

  “I doubt it, I like to hand write notes. It helps me remember, steady pace, Frank please.”

  “I could do better if I could hear the music.”

  “You’re walking, you don’t need music. And watch the patches.”

  “Dean, why are we doing this now, this early? Didn’t you want to sleep late?”

  “No. I haven’t been to bed. I was with my surprise. Just …” Dean set down the notes and stood. “Just so you know. I love my surprise Frank.”

  “Did he wake up?”

  “Not yet.” Dean moved to the machine and checked readouts. “He’s gonna be out for another couple hours and just in time for Ellen to see him.”

  “Wait until she sees him.” Frank sighed. “Dean, turn up the music.”

  “Frank, ten more minutes.”

  “Dean. Seriously, I’m not feeling uptight.”

  “Good.”

  “But this is annoying me and if you want to test how stressful I am, this will make me stressed.”

  “What are you talking about, Frank?”

  “You said come in for a stress test,” Frank said.

  “I did but …”

  “So I came in.”

  “Frank, this is …”

  “I fuckin thought you were gonna show me butterfly pictures or something.”

  “Frank …”

  “Maybe dead people, but of course that wouldn’t stress me out.”

  “Frank.”

  “I see dead people, you know.”

  “Oh my God.”

  “Pictures of people I don’t like might stress me out, especially Hal.”

  “Frank.”

  “But you got me fucking taking a walk and that is stressful because all this walking I can do outside and …”

  “Frank!” Dean blasted his loudest.

  “What! Yell at me, why don’t you; make my stress level go up. That’s fucking cheating.”

  “What? What the hell Frank, how is yelling at you cheating.”

  “I get stressed you make me take the Dean equivalent to Prozac.”

  “Oh my God.” Dean shook his head. “Frank, stress testing isn’t about your emotional stress. It’s about the stress on your heart.”

  “So why not call it a heart test.”

  “I … I don’t know.” Dean once again checked the readouts.

  “Why are you checking my heart, Dean?”

  “Truth?’

  “Absolutely.”

  “Because I have pumped so much KBJR into you, I’m worried that your heart won’t handle it.”
/>   “Oh.” Frank nodded. “My hearts fine. Speaking of which, aren’t I supposed to come in for another shot?”

  “Um … let’s see how this works out.”

  “Sweet.”

  “And don’t tell anyone Frank.”

  “Do I ever.”

  “No.”

  “Can I have music?”

  Dean grumbled. ‘No.”

  “Then I’ll sing.”

  “Do whatever your heart desires.”

  “Ha!” Frank laughed. “Whatever my heart desires.”

  “That wasn’t a joke.” Shaking his head, Dean walked across the lab. A few more moments and he’d unhook Frank. It looked good so far, but he wanted to finish.

  “Bum, bum, bum ba!”

  Dean lifted his eyes.

  “Steve Austin. Astronaut. A man barely alive … Dean, make the beeping noise.”

  “Frank. Stop.”

  “Gentleman ... we can rebuild him, we have the capability to make the world’s first bionic man.”

  “How do you remember those words?”

  “Steve Austin, or should I say, Frank Slagel will be that man.”

  “Frank, stop.”

  ‘I’m like the bionic man Dean.” Frank picked up the pace. “Look, watch me run.”

  “Frank don’t run.”

  “Watch me Dean.”

  “No.”

  “Better than he was before …”

  “Frank.”

  “Better, stronger…”

  Dean spun to see Frank running at top speed. “Frank!”

  “Faster.”

  Before Dean could make it back over to Frank to get him to stop, Frank’s legs were a blur and too much for the treadmill to handle it. It popped, sparked and smoke emerged just as the treadmill shut down, causing Frank to eject forward, and slamming into the wall.

  “Frank.” Dean raced to him. “You ok?”

  “Man.” Frank shook his head like a cat. “I got that thing up to sixty three.”

  “No way.”

  “Way.” Frank stood up, shaking his head again.

  “Are you hurt?”

  “Dean, please, it’s not like I haven’t run into a wall before.”

  Dean looked at the smashed wall. “At sixty miles an hour though.”

  “Sixty three. Big difference.”

  ‘Oh, yeah, big difference,” Dean said sarcastically. “You could have been killed.”

  “That would have totally wasted one of my lives and been all your fault. Am I done?”