State of Time: Beginnings Series Book 6 Read online

  “In this time frame,” Ellen said. “Remember Joe I went back with Henry to save Dean. This body, in that time frame slept with Dean on November 1st, but in my grief, I slept with Frank not a week later, both still falling in my fertile period.”

  “May I?” Jason interjected. “She has a problem.”

  Joe grunted, “Thank you Einstein.”

  “No, Joe. She’s correct.” Jason said. “It doesn’t matter who she did or didn’t sleep with in this time frame. Whoever impregnated her in that time frame is still the father.”

  “Joe.” Ellen looked to him. “So what do I do? We can’t have a repeat of Joey.”

  “And . . . and we won’t.” Joe assured. “We’ll handle this. When Frank gets back, we’ll . . . we’ll handle.” Plopping down to the chair next to Ellen’s bedside, Joe exhaled. “Oh, Boy.”

  ^^^^

  Positioned and quiet, that was how Joe had Frank, Dean and Ellen.

  Frank was next to Dean’s bed, Dean sitting up, and Ellen facing them like they were her jury.

  Joe paced around. “Dean, I apologize for doing this when you are still recovering, but it’s at the same time or not at all. O.K.” He saw Dean hadn’t a clue what he meant. “You’ll understand after I say this. Before we get into the reason for this gathering, I want to explain something so emotions don’t get out of hand.” Joe cringed when he saw Frank’s hand rise. “Yes, Frank.”

  “O.K., maybe it’s because I’ve recently become literary and all, but . . . you’re not making sense.”

  “Speaking of that,” Dean adjusted in the bed, “I gave you more time. What’s going on with the Frank novel?”

  “Dean, please.” Frank closed his eyes. “I’m getting there. And soon, your little ass will be saying, ‘Frank, you literary guy, you...’”

  Joe just rolled his eyes. “Can we just move on with this? Thank you. Let’s see how I can start. Once upon a time . . .”

  “Dad, If you’re sharing your creative work, could you not? I don’t want it to mess up my writing night tonight.”

  “Frank,” Joe winced, “I’m not being creative. Just try to follow me.”

  “Where?”

  “Frank,” Joe snapped. “Listen. Once upon a time, there was a time that you two don’t remember. It was the time frame when Dean was dead.” Joe spoke slowly. “Now Ellen remembers that time frame. And given that it was about two months ago, we’ve deducted that the ‘Dean is dead’ time frame is when Ellen . . . is when Ellen conceived the baby she’s carrying.”

  Ellen sunk into her chair.

  “Oh, yeah.” Frank clenched his fist. “I’m good with this time frame shit. You, El, were pregnant already when you brought Dean back.”

  Ellen nodded.

  “And!” Frank held up a finger. “In that time did you sleep with me? I mean, Dean was dead, so did you?”

  “Yes,” Ellen nodded.

  “But,” Joe interrupted, “before you claim victory here, Frank, Ellen, also slept with Dean in that time frame.”

  “Ellen slept with Dean in the Dean is dead time frame?” Frank said.

  “Yes,” Joe responded.

  “Oh, my God.” Frank gasped. “She slept with Dean when he was dead?’

  “No!” Joe yelled, “before he died. Right before he died.”

  “Oh.” Frank said relief. “El? You cheated on me?’

  “He died Frank so it didn’t count,” Ellen defended.

  Frank nodded. “Still no argument. The kid is mine.”

  Dean, who was a bit out of it, snapped his attention to Frank. “How do you figure that?”

  “You were dead,” Frank told him.

  “Not when I deposited my sperm,” Dean snapped, “and the odds are in my favor that the kid is mine. You’ve only fathered one in six years.”

  “No way. Two. Are you forgetting about the one El lost?” Frank asked.

  “No, that’s the one I counted,” Dean said.

  “Yeah,” Frank came back, “so two. Brian as well.”

  “Three!” Joe yelled out. “Joey, remember.”

  “Yeah,” Frank snapped, “that’s right. See, three. I’m winning. So it’s mine. Doesn’t matter. This time frame, that time frame.” He shrugged. “That stupid Beginnings relationship law went into effect, signed by council, last year. Whoever is the primary, or in our case, the husband.” Frank pointed to his own chest. “They are the father. Period. So you’re out. Green eyes and blonde hair like Brian. Like Brian the kid is mine.” Frank looked proud of himself.

  Cringing and fearing--though a slim possibility--that Frank could figure out his last statement, Joe decided to change the subject. “O.K. There will be no arguments. None. When this child is born then it will be determined whose it is. Until then, it’s a Slagel by default of name.” Joe clapped once to finalize the discussion. “And speaking of Slagels, good job today Frank. And you didn’t tell me which one of you finished off Moses?”

  “Well we . . . I . . .” Frank’s eyes widened in revelation. “Shit!” Jumping from his chair, Frank flew from the room.

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  Former Quantico Marine Headquarters

  George’s fingers were an immediate substitution for a comb at the moment, running them through his tossed grey hair to push it down from his slumber on the sofa. “And?” He asked Steward.

  “They’ll make another attempt to reach the back gate,” Steward replied.

  “What happened to them the first time? Our contact said they were there but our troops weren’t.”

  “They had to retreat. They reported on route they saw a very big Beginnings soldier shoot a big red haired man who was nailed to the ground through his kneecaps.”

  “Frank.” George shook his head. “But they are returning to the gate tonight?”

  “Yes,” Steward said., “so I’m taking it our contact got what we need.?”

  “And more.”

  “Will they know it’s missing?”

  George shrugged, “Hard to tell. A lot of damage was done at the mobile lab. They could think it was just destroyed. But, even if they deduct it was taken by us, which I doubt, they’re going to look at Rev. Thomas. And by doing so, they’ll look at a dead man.”

  “You don’t think they’ll suspect someone else on the inside?” Steward asked.

  “Nope,” George said with certainty. “After the Rev. Thomas fiasco, I highly doubt that they’ll even suspect another bad seed running around Beginnings. If they do, our contact said it was a pretty clean job. No evidence to point to other than Rev. Thomas. And even if there is minor evidence, who in Beginnings is going to look that close to find it?”

  ^^^^

  Beginnings, Montana

  If little Brian’s face was food, he would have been gone for the amount of times Robbie’s lips pressed against him. He held Brian tightly, the little full face of the baby close to his own, smiling and brushing his nose against Brian’s. “Uncle Robbie has to go now.” He kissed the baby again. “Jenny, are you sure you’re all right with all these kids. I can take them.”

  “No.” Jenny waved her hand. “John is going to be in and out of the house all night. I can use the company.” She ran her hand down Brian’s head. “Besides Robbie, you look really exhausted.”

  “To be honest with you, I am.” Robbie hugged Brian and handed him to Jenny. “Thanks for letting me stop by.”

  “No problem.” She cradled the baby. “But I can tell this one is your favorite.”

  Robbie grabbed his coat and slipped it on. He adjusted the collar as he moved to the front door. As his hand reached for it, it opened, and John walked in. “John.”

  “Robbie.” At first John’s stares were cold. “Stopping by to see the kids?”

  “Yeah.” Robbie waved to Jenny. “Thanks again.”

  John stopped him. “Oh Robbie, I just wanted to say, good job today. Though Ellen and us haven’t seen eye to eye, really it was a shame what happened. We were both very worried. Could you pass that
on to her?”

  Robbie nodded. “Sure . . . I’ll uh, pass it on.”

  John extended his hand to Robbie. “Good job again, and tell her she is in our prayers.”

  “I will.” Robbie gripped John’s hand and shook it, looking down as he did. Before releasing it, he turned it over. “What uh, what happened to your fingers?” Robbie motioned his head and referred to the three scratches across the tops of his index and middle finger.

  “Oh that?” John pulled his hand away. “Check this odd thing out. I was working on that generator room door again and my hand got caught again. I pulled it out. Third time that’s happened.”

  Robbie pointed then zipped his jacket. “Ought to tell you something, John.” It was difficult for Robbie to be pleasant, but he acted the part well. “I’ll give Ellen your best.” He moved to the open door, took one more look back at John, letting his eyes examine the scratches once again, and then he left.

  Robbie wanted to stop by and hang with Ellen. But seeing that he had to pass his and his father’s home anyhow on the way to Dean’s, Robbie figured he might as well grab something to eat.

  Mistake. He knew going home was a mistake when he walked in the door. The first thought hitting him, ‘God, why don’t I have my own place?’ when he saw his father, Forrest, and Jason sitting at the table having dinner. “Hey.” He shut the door as he walked in.

  Joe lowered his napkin. “Wanna eat with us? Forrest brought dinner over.”

  Following the aroma to the table, Robbie peered to the brownish, gravy looking mixture on the table. “Cooked huh, Forrest? What is it?”

  Forrest swallowed his food first. “I dot I wooed muck a famous dish of mun.”

  “Really?” Robbie went into the kitchen and grabbed a small plate and fork. He came back in. “It smells interesting, what is it?” He dished some for himself bringing it close to his nose and sniffing it.

  “Chic-coon bulls.” Forrest smiled.

  Robbie looked down at Joe. “What is this called?”

  “He made chicken balls.”

  Robbie lifted his fork. “Chicken balls? Wasn’t it a little difficult getting them?” Letting out a grunt as Joe back handed him in his gut, Robbie tried them. “Taste like chicken.”

  “It is chic-coon. I mush it up und muck unto bulls.”

  “Oh.” Robbie made a face as he mashed the food around in his mouth. “Hmm, interesting.” He set the plate on the table. “See ya guys.” He moved to the door.

  “Hey,” Joe called him “where you going? We’re heading down to the social hall after dinner. Did you wanna come?”

  “Nah, I’m going to head over and see Ellen then got to bed.”

  “Why did you come home first then?” Joe asked.

  “To eat.”

  Jason indicated to the amount of food. “Then eat Robbie.”

  “Uh . . .” Robbie smiled. “Nah.” He shook his head. “I think I’ll just raid El’s fridge. See ya.” Making a quick escape from the three men and their chicken balls, Robbie stepped outside pulling the door closed behind him. Before he started to walk, he pulled out a cigarette and lit it, blowing the smoke from his mouth long and slow. Raising his shoulders to adjust his jacket, he began to head to Ellen’s. He walked at a good pace, fast but not too fast, taking in the briskness of the air, smelling the aroma of winter and the scent that filled the air just before it snowed.

  Robbie tossed his still burning cigarette when he got to Dean’s house and knocked once. He heard Ellen yell ‘come in’. Sticking his head in first to make sure, he called out. “El?”

  Ellen tilted back her head from the couch with a smile. “Come in. Look who’s here.” She pointed to Denny and Josh who stood before her. “Just in time.”

  “Just in time for what?” Robbie unzipped his coat. “Can I visit for a while?”

  “Please.” She patted the cushion next to her. “Sit and watch this.”

  Tossing his coat on the chair, Robbie pushed up his sleeves as he sat down next to Ellen. “Sit and watch what? Are they singing for you?”

  “No,” Ellen answered. “They stopped by because Andrea sent me brownies. Brownies mind you, and the boys were just about to perform for me.”

  Denny nodded with excitement. “Yeah Robbie, we learned to speak French. And good too. Forrest taught us. We’re gonna speak French for Ellen. Tell us El. Tell us something to say.”

  “O.K. let’s see.” Ellen felt Robbie get up. “Where are you going, Robbie?”

  “I’m starved.” Robbie pointed to the kitchen. “I’m raiding your fridge.”

  Ellen waved him off then re-faced the boys. “Sorry. All right, let’s see. Something simple. Tell me your names.”

  Denny stood up straight. “Ma numb es don-nee.”

  Josh smiled “Good.” He cleared his throat. “En ma numb es Joe-Shh.

  Ellen opened her mouth to speak, but didn’t when she heard the high pitch laughing coming from Robbie in the kitchen. Trying to stay serious she smiled at the boys. “Good job. Sounds like you speak it fluently.”

  Denny nodded. “Whatever that means. Forrest didn’t even teach us. We learned it from him.”

  Josh added to his sentiment, “And we learned it like this.” He snapped his finger. “Go on Denny, tell her why we are here. And tell her in French.”

  “Way comb here ta bring El-loon brown-nays,” Denny said proudly. “See? Anyway we should go. My mom said get right home.”

  “Yeah.” Josh bent down and kissed Ellen on the cheek. “God-nut El-loon.”

  Denny nudged Josh playfully as they headed to the door. “Man, you do that so much better than me. You have to teach me.”

  Robbie waited until he knew it was safe, and then he came from the kitchen. a smile on his face, a bowl in his hand. “How did you not laugh at them El?”

  “Years of living with your brother was good practice.” She waited for Robbie to sit. “What did you find?”

  Robbie showed her. “Some white stuff and vegetables.”

  “Rice, Robbie.” Ellen touched the bowl. “Oh that’s cold. Heat it up.”

  “Nah, I’m fine.” He shoveled some in his mouth.

  “So what do I owe this visit? You look tired.” She touched his face.

  “I am, but I wanted to talk to you. Do you feel like talking? Seriously talking?”

  “Sure.” Ellen faced him, bringing her one leg up to the sofa. She rested her elbow on the back of the couch and propped her head on her hand. “Shoot.”

  “First off.” Robbie kissed her on the cheek. “Thanks for rebuilding the population. I heard I’m going to be an uncle again. Of course, my biological father bet is on Dean.”

  “Henry thinks it’s Frank,” Ellen said. “Of course, I think he’s just saying that because Frank told him he can experience this pregnancy since Henry may never get that.”

  Robbie chuckled. “Awfully big of my brother sharing a woman who’s no longer his wife. Speaking of my brother, isn’t he staying here tonight?”

  “Yes, but he’s down stairs in the basement with Henry. They’re hooking up that one microchip to an old computer.” Ellen laid her finger over Robbie’s lips. “Before you ask, Frank knows nothing about microchips. But he thinks since he is writing a novel, he acquired instant knowledge to things he hasn’t a clue on. So . . .” She tapped his knee. “…the reason for the visit.”

  “Aside to check on you?” Setting down his bowl of food, Robbie faced Ellen. “I need to talk to you El.” He laid his hand on hers. “A lot of things aren’t sitting well with me. So, I need you to tell me everything you remember about . . . last night.”

  ^^^^

  Forrest seemed so angry as he sat next to Jason at the bar in the social hall. He slammed his drink down with a bang, and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “No. Tell him Josef. Tell Jay-soon dat he is wrung.”

  Joe, who poised himself behind the bar facing them like a bartender, just raised his hands. “I’m just the third party here Forrest, I can’t sa
y either way.”

  Jason shook his head. “I’m telling you Forrest. It is the computer.”

  “No, no, no. It is note. I dink dat you should look at it from my punt of view. I believe it is a sun. Lot me try my idea.”

  “I tried it Forrest, I really did.”

  “Boot Jay-soon, dat is you. You are note me. Woot do you dink I study all my life? I knew woot I am tucking a-butt.”

  “Aren’t you just being the arrogant little scientist?” Jason argued. “You want to try, you go on and try. It’s not the power supply. It’s the computer and if you think that by coming up with a new power supply is the answer, by all means do it.” Jason finished his drink. “Right Joe? But I bet you anything, you are wrong.”

  “Oh you want ta butt me huh? All-rut I well butt you. I butt you any ding.”

  “Deal.” Jason extended his hand. “You start tomorrow working on it and we’ll come up with a bet. Joe’s our witness.”

  Joe poured himself a drink. “I’m your witness.”

  “And I well win. Coos Jay-soon.” Forrest crossed his arms. “I well show you. I well fax de machine with a new power sue-ply. You watch.”

  Joe watched Jason snicker in a taunting manner agitating even more the irritated little scientist. But Joe didn’t mind too much. Anything, anything that could move the project along, was better than what they were doing. Anything that would get the time machine back up and running properly was just fine with Joe.

  ^^^^

  Frank heard the laughter as he reached, arms full, for his front door. A duffle bag was over his shoulder, a box in his arms. He smiled when he stepped inside, an odd smile, the aroma of alcohol blasting him. He had a houseful. When he walked out not twenty minutes earlier, only Robbie and Henry were there. But his not only did his father decide to visit; he brought with him the two eccentric scientist. “What’s going on?” Frank kicked the door closed with his foot.

  Surrounded by company, Ellen looked up from the couch. “Joe was tired of mediating a fight at the hall, so he brought it here. Now it’s a party.”

  Joe, who was seated next to Ellen, moved over a spot. “Come on, join us Frank. Talk with us.”