Freedom Fight: Beginnings Series Book 9 by Jacqueline Druga Page A

salute.
    The captain returned the salute then re-engaged in watching his men.
    ^^^^
    Jason Godrichson was walking from the line of utility buildings as Dean was nearing them. Dean was on his way to the second suspect meeting when Jason stopped him.
    “Dean, glad I found you.” Jason stood in Dean’s pathway.
    “What’s going on?”
    Jason shook his head. “I wanted to let you know that there’s no way it can be done.”
    “Are you sure?”
    “I checked it with Forrest. Ever since he fixed the power supply on the time machine, it stays in control.”
    “Damn it.” Dean twitched his head. “You’re sure there’s no way you can barbeque Frank in a bogus time trip?”
    “Positive. However . . .”
    Dean’s eyes brightened. “What?”
    “I could ship him a hundred years into the future and leave him there. It would have no bearing on our time now. Of course we’ll need someone to go with him so they can come back and shut the door.”
    “I’ll give it some thought. Thanks Jason.”
    “You do know, Dean, you can always take the direct approach. Just walk up to Frank and shoot him”
    “Nah, I don’t want to be ousted. I’d rather use that as a last resort and stick to making it either look natural or like an accident.” Dean lifted his hand in a wave and started walking again. “Thanks, Jason.”
    “Not a problem.” Jason continued walking, knowing his mind would keep churning on ideas to help Dean.
     
    All voices ceased the moment Dean entered Joe’s office. He looked at Joe, Henry, then Robbie. “What? Were you guys talking about me?”
    Robbie answered. “As a matter of fact, Dean, we were. Henry was just sharing with us your new sex symbol status with the young female population of Beginnings.”
    Dean closed his ey es and shook his head. “Henry’s really close to me kicking his ass.” Dean heard Henry snicker and he quickly looked at Henry.
    Henry wiped the smiled from his face. “Sorry. Hey, Joe, tell him. Go on.”
    “Dean, the reason we were discussing you is,” Joe took a breath, “I stopped at the school today and saw Alexandra. She told me she’s mad at you because you have a girlfriend while her Mommy is kidnapped. She said she saw Bev kissing you.”
    Immediately and with surprise Dean sprang from his chair going after Henry.
    Henry saw it coming. He jumped from his chair and hurried backwards, trying not to laugh. “I didn’t say anything.”
    Robbie too tried not to laugh as he pulled Dean back. “Easy.”
    “Dean,” Joe scolded, “You’re making me tense. Now cool it.”
    Dean pulled away from Robbie and plopped in his chair. “Henry, one more thing out of you and I swear I’m cutting off your hair while you’re sleeping.”
    “Oh Dean, you wouldn’t do that.”
    “Watch me.” Dean stared forward. “Can we do this, Joe?”
    “Can we lose the mood?” Joe asked.
    “I’m sorry, Joe.” Dean held up his hand. “I feel like I’m the most miserable person in Beginnings today.”
    “I have news for you, Dean,” Joe said. “You are. Now this should make you happy.” Joe pulled out his notes. “We’re gonna discuss Frank as a suspect. Everyone ready? Let’s talk means.” Joe saw Henry’s hand raised. “Henry?”
    “Frank should be eliminated immediately from the suspect list with no arguments at all.”
    “Why?” Joe asked.
    “Because if Frank was working for George, why would he kill him?”
    “What?” Joe asked. “What the hell are you talking about?”
    Robbie rolled his eyes. “Bet me it’s another one of those time trip memories none of us have.”
    “Yes. He killed George in the time frame that Dean died.”
    Joe tilted his head. “The one that was erased when you brought Dean back to life?”
    “Yes,” Henry nodded.
    “Well, it doesn’t count!” Joe scolded. “And how in the hell did bringing Dean back affect bringing George back?”
    Dean quickly shifted his eyes. “It’ll be a Henry explanation. Do you want to hear