Joe by Jacqueline Druga Page A

“What do you mean?”
    “Sneak into the clinic. Hide the child. Hide the fact that you have a child that was at the clinic. Tell Roy that he can’t tell anyone your child was there.”
    “Ok, yeah, so. Fuck, it would start an uproar.”
    “Hello! It already did.”
    “Fuck. Who knows?”
    “Everyone.”
    “Are they pissed?” Frank asked.
    “Very.”
    “Fuck. I tried to keep it a secret. Big mouth Roy.”
    “Yeah, well, Roy doesn’t know about things.”
    “True.”
    “That’s it?” Ellen asked. “That’s all you have to say. Why didn’t I know Frank?”
    “I … I don’t know. You of all people should have known.”
    “Yes. I should have.”
    “You would have understood.”
    “Yeah, Frank, if you would have told me at the time, I would have.”
    “Don’t be pissed.”
    “I’m hurt.”
    Frank’s eyes widened. “Really?”
    “Really, Frank. God.”
    “I’m sorry.”
    “It’ll take some adjusting. Just … just …” Ellen held out her hand. “Tell me who the mother is?”
    “Kelly.”
    “Kelly? Who is Kelly?”
    “El, do you have the brain flu?”
    “No! I don’t have the brain flu, that’s a guy thing. Why would you ask?” she snapped.
    “Because first you don’t remember who Johnny’s mother is, then when I say her name, you don’t know who she is?”
    “Kelly.”
    “Yes.”
    “Oooh.” Ellen chuckled. “Kelly.”
    “See it’s all coming back to you.”
    “You had Johnny at the clinic?”
    “Yeah, I just said that. You knew that. Brain flu again.”
    “Oh my God.” Ellen laughed. She laughed hard.
    “I take it you aren’t mad anymore.”
    “Not at all. That is funny.”
    “Yeah, I had him there to see if he could fly. Why is that funny?”
    “Because you told Roy to keep it quiet, now the whole town thinks … they think you have a … never mind. Let’s let them keep thinking that, ok? it’s funny.”
    “Ok.” Frank shrugged.
    “I have to go back to work.” Ellen tipped toed up and kissed him. “I love you.”
    “Love you, too.”
    “Have a good meeting.” She walked to the door and stopped. “And, Frank, you’re pretty good with that.” She pointed to the dummy.
    “Thanks.”
    “Don’t forget the Joe Day show.” Ellen opened the door.
    Bob asked, “Can I come too?”
    “Yes, you may. Sorry I hit Bob.”
    Frank walked to Ellen and had Bob kiss her. Ellen giggled and walked out.
    After an exhale, Frank turned to Bob. “Do you have any idea what that was about?”
    “Clueless.”
    “Me, too.” Frank walked back to his desk, to get ready for the meeting.
    *****
    “Frank,” Danny Hoi was usually easy going, and even tempered. “Frank.” He closed his eyes as he stood near the Joe Park on the phone. “Fine. Bob, may I speak to Frank? Thanks.”
    He nodded as he waited, catching from the corner of his eye, Jenny as she placed something on the Joe Board. Two things went through his mind, why was Jenny posting, that was a no-no, and who was with her students? Finally, Frank spoke.
    “Yes, Frank, Bob was nice. Now, did he by chance relay my message?”
    “Yeah, you’re missing two invisa suits.”
    “Yes. Do you have them?”
    “I don’t know. I might.”
    “Can you check?”
    “I can. But if they’re invisible, I won’t be able to see them.”
    Danny held back his grumble. “Frank.”
    “Yeah.”
    “We acquired twenty-three suits, I counted twenty-one.”
    “Is that including the one Darrell was wearing?”
    “I don’t know.”
    “Maybe if you could see it …”
    “Oh my God, you have the brain virus.”
    “Fuck. No. I don’t. I wasn’t messing with a computer lately.”
    Danny squeezed the corner of his eyes. “Just please check. I’ll see you at the meeting.” He closed the phone, took a composing breath and walked to the Joe board.
    What the hell did she post?
    The moment he saw the word ‘impeach’ with the name Frank, Danny picked up the phone. “Nah,” he said out loud. “I don’t want to deal with Bob.”