Riley: “First off, he would have to find out about the two timelines simultaneously existing, but, as of now, you and I are the only one who know this information. Secondly, I will do what needs to be done if it comes down to it.”
Arcadia: “Okay, but let’s talk worst-case scenario.”
Riley: “If Jordan or Broderick discover a way to kill me then whatever timeline I am in currently will be the only one that exists. But I can’t die, so that isn’t a possibility.”
Arcadia: “Wait, when and how is Broderick involved?”
Riley: “Long story but I think Jordan is going to break Broderick out of prison tomorrow, so you might want to minimize the number of guards on duty.”
Arcadia: “Broderick is being broken out of prison? Seriously? What the shit? How can you speak of this so casually?”
Riley: “Because it’s only temporary.”
Arcadia: “Don’t underestimate either of them, Riley. This is why we are in the mess that we are currently in.”
Riley: “Don’t you think I know that? This is why I can never be a superhero. I keep fucking up. And why? All because of some prick named Ego.”
Arcadia: “Riley, we all make mistakes but that doesn’t mean you aren’t good. I really think—”
Riley: “Look, just find Alyssa. Kill Ego or do whatever you Capes and Spandex need to do to save the day. Then send a text to this number, letting me know Alyssa is rescued.”
Arcadia: “And?”
Riley: “The phone will phase in and out of the present timeline so I will eventually get your message.”
Arcadia: “Okay, but what’s the rest of the plan?”
Riley: “I will send you the address where you can pick up Broderick and Jordan. I will basically be handing you two of the most wanted men on a silver platter. Just remember, we have a teleporter, so you need one of Mac’s gizmos to offset that.”
Arcadia: “I really think this is a horrible idea.”
Riley: “Jordan kidnapped my niece, murdered my guards, and pissed me off, so you’re lucky I am handing them over to you.”
Arcadia: “I just have one question for you.”
Riley: “What?”
Arcadia: “When all is said and done, will you be able to live with your actions?”
Riley: “Seriously, Arcadia? I know you’re going to be a mom, but I am not some damn child who needs a lecture. I know what I am doing.”
Arcadia: “But what of your feelings?”
Riley: “Jordan and I were together for what, three months? I think I will survive.”
Arcadia: “Tell me that you don’t love him.”
Four, five, and then six seconds of silence on the phone.
Riley: “I don’t love Jordan, and I swear if you say another word about this topic, I will lose it. This has been a stressful day and I am going forward with this plan. So gather the team and go stop Ego.”
Arcadia: “Riley …”
Riley: “Prepaid phone. Wasting minutes. Stop Ego. Save Alyssa. Bye.”
Chapter 3
January 30th, 3 years
Riley: “Where … where …”
I tried to move from the bed but a firm and yet gentle hand held me down. My eyes began to focus and as soon as they did, I saw a strange but attractive man. The man was tall, well-built, and dressed primarily in red. I almost felt like I had known the man my whole life, but I knew it was impossible as I had never seen him before.
Riley: “Where am I?”
Jordan: “My name is Jordan and you are in my house.”
I looked around and I became well aware that I was, in fact, not in my eight-hundred square foot apartment. As a matter of a fact, it suddenly dawned on me that I was in a strange bed, and I began to panic. Jordan could tell I was distressed and tried to comfort me but rather than help, his words caused me to bolt out of the bed. Not even a few seconds later, my legs gave out, but, luckily for me, Jordan caught me.
Jordan: “Do you remember what happened?”
Did I remember? Suddenly, a flood of memories began to fill my mind. I had been attacked and I had been severely injured. Quickly, I scanned my body for proof of the assault but I hadn’t a scratch on my body.
Riley: “There was—”
Jordan: “Yes, you were attacked. My … my friend and I saved you. It was a rough few days, but you made it through.”
Riley: “Days? How long was I asleep?”
Jordan: “Fifteen days.”
Riley: “Oh no. Oh no. No. No. No.”
Jordan: “What’s wrong?”
Riley: “Alyssa, I have to get—she’s been—on her—”
Jordan: “Riley, she’s okay.”
Riley: “How can you say that? She is the only family I have left.”
Jordan: “Because she is in the next room. If you promise to lie back down on the bed, I will get her for you.”
Nodding my head, I got back in bed and tried to remember to breathe. Roughly two minutes later, Jordan brought in a then-seven-year-old Alyssa, who ran into my arms, and we embraced one another. After talking to Alyssa for an hour, a nanny/tutor that Jordan had hired took her back to the room next door to continue with lessons. I didn’t even know the man, but I was halfway in love with him for what he’d done for Alyssa and me.
Riley: “Thank you.”
Jordan: “What are you thanking me for?”
Riley: “Me being alive. Plus, Alyssa was taken care of while I was incapacitated and I am forever in your debt.”
Jordan: “It was the right thing to do. I found your purse not too far from where you were injured, looked at your driver’s license, and after that, it was easy to track her down. I figured you wanted her here with you.”
Riley: “I do, but how did you know about her?”
Jordan: “Even as you were dying, you were thinking about your daughter first. You are a wonderful mom.”
Riley: “I’m technically her aunt, but New York—”
A tear rolled down my face and I quickly wipe it away.
Jordan: “Say no more on this topic as you owe me no words. It’s probably best that I let you retire for the evening but tomorrow, when you are feeling better, we have much to discuss.”
Riley: “You can tell me now.”
Jordan: “No, I think it’s better to wait.”
I don’t know why I was so annoyed by Jordan’s words, but I was. When I went to say more on the topic, I noticed my throat hurt a bit, which I assumed was from the events that had transpired over the course of the last two weeks. The more I thought about it, perhaps Jordan was in the right and I needed my rest.
Riley: “Okay, tomorrow. Have pleasant dreams.”
Jordan: “You too.”
Just as Jordan turned on his heel to leave, I reached over for the bottle of water on the nightstand. When I picked it up to drink it, the bottle disappeared. Shocked by the incident, I screamed, which naturally had Jordan running over to me. Panicking once more, I jumped from the bed and ran across the room.
Jordan: “What happened?”
Riley: “The water bottle disappeared.”
Jordan: “Come again?”
Riley: “I touched the water bottle and it disappeared.”
Jordan: “Are you sure?”
Riley: “I’m … I’m… I don’t know. Maybe I have brain damage and am now crazy.”
Jordan: “You’re not crazy.”
I put one hand on my head and other on the desk next to me. Suddenly, the desk disappeared just as the water bottle had, which caused me to freak out even more. After sliding to the ground, I began to have a panic attack and Jordan cradled me in his arms.
Riley: “There is something wrong with me. There is something—”
Jordan: “Nothing is wrong with you.”
Riley: “Please tell me you saw what just happened.”
Jordan: “I did, and there is something you need to know. I thought it could wait until morning but after what just happened, it’s imperative that you
know now.”
Riley: “Okay.”
Jordan: “Promise me you won’t freak out.”
Riley: “Tell me!”
Jordan: “The reason that you are alive is because you were injected with a chemical that altered your DNA and which also gave you your abilities.”
Riley: “Is this a joke?”
Jordan: “No. We have a gift, and with it we can reshape the world.”
Riley: “So we’re like superheroes then?”
Jordan: “Never say the word superhero in front of Lord Boundary. Never. You may use the term enhanced people, but not the “S” word.”
Riley: “The Boundary—like the Mad King, himself?”
Jordan: “Yeah, but I wouldn’t say that to him either.”
Riley: “Does he come around here?”
Jordan: “Sometimes.”
Riley: “Well, I hope I am not around when that jackass is.”
Jordan: “You don’t like him much.”
Riley: “Let me put it to you this way: I wish he was the one who died in New York and not Wayward Shift.”
Jordan: “Brutal, but I guess I can get where you are coming from. Unfortunately, you can’t leave until you get your powers under control so in the meantime, I will try to minimize your contact with him.”
Riley: “I guess that is better than nothing. How long will I be here?”
Jordan: “It depends.”
Riley: “So Alyssa and I are prisoners here?”
Jordan: “No, most definitely not, but you are capable of amazing things and such potential. I want to see you succeed.”
Riley: “And you have powers too, right?”
Jordan: “Yes. Tomorrow we will begin training so you learn to use yours properly.”
Riley: “What types of powers do I have? Is it the same as yours?”
Jordan: “I am not sure, but we have a team of guys that can identify your abilities and create a program that will be specifically designed for you. Don’t worry. These are the same individuals that trained Lord Boundary, Arcadia, Vegas, Tersina, etc.”
Riley: “I see …”
Jordan: “It’s a lot to take in. Trust me, I know. Why don’t we get you back in bed? Then you can take a deep breath, try to relax, and get some sleep. You’re safe. I promise that no matter what happens, I will be here for you.”
Why was this stranger being so nice to me?
Riley: “Show me.”
Jordan: “Huh?”
Riley: “Show me your powers. It will help me to relax.”
Jordan: “I don’t know if that is a good idea.”
Riley: “Why not?”
Jordan: “My abilities are a bit scary.”
Riley: “I won’t run out of the room screaming, I promise.”
My joking words made Jordan uneasy.
Jordan: “Say that again in five minutes.”
Riley: “I promise I won’t run.”
Unpredictably, Jordan’s skin turned a scaly red and horns came out of his head. As Jordan stood before me now, his appearance resembled a demon, or how I thought one might look if such creatures existed. If I’d had a lick of sense, I would have been frightened, but instead, I reached for Jordan’s face and caressed it gently.
Just as Jordan transformed into a monster, he reverted back to his normal appearance. Before I could say anything, I was in his arms and Jordan was kissing me with an expertise that none of my past lovers possessed. He tasted like mint, adventure, and a bit of danger. And I wanted more, so I began tugging off his shirt until Jordan was standing before me in his six-pack glory.
When I ran my hands up his chest and to the tattoo on his arm, he shivered. I could tell that I had the same effect on him as he did on me, which was crazy as we’d just met. I wasn’t the type of person who was impulsive or slept with someone I’d just met, but I was drawn to Jordan in a way that I couldn’t explain.
Jordan: “Riley …”
Riley: “Love your tattoo and amazing—”
Jordan suddenly stiffened and stepped away.
Riley: “What’s wrong?”
Jordan: “I think … maybe we are going a bit too fast.”
Riley: “If I said anything wrong, I am sorry.”
Jordan: “You didn’t. It’s just … umm … the tattoo was a mistake and I’d rather not talk about it.”
Picking up his shirt off the floor, Jordan quickly fled the room. I couldn’t understand why someone was so sensitive about a tattoo. I got that it was a mistake, but Jordan could easily get the tattoo covered up or removed if it really bothered him that much. While there were many alternatives that Jordan could use with the unusual mark etched into his arm, being that I didn’t know him well and I would most likely be spending a lot of time with Jordan in the future, I probably shouldn’t mention the tattoo ever again.
If Jordan wanted to talk to me about the meaning behind the ink, I would listen. Actually, I would be a lot more than just an ear for Jordan’s words and it was at that moment that I knew I was in trouble. I can’t describe the feeling other than by saying that Jordan was like a car crash waiting to happen and, for some stupid reason, I couldn’t look away.
October 4th, 7:03 a.m.
Jordan: “Rise and shine.”
After rubbing my eyes, I saw Jordan standing over the couch that I had been sleeping on. I guess I wasn’t getting up fast enough because he tossed clean clothing on top of me. Glaring at Jordan as I sat up, I could tell he was in a bit of a mood but I wouldn’t be having it.
Riley: “What is your problem?”
Jordan: “Where did you go last night?”
Riley: “I was here. Check your cameras if you don’t believe me.”
Jordan: “I know you went somewhere with my car.”
Riley: “I hope you didn’t spend a lot on this couch. It’s horribly uncomfortable.”
Jordan: “You could have slept in one of my many guestrooms or even in my study, where you were recovering from your injuries.”
Riley: “Next time, tell a girl. Now, where is your bathroom so I can shower and change?”
Jordan: “Down the hall and second door on the right, but don’t think our little conversation about your joyride is over. I know you went somewhere as the car is in a slightly different position then it originally was, not to mention the speedometer reads ten miles higher than it did yesterday.”
Riley: “All right, Speedometer Nazi, if you must know I went to the grocery store to pick up tampons.”
Jordan looked momentarily surprised.
Jordan: “You should have said something and I could have sent one of my men to the store.”
Riley: “No thanks. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I am going to shower.”
Jordan: “Do you want me to join?”
Riley: “Not happening.”
Grinning, Jordan took a step towards me. Oh fuck, no. I didn’t care how good Jordan looked or smelled; I would not fall into bed with him or against the shower wall as water hit our bodies. Great, now I was picturing Jordan naked. I needed to get that idea out of my head. Think of anything else; just think.
Shit. When was the last time I had sex? It had to be over two years ago. Had it been that long? Ugh, yes it had been. I wish I could at least say it was good but Dylan was a disappointment. The worst part was I had sex with him because I thought it would help me get over Jordan, but it only made me miss my former love even more. Now, I had the chance—no, I couldn’t sleep with Jordan as it would only make things harder for me.
Jordan: “Are you sure you don’t want to me join you, sweetheart? By the way you are staring, I bet you are imaging my soaped-up body pressed against yours. Your hands digging into my back and my mouth on your neck as we—”
Riley: “Pass. Now why don’t you be a good boy and make breakfast.”
Jordan: “I’ve got servants for that.”
Riley: “Perhaps I just don’t want to fuck you.”
Jordan: “Your body says otherwise.”
> Riley: “Maybe, but it won’t happen. And before you ask why, blame your master.”
Jordan: “He’s not my master.”
Riley: “Friend? Savior? Partner? What do you call Broderick?”
Jordan: “Boss.”
Riley: “You’ve gone through a lot of trouble just for a boss. You chose him over the woman you supposedly love. The question is, would he do the same for you? Is Broderick even capable of caring for another? I’ve heard some pretty fucked-up stories from Arcadia that would say otherwise. You are more than welcome to ask Broderick what he thinks of you after you break him out, but I seriously doubt he will tell you the truth. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I am going to shower. Don’t follow me.”
I turned on my heel and headed towards the bathroom. A few seconds later, I heard Jordan let out a scream before I heard the sound of something expensive breaking in the room that I was just in. While I’d hated saying what I had to Jordan, it was the truth and he needed to hear it.
By the time I got out of the shower, Jordan was nowhere to be found, which was fine by me. Although there was staff on site, I decided to make my breakfast as that was something I would do even if I was home. I found cooking therapeutic and enjoyed making my own food even if it was something as simple as eggs with a bit of toast.
Just as I was about to sit down and eat, there was a bright flash next to me. I turned to see Jordan and Broderick, who was still wearing his prison attire. Rolling my eyes, I ignored the criminals and began to eat. I honestly couldn’t understand why Jordan would want to help Broderick as it would only lead to his downfall as well. The fact that these two men thought that they could control time was just laughable.
Jordan: “Riley, are you ready to go?”
Then There Was New York Page 4