by Terry Segan
“I didn’t have any slides that would get me back at the right time. How do you always know?” he asked, taking both my hands in his.
“Because I love you, and after thirty plus years of dancing beside you, I know your nature.”
With a firmer grip, he said, “And I know yours.” The set of his jaw told me he knew what I was planning.
Despite his protesting, I mentally reviewed the emergency slides sitting in the safe that could take me to the right time in San Francisco. With or without Jimmy’s blessing, I was going to visit his Grandfather. It appeared to be the only way to stop Carney.
Chapter 13
Neither Jimmy nor I felt like eating dinner. We drained the rest of the wine bottle and opened another. My next step loomed before me; it was one I would take alone. I had to speak to Jimmy’s grandfather. I saw no other way.
We talked about Dede and Milton and how we hoped their meeting was going well. I still had a good feeling about the match and hoped Carney wouldn’t interfere. His popping up while Dede traveled back worried me. Thoughts of him haunted my sleep after Jimmy and I went to bed.
When Jimmy left for work before nine in the morning, I jumped into action before I could second guess myself.
Going directly to my safe in the office, I retrieved the left-over emergency slides with the red frame. I needed to find a location in or close to San Francisco with a date after Jimmy’s grandfather met April. A pang of guilt engulfed me knowing this journey was without Jimmy’s blessing.
Jimmy’s grandfather died in 1992. The remaining slide for Blanche when she met Randy from Napa Valley in the year 1979 would be close enough. If a second trip became necessary, I also had a slide for 1984 that would land me in Monterey. Selecting the slide, holder and small box full of cash from the mid-twentieth century, I took a thousand dollars. It would be enough to cover any emergency expenses. I returned the cash box and remaining slides to the safe and locked it.
Upstairs in my bedroom I secured the red frame in the holder and dialed the date at the bottom. The time of day always matched the current time in the present. These emergency slides were the only ones that allowed me to set a specific day which was one to four weeks after the Betrothed’s second journey.
I hesitated a moment as a thought struck me as odd. Jimmy said Carney’s explanation of being able to go back only six months was that his slides were different than Jimmy’s. What if that wasn't a lie? Had he been given slides allowing a time frame to be set for other than the three-week span of a Betrothed’s journey as well as a location? Another question Jimmy’s grandfather might be able to answer.
With renewed determination, I pressed the button to power up the device. An hour would give me just enough time to welcome Dede back to this decade then be on my way.
I stashed the currency in my purse, set it on the dresser, and returned to my studio to await the Betrothed’s return.
Sitting on the couch in my studio, excitement filled me. Despite this being a fact-finding mission that might not go well, the thought of time-traveling gave me a rush. It always did. The minutes ticked down. To the second, Dede materialized in front of the bench with a hand extended in front of her. It was as if she’d been reaching for something—or someone. Looking around confused, she focused on me.
When I stood up to greet here, Dede took me by surprise by throwing her arms around my shoulders and holding on tight. Releasing her embrace, she laughed. “Sorry, but I don’t know how to thank you enough!”
“Well…your welcome!” No need to ask how the meeting went. The glow of joy emanating from her made my heart glad.
She looked down and grabbed the pendant around her neck. “Look! Milton said I was his night time sky.” Suspended from a delicate chain, a crescent moon made of turquoise lay against her fair skin. Five delicate stars surrounded the moon, spraying out on silver rays.
“It’s exquisite. Did he buy that for you?”
“Actually,” she said with a blush rising on her cheeks, “he had it made the same time as his sun necklace. He knew when he found the woman of his dreams, she would fit this necklace. It was like Milton knew I would be the one! Can you imagine that? He got it for me before we ever met. He said my dark hair was the complement to his sun colored locks. Sami, I can’t tell you how perfect the man is. Do I really have to wait a week to go back?”
I couldn’t hold back my joyful laughter, a welcome release from the stress of the past few days and a reminder of why I became a Photographer. The sparkle in Dede’s eyes made it all worthwhile.
Placing my hand on her arm, I said, “Yes, unfortunately. You need time to wrap up your life here and for us to create your credentials. If there’s anything you want to take with you, it’s best to fit it into a backpack. Remember, nothing that is obviously outside of your new time frame. I guess there’s no need to ask how your ‘date’ went?”
“Oh, Sami. Milton is all I’ve ever wanted. And he was thrilled that I’m an artist too! He started clearing part of his studio, which is huge, to make room for my sculpting.” She was babbling. I’d seen that euphoria with most matches. Witnessing it again enhanced my joy from helping these couples.
“Dede, I can’t tell you how happy I am for you. It thrills me you’ve found a good match.”
She took a deep breath, as if composing herself. “I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am. But it does make me wonder.”
“What?” I asked, with a hand to my chest.
“Oh, not about Milton and me.” I was sure she could see the relief on my face.
“About what, dear?”
“You do so much to help…well…women like me, I guess you would say. But what about you?”
“Me?” I wasn’t sure where this was leading. “What do you mean?”
“What about you? I mean…well…don’t you get a match?”
Now I understood. This woman was beside herself with glee yet concerned about me. Her compassion would have made her a good Photographer. “You’re so sweet to be concerned. But, you see, my match is the one that brought me into this business.”
“Your Collector.”
I smiled and felt my cheeks flush. “Yes. My Collector is my match. With this business or not, I love that man with all my heart. So yes, I’ve found mine,” I said placing both hands over my heart. “I wish you and I had met under different circumstances.”
“Why?” Dede asked.
“Because I would’ve enjoyed having you as a friend. We’re very much alike. On the other hand, it makes me ecstatic you’ll go on to an amazing life with a man you truly love. Not to worry, so will I.”
“Good. So, I come back here in a week?”
“Yup! Go wrap up your life in this time line. You have a new one to begin!”
I walked her to the front door and waved as she drove away. I prayed everything would go smoothly with her return to Milton.
Back in the house I thought about turning off the slide holder and waiting a day but didn’t want to talk myself out of the journey. No sense in trying to hide my trip from Jimmy either. He already knew my mindset. It was now or never.
Going to my bedroom closet, I put on a pair of Levi jeans with a plain white t-shirt. Adding a denim jacket, I was ready to blend into the landscape. Knowing Jimmy would come here tonight after work, I decided to leave him a note as to when I’d be back. No sense in causing him any more worry than necessary—especially, since Carney had been here.
I wrote that this was something I needed to do for both of us, and that I loved him. With the note propped up on the kitchen counter against a bottle of his favorite merlot, I ran back to my bedroom. The holder had reached full power. Without another thought, I slung my purse over my shoulder, depressed the thirty-second timer, and waited for the flash.
I appeared beside a small diner in Napa Valley. The year was 1979. Being three weeks after Blanche had gone back for her final journey to be with Randy, I hoped not to run into her on my walk to the bus station. The next coa
ch to San Francisco would depart in ninety minutes. I purchased my ticket.
It was amusing to me to see the bell-bottomed jeans and tie-dyed shirts of the era. Not everyone was consumed by the current fashions, yet the braids and long hair on both the women and men were entertaining. Watching the local populace kept me occupied while waiting for my bus.
Reaching the bus station in San Francisco, I jumped on a cable car and made my way to Chinatown. Less than five hours after arriving in this bygone era, I stood in front of the Jade Pagoda. Taking a deep breath, I went inside.
Chapter 14
Ding-a-ling jingled the bell over the door as I entered. The scent of sandalwood incense hit me immediately. I surveyed the old shop, watching dust motes swirl in the sunlight as rays peeked through the windows.
The store was just as I remembered it when Jimmy first brought me here in 1983 to meet his grandfather.
I meandered over to a glass case displaying necklaces and bracelets. On closer examination, a few items were unidentifiable.
“You see something you like, lady? I make you good deal.” The young Chinese man shuffled toward me. He wore the stereotypical black pants with a white tunic and black slippers. His face reflected a mixed-race heritage, but Asian features dominated, except for those amazing blue eyes. The only things missing were a cap and long braid to look like he stepped out of China a hundred years ago.
I thought it best to test the waters before asking to speak with the proprietor, Mr. Chang. “How much for that one, with the red jewel?” I asked, pointing at a necklace in the case.
“Ohhhh, that one very special, very dear,” the young man pined.
“Does that mean you think I can’t afford it?”
“Oh, no! I not mean disrespect. It special piece of jewelry. It belong to very special lady. My family bring it here when we come from China. But I make you good deal. Po always make good deal. Especially for pretty lady.”
I pressed my fingers on the glass and leaned in. “It seems quite dusty. How can I tell what it really looks like? Perhaps I should look elsewhere?”
“No. Po will shine it up for you. You see. It very pretty necklace. Bring luck for person that wear it.”
Grabbing a set of keys from his pocket he went to unlock the case.
“How lucky can it be for the last owner if it ended up for sale in a junk shop?”
“Last lady that own necklace live very, very long life. Very lucky. Very rich. You try it on?”
Looking him in the eye, I said, “Cut the crap, Jimmy. You’re not fresh off the boat, so you can drop the accent.”
Po looked devastated for a moment. Letting out a long sigh, he straightened up and asked, “Okay, what precinct are you from and what are you looking for today? We only sell cheap trinkets to the tourists, so whatever you’re after, you won’t find it here in my grandfather’s shop. And yes, he did come from China, as you probably already know.”
With a huge smile, I extended my hand. “Let’s start over. I’m Sami, and I’m not from any of your local precincts, however, I’m dead sure what I’m looking for can be found in this shop.”
“So, who sent you, Sami?” Jimmy ignored my hand, giving up any pretense of being a meek Chinaman peddling his wares.
I thought it all right to fabricate just a bit to speed things up, “As a matter of fact, Jimmy, you did!”
He warily looked me in the eye.
Tilting my head back I gave him a wink.
“So, you’re from the future?”
“Yes.”
“Are you a Betrothed?” I knew at that point Jimmy was in the midst of interviewing his Suitors. He had told me he liked working in his grandfather’s shop to perfect his acting skills as a lawyer. It would be handy in crafting his actions for opening and closing arguments once he began working in court.
“Not exactly. I’m here to talk to your grandfather. Will you get him, please?”
He hesitated a minute and looked at me with distrust. It was almost comical knowing what we would become to each other. I had hoped to catch the grandfather alone and not run into Jimmy. Now he would know both timelines since I’d meddled. It couldn’t be helped. This trip was necessary.
“What do you want with him?”
Telling him the true reason wasn’t an option. Not knowing what damage was already being done to the timeline, my contact needed to be as limited as possible. “He’ll know.” I believed that to be a lie, but maybe not.
“He’s not here.”
“When will he return?”
“Maybe tomorrow.” Jimmy looked down at the counter then turned away.
He was a bad liar. Even in the present, he wouldn't look me in the eye when he didn’t want to tell me something. His aversion disturbed me. By the time he’d met me his demeanor had softened. Losing April only a couple years earlier must have hardened him during this time.
The beads hanging over the doorway to the back room clacked together as I saw Mr. Chang pushing them aside to pass through. “It is okay, Jimmy. I will speak with her.” Slim with silver hair, he wasn’t quite as tall as his grandson. The man would be somewhere in his seventies at this time. He appeared more comfortable in the traditional garb.
Jimmy looked a little put off at having his authority overruled but nodded in respect to the old man. Mr. Chang said to his grandson, “Leave us, please.”
Not wanting to break eye contact with the grandfather, I didn’t look Jimmy’s way but knew there must have been shock and disappointment on his face. Respect for his elders ran deep and I heard him go through the doorway to the back room. Probably not far, but I couldn’t see beyond the white beads.
“You don’t belong here,” the grandfather said.
“Do you know why I’m here, Mr. Chang?”
Staring at me with a stony expression, he repeated, “You don’t belong here. You should not have come.”
“Well, I’m here now. And I need your help.” Then I lowered my voice, “Jimmy and I need your help.”
His expression never changed. “He would never have given you permission to come here.”
“You’re right. So, I didn't ask. Please, Mr. Chang, you may be the only one with the answers we need.”
“Why do you need these answers?”
“To stop a monster. You already know this though, don’t you?”
“I know many things. What makes you think if I answer your questions, things can be changed?” He wasn’t making this easy. Asking the right questions would be the only way to get the information I required. Mr. Chang wasn’t going to volunteer anything. I had to convince him.
The bell over the door jangled and a couple with two young boys came in. The children looked to be around nine and ten. “Mom, look at this cool dragon!”
“Yes, honey. Please don’t touch anything. I’m sure it’ll break easily.”
We both watched the family for a moment, then heard the clacking of beads. Young Jimmy walked past his grandfather to greet the new patrons. I noticed he didn’t make any pretense of using a fake accent this time. “Good afternoon. There are a lot of treasures to see here. It’s okay to touch things, just be gentle. After all, this isn’t a museum!”
The mother smiled appreciatively. The father remained passive. Probably wondering how much this little venture was about to cost him.
I turned my attention back to the grandfather. “Is there some place we can talk? I promise not to take up too much of your time. It is important. You know I wouldn’t have come if it wasn’t.”
He scrutinized me a moment longer, then walked over to the beaded doorway. Pushing the strings aside, he stepped out of the way and held them while looking back in my direction. I took this as an invitation and crossed the threshold.
Stacks of boxes lined one wall. A desk stood at the back of the room with piles of papers on one corner, a telephone, and an adding machine. The room looked much as I had envisioned it. I had never seen it the times I visited; his grandfather had been very guarded abou
t his space beyond.
Mr. Chang followed me then shuffled to a door off to the right. Opening it revealed a stairway going up. This time he went on ahead. I followed, closing the door behind me.
At the top of the stairs, we turned left into a large living room. The area was immaculate with two overstuffed red couches in the far corner. Tossed about the room were beautiful brocade pillows made of black velvet fabric and embroidered in golds and red. The ones on the floor, large enough to sit on, matched smaller versions on the couches. A black lacquer coffee table with ivory insets depicting a dragon sat in front of them.
He led the way toward the back and we entered a spacious kitchen where he gestured for me to take a seat at the table. Two small Chinese teacups had been set out beside a steaming pot of Oolong, judging from the fragrance. As I sat down, I wondered again how much he really knew.
After pouring tea into both cups, Mr. Chang finally made eye contact. And waited. We both sipped. It was up to me to get this going.
“Thank you for the tea.” Not receiving a response, I continued. “I need you to tell me how to stop a monster. Tell me how to stop Carney.”
Chapter 15
“His soul has turned black. I cannot help you,” Mr. Chang said. I knew English was his second language but detected only a hint of an accent.
“So, you know what he’s doing. How?”
“All I know is his Photographer was wrong.”
“What do you mean by wrong?” Jimmy told me his grandfather said that and wouldn't explain.
“She did not belong in the timeline he forced her into. He was supposed to have another Photographer.”
If this man already knew, why hadn’t he done something about it? “She was never supposed to be a Photographer?”
“I did not say that.”
“Then what are you saying?” I was trying hard to keep the frustration out of my voice.
“She was never supposed to be his Photographer.”
The shock on my face must have been obvious as I sat back in my chair. My mind spun. This changed things. Jimmy assumed April was never supposed to be part of this process at all. Now it seems she had been destined to be involved, but with another Collector. When Carney dragged her into his life, he interfered with someone else’s life, not just Tony’s. It also meant all the potential matches she should’ve made with her Collector might have been destroyed as well. The ramifications were overwhelming.