by Cathy Peper
A grin tore across Hannah’s face and she launched herself at him. “I’ve always wanted a dad! Almost all the other kids at school have dads. Some don’t live with them, ‘cause they’re divorced.”
Bryce frowned as he gathered Hannah onto his lap. “Why are so many of the parents divorced?”
“Divorce is common in this time and not scandalous like in ours. Like many things in the future, it’s both good and bad. How many couples did we know trapped in a terrible relationship?”
True enough. “Well, poppet, now that I’m your dad, I’m going to put you to bed. We need to get an early start in the morning.”
“I’m not a puppet!”
“Poppet,” Ari corrected. “It’s a term of endearment—like when I call you ‘honey,’”
To Bryce’s relief, although he had volunteered to put Hannah down, Ari came along. She helped Hannah into her pajamas and made sure she used the bathroom, a twenty-first-century wonder Bryce still hadn’t quite wrapped his head around. It sure was nice not to have to go outside in bad weather or use a chamber pot, but he still wasn’t used to doing his business indoors.
After tucking the little girl under the covers, Ari read her a story. Bryce contained his impatience until Ari bent to kiss Hannah on the cheek.
“Daddy, too,” Hannah said, her eyes heavy with sleep.
Bryce cast a look at Ari.
“She wants a kiss from you, too.”
Bryce raised a brow. His father had never kissed him, although he had foggy memories of his mother occasionally brushing her lips across his brow. Did men these days kiss their offspring?
Ari seemed to expect him to acquiesce. He drew closer and dropped a quick kiss on the child’s forehead. She sighed and wiggled deeper into the blankets.
Ari turned out the lights as they stepped out of the bedroom. She looked tired and no wonder—she had been doing this all by herself for four years. While he still considered his decision to break his engagement in person the right thing to do, he was struck by the selfishness of his actions. He might not have cost Ari her life, but she had nonetheless paid a high price for allowing him to seduce her. He owed her and unless he was able to retrieve his treasure, it would be a long time before he could even begin paying down his debt.
* * *
They woke early the next morning, swung by a donut shop to introduce Bryce to yet another twenty-first-century vice and to bribe Hannah to behave in the car, and then headed north on the highway.
“We have to go to St. Louis first to get the wetsuit,” Ari said. She had given up trying to get Bryce to call her Anne and was even starting to think of herself by her old name. “It was the closest place I could find online.”
“It won’t take long to get there by car. It’s amazing how quickly you can get from one place to another. You will have to teach me to drive.”
“You can take a course. They usually don’t recommend that couples teach one another to drive. Leads to a lot of breakups.”
“It doesn’t look hard.”
“There’s a lot to consider while you’re first learning, but I’m so used to it now, it comes naturally. Can you drive a carriage?”
“Of course.”
“That might help. I know how to ride, but our coachman took us anywhere we needed to go, so I never learned to drive.”
“I haven’t seen a horse since I arrived here. Do people still use them?”
“Mostly for recreation.”
“Do people still travel on the river?”
“Barges transport goods, which can be cheaper than sending them by truck or train, but people usually fly or drive to their destination. There has been a resurgence of vacation travel by boat, however. River cruises are popular because they provide luxury accommodations, onboard activities and a sense of nostalgia.” She guessed from Bryce’s dubious expression that he found it all hard to accept. She remembered how confusing it had been when she first came to the future. Although she’d been grateful for the technology that saved her life, she had longed to return to the simpler days of her childhood.
After repeated attempts to activate the necklace had failed, she had gradually accepted her new life. Eventually, she even came to take some of the marvels for granted. Back in her time, it would have taken days to travel the miles she covered in a few hours. At the dive store, they rented two suits, one for each of them, although Ari hoped she would not need to use hers. The drive to Tennessee took longer. Worried that there might not be much open by the lake itself, Ari stopped at a fast food place in a nearby town for lunch.
It was mid-afternoon by the time they pulled in to the parking lot of the bait and tackle shop where she had reserved a boat. She had picked a small operation, thinking there might be less paperwork and red tape, but as soon as she saw the weathered building, she wished she had gone with one of the larger outfits. “I don’t like the look of this place.”
“I am sure it will be fine. They are right on the lake and I can see the boats from here.”
Ari stepped from the car and stretched, stiff from driving. Hannah kicked and squirmed from the back seat, so Ari released her from her car seat and followed her daughter down to the lake shore.
“I’ve never been on a boat,” Hannah said.
And I hoped never to set foot on one again. Although Sebastien had done all that he could to make her comfortable, life on the Fury as a pregnant woman had taken a toll. The motion of the boat had made her sick, the food had been appalling, and the close quarters had strained her nerves. She reminded herself they were only going out for a few hours, but the bobbing of the jon boats in the water made her queasy.
The weather was mild for January, not a bad day for boating so long as you remained dry. Ari didn’t envy Bryce’s upcoming plunge, not even with the protection of the wetsuit. She took Hannah’s hand and they meandered back to the store where Bryce had struck up a conversation with the attendant.
“So you’re the ones going eagle watching,” the man said as Ari and Hannah drew near. “Prefer fishing myself, but at least the birds get me an occasional rental in the offseason.”
Ari handled the paperwork and then the man took them out back. He spent a few minutes showing Bryce how to work the motor while she bundled Hannah up in the life jacket, which came along with the boat rental.
“I have to provide them for everyone on board. It’s the law. It’s up to you if you wear them, but if a park ranger catches you without them, you might get ticketed.”
Ari slipped hers on, but Bryce merely tossed his into the boat. “I know how to swim.”
The man shrugged. “It’s your party. Remember, you need to have the boat back by sundown, which comes early in January. Watch out for submerged trees and stumps. The lake’s full of them.”
Ari thanked the man for his help and placed the bag containing the wetsuits into the boat. The attendant shoved them off and Bryce used the paddles to clear the dock before engaging the motor. He took to it like a natural, easily steering them around obstacles and heading in the direction the man had indicated would likely net them the most eagles. Once they were out of sight, he would use his compass to try and find the place where he’d buried his belongings.
“If you can learn to drive a car as easily as you’ve learned to drive a boat, maybe I will teach you,” Ari said.
“I’ve had a lot of practice with boats.”
“Really?” Ari’s voice rose. “When I told you my brother owned a keelboat, you never mentioned it.”
A look flashed across Bryce’s face that she couldn’t quite interpret, but if it had been anyone else, she might have called it cagey. “We haven’t spoken much about the time we were apart.”
“No. We’ve only been back together a few days and they’ve been rather busy.”
She wondered if he was going to ask her if there had been other men in her life. She had dated a bit, but not seriously. Part of her wanted to ask him about other women, but part of her was afraid to hear the answers.
“After learning of your death, I followed in your brother’s footsteps and became a keelboat operator myself.”
“Seriously?” Ari could hardly think of an occupation that suited Bryce less. At least the Bryce she had known then. “Why?”
“I wanted to learn about your final days and it seemed a natural extension of my family’s investments. My father owns a few ships.” He turned his attention to a group of trees sticking out of the water like spikes. “I guess I should say he ‘owned’ ships.”
“So you bought a keelboat. And you manned it yourself?”
Bryce made a sound of assent as he cut the boat’s motor and pulled a compass from his pocket.
Ari guessed he had built his extra muscles poling the boat upstream. He would never be as heavily built as Sebastien, but the added tone suited his still-lean frame.
“I can succeed at almost anything I turn my hand to, Ari. That’s why I jumped at the chance to come to the future. But it will take me a lot longer if I have to start at rock bottom. Hence today’s endeavors.”
Must be nice to have that kind of self-assurance. She was proud of the life she’d created for herself and Hannah, but she’d worked hard for it.
A bird flew overhead and she pointed it out to Hannah as Bryce maneuvered the boat into a different area. Perhaps they would be lucky enough to spot an eagle.
“We should be close. I’ll go down.”
Ari’s heart thumped in her chest. He’d stopped the boat just outside a clump of jagged remnants of trees. A cloud drifted over the sun, plunging the drowned wood into shadow. “These trees were submerged during the earthquake.”
“I know. When I buried my stash it was a pleasant little copse.” Being careful not to tip the boat, he pulled off his clothes and slipped into the wetsuit.
“Daddy’s going swimming?”
“Yes.” Ari wondered what else lurked beneath the steely blue surface. Not alligators, she told herself, we’re too far north.
“I want to go swimming.”
“No, it’s too cold.”
“Then why is Daddy going?”
“Daddy lost something and he’s going to try and find it. He’s wearing special clothes so he won’t get too cold.” Or so we hope.
Hannah peered over the edge of the boat. “Don’t think he’s gonna find it.”
What would they do if he didn’t? Would they attempt to return to the past? She wasn’t sure it was possible even though she now knew the stone ran on electricity. She would love to see Sebastien and Tori again, breathe clean air and slip back into a simpler rhythm. But was she willing to give up indoor plumbing, electricity, and the Internet? More importantly, was she willing to give up the rights and privileges women had in this time? What about Hannah? Could she condemn her to a life where women were little more than property?
They wouldn’t have to stay. They could return to this time, maybe even bring Sebastien and Tori with them. But going back would be a risk. There was no guarantee they would make it back to the future.
Bryce lowered the face mask over his eyes. “Will this really keep the water out?”
“In theory. Make sure your hair is clear. Anything that breaks the seal will let in water.” He gave her a carefree smile before dropping over the side.
“It’s not so bad,” he assured her. Placing the snorkel in his mouth, he swam over to the circle of stumps. After a few minutes of swimming in circles, he took his first dive.
Ari held her breath along with him, letting it out when he popped back to the surface. He dove again, repeating the process over and over, staying down longer with each iteration.
“Can we leave now? I’m getting bored,” Hannah whined.
“Keep watching. It’s our job keep Daddy safe.”
Having responsibility caught Hannah’s interest and she hung over the boat, keeping a close eye on Bryce. The tactic would only work for a while, so she was relieved when Bryce surfaced and swam back to the boat. “Did you find it?” It would make things far simpler.
“Maybe. It’s very difficult to tell. The water looks fairly clear, but things get murky down below. Hand me the shovel.” He took the small blade back to where he had concentrated his dives and went under again. Ari waited, exhaling in a gasp when the pressure grew too great in her lungs. How long could he stay down? Should she intervene? She wished she had put on the other wetsuit.
“Bryce?”
Hearing the edge of panic in her voice, Hannah turned to look at her mother. “Is Daddy okay?”
His head broke the surface and he turned on his back, struggling for air. Ari waited, allowing him to catch his breath. Finally, he swam back to the boat.
“It’s there,” he said, a grin spreading across his face. He threw the shovel in the boat along with another item. “Help me up.”
Ari grabbed his hand and tried to haul him into the boat. This proved far more difficult than she would have expected. The boat rocked alarmingly and only Bryce’s upper body strength made it possible. Working quickly, he stripped off the wetsuit and toweled dry, but he was still shaking when he pulled on his jeans, sweatshirt, and coat.
“What did you find?” She pushed the shovel aside and lifted a small candlestick made of yellow metal. It was heavier than it appeared and she examined it more closely. “Gold?”
“Yes, this was the only one I could find, but there was a set of four.”
“Solid gold?” she asked, hardly daring to hope.
“Naturally. Also jewelry, coins, a few guns.” He made a face. “Waterlogged now, besides being obsolete. All small items, but chosen for their value.”
He was still shivering. “We need to get back and get you someplace warm.”
“I’ll never be able to get to it all by holding my breath and digging in the mud. I was lucky to find the candlestick. I buried everything in a burlap sack, but it must have rotted away. We will have to research the underwater equipment you mentioned earlier. The type treasure hunters use.”
“This candlestick alone is worth a fortune. Gold has shot up in price over the last few years. We might not need to find the rest.”
Bryce didn’t reply. It took him two tries to get the motor started, but then he headed back to the dock. Ari stuffed the dripping wetsuit, along with the candlestick, back in the duffel. When they reached the store, she took Hannah and the bag to the car, letting Bryce deal with the clerk. After checking in the boat, the man wandered over to the car.
“See any eagles?” he asked Ari, his eyes darting around the vehicle and lingering on the duffel.
“Not this time, but it was still fun to get out in the fresh air.”
Bryce climbed into the passenger seat and Ari started the car. The man took the hint and stepped away. “Come back any time. I offer a discount to repeat customers.”
“We will keep that in mind,” Ari said. She waved at the man as she pulled out of the parking lot. “Do you think he suspected anything?”
“He seemed a bit too curious for his own good.”
“We don’t have to go back, Bryce. Once we sell that candlestick, you’ll have enough money to invest in a business or your education. Probably both. Once we get you a new identity, we can get married.”
“Three more candlesticks, Ari. Plus the jewelry. Why let it go to waste?”
“Increased risk. I didn’t like the way that guy looked at us.”
“You worry too much. I know how to handle fellows like him.”
“This isn’t the Old West anymore.”
Bryce reached over and squeezed her thigh. “Let’s not argue. We will go back to our hotel room, celebrate with a nice meal and figure things out in the morning.”
“You’re right.” She gave him a shaky smile. “The last few days…well, it’s been a lot to absorb.”
“Think about it from my point of view. I’ve been through everything you have, plus I traveled two hundred years into the future and got stabbed.”
Ari winced. “Guess I shouldn’
t complain.” The sun dipped below the horizon as she drove back to town. The heat blasted in the car. Bryce finally stopped shivering and she was starting to sweat. But despite having been reunited with her lover and finding a golden object worth thousands of dollars, she couldn’t shake the feeling of doom settling in over her shoulders like the dark creeping across the sky and snuffing out the rosy flare of the sunset.
Chapter 8
The next morning, Bryce awoke before Ari and Hannah. To his displeasure, he had slept in one of the beds while Ari and Hannah shared the other. Still, he had never slept on a more comfortable surface in his life. It sure beat the ground, his bunk in the Revenge, Ari’s couch, and even the four-poster bed from his childhood home.
He glanced over at the woman and girl asleep in the other bed. Their dark hair intermingled on the pillows. Ari looked more relaxed in sleep, more like the girl he had first known in 1808. Hannah’s cheeks were rosy with youth, but if he looked carefully he could see bits of himself in her bone structure. They all had high cheekbones, but where Ari’s face was heart-shaped, he discerned a hint of his oval shape in Hannah’s, under the childish fullness. It made his stomach tighten with anxiety, even though it might be no more than his imagination. He believed Hannah was his. The timing was right and Ari wouldn’t lie to him, but still looking for bits of himself in another was unsettling.
Deciding a bit of food might help, he grabbed Ari’s laptop, slipped from the room and walked to the closest fast food place. Ordering an egg sandwich and a coffee, he settled in to surf the Internet. He checked the price of gold and saw Ari hadn’t exaggerated. The single candlestick would go a long way toward financing a new beginning.
But a complete set would bring in four times the value. He ran a few searches on underwater salvaging equipment and was soon lost in a morass of technical information. It would take money and expertise to get to the rest of the treasure. He could continue to dive for it. It would be less complicated, but also less likely to yield results.
If only the lake wasn’t there. The metaphorical clock ticked in the back of his brain. He had only about a week left to go back in time and dig up his valuables before the final devastating quake. He wanted to give it a try, but there were two major obstacles. First, they had to figure out how to get electricity to the stone. Perhaps even more difficult, would be taking this technology into the past so he could get back. Lastly, however, he had to convince Ari not to come with him. She wanted another chance to see Sebastien and Victoria. She might even hope to bring them back with her into the future, heaven forbid. He might be feeling more gracious towards Sebastien now, but he preferred the buffer of two hundred years between them. Ari couldn’t discover what he had done in the past. She would be far less trusting and willing to revive their relationship if she knew what he had done to her friend. She might even leave him altogether.