Time Search (The Time Counselor Chronicles Book 3)

by Danele J Rotharmel

  “I know you are,” she said softly. “And I forgive you.”

  At her words, a weight rolled from his shoulders. “I can’t make you forget the mean things I’ve said and done, and I can’t give back the kiss that I stole, but is there anything I can do? I’ll do anything to make this better.”

  Looking at him intently, she whispered, “You can see me for who I really am. I don’t want you to think of me as Klutzy Crystal or as some sensational dream girl. I’m somewhere in between the two. I always have been.”

  He nodded. “I’ll do my best. I really want to be friends.”

  She gave a ghost of a smile. The last of the tension left her face. “I want to be friends, too.”

  He smiled at her, and when she smiled genuinely back, he said, “How about if we ask Zeke for the day off? I’ll take you out to eat, and we’ll get this friendship started properly. After lunch, we can find something fun to do. We’ve both been working too hard, and we need a chance to blow off some steam.”

  Crystal smiled. “I’d like that.”

  Just then the door opened. The prescribed ten minutes were obviously up, and Zeke was coming to check on them. Zeke’s face was rigid as he walked across the room. Marc stood to his feet as Crystal put her sunglasses over her swollen eyes.

  “Zeke,” Marc said, “I’ve apologized to Cris, and she’s forgiven me. I need to ask for your forgiveness, too. I betrayed your trust and hurt someone you care about. I behaved thoughtlessly, and my actions were wrong and sinful. Please forgive me. I’d like to be friends again.”

  Marc put out his hand, but Zeke didn’t take it. Instead, Zeke stared at his offered hand as if it were something distasteful. There was anger and revulsion in his eyes. Very deliberately, Zeke turned his back and walked to Crystal.

  Marc’s hand trembled as he drew it slowly back. He’d never known Zeke to be anything but gracious and forgiving, and he’d never observed Zeke doing anything deliberately rude. Leaning against the support of a desk, he felt pain burning around his heart.

  Zeke knelt in front of Crystal.

  Marc watched as he studied her split lip. Suddenly, Zeke glared over his shoulder at him.

  Before Marc could speak, Zeke turned back to Crystal. “I don’t care what Marc says. I want to hear it from you. Do you feel comfortable around him, or do you want him to go? I can send him away. We can manage quite well without him.”

  Crystal put her hand on Zeke’s shoulder. “I’m fine. Marc has apologized sincerely, and I’ve forgiven him. All he did was kiss me. I overreacted.”

  Marc shook his head. “You didn’t overreact. My actions were wrong.”

  Zeke turned on him with flaming eyes. “Yes, they were.”

  Swallowing hard, Marc lapsed into silence.

  Zeke turned back to Crystal. “You’re sure you’re OK?”

  She smiled. “I’m fine. Marc and I understand each other now.”

  Marc cleared his throat. “Zeke, with your permission, I’d like to take today off. I want to take Crystal out to eat and do something fun with her this afternoon. She’s had a hard night, and she needs—”

  Zeke sprang to his feet. “She does need the day off, but she won’t be spending it with you. I’ll take her out to lunch, and she can spend the afternoon with Nicole. She won’t be spending any more time with you outside of work.”

  Marc blinked. “You don’t trust me?”

  “Should I?”

  Marc’s eyes fell. “No. Maybe you’re right. I wasn’t very trustworthy last night.”

  Crystal stepped toward Zeke. “You aren’t being fair. Everyone makes mistakes, and Marc has apologized for his.”

  Zeke glared. “An apology doesn’t take away what he did.”

  “I’ve forgiven him,” she said softly.

  “He doesn’t deserve to be forgiven,” Zeke growled.

  Crystal looked shocked. “Zeke, you can’t mean that. He’s your friend.”

  “Not anymore.”

  She shook her head. “Don’t let one wrong action undo the years of friendship you’ve shared. After all, I wasn’t blameless. The dress I wore last night wasn’t exactly demure. I was trying to evoke a reaction in Marc. I just succeeded better than I anticipated.”

  Marc spoke up. “It shouldn’t matter what you wore. I was wrong.”

  Crystal continued staring at Zeke. “Let’s let bygones be bygones. I’ve forgiven Marc, and I want you to forgive him, too.”

  Zeke’s eyes hardened as he repeated, “He doesn’t deserve to be forgiven.”

  Crystal looked at Zeke in obvious disappointment. “None of us deserve forgiveness, but all of us need it. Where would we be if the Lord had your attitude?”

  Zeke took a shuddering breath. “I can’t stand the thought of you being hurt.”

  “I know you try to protect me, but I’m a big girl. I can fight my own battles.” She hesitated. “I can also decide who to spend my time with. Marc’s asked me to lunch, and I’ve agreed. You don’t have the right to pick my friends.”

  “I know, Cris.” He sighed. “Do you have your cell phone?”

  She shook her head. “I can’t find it.”

  Zeke handed her a phone. “Take my business cell. If you need me—if he does anything that hits you wrong—call me. I’ll drop everything and come get you. Understand?”

  Crystal nodded. “I’ll be fine.”

  Zeke didn’t comment. Walking over to Marc, he hissed in his ear, “If Crystal feels the need to call me, be prepared to pick up your teeth.”

  Marc felt a chill running down his back.

  Glaring at him, Zeke made a curt, dismissive motion toward the door.

  As Marc escorted Crystal to his car, he realized that his kiss in the moonlight had not only cost him a friend. It had made him an enemy.

  ~*~

  After Marc and Crystal left the room, Zeke walked slowly to his desk. Collapsing in his chair, he removed his thick glasses. He rubbed his burning eyes and then dropped his head in his hands. His whole body shook. He felt more than just angry; he felt completely sick.

  ~*~

  Looking at Agent Ruthford, Andrew said with concern, “You’re sure you’re all right?”

  “Positive.” Ruthford smiled. “I wasn’t home at the time. The blaze didn’t do anything but burn through my clutter.”

  “Feel free to stay at the lake house until you get your feet under you. We’re the same size, so dip into my closet if you need to.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  Andrew shook his head. “No need of thanks. I want you to take some time off, and—”

  “Respectfully, sir,” Ruthford interrupted. “I don’t need time off. I need to get back to work.”

  Seeing the resolute tilt to the agent’s chin, Andrew nodded. “Be careful.”

  “Always am.” Ruthford smiled politely at Sandra who was standing like a statue with a stack of papers in her hands. “Ma’am.”

  Sandra nodded at him. When Ruthford left the office, she turned to Andrew. “How can he take the fire so calmly?”

  “He’s not calm,” Andrew replied. “He’s furious. Drake made a huge mistake.”

  ~*~

  Standing in her dressing room in front of a full-length mirror, Angelina fastened a gold necklace around her throat. She ran her hands down the folds of her yellow gown, smoothing wrinkles and adjusting pleats. She was grateful for the opportunity to perform in Europe, and she’d been having a wonderful time, but she had to admit she was tired.

  Sighing, she ran a brush through her curls.

  Poppa had visited her again that afternoon. His first visit had been in Paris. At that time, he’d explained that her family was in danger, and for their safety, he’d hidden them away. He told her they’d be out of touch, but he assured her they’d be safe in his care. She trusted Poppa, but the worry about her family had become a gnawing, anxious undertone shadowing her days.

  Today, after she and Karl returned from their scooter ride, Poppa had appeared in h
er hotel room again. When she saw him, she’d hoped she could call her family. Instead, he’d told her that the danger was still viable. He’d said when she returned to the states, she’d need to go into hiding, too. He’d said she’d be met at Dulles International Airport and taken to a secure location. The people who came to collect her would use the password Squiggy. Poppa told her that if she didn’t follow his instructions, the man stalking her family would find her.

  Angelina stared at her reflection.

  Poppa’s visit had been disquieting. She was afraid for her family, and she was afraid for herself. She really needed to talk with someone. Karl was a good friend, but there were things about the situation that could only be discussed with someone who was more than a friend.

  Putting down her brush, she wiped a tear from her cheek.

  She felt so alone. In truth, she’d been feeling alone for a long time. She had lots of friends, but she wanted a relationship that went deeper than friendship. Most of the time, she managed to push her loneliness aside. But on nights like tonight, when she was confused and afraid, those feelings seemed to take center stage.

  Shaking out a crumpled hem, she sighed again.

  She wished desperately that she had a husband to go home to. That’s what she had wished for at the fountain. In fact, that’s what she wished for every morning when she woke up alone. She wanted it so badly that the want itself had become a deep, spiraling ache that she tried to ignore.

  Over the years, she’d had her share of relationships, but none of them had been serious enough for marriage. She had staved off loneliness by staying close to her family, but the current danger had ripped her family away. In their absence, she was realizing how alone she truly was. She was tired of how loneliness felt. She was tired of how it hurt.

  Another sigh escaped her lips as she fastened a bracelet around her wrist.

  She wanted a man who would hold her when she was scared—like tonight—and humorously coax her to smile when she was sad. And even more than that, she wanted someone she could love lavishly without limits. She had lots of love to give, and somewhere, she had to believe there was a man who wanted that love. She just wished she knew where he was. She could really use a hug.

  Someone tapped at the door. “It’s time, Miss Ableman.”

  Giving herself another look in the mirror, Angelina squared her shoulders, picked up her violin, and went out to give her final European concert.

  ~*~

  While everyone was eating eggs and discussing their plans for the day, Peter took Laura’s hand and held it beneath the table. Clearing his throat, he looked over at Sam, who was taking a bite of cinnamon toast.

  “Sam,” Peter said. “Laura and I would like for you to marry us.”

  “I thought I was already having that pleasure,” Sam replied, taking another bite.

  “Yes, well, we’ve decided to move up the date.”

  Around the table, everyone fell silent.

  “Oh?” Sam said. “When were you thinking of having the ceremony?”

  Peter’s lips twitched. “Right now, if you aren’t too busy.”

  Gil’s jaw dropped. “I thought we were gonna use the wedding as an opportunity for a huge TEMCO reunion. You know, a week of picnics and barbeques that culminated in the ceremony.”

  “I know that’s what we discussed,” Laura replied. “But we can have a reunion later. It doesn’t have to be attached to the wedding.”

  “I suppose that’s true,” Gil said slowly. “And even if you’re already married, we can still throw a big reception for you. We could rent the Decatur House. No, that might be too small. It only holds 500. It might be better if we hold the reception at Great Falls Park.”

  “I don’t care where we hold it.” Laura laughed. “I know you’ll do a fabulous job planning it. You aren’t too disappointed?”

  Grinning, Gil shook her head. “I was engaged myself once, and if I could have, I would’ve pushed my wedding date up, too. I’ll survive the disappointment as long as you let me coordinate your wedding here.”

  “You won’t have much time, but you can do anything you like.”

  “Anything?” Gil asked with sparkling eyes. “You promise?”

  “Cross my heart,” Laura replied.

  Dan gave a shout of laughter.

  Looking at him, Peter felt a ripple of shock. Dan had been a black raincloud for days. Peter was surprised to see him looking cheerful, but he was grateful for the change. Things had been too gloomy lately.

  Dan winked ostentatiously at Laura. “I know you think Gil has a short leash due to the time constraint, but she’ll surprise you. You’ll end up with a fancy wedding whether you like it or not.” He gestured toward his wife with a fork. “Gil will surprise you with her inventiveness. She always does me.”

  Gil shot Dan a smile that looked almost giddy. Peter wasn’t sure what was making Dan so chipper, but he could feel Dan’s good mood rubbing off on everyone else.

  “Gil can be as inventive as she likes.” Laura grinned.

  Clearing her throat, Sue said in a soft voice that cut through the happy chatter, “You asked Sam if he’d perform the ceremony. I think you’d better get his reply.”

  Peter turned a confident, smiling face to Sam.

  Sam didn’t smile back. Setting his coffee cup down, he shook his head. “I don’t blame you rascals for wanting to speed things up, but I can’t in good conscious perform the ceremony.”

  Laura gasped. “Why not? You’ve known us for years, and you know we love each other. What’s the problem?”

  Sam’s lips twitched, but his eyes were full of sympathy. “The problem is that you don’t have a marriage license, and I’m not about to marry you without one.”

  Crestfallen, Peter groaned. “I can’t believe I forgot about the license.”

  Sam squeezed Laura’s hand. “I’m sorry to disappoint you.”

  Just as Laura turned discouraged eyes to Peter, a rolling timewave filled the doorway. As Peter watched, Poppa and his wife, Twinkles, passed through the portal and entered the dining room.

  “Poppa. Twinkles.” Dan said with a smile, wiping his lips with a napkin and getting to his feet. “What brings you here?”

  “The wedding, of course,” Twinkles burbled. “I’m half of the wedding coordinating team.”

  Blinking her eyes, Laura stuttered, “B-but we don’t have a—”

  “Pshaw.” Twinkles laughed. “Poppa will use a Wave Trapper to take you and Peter backward in time, and you can get a license.”

  Sam cleared his throat. “I hate to throw a damper on things, but I’m not licensed to conduct weddings in Montana, and a marriage license obtained in D.C. wouldn’t be valid in—”

  “Oh, pish posh.” Twinkles waved an impatient hand. “Poppa’s taken care of all the silly red tape.” She turned to Laura. “Don’t worry, dear. You’ll be married by tomorrow night as long as you haven’t changed your mind about marrying good ol’ Peter the Goon.”

  “My goonish days are behind me.” Peter grinned. “Don’t give my fiancée cold feet.”

  As Twinkles laughed, Laura’s eyes shined. “I haven’t changed my mind. I feel like you’ve given me the moon.”

  “In that case,” Twinkles said, “Gil and I better get to work. There’s so very much to do.”

  As Twinkles and Gil held a whispered conference, Poppa looked at Dan with a quirked brow. “Feeling better, my boy?”

  Nodding, Dan turned his lips up into what Peter could only call a determined grin. “I’ll get the hang of relaxing.”

  Poppa’s lips twitched. “You bet you will, or you’ll die trying.”

  Dan’s eyes widened. He gave a strangled gasp of laughter. Leaning across the table, he said playfully to Laura, “You realize you’re in for it, don’t you? You gave Gil your promise that she could do whatever she liked. Now, you have two Gils on your hands, and Twinkles has forty-five more years’ worth of experience turning the world upside down.”

  “I d
on’t care,” Laura said firmly. “The two Gils can do whatever—”

  Laura was interrupted as Twinkles shouted, “Come here, boys.”

  At her words, identical twins hopped through the time portal carrying stacks of boxes.

  Twinkles bustled around, shoving breakfast dishes out of the way. “Put the boxes here, and remember your promise.”

  Grinning, the teens plopped the boxes down and went back for more.

  “Who are they?” Peter asked curiously.

  Twinkles eyes danced. “Not telling.”

  As the handsome twins covered the table with wedding supplies, one of them started to speak.

  “Ah, ah,” Twinkles said sternly. “You promised that if I let you carry the boxes, you wouldn’t say a word.”

  With twinkling eyes, the other twin opened his mouth.

  Twinkles shook her finger. “Behave yourself. If you break your word, I’ll get your momma to tan your hide.” Twinkles tipped her head to one side. “You’ve been reasonably good. Go collect your reward.”

  Smiling, the twins hugged the men and kissed the ladies. They cooed over the baby and then sandwiched Twinkles in a hug, covering her face with kisses.

  “Oh, go on,” Twinkles said with a giggling gasp. “Get out of here, you couple of Casanovas. Tell your parents I expect them for supper after church.” She gave one of the twins a swat on the seat of his pants. “You two better not be late this time. I know you always share, but you can’t share one girl, and I don’t care how pretty Mary Beth is, my pot roast is more important.”

  Chuckling, the twins passed through the timewave.

  Poppa turned off the Wave Trapper.

  “What was that all about?” Sue asked.

  “Nothing much,” Twinkles said in a voice quivering with amusement. “Just two young scamps who wanted to see their—” Her voice jolted to a halt. She clamped her hands over her mouth.

  “Wanted to see their what?” Dan asked, quirking his brow.

  Keeping her hands firmly over her mouth, Twinkles shook with laughter.

  “Their ancestors,” Gil cried. “Those were a couple of my grandkids, weren’t they? Were they Jay’s children?”

  Twinkles gave a shriek. “Stop guessing.”