Spinning Time: a time travel adventure

by Jones, D. F.

  Sloane’s eyes seemed to unfix as she drifted off into a daydream. “We’d play golf and then go partying at night. I wish you could’ve seen how incredible Brooks was to me.” Based on Sloane’s testimony, Brooks had turned out to be a good husband, and Julia was glad that Sloane had a long and happy marriage.

  Glancing at the alarm clock on the nightstand, Julia slipped on bedazzled sandals and walked into the kitchen to open a bottle of wine. Just as she pulled the cork out, the front doorbell rang. Her sandals made a clip-clack sound on the tile floor in the foyer as she stepped over and opened the door.

  A slow grin grew wide across Ruben’s face, and his dog, Klock, sat next to him wagging his little stub of a tail. Ruben whistled, then fanned his fingers out and moved them back and forth. “You acclimate well to your new surroundings.” He looked down at Klock and said, “Stay.” Julia could’ve sworn the dog nodded. Klock sat next to the front door in what appeared to be a guard position scanning the front yard.

  “Hi, Ruben, come on in. I just opened a bottle of merlot. Would you like a glass?” Julia ignored the heated look Ruben gave her. She noticed a black leather notebook tucked under his arm.

  “I’m not much of a wine drinker. Do you have a beer?”

  He followed her into the kitchen and placed his notebook on the table. Julia opened the fridge and pulled out a Samuel Adams and held it out to him. “Is this okay?”

  Ruben nodded. “Sure.”

  Julia picked up her wine goblet, went to the table, pulled out a chair and sat down. “So, Andy says you have some questions for me?”

  Sitting the beer on the table, Ruben joined her. He opened the notebook and took out a pen. “Most professors use online apps for their forms, but I’m old school. So, you’ve been here for how long?”

  “Seven days, four hours, and twenty-seven minutes give or take a few seconds.” She sipped wine and looked at him over the rim of her glass while tapping the heel of her sandal on the floor.

  Laying the pen next to the notebook, he asked, “Do I make you nervous?”

  “Not really. I suppose I’m curious and a little anxious about how you can help me. Andy and I found a folder with blueprints to a spaceship or what looks like a spaceship to me. But, he said it would cost millions to make, so that’s not going to happen on my budget.” With a raised brow, she said, “Unless you have access to a boatload of cash.”

  Ruben pushed back slightly from the table, placing his forearms on the armrest of the kitchen chair. “Hmm. A spaceship you say? That’s quite a find. We’ll table the spaceship talk until Andy gets back.”

  Ruben rubbed his neck, and his gaze darted to Julia. “Hey, I spoke with a friend of mine from NASA about their astronaut training program. He emailed me an exercise plan to help you get physically fit and start a nutritional regime, with an organic diet. We need to limit your sugars and increase your protein. It’s amazing to me you don’t have any side effects. If we find a way to send you back, you need to be in the best shape of your life.”

  “Exercise? You mean like jumping jacks? And don’t I look fit? I hate diets.” She crossed her leg over her knee and caught Ruben staring at her ankles.

  He chuckled. “You look fit, but I’m more concerned about your heart and other major organs. And no, I don’t mean jumping jacks. We’ll start slow, nothing too drastic.”

  Julia felt her cheeks redden under his intense stare and she looked away.

  Ruben leaned in and said, “I thought we could go on a short run tomorrow so I can assess your physical stamina.”

  “Running? I guess I could try, but don’t expect too much. Sloane was the athlete in our family. I was a cheerleader.”

  “Cheerleaders are athletes,” he replied.

  “Not in the 1940s. And besides, I don’t have any exercise clothes, and I only have one pair of tennis shoes.” She scratched her left eyebrow. Exercise. Wouldn’t Sloane have a field day with that scenario? She snapped, “So that’s it? Exercise? Diet? For goodness sakes, I thought you’d have more ideas.”

  “Hey, look, I’m only here to help. You don’t have to bite my effing head off.” He took a gulp of beer.

  Julia leaned in and linked her fingers together. “I don’t mean to snap at you but I’m angry, and I’m sad. I don’t want to live here. I want to go home, and by the looks of things, I could be here a very long time. Heck, Sloane wants me to move in with her at Sunnyside.”

  Ruben closed his notebook and stood. “Let’s go to dinner. You need some downtime, and I can ask questions later. Are you hungry?”

  She allowed her anger and frustrations to dissipate. “I’m starving. I could eat a horse.”

  He laughed. “Well, I don’t know of any places serving horses but I know of a great place that serves steak.”

  Julia grabbed her clutch purse, locked the door then stopped short and pointed. “What kind of vehicle is that?”

  “This is a Hummer. You like it?” Klock ran to the door next to Julia.

  She chuckled. “It looks like a tank mated with a Jeep. It’s different. Is it a truck?”

  “Oh, it’s a big truck.” Laughter rolled out of Ruben’s chest. He went around to the passenger side and offered her a hand to step inside; then Klock jumped in and sat on the floorboard next to her feet. The interior had more gadgets than Andy’s Camaro.

  Julia stared at Ruben, taking in his physical attributes. He had wavy shoulder-length dark russet hair, silver-gray eyes, and a strong jawline. She could tell by the cut of his jacket he was physically fit. Broad shoulders and a narrow waist, but Ruben had legs the size of tree trunks.

  He wore a tan sports coat with a light purple button-down shirt revealing the underlining muscles of his chest, and a pair of jeans with loafers and no socks. Ruben was more than attractive.

  Fastening his seatbelt, Ruben turned to Julia and said, “Buckle up, buttercup.”

  Once again, Julia felt the familiar tug at her heartstrings. Big Joe affectionately called her buttercup or tulip on any given day. “So, where are you taking me?”

  Driving along the hustle and bustle streets of downtown Burkett Falls, Ruben seemed at ease. He looked at her before turning his attention back to the road. “Chesney’s. They have the best steaks in town. Louis’s secret is garlic butter, and he makes this blue cheese cream sauce that’s drizzled over the top. Oh, man, it’s mouthwatering, girl.”

  And just like that, Julia and Ruben hit it off talking about food. Maybe it was because food was a universal language and everyone had to eat.

  Chesney’s name lit up in fuchsia neon in big bright letters over the restaurant, with a martini glass in white neon and the olive in green.

  Ruben cracked the windows and partially opened the sunroof. “Klock, you must stay. Push the red button if you need me.” The dog barked and Julia thought he answered, “Yup” as they exited the Hummer.

  The restaurant’s exteriors were in natural pine. Wrought-iron tables scattered on the patio under a black covered awning, and soft jazz music played with a backdrop of people talking and laughing in hushed tones.

  Chesney’s interior resembled a speakeasy of the 1920s. It had a grand bar full of people out for a good time. They followed the maître d down the stairs into a decadence befitting a scene out of The Great Gatsby. The jazz music was soft and sad as Ruben reached for her hand at the bottom step.

  He leaned down and said, “Chesney’s booked Mamie for the weekend. She croons songs from the 30s and 40s. I thought you’d like it.”

  “Burkett Falls has stepped up in the world.”

  Dark mahogany walls, walnut hardwood floors, and thick red velvet drapes covered unseen windows, creating a warm ambiance. Opulent sconces spaced out around the room dimly lit the restaurant. To the right of the dining tables was a small dance floor and stage with a Persian rug covering the area, and a beautiful older woman sang a Billie Holiday tune at the microphone.

  The well-heeled crowd of Burkett Falls’ finest filled most of the tables. Ruben
somehow managed to find a table close to the stage nestled in a secluded corner—until Julia noticed Ruben slipping the maître d’ a wad of cash. She smiled at his effort.

  “Will you permit me to order for you?” Ruben asked.

  “Yes, but to start off, I’d like a martini, please.” Julia felt a little underdressed compared to the other women in the restaurant, but Ruben didn’t seem to care.

  The first bite of the Kansas City strip melted in her mouth. She nodded to Ruben and said, “True to your word, Ruben. Best steak I think I’ve ever eaten.”

  Taking a sip of beer, Ruben leaned over and said, “You tell the cook. He’s on his way over here.”

  The chef gave Ruben a slight bow and spoke English with a thick French accent. “Monsieur, Ruben. We’re so very glad to have you this evening. Is the steak to your satisfaction?”

  Ruben touched his finger to his lips and kissed them with a loud smack. “Oui, Louis. May I introduce my friend, Kaye? She’s visiting a relative in town. I had to treat her to the best restaurant in the city.”

  Chef Louis smiled, turned and slightly bowed to Julia. “Mademoiselle, you’re a true vision of loveliness. Are you enjoying your dinner?”

  Julia imitated Ruben and said, “Oui, Monsieur Louis.”

  “Oh. La, la, la, Ruben, you have a heartbreaker? No?”

  Ruben nodded and said, “Oui.” The three of them laughed.

  “Please, let me know if I may be of further service this evening.” Chef Louis disappeared back into the kitchen.

  Julia wiped the corner of her mouth with a white linen napkin, then put it on the plate before pushing it to the side of the table. “How do you know the chef?”

  “Andy brought me to dinner here last year, and I fell in love with the food. I eat here at least once or twice a week. So, I’m on a first-name basis with Louis.”

  The waiter cleared the table and brought out another martini and a glass of beer. Mamie began to sing, At Last. Ruben stood and offered his hand to Julia. “May I have this dance?”

  Julia demurely looked down for a second and gave him her hand. Ruben ushered her onto the dance floor, placing one hand on her low back and the other held her hand. After a moment, Julia lost herself in song and memories. She closed her eyes and placed her cheek against his left pectoral, resting her face near Ruben’s neck.

  Bittersweet memories flooded Julia’s mind of the magical night with Phillip under the stars at the Old Dyer’s Farm, the night she’d given him her innocence. Tears dampened her cheek as the song ended.

  Julia took a step back, looked up in the soft light, and her vision blurred, seeing Phillip instead of Ruben.

  Ruben leaned in to kiss her, but Julia broke from his embrace. “I’m sorry, Ruben. I didn’t mean to lead you on. I got lost for a moment. You seem like a very nice man, but I’m in love with Phillip.”

  Shaking his head, Ruben said, “No, I’m sorry. I got carried away with the music and your beauty. It won’t happen again. Please forgive me.” He reached into the pocket of his jacket and pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed her tears away.

  “There’s no need to apologize. The song brought back memories that are still so fresh in my mind. Thank you for the evening, but I’m ready to go home.”

  They sat in silence as Ruben paid the bill. After leaving the restaurant, neither of them spoke on the ride to Phillip’s house while Klock slept soundly in the backseat.

  In the driveway, Ruben turned to Julia and took her hand in his. “I’m sorry I ruined the evening. I should’ve maintained my distance. But I’m glad we danced. I’ll walk you to the door.”

  “That’s not necessary.”

  “I promised Andy I would watch out for you. Would you mind if Klock stayed with you? He’s a great guard dog.”

  Julia turned in the seat to look at Klock, and he seemed to be smiling. “I’d love for Klock to spend the night.”

  Ruben walked with Julia and Klock to the door. Once they went inside, he made a security check around the house before he felt comfortable enough to leave Julia. Klock would contact him if he sensed anything amiss.

  Chapter 10

  Sighing deeply, Julia kicked off her sandals. “Let’s go to Phillip’s room. I feel close to him around his things.”

  Klock and Julia padded down the hallway into the spare room that held Phillip’s things. Flipping on the light switch, Julia looked around, then flung open the closet door. Like a mad woman, she began taking out his clothes and inhaling the scent of his jackets and coats as if she could make Phillip miraculously appear.

  Klock cocked his head to the side and whined.

  “I’m okay. I just miss Phillip so much.”

  An old leather trunk sat at the end of the bed. Kneeling on the floor, Julia opened the trunk and dug down under the loose papers. Klock circled twice and sat next to her on the floor.

  Julia pulled out an old shoebox and opened the lid to dozens and dozens of photos of her and Phillip together. Photos he’d taken of her and pictures others had taken before she had met Phillip. High school photos in her cheerleading uniform. Pictures of her with her sorority sisters. Some were with Sloane. Julia’s heart broke again.

  Reaching back into the trunk, she pulled out a newspaper clipping and screamed. She stared at the image, not believing her eyes. The caption read, “Dr. Callaway’s Time-Space Continuum Symposium. Sold Out Crowd.” The date read October 5, 1950. Phillip and Ruben stood next to the lecture podium, and the icing on the cake was Klock. He was at Ruben’s feet, snarling.

  “Klock!” she shouted, and he jumped off the floor barking. For some reason, Julia showed the dog the photo. He let out another whine and looked at her with the saddest eyes. He nudged her leg. “This is you, isn’t it? You and Ruben knew Phillip. Ruben lied to me. He lied to Andy.”

  “That lying son of a bitch,” Julia shouted. Reading the first sentence of the article made her see red. Protégé of Nikola Tesla, Dr. Callaway claims time travel exists.

  She stormed into the kitchen and laid the newspaper clipping in the center of the table. Staring at the image of Phillip and Ruben, she wondered—who in the hell was Ruben Callaway?

  “Klock, your master has some explaining to do. I wish you could talk. Sometimes it seems as if you and Ruben are carrying on a conversation.” She went into the bedroom and Klock jumped on the bed while she changed into her gown.

  Julia slipped in between the sheets. Klock inched closer and placed his head on her arm. He whined again, and she rubbed his ears. “I’m not mad at you. I’m mad at Ruben. Now go to sleep.” Klock closed his eyes.

  There was something special about Klock. Having the dog near her made it easier for her to breathe, and she fell into a deep sleep.

  * * *

  Charlie sat in the dark waiting for Ruben to arrive at his house. She arrived in the twenty-first century in just enough time to follow Ruben to a house on Country Park Lane. Ruben had been oblivious to her tail. He was getting sloppy. Charlie had to warn him about Monica’s plans. Minutes after entering the home, Ruben and Klock left with Ms. Julia Boatwright. Charlie shook her head, sitting behind the wheel of her car parked across the street. “Ruben, Ruben, what are you doing, my man?”

  She tailed Ruben to Chesney’s, then proceeded to watch him make a total fool out of himself with the black-haired beauty. Charlie left after the kiss fiasco and went back to Ruben’s crib, picked the lock, and sat in the dark.

  The roar of Ruben’s Hummer pulled into the driveway, and the clickety-clackety sound of the automatic garage door opened, then closed seconds later. Ruben stomped through the side door of the kitchen. Slamming the cabinets, opening and closing doors until he pulled out a fifth of Patrón, he opened the liquor and took a drink from the bottle.

  Charlie chuckled and said, “Damn, Ruben, you got it bad, man.”

  Startled, Ruben spewed the tequila across the brick tiled floor and wiped his mouth with his sleeve. “For space sakes, what the hell are you doing in my house sitti
ng in the dark?”

  Ruben crossed the room in two strides, placing his hands on either side of the armrest, towering over Charlie.

  Charlie wore a pair of brown leather pants with a dark gold spandex top and a pair of brown biker boots. Her red hair spiked on the top, and the sides slicked back behind her ears. A silver cross hung around her neck.

  Charlie shoved Ruben away and stood, tilting her chin in defiance. “You’re getting sloppy, old man. I followed you tonight, and you were completely clueless. I crossed a parallel universe and traveled over a couple of time eras to find you. Just to save your sorry ass and what do I find? You’re trying to make a move on your assignment. At least, she seemed to have the good sense to shut you down.”

  Charlie punched Ruben in the gut, and he doubled over with a groan. “That’s for having Phillip shoot me with a Black Beauty.”

  Ruben slowly sank into the chair Charlie had vacated. “What do you want?”

  Charlie propped her boot on the side table and leaned in with her forearm on her knee. “I tried to tell you in 1950 with Phillip, but you stuffed me in a janitor’s closet. Monica wants Julia for a specific reason, numbnuts. And it isn’t good.”

  “For space sakes, why?”

  Charlie pulled the footstool next to Ruben and sat down. “Did you know Julia’s pregnant? The Plates of Prophecy states her son will break the barrier to time travel with no limitations. And not like ATTRA’s time machines, either. I’m talking tens of thousands of years into the past or the future.”

  She placed her hands on his knees. “Ruben, a recruit died because of me. I had spotted on the deck of the Gateway a warship full of Spinners heading to the freaking Andromeda Galaxy. Monica was on a scheduled mission and not due back for a couple of days. So, I snuck into her office and hacked her system to see what she was up to.”

  Shaking her head, Charlie began pacing about the room. “Once I got in, I found out so much it’d turn your hair white. Monica and General Agriaous are colonizing a planet called Veetreous. She’s building an army, and if the Plates of Prophecy are correct, the machine Julia’s son is going to build will give Monica knowledge to control and influence time events to suit her every wish. She’s plotting a coup to take over the Empyreal Palace. All she needs is the machine to manipulate the outcome. Do you think the Lord Supreme knows?”