Out of Time: . (Steamside Chroncles Book 1)

by Symon A Sanderson

  “I have to go back,” said Kate, “otherwise, I’ll be missed.”

  “You’ll be missed here,” said Jacob.

  Kate smiled as the now familiar hum filled her ears and thousands of minute coloured lights surrounded her.

  “Will you come back?” he asked as the blue lights engulfed her.

  Kate smiled and tried to speak, but she found herself immobile, just as she was when she arrived. Jacob watched Kate slowly disappear before him.

  When the buzzing and lights had also gone Jacob walked forward into the space that Kate had just occupied. He gently placed his foot on the wet grass and looked around. Jacob smiled to himself when he realised that, once again, he wasn’t surprised, and walked home.

  The buzzing subsided and Kate inhaled a lung-full of cold, metallic tasting air. She realised she wasn’t dizzy or hot as she had been when she was last in this room. Her stomach clenched as several thoughts tumbled through mind at once. Had it worked? Was she back in the Limehouse Link? Was she somewhere else? What year was it? As her eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness she saw a dull glow in front of her. Light coming from under a door. She walked several steps forward, located the handle and pulled. The door creaked as it was opened to reveal the Limehouse Link tunnel.

  Kate walked onto the narrow path and watched as a large SUV raced past her. A relieved smile spread across her face as she realised Mia had been right, it had worked. Kate jumped as an unexpected series of ringtones and text alerts began to sound from her phone. She took the device from the side pocket of her trousers and looked at the screen. Messages from friends and colleagues flooded through. Several were from the control room pleading with her to get in touch. Her smile widened as she realised she still had no idea how she was going to explain her extended absence. Ignoring all the messages, Kate swiped the screen and looked at the clock. All of that could wait for a few more seconds. The only thing Kate was interested in was the exact time.

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