“I didn’t say strange I said feel bad. There’s a difference. What you’re feeling is probably what we want. Describe what you feel.”
Just then, Joe chimed in, “Ya, I’m feeling it too.”
“Well, what are you feeling?”
“Tingling,” they chorused, and laughed.
“It feels like tiny electric shocks going through my body, it doesn’t hurt or anything.” Harriet had felt it first
Joe nodded. “Me too, that’s a good description.”
“Perfect!” Brian grinned. “We didn’t know if this would work at all. We had nobody to test. But in theory, we knew it should work but weren’t sure of the intensity of your reaction, or how it would manifest. Arthur 5 said it most likely would be a nerve reaction. He was right.”
Joe wasn’t too sure about this. “You just used us as guinea pigs to test an untested serum?”
Brian was still grinning, “Sort of. We were ninety-nine percent sure it would work okay. We tested it on two of us and while we didn’t get a positive reaction to prove it was working, we also didn’t get a negative reaction. We felt it was unlikely to harm you. The worst-case scenario was that you would react like our test subjects and get no reaction at all.”
“No harm done.” Joe shrugged. Harriet stayed quiet.
“I want to see how far away I have to be from you for this to fade. Are you still feeling the tingles?” They both nodded. “Okay, I will go up the stairs to the porch, let me know if you stop tingling.” He was all the way up the stairs and they still felt it. He opened the door and went out. They still could feel them, only a little fainter. He shut the door and the tingles were there but not strong.
Brian came back down. “That works better than I expected. I had to be a good thirty feet away with walls and doors between us. This should give you a lot of warning. I wonder how far on a flat plane outdoors it would detect someone?”
“You said you just got a new cell phone. Give me your number, and I’ll connect with you and as you’re walking home, I’ll let you know when you’ve gone out of range,” Joe suggested.
“That should work.” Brian gave Joe his number and gathered up his stuff and got his coat. Joe punched in the number and Brian connected with him. They said goodnight and Brian took off toward his hotel.
For this experiment, they left their door open and watched through the storm door as Brian walked up the street.
Brian tested the phone, “I don’t think I’ll get used to these cold temperatures. I love our controlled environment in the SPA.”
Joe laughed, “I’m still getting a tingle, and that’s not something I say to another guy.”
“You can say that to me anytime.” Laughing, Brian was nearing his hotel a full city block away.
“Okay, the tingle’s gone. Goodnight, Brian, and thanks. Harriet and I will sleep better now.” At that moment, a thought flashed through his head.
“Brian…? Are you still there?” Joe had a question he hadn’t thought of sooner.
“Yes, what’s up?” Curious now, Brian stopped just inside the hotel, out of the cold.
“Tonight after you injected us, the tingle was there while you were with us, but it was steady and after a while, I forgot about it. What happens if we’re together and some bad guys show up looking for us? How can we tell while we’re still feeling your presence?”
Brian laughed, “Easy answer, each of us from the future will give off a unique signal. I’m not sure how different, but each DNA will react in its own way with your sensors, just as each person’s DNA makes them different to everyone else. You will learn to recognize the difference. We were hoping you could tell us when and if it happens. Does that answer your question okay?”
“Yes, it does… now, we can wait and see what we feel if they come after us again. Thanks and goodnight again.”
“Goodnight to you too, I had a great evening and I enjoyed meeting Maggie. See you soon.”
Joe disconnected. “Well, what do you think, Slick, do you feel safer? It’s good to know that each person from the future will give off a different signal.”
“That question didn’t even occur to me but knowing that there’ll be a difference makes me feel a whole lot better. The trouble is we won’t have faces to go with the tingle. They’ll be difficult to pick out in a crowd.”
“I never even thought of that. That will make it difficult. We can ask Brian about it when we see him next time.” Joe scratched his sparse, blond whiskers, thinking.
“There always seems to be a downside. Well, this little girl won’t worry about it tonight. Look at the time, no wonder I’m beat, I’m off to bed.”
“How beat are you?” he asked teasing as he followed her into the bedroom.
Chapter 12
A Lesson on Winter
They woke to a cold and snowy, altogether nasty day. Weather more typical of February in the north east. Neither of them was in any hurry to get out from under the warm covers and Harriet snuggled into the cozy arch of Joe’s long frame as he lay on his side facing her back.
Only half awake, he pulled her in closer breathing in the fresh scent of her hair.
“Good mornin’, beautiful.” His voice was husky.
“Humph,” was the best she could do, content to stay there and drift off again.
He pulled her hair back and nuzzled her neck on that sensitive spot under her ear, “What’ll you give me if I make us some coffee and serve it in bed,” he cooed in her ear.
“Don’t want coffee, want sleep.” She wasn’t ready to meet the cold morning.
He reached under the covers then along her leg to her warm bottom, stroking it. She rolled over on her back and slurred, “Thaz nice,” parting her legs.
He ran his hand between her thighs finding the slippery cleft between. She moaned, “Mmmm, so nice,” turning to accommodate his exploring fingers.
“I think I like our new alarm clock.” Now he had her awake, she reached over and pulled him close.
“This beats it by a mile,” he agreed and still nuzzling her neck, he entered her and began a slow rhythm.
Wide awake and responsive, she thrust her hips to meet his strokes until they had no more to give. They clung to each other enjoying the afterglow of their morning wake-up quickie.
Rolling away, she said, “Now I want coffee… in bed, since I already paid you for it.” Laughing she sat up against the headboard and rubbed Joe’s back.
“Okay, coming right up as promised.” Hopping out, he threw on his pants and shoved his feet into his slippers.
This was a perfect start to their week-long spring break. Although there was nothing spring-like about the nasty weather that had done a complete turnabout from the mild temperatures the day before.
“We’ll get a good dump of snow by the look of that sky,” Joe said closing the drapes and switching on the TV’s weather channel. The meteorologist was pointing out snowfall amounts for the various regions hit by the surprise storm. The snow falling had already surpassed earlier predictions of two inches. Now the revised forecast anticipated about a foot of snow before it was all over late this afternoon.
“The roads will be a mess until tomorrow afternoon,” Joe said.
“I’m glad we have no place to be, even walking will be a chore today.” Harriet hated ice.
“Bet there’ll be some great skiing tomorrow at Bentwood. Want to pack our thermoses and throw some sandwiches together tonight and head up?” Joe usually found the fun side of a bad situation. They were both expert skiers, but because of their hectic schedules and less than ideal weather, they hadn’t skied this winter.
“Sure, why not, but only if the roads are good, I sure don’t want to get stuck halfway.” Icy, snow-covered roads scared her, not so much because of Joe’s driving or hers, but because of those crazy people who hadn’t got a clue how to control their vehicles in those conditions. Both of them had taken defensive driving courses and had learned how to handle their car in an emergency.
Joe cleaned and waxed the skis, while Harriet made up stuff for sandwiches and snacks. They decided on hot chocolate for their thermos, figuring once that had gone—they could always pick up coffee at the nearby coffee shop on the way home.
All set for the next morning, they tuned in to the weather again, learning that the storm was on its way to Newfoundland. They could expect sunshine, with below freezing temperatures, but not blistering cold. With the sun, it should make for good skiing. The plows began working late in the afternoon and the sidewalks and roads in the city were clear. Joe shoveled their entrance and in front of their street-level windows. It didn’t take too much for them to get blocked by snow from the sidewalk plow.
They went to bed early knowing they had a long day ahead tomorrow. In the morning, Harriet made them a substantial breakfast of bacon and eggs, toast and coffee and by eight o’clock they were finishing their first cup. They knew from experience it was a good move to wait for city traffic to clear before heading to the highway which should be plowed by then.
“Joe, I’m getting that funny tingle, how about you?” She was alert, but she promised herself she would make sure it wasn’t Brian before she panicked.
He laughed, got up and walked to the door grabbing the handle. He stood there waiting. Sure enough a minute later, there was a knock. Joe opened the door, “C’mon in, Brian, you want coffee?”
“Yes, please. How do you people survive in weather like this? I almost fell three different times on my way over here.” His teeth were chattering.
“No wonder, man, look at the way you’re dressed. Didn’t they send you here with any winter clothes? You’ll need more than that overcoat and leather shoes. Let me see what I have that could do you for now. You can leave them behind before you go back.” He headed into the bedroom and spent the next ten minutes looking through drawers and his closet, emerging with a bundle of warm clothes.
“Have a look at these… see what fits and what you can use.” Dropping them on the couch, he headed for the door to their storage area. “I’ll be right back… we keep our heavy gear out back in the storeroom.”
Five minutes later he returned, carrying his extra snow gear. He had an older parka he used when out shoveling snow, or when he went ice skating, saving his new one wear and tear. The two men were the same size so everything Joe brought out fitted Brian, starting with a cozy sweater, heavy socks and a spare pair of lined winter boots. He had a knitted Alpine style toque, lined gloves and a pair of lined mittens. The final piece was a long, red wool scarf his aunt had knitted for him many years ago.
“Not sure about the boots, man, I have huge feet, so these might be too big.” He handed them over to Brian to try on over his lightweight leather shoes.
“I never thought about my foot size. We’re all bigger than most people of this century, you’re the exception.” He pulled on the boot with ease. Standing up and stamping his foot. “Fits great.”
Brian was laughing. “What I would like to know is how the heck you navigate with all these clothes on?” He smiled gratefully despite the bulk. The storm had caught everyone by surprise and he now realized that he’d underestimated the climate of this century.
Pulling on the sweater over his shirt, he looked warmer already. Joe helped him take off the boot so he could join them for coffee and donuts.
“I’ll miss these when I go home.” He licked his fingers while staring at the skis and gear piled by the door.
“Are you two planning a ski trip today?
“Yes, the powder on the hills should be perfect. Do you ski?” Joe had noted Brian’s I want to go look.
“My favorite thing to do; we have an artificial snow slope near the SPA. I’m sure it’s where we came in from the future, although it’s changed now. We use it most weekends all winter. It gets cold, starting in November, outside the compound and we try to take advantage of what little snow we get, but it’s never this cold. Most of what we get, we augment with weather manipulation over the ski slopes.”
“Why don’t you come to Bentworth with us today, I’ve got an extra pair of ski pants, jacket and gloves, that’ll keep you warm enough. They rent skis there and you might enjoy a day of primitive skiing in deep snow in freezing weather. The forecast is calling for a sunny day, so it should be perfect. Harriet can throw another thermos in the bag and an extra sandwich or two. We won’t take no; we’d enjoy your company.” Joe knew he had him before he finished asking the question.
“Okay, sure, why not? Sounds like fun. I didn’t have anything planned, anyway. I considered a trip to your art gallery to stave off boredom, but this sounds better. Thanks.” The idea of staying close to Joe and Harriet appealed to him, even though there had been no sign of any threats since he’d arrived. What he had missed were the guys sitting in a parked car across the street when he got to the door.
“Our folks bought us passes for Christmas, so we can get you the guest rate, what do you do for money here? I know you guys work on a credit system in your time. We still use old fashioned coinage and paper money. Mind you, most of us use plastic, which compares to your credit system. We keep our money in banks and use the credit cards like you use your credits. You miss a step. We’re fast heading that way. None of us carries much cash anymore. It’s becoming cumbersome.”
“I studied your monetary system before I left. Rather than give me old paper money and coins, I was supplied with small gold bars which don’t deteriorate. These carry the proper stamps and markings from your era. I’ll sell them as I need them and deposit the money in the bank account I opened. There’s enough to cover my expenses for six months at least. Also, I have a debit card which I learned to use with no issues. So the short answer—I have money.”
“More coffee?” Harriet had the pot in her hand, and both the men nodded yes.
That kept them occupied while she made another thermos of hot chocolate and put together a couple more sandwiches. Joe would have done it, but they both figured Brian would prefer Joe’s company until they got to know each other better. Harriet observed that men stick together as do women when they are in strange situations.
Joe dug out his other ski boots and Brian tried them on—they were a good fit. So, dressed for the icy weather, they piled into the cold Jeep and headed for the slopes.
They were on the road by nine thirty, a little later than planned, but a half hour didn’t make that much difference.
“The hill looks busy,” Harriet observed as they pulled into the parking lot in front of the ski lodge. The storm had left the old log siding coated with ice and snow enhancing its appearance from what it presented in the summer during hiking season.
They hauled their gear into the lodge and showed their passes to the always chipper Red. Brian paid his fee and Red helped him find the right rental skis. Harriet noticed Red staring at Brian but didn’t think much more about it.
Red, the diminutive manager, liked Joe and Harriet, and had never forgotten them since they disappeared from his hiking trails four years ago, although he never questioned them about it.
“Well now, the skis are a good fit, I hope ya enjoy your visit with my two favorite customers,” Red chirped while he studied Brian. “You look familiar to me. You from around here?” Red asked
“The skis fit fine, and no I’m from out of town, here on a visit.” Brian smiled, reassuring Red, but looking him over at the same time.
“You look like someone I met before. Oh, and for your information, there’ll be about a twenty-minute wait for the lift. The slopes are busy today and the chairlift is runnin’ nonstop.”
Bentwood was having a good season. But after yesterday’s warmth Red hadn’t been too sure it would last.
“That’s no problem… it’ll take us that long to get geared up.” Joe led them out to put on their skis, happy that Red had
found a set that was the right fit for their bodyguard’s six-foot-three frame.
Brian smiled but wondered about Red. The little elf-like man wasn’t anyone he remembered seeing in the short time he’d been in this century, unless it was when he first came through the portal. He remembered that he had used the lift but bypassed the office. That flaming red hair wasn’t something you’d forget. He shrugged, and then studied the antiquated gear now strapped to his boots. He knew he would have to get used to it or stay home. That wasn’t an option, he enjoyed skiing too much and besides that, he loved a challenge. He could only guess how the cumbersome boots and system for attaching them to the skis would work for him. These were a far cry from the lightweight boots, and magnetic skis he was used to. Looking around, he realized he’d never seen so much snow and he was excited to discover if there was much difference on the run they’d chosen.
“The hill looks familiar. I think this is the same hill we use, but everything has changed. I recognize some of the runs. See that one right over there to the left.” They looked in the direction he was pointing, “That’s my favorite. It looks the same as it does in my century, only there’s more snow on it right now.”
Joe laughed. “That’s our favorite hill too. We’ve been skiing since we were six years old, so these hills are tame. That one is the most challenging—we can switch to it no problem. I thought maybe you’d like something easier until you get used to the new equipment.”
They headed for their ride up and only waited five minutes, before they could hop on the swinging bench seats and make their way to the top. It was a short cross-country run over to their hill and by the time they were there, Brian had got the hang of his twenty-first-century skis.
“Once they’re on, they don’t feel a whole lot different. I prefer two skis to the slalom style.” He nodded toward a pair of teenage boys, heading down the slope. They watched them weaving down the hill on their single boards. “I think they’ve done that more than once.” Brian wasn’t sure which he envied more, their youthful dexterity or their slalom skill.
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