“It would be easier if the commander hadn’t cooked up his harebrained scheme to recruit people for his repopulation program.” Harriet pointed out.
“I know, and I worry about Martin going back. I don’t know how I’ll cope. He’s the first guy I can stand to be around. I’ve fallen hard for him. I don’t want him to go if every time he wants to see me he has to risk his job and even his neck to do it.”
“It is a difficult situation, but I know you two will work it out.” It was a relief for Harriet knowing that Maggie accepted that Martin would have to go back without her, and he might not get back to resume their relationship.
“How long do you think he will be here?” Maggie knew that was an impossible question to answer.
“None of us know the answer to that question. If the commander keeps sending people to kidnap us, it could be a long time.” Harriet was sure that this was what Maggie wanted to hear.
“Martin says that if they could replace the commander with someone who is sane and who will suspend the Adam and Eve project for something more sensible, it would make it easier to leave the compound with their security clearance.”
“He told you that?” That surprised Harriet.
“Shouldn’t he have?”
“Oh hell, I don’t know, Mugs, but it sounds like he’s thought it through.”
“Yes, he says I’m all he thinks about anymore. And the feelings are mutual. I want to be with him and have his babies and spend my life growing old and fat with him.” This made Harriet laugh.
“Well, maybe not fat. But, oh my dear sweet Jesus, the first time he touched me I knew I was his forever.”
“You two had sex?” The conversation got a whole lot more interesting for Harriet.
“What do you think? Of course we did—it’s the best sex I’ve ever had.”
“Holy crap!” Harriet spluttered.
“What? Why would you say that?”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean anything by it, I was surprised.”
“Well, you shouldn’t act surprised, I’m sure you could see how attracted to him I was right from the beginning. I don’t know what will happen down the road, but I hope we can work out something so we can be together… I’ve fallen so in love with him. A year ago I swore I would not let what happened to me with Luke destroy me. It’s doubtful I’ll ever get past it, completely, but I can learn to live with it, with Martin’s help. Oh, Maggie, he is so gentle, so thoughtful. He didn’t rush me, he let me make the first move.”
So there it was, Maggie had laid her heart out on the table. This didn’t make it easier for Harriet.
It was time to leave, and nothing was resolved. However, now Harriet knew how invested Martin and Maggie were in each other, and that only worried her more.
“I’d better call it a night—I don’t think I’m over my honeymoon from hell.” Harriet grabbed her sweater, “Are you okay with that? If you have more to talk about, I don’t mind staying. If not, we can get together again on the weekend with you two.”
“No, there isn’t that much to talk about. Martin is holding back, and I’m not sure why. I know that he cares for me, but I can’t help feeling he’s hiding something.”
“Don’t read more into it than is there,” Harriet warned. “He’s led a sheltered life.”
“You’re right, and that doesn’t bother me. He seems so innocent and he is genuine. And when he says he cares for me, I believe him.”
“Has he used the ‘L’ word yet?” Harriet’s curiosity was piqued.
“No, but I think he’s close. You’ll be the first to know, guaranteed.”
Maggie walked her to the door and hugged her hard before she left.
Harriet walked past the four houses between Maggie’s and Joe’s folks and rang the doorbell.
Her father-in-law answered. “Hi, can Joey come out to play?” She used her little girl voice.
Mike laughed and pulled her into the foyer where he gave her a hug, “We don’t see you enough!”
“It’s only been four days!”
“See, we love you.” He always made Harriet feel like a daughter and welcome.
“Joe’s in the kitchen with his mom.” They headed through the archway to join them.
“Hi, sweetheart, I’m so glad you stopped by. Can I get you some coffee and a piece of pie?”
“You know I can’t say no to that. Hi, hon, how was your dinner? I hope you didn’t eat your folks out of house and home.”
“That’ll be the day. It was delicious and I tried. Mom fixed a plate for you to take home, unless you want it now.”
“No, I’m having dessert first. I’ll have dinner when I get home. By then I’ll be hungry again.”
“How do you stay so slim?” Jen asked, admiring her daughter-in-law.
“It’s trying to keep up with your son. He wears me out and keeps me thin.” She gave her new husband a loving look.
Her father-in-law piped in, “Since we have both of you here, I have something I want to tell you.” Joe and Harriet froze—alarmed.
Seeing the look on their faces, Mike laughed, “It’s nothing bad, but please keep this quiet. There’s nothing you have to worry about leaking at work, Joe, they’ll know soon enough.” This only confused Joe and Harriet.
“A law firm in Washington, DC has invited me as a consultant on a huge case that will soon go to trial. It involves a prominent Canadian indicted on racketeering charges. The case can’t be discussed just yet, but I’ll fill you in when I can. I plan on taking your mother and closing up the house while we’re gone. We could be there for several months”
Joe didn’t flinch at the news, a good trait for a lawyer. But it left him puzzled.
“Harriet, your dad will be in charge of the law firm while we’re away. This is a great opportunity for Joe—he’ll be taking on more cases. While I’m in Washington, I won’t be taking an active part in the courtroom, but I will be busy behind the scenes.”
Joe could sense his dad’s excitement, and he sure wouldn’t rain on his parade. “The tensions in the US are high right now, Dad, do you think it’ll be safe? They’re on the brink of a civil war.”
“We’ll be all right. This has nothing to do with radical infighting. We are not in any direct danger in Washington. It’s protected by the military.”
Joe could see his dad’s enthusiasm, so he shut up for now.
“This is happening soon; your mother and I will pack for an extended stay. I suspect we could be out of here in a month.” He saw no reaction from his son, other than him looking over at Harriet.
“We’d better get on the road. I’ll say goodnight.” Joe leaned over and kissed his mom on the cheek. “We can talk about this more in the office.” He hugged his dad. “Whatever we can do to help, just ask.”
Chapter 26
To Tell the Truth
They were quiet going home, both lost in thought. So much was happening. Maggie and Martin’s growing romance and the problems it could cause, and now Joe’s parents venturing into the US at the worst possible time.
“I’m so worried for your folks. They don’t understand what they are wandering into. Any day now, war will break out. Millie and Eric didn’t say when, only that it will be around 2024, and the year’s half over. We have all this knowledge and can’t use it when it could do some good.”
“I know, I’ve been thinking along the same lines. If we tell them the truth, will they believe us?” Joe’s frustration was showing..
“Let’s sleep on it and talk it over with Martin tomorrow. I’m too tired tonight.” Harriet knew that they needed some time. This isn’t a decision to rush through.
“I agree, they said they won’t be going for a month, but meanwhile, all hell could break loose in the US. We may not have to say anything. But we better prepare just in case.” Joe figured it was better to expect the worst.
By the time they got home, it was ten, so they watched the news on CNN which only reinforced their fears about the growing strife
in Washington and other major cities. Bloodshed was increasing. Gun control proponents were firmly pitted against Second Amendment advocates. It was a war about killing, not killing, and enforcing one’s rights to protect themselves and their property. Immigrants were used for target practice. Mass shootings were on the increase in every part of the country. Riots and self-styled militias were springing up, determined to protect themselves from foes real and imagined. Fires and bombings were everywhere. There was a good government now in power, but they had lost control of their citizens. It was a worried and desperate country that had lost confidence in any leadership. Anarchy and fear had taken over.
The US was in a mess, and they were no closer to solving their problem, Joe and Harriet went to bed and fell into a troubled sleep.
The next morning they were quiet through breakfast. Joe had to leave for work, but Harriet wasn’t due in until noon to cover the lunch crowd at the pub.
“Do you want me to call Martin this morning and fill him in on what’s happening, or would you prefer that we are both here?” Harriet asked Joe before he left for work.
“If you have the time, yes, call him. It’ll give him some time to think it over. Invite him to join us for a late dinner. Are you going to be home, or do you work until midnight? I can’t keep track.”
“Thursday, I only work a half shift. I’ll be home by eight. I’ll make a spaghetti sauce in the slow cooker before I leave this morning.”
He perked up, “That sounds delicious!” It was one of his favorites. “I’ll bring home some cannoli and a bottle of Chianti?”
“Perfect, I’ll call you after I talk with Martin and see what he says about the other issue.”
Harriet made her spaghetti sauce first then set the table and put out their old Chianti bottle with its half-melted candle. It had lots of different colors of wax drips all around. It always reminded them of Millie and Eric and the many dinners they’d had together at the little corner bistro in Debert, in 2120.
She caught Martin on the second ring. “I hope you were up?” she said, realizing it was still only nine and she’d already been up for two and a half hours.
“Yes, up, shaved and dressed. I’m up by eight, which is an hour later than when I was working. I love the extra time. It will be hard if I go back. What’s on your mind this morning?” He knew something had to be up, Harriet never called him. It was always Joe.
Harriet laughed. “First off, come for dinner tonight. This is our Italian night, with a surprise desert.”
“You had me at dinner. But I’d come for dessert anytime.”
“Joe and I have a problem and we need your input.” She ran through the story from last night with Joe’s parents planning on walking into the middle of a war about to happen any day now.
“It’s bad down there but his dad seems to think they’ll be okay because of the military protecting Washington. We don’t think that’s enough.” She paused, but Martin said nothing. In his usual fashion, he would mull over his reply.
She continued, “Not going is the best plan. If we tell them the truth about when we disappeared and the civil war and stuff, it might convince them to stay.” Martin remained silent.
“They know the basic story, and like Maggie, we told them there’s an invisible shield protecting the SPA compound. I don’t think they ever believed that fairy tale, any more than Maggie did. But they gave us the benefit of the doubt. We don’t want them dead. And to be honest, this growing romance between you and Maggie might benefit if she knew the truth.” It will give her some choices.” She took a breath and closed her eyes, only letting it out when Martin began to speak again.
“That is a lot to process. Let me think about it this afternoon. We can talk about it tonight. I’m not trying to put you off, but I want to ask both of you some questions about this when I get there. Let’s hope we can figure this out”.
“Good enough and thanks. We’ll look forward to seeing you.”
“I’d go through that damned portal any time to get to one of your dinners, especially one with a surprise dessert. I’ll see you at… oh, what time?”
“Joe will be here at six I’ll be home by eight. I have to work, so have a late lunch, you’ll be hungry. Come after six and you and Joe can talk this over. You don’t need me for that. Whatever Joe says, I agree. Bye for now.”
Harriet went back to the kitchen and washed and prepared the romaine for the salad. All was ready, so she dressed for work and left on schedule.
***
Joe was home at six fifteen and let in Martin, who was at the front door waiting for him. “How long have you been here? Sorry, but something came up and delayed me getting out of the office on time.”
“I only arrived two minutes early, as I’m anxious to talk everything over while there is just the two of us here. Three-way conversations can sometimes slow down the process,” Martin observed.
“Where Maggie’s concerned, I’m sure Harriet will have lots to say. Can I get you a beer or coffee?”
“Coffee is fine.” Martin moved over to the dining room table while Joe put on the coffee.
“Hah! Harriet made some appetizers.” Joe pulled out the small tray from the fridge and set it on the table.
Martin eyed the array of dips and veggies and cheese while Joe found the crackers. “This is all so new to me. How could we give up this kind of thing? You know I am becoming addicted.” He laughed and reached for some old cheese and laid it on a cracker, then spread a little hot pepper jelly on top. “I love aged cheese. It’s so hard to find at home,” he said, savoring the sharp taste of the white cheddar. He was learning well.
“So I guess Harriet filled you in on our problem. I’m terrified I’ll lose my folks down there. Every day on the news there’s more bloodshed. Hundreds of civilians gunned down in the streets. It’s hard to know who’s fighting for what. I sometimes think they’re shooting just because they can. They’re using each other for target practice. It’s the Second Amendment run amok. Nowhere seems safe.”
“Yes, Civil War Two is mandatory study for us in school. There are a few people still alive in 2123 that lived through it, although they were young and have only a child’s memory of it.”
“Millie and Eric gave us a pile of information about the next one hundred years, but not a lot of exact dates. I’m hoping to pick your brain now and then.” Joe could see now, they should have made notes and asked more questions.
“I can see why you wouldn’t want them walking into it. It’s bad enough now, but it will escalate once they declare war. If I remember correctly, it will happen by mid-November. So they have some time. That’s when the military will get involved, and the death toll will rise.”
Well-schooled in the war and the destruction it caused to most of the major cities, Martin could answer most of Joe’s questions.
“Do you think they’ll believe the truth?” Martin asked, understanding how far-fetched time travel would seem to them.
“Yes, I believe they would, not because they believe in time travel, but because they believe in us and told us right from the beginning our story was missing something. Maggie feels the same way.” Joe said, remembering that night four long years ago when he and Harriet had to face their families. They’d decided the truth, or close to it was the best way to go. Now they could give them the missing link.
“What about Maggie? At least if she realizes that it’s not that easy for you to come back and forth from the next century, she’ll understand if you have to say goodbye?” Joe felt bad for Martin. This was a huge decision.
“That decision is a lot tougher to make. It will answer a lot of questions for her and I know she’ll believe the truth. She is too smart to fool any longer. I’d rather tell her now than to have her find out we were lying to her.” Martin knew it was only a matter of time before Maggie would catch a slip.
“Let me be the one to tell her, okay?” Martin said, it would be difficult, but he would rather it came from him.
; Chapter 27
No More Lies
Harriet was right on time, “Hi, guys. Oh my God, it was busy tonight! Thursday is not usually like that. There’s nothing going on downtown that’s special. Oh well, means more tips for me.” She plopped down, and Joe handed her a cup of coffee. He bent down and kissed her, “Welcome home, beautiful. We ate all the appetizers. I hope you didn’t want them for later.”
“Nope, those were for you. You had a long wait for dinner.
The two men opted to wait ‘til after they’d eaten to talk further about telling their true story.
Harriet had everything on the table within twenty minutes. The four of them put a huge dent in the pot of sauce.
Harriet washed and rinsed the dishes before dessert. “While I finish up here, you can pour the rest of the wine and put out the dessert.”
She stacked the dishes and joined the guys at the table. “They call this cannoli,” she explained to Martin. It’s a Sicilian pastry filled with cheese and chocolate chunks.” She smiled at Martin’s appreciative nod.
“Oh my, these are heavenly. I think I just found something better than donuts.” He groaned with pleasure.
“We’ve turned you into a sugar junky. How will you survive in your time? Harriet laughed.
“That’s still up in the air,” Martin said, getting serious for a moment.
“Joe, maybe you can fill Harriet in on what we discussed tonight. I’ll jump in when needed.” Martin relinquished the conversation to his host.
“We all agree that the situation in the US is about to reach a crisis,” Joe started off.
“There is no way I want my parents down there now or in the next five years.”
Harriet gave him a look that said, Ya, ya, get on with it.
He ignored her, “We both know that once Dad makes up his mind, it’s hard to change it. It‘ll take the truth, and even then there’s no guarantee he’ll believe us.”
Harriet nodded in agreement.
“Both Martin and I agree the truth is the only chance we have to stop them, the sooner the better. We might have to wear them down and we should bring your folks in on it too.”
Return From the Future Page 17