iRobotronic

by Bella Street

  ***

  “Unlock the door!” Trent paced back and forth, clenching his fists. “Hurry up!”

  He'd been shouting for park personnel for the last ten minutes. Finally a harried park employee appeared. The man fumbled with his key ring, mumbling about park attendees causing more trouble than they were worth.

  There'd been some kind of commotion in another part of the park after Seffy went inside the bathroom that drew the crowds away. He'd waited for her to come out, but she didn't. Someone had asked him for directions, distracting him from watching the door. When he finally went to tell her to hurry up, a new line at the door had appeared. Then several attendees complained that the door was locked.

  And Seffy was nowhere in sight.

  Trent had grabbed the first park employee he saw. That's when he heard the unmistakable blast of a shotgun.

  As soon as the employee got the door open, Trent pushed past him and rushed inside. He stopped hard before stepping in the pool of blood heading for his feet. A strange man lay prone on the dirty cement with most of his chest blown open. Seffy lay on her back next to a stall in a pile of trash from a knocked-over garbage can.

  Anguish wrenched within him. I'm too late! I failed her.

  Avoiding the blood, Trent stepped over the man and knelt down next to Seffy, heart pounding hard. He lifted her by the shoulders. She was lifeless in his hands.

  Then he felt her move. Trent looked down into her face and saw her slowly open her eyes.

  “I always forget about that damn recoil,” she whispered.

  Trent pulled her to himself and held her close. Only when he heard the shocked exclamation of the park employee did he realize the mess they were in. “You gotta get up, Sef,” he said in a tight voice. “We have to get out of here before the cops show up.”

  He helped her to her feet, shielding her from the dead man with his own body. Trent lifted her over him and edged past the employee.

  “The police are on their way. You can't leave.”

  Trent wasn't about to chat with any police. “Thanks for getting the door open, dude.” He pulled Seffy out of the restroom, past a crowd of people interested in the commotion.

  He made the split decision to stay in the park instead of leave. The police would assume they'd leave, and probably so would any more shooters looking for Seffy. At least he hoped that's what they'd think. Because of the ubiquitous park cameras, they'd need to keep to the deepest shadows. Trent tugged on Seffy's hand, trying to maintain a swift pace with her in tow, but not so fast as to draw attention.

  After nearly fifteen minutes of speed walking a circuitous route, he pulled Seffy behind some foliage and sat her down in the grass. “How are you holding up?”

  Her dark eyes were wide in her pale face. “I killed somebody.”

  “You had to.” He swallowed. “But don't think about it anymore. We just have to survive long enough to get out of here.”

  “I'll be wanted for murder, and I'm already wanted for death.”

  “Sef, don't.”

  She closed her eyes and nodded. “Okay, what's the plan?”

  Trent wasn't fooled by her calm demeanor. Her wan countenance probably meant she was going to throw up at some point. He ran his hands through his hair, then rubbed his face. “I honestly don't know.”

  She looked up at him, the shadows under her eyes deepening. “Can't we go back to your room? I'm so tired.”

  “Sef, I'm afraid someone will be there. I'm hoping that if we don't show up by tonight, they'll leave and I can get back and grab the backpacks in time.”

  “There's a hotel at the park. What about spending the night here?”

  “I don't think I have enough cash, and we can't get a room without ID.”

  “I'm tired enough to sleep right here.” Suiting actions to words, she curled up in the grass and closed her eyes.

  “We have to keep moving, Sef.”

  She shook her head slightly. “I should've let that guy shoot me. Then I wouldn't have to run anymore. I just didn't want to die in a public restroom. It doesn't read well in an obit.”

  Trent sank down on the grass next to her, and unable to resist, touched her hair. “You've already died in this universe, so sorry, that's not an option.”

  She smiled slightly. “I don't know, the fact that I'm still alive is a fluke. Well, two flukes. The shooter who got the other Seffy didn't seem to have any problem offing her.”

  “I just don't get any of this. Why would someone want to kill either of us?”

  “I can see why someone might want to kill you—”

  “Thanks a lot.”

  “—because you're bringing back medical supplies to save Fenn, but that would imply that someone doesn't want Fenn to live.”

  “So what, some mastermind sent people into the future to stop us?”

  “Stop you. I'm not important. Well, maybe my Juicy suit is, but not me.”

  “But the three shooters were all after you.”

  “I thought there were two.”

  “Two with shotguns and one with a laser sighting weapon.”

  “How did I miss that one?” she asked, incredulous.

  “I think you were kinda freaking out when it happened. He was the one who chased us when we got in the cab.”

  “Oh.” She shook her head. “See why I just wish it was all over?”

  “C'mon, you're a survivor.”

  “Not really. Instead of thinking about a strategy, I'm wishing I could go to sleep in a big comfy bed while watching a movie on cable, after having something light and fruity to eat.”

  “And I wish I could make it happen for you.”

  Seffy gazed up at him. “Trent, I want to apologize.”

  He frowned. “For what?”

  She swallowed her nervousness. “When I thought it was over in the restroom, I felt bad for the way I've treated you and wished I had a chance to say I was sorry. So I want to do it now while I'm still alive.”

  Trent sent her a tired smile. “I'm sure I deserved everything you've dished out. Anyway, I'll figure out some way to hack you off again eventually, because you will not be dying any time soon.”

  She lowered her eyes. “I'm pretty sure I'm doomed. I just wish I understood what was going on.”

  Trent took her hand and tugged her to a sitting position, then put his arms around her shoulders and held her tight. When she didn't resist, he pressed his face into her hair, needing the feel and smell of her for just the space of a few breaths. “Am I hacking you off yet?” he whispered.

  Her answer was to put her arms around him and hug him back. As much as he wanted the moment to linger, he knew he needed to be on the lookout for danger, and planning their escape.

  A nearby scream startled them both and they broke apart. Trent saw a boy chasing a girl, probably his sister, with a drippy ice cream cone. He suppressed a deep sigh and stood up, pulling Seffy up with him. She didn't complain when he rested his arm on her shoulders.

  Why did they only get along when death was on the line?

  Trent led her past the Terminator 2-D attraction, listening to the screams as cyborgs from the future scared the tourists. Great. All Seffy needed was a reminder that large men with guns were after her. Or were they after him as well?

  “Trent, I'm sorry, but I really need to lie down.”

  He looked at her and saw she was more pale than before, and her steps were dragging. Trent looked around, not sure what to do. The park Sheraton was nearby, but he simply didn't have enough money for a room and future cab rides. Maybe they had a place where she could just rest? They headed in that direction and he could tell she was struggling to keep up. He stifled a stab of frustration, reminding himself that she'd been through a lot. Like an insane amount of a lot.

  She stumbled. “Go to the back where the service entrance is.”

  Trent helped her around the back of the huge hotel and saw several of the staff coming and going. He approached the most sympathetic person he saw—a ma
tronly woman who watched them coming with wide eyes. She was obviously a maid. He noticed her name tag said her name was Rosie.

  “Hello, Rosie. Um, I have an odd request. My friend here isn't feeling well and just needs to rest. I don't have enough money for a hotel room, but I have fifty bucks. Is there anyway that can get us a place to chill? Even if it's just like a break room with a couch.”

  “There are several designated first aid stations throughout the park.”

  Trent pulled out a fifty dollar bill and held it out to her. “She needs to sleep for an hour or so.”

  The maid looked at Seffy, then at him. “Is she contagious?”

  “No, nothing like that. She just feels ill.”

  The woman's brown eyes seemed to be assessing the situation, looking for any reason to believe she was being scammed. She snatched the money, stuck it in her blouse and motioned for them to follow.

  “Hang in there, Sef. We're almost there.”

  Seffy's breathing became labored. Was she going into shock? She'd seemed fine right after the shooting.

  The maid led them to a small room on the main floor in the service section. He didn't know if it was some kind of staff quarters or what, but there was a clean queen sized bed and a bathroom. It looked like heaven.

  “You need to be gone before the park closes. If you get caught, I will say you broke in.”

  “Thank you,” Trent said, attempting a smile.

  She nodded and closed the door. Trent helped Seffy onto the bed then went back and locked the door. When he turned around, her found her curled up, with her eyes closed. He got on the bed next to her. She rolled over slightly and looked up him.

  “Thank you.”

  “Is it comfy enough?”

  She nodded.

  “Next on the agenda is something light and fruity.” He glanced at the TV on the dresser. “I'm assuming there's cable.”

  She shook her head and reached out her hand. “Can you just hold me for a few minutes?”

  Trent wondered if he heard her right. She seemed to grimace at some unseen pain. Not waiting for a second request, he scooted alongside her and slid his arm under her head. She stared up at him with unblinking eyes, making him feel a little anxious. Her smile only increased his unease.

  Seffy studied his features for several minutes in silence. Suddenly, she reached up and touched his face. Trent tried not to let his shock show.

  She trailed her fingers down his cheek. “Kiss me.”

  She must be hallucinating. “Cute.”

  “Seriously. As a nod to our alternate selves who apparently kissed a lot.”

  “Sef, you need to rest.”

  Her fingers came to rest on his lips. “Please.”

  He snorted softly. “You know who I am, right?” This was the only out she was going to get in case he got accused of taking advantage.

  “Fenn?”

  He raised a brow, then saw her smile again. “Very funny.”

  “Okay, that was low,” she said as her eyes fluttered closed. “You're just such an easy mark sometimes.”

  She relaxed in his arms and he thought she was going to sleep. Her eyes opened and her smile faded. She reached up and pulled his head down.

  Her lips met his in a gentle fervor that surprised him. The kiss was long, slow, and sweet. No tricks, no manipulation...no alcohol. Just Seffy needing his touch and him giving it.

  As their kiss deepened, she suddenly went slack, her lips sliding from his as her head rolled to one side. Trent stifled a stab of disappointment. Poor thing. He knew she was exhausted but he'd never actually put anyone to sleep before.

  Trent eased his arm from under her and looked down at her. She looked so peaceful. He hated to disturb her, but he decided to loosen the bulky suit top from around her waist. He untied it and gently pulled it out from under her. She didn't stir.

  Then Trent stared down at the fabric and realized it was wet. Frowning, he stared at the red stains on his hands for several seconds before he realized what he was looking at.

  Heart thundering in his ears, he rolled her over and saw the back of her sweats showed blood seepage, all the way down to her shoes. With shaking hands, he pushed up her tank top and caught his breath. There was a six inch gash in her lower back, leaking blood. He noticed something sticking out. When he touched it, he realized it was a thick shard of glass. Oh God.

  He touched her throat but couldn't feel a pulse. Trent lunged across the room, grabbed the phone and dialed 911.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “Seffy is special to us here at the compound, and especially to me.”

  Gareth stared at Fenn, struggling to understand what he was hearing. He sat in Fenn's private quarters alone and fought the feeling that he was somehow being manipulated. “Uh, Seffy's special to us, too.” Duh. “But that actually argues against you sending her off into who knows where, especially now that it looks like something went wrong. If she means so much, why risk her life?”

  “I don't believe her life is at risk.”

  “Fenn, you're dealing in some seriously weird science. I think it's irresponsible of you to say there's no risk.”

  “Then why did you let her go?”

  He snorted. “Let her go? Since when do I have any control over her? You may have noticed she has a mind of her own.”

  Fenn nodded. “So what can I do to reassure you that we have her best interests at heart?”

  “You can send us all back.”

  “That is the next step in the process.”

  “So we come back to the question of you wanting Seffy to go. Why not me?”

  “You know we needed you here, and you've proved that over and over. Your help has been invaluable.”

  Gareth began to protest again but Fenn held up his hand.

  “I know you've been questioning things, and you're right to do it. But there's a lot more at stake here than you realize. We asked Seffy to go because we wanted her to do a small task for us.”

  A sickening feeling roiled in Gareth's gut. “What kind of task?”

  “Something only she could do.” He leaned forward. “I'll be able to tell you more when she's back. I'm sorry that we have to be so vague at the moment.”

  “Who is this 'us' and 'we'?”

  Fenn regarded him for a moment, his face inscrutable. “The compound by definition, but more personally...me.”

  “You need something from Seffy.”

  “Yes.”

  “Does she know this?”

  “Yes, she agreed with full knowledge.”

  “Still, she's all alone out there somewhere.” He leaned forward. “I can't stand it!”

  Fenn checked his watch. “She'll be back our time tomorrow. You'll be able to talk to her then.”

  “If she gets back here.” Remembering Eugene's worried features in the computer room had shaken him to the core. A discreet compound search hadn't revealed Seffy's location either. Could it really be possible the experiment worked? That she was really back in 2006?

  “I know you and the lab technicians will do everything in your power to make sure it happens.”

  Gareth mashed his lips together, not liking the feeling of being somehow responsible. “I want to trust you, Fenn, I really do, but you're asking me to take a lot on faith here.”

  “Yes, I am. And I think you'll be satisfied with the outcome.”

  “I guess I have no choice but to be content with that...for the time being.” Gareth stood and left abruptly, not wanting to trade pleasantries. Something was off here. As much as he liked Fenn, something was way off.

  When he returned to his room, Lani and Addison were waiting for him.

  Lani bounced where she sat on the bed. “Well?”

  Gareth shrugged. “Lots of generalities and prevarications.”

  “That's a change,” Addison said sarcastically.

  “What vibe did you get?” Lani asked. “Deceitful or just hedging until they have more information?”

  “I reall
y want to think the latter but we need to be braced for the former.”

  Addison made a face. “God, this blows.” She jumped up from her chair and began pacing the room. “Do you guys realize what's happening here? I mean we let Fenn and his nerd herd send Seffy somewhere in time. How did this happen?”

  “I honestly didn't think it would work,” Gareth said quietly. “They've lied about how much they knew about time travel. And my guess is this isn't only their second experiment. I have a feeling they've been sending people back and forth before now.”

  “So why do they need us? Or Seffy? And why won't they just send us all home?”

  “I think they're trying to target someone and keep ending up with the wrong people. But with Seffy, they seem to think she's someone who can get the job done.”

  “Seffy,” Addison said with disbelief. “She knows how to tan and assemble a decent outfit. What could she possibly do that Fenn would be interested in?”

  “I don't know.”

  “Sef can do more than look good,” Lani said. “Malone taught her how to use guns. He taught us both one afternoon. It was awesome.”

  Addison rubbed her forehead. “Well, I'm sure that will come in handy when she's trying to shoot at a wormhole.”

  “My guess,” Gareth said slowly, “is that they want her because she worked at a medical clinic. Fenn isn't looking so good—”

  “Are you joking?” Addison said, stopping to stare at him. “He's as gorgeous as ever. Those blue eyes make a girl all melty.”

  “Well, 'those blue eyes' were pretty damn bloodshot when I saw him.”

  “So how does being a receptionist give her any medical experience? That's like assuming someone who works in a library has written a book.”

  “Maybe it's because she has access to information.”

  “Why don't they just nab a doctor when they do their time travel stuff?” Lani said.

  “Exactly.” Gareth sighed. “I have to admit, I feel pretty crummy about letting Seffy go.”

  Lani's lip trembled. “Don't say that. It's too late to do anything about it now.”

  He looked at his watched. “Tomorrow at this time, she'll be back with us. And we won't let her go on any of these wild time travel chases again.”