A Paradox of Fates

by Rebecca Hefner

  “You son of a bitch!” she exclaimed, fisting her hands at her sides. “Where are they? I swear to god, if you lay one finger on them—”

  “They’re insignificant to me, Elaine,” he interrupted. “I don’t care whether they live or die. Only you can make that choice. End your quest to prevent the rise of the New Establishment. That is the only way you can ensure they survive.”

  “Sorry to chime in here, but fuck you, asshole,” Hunter said, taking his place at her side. He grabbed her hand, and Lainey squeezed, grateful for his support and protection. “We’ll never stop fighting you bastards. If you’ve met Lainey before, you know she’s not scared of slimy filth like you.”

  “Ah, the noble soldier. Still in love with his dead wife but willing to fuck her for the greater cause,” he said, gesturing with his head to Elaine. “You fall for him in every timeline, Elaine. It’s embarrassing. Have some pride, for god’s sake. You must know, you’ll never be able to give him what Kara could. You’re a shell of a person, bred for one reason. You have no idea how to love someone.”

  “Don’t listen to him, Lainey,” Hunter said, constricting her hand. “He wants to drive a wedge between us. It’s a proven manipulation tactic even the most basic soldier understands. Is that all you’ve got, asshole? Because we’re smarter than that.”

  “We’ll see,” Victor murmured. “Her doubt about her own humanity is one of her greatest weaknesses. We plan to exploit it until she fails. Even now, the seeds have been planted.”

  Lainey struggled to remain calm, admitting his words were true. Doubt regarding her ability to give Hunter anything but tepid emotion and sex infiltrated her veins. Heavy and thick, it pervaded her body as she digested Victor’s words. Hunter had experienced great love with Kara, and Lainey had realized long ago that she just didn’t possess a proclivity for romantic love. Honestly, she didn’t want to. It detracted from her purpose, and that was her sole reason for existing. There was no room to focus on anything else.

  Sirens wailed in the distance, cutting off her thoughts.

  “Well, that’s my cue to leave,” Victor said. “For this go-round, at least. I wonder what will happen next time we have this conversation. It will be had by different versions of ourselves, so one can only wonder. Stay on your toes, Dr. Randolph. The New Establishment is always watching.”

  “Why don’t you just kill me now?” she asked, hands thrown in the air with frustrated resignation. “If you want so badly to be rid of me?”

  “I have, several times,” he said, arching a sardonic brow. “Luke always sends the information to you in the future and then subsequently prevents your death. I’ve given up trying at this instance of time. It isn’t meant to be. We haven’t discovered your fate paradox yet, the day you’re destined to die. Believe me, when we do, we will take full advantage.”

  Lainey digested the information, thankful there were still some unknowns.

  “We’ve now accepted that it is your fate to convince Dr. Longwood to help you rebuild the Sphere in this timeline. We won’t interfere, but we’ll be watching. The New Establishment wants nothing more than for you to complete your work.”

  “I’ll never let the Sphere fall into the hands of evil men. I’ll destroy it before I turn it over to you or anyone else.”

  Victor sighed. “Your stubbornness is misplaced, Elaine. As I said, we’ve already won. But clutch on to your principles if you must. Your fighting spirit is admirable.”

  Lainey felt her eyes narrow, hating the man who spoke in such maddening riddles. “You said my team isn’t dead,” she said, tugging her hand from Hunter’s and stepping toward Victor. “Where are they? Please, tell me. If they’re insignificant to you, what harm will it cause?”

  Victor’s head turned toward the approaching sirens before his gaze landed on hers. “The Sphere was raided while Cyrus and Claire were in transport. They’re sequestered in a different time. The others are still in 2075 in Eli’s custody. He protects them, for now, but my son walks a precarious line between good and evil. As things are manipulated here in 2035, I can’t account for what will happen to them.”

  He closed the distance between them until only a foot separated them. “I don’t begrudge your beliefs and your conviction, Elaine, although I believe them to be wrong.” His irises were filled with a reluctant, compassionate admiration. “If I’d had a daughter, I would’ve wanted her to be exactly like you. You are the worthiest opponent I’ve ever faced. When I finally defeat you, in some future timeline, I will bow to you with the reverence you deserve. For now, I’ll leave you to fumble along. Goodbye.”

  “You’re not going anywhere,” Hunter said, stalking forward to halt his retreat.

  Victor pulled a gun from his coat, aiming it at them and cocking it. “That, my friend, is where you’re wrong.” The three of them stood frozen, unable to do anything but watch him exit the causeway.

  The sirens grew louder, and Lainey saw a shadow scurry away out of the corner of her eye. Puss in Boots was lost to them now. She hoped he found a loving home.

  A police car swerved into the entrance of the alley, and she gestured to Luke and Hunter to hide behind the large dumpster. Approaching the car, she plastered on a smile.

  “Hello, Officer. I was out taking a walk. Is everything okay?”

  A tall officer with smooth russet skin approached her. “We received a call about a possible assault in this alley, ma’am. May I see some ID?”

  “Of course,” she said, pulling her mother’s ID from her purse. “I hope everything’s okay.”

  He studied the ID before handing it back to her. “You’re quite a long way from LeDroit Park, ma’am. You said you were taking a walk?”

  “Oh, yes. My husband Lewis is going to come and pick me up on his way from work. He knows I love the greenway over there.”

  The officer turned to look at the far-off park. “I would suggest you stay near the park, Mrs. Randolph. It’s much safer than the alleyways.”

  “Thank you,” she said. “Sometimes, I try different paths. I’ll be sure to do that though. Better safe than sorry.” Lainey studied the young man, his face somehow familiar. Reading his nametag, she said, “I appreciate your help, Officer Montgomery.”

  A strange feeling washed over her as she processed the name.

  “Ma’am?” he called, jolting her from her musings.

  “Oh, sorry,” she said, waving her hand. “I just knew someone once with your last name. Cyrus Montgomery. I was just reminded of him.”

  The man’s eyebrows drew together. “You know Cyrus Montgomery?” he asked.

  “Yes. Or, uh, I did, a long time ago.”

  “Well, ma’am, Cyrus Montgomery is my father.”

  Lainey felt her eyes almost pop from her head and struggled to remain calm. “Oh, imagine the coincidence. I’m sure they’re not the same person though.”

  “Maybe not. Was the Cyrus you knew married?”

  “No,” she said, relief washing through her though the coincidence was still exceedingly strange. “He was single the entire time I knew him.”

  “Oh, well, then it definitely wasn’t the same person. My father’s been married to my mother for thirty years. Claire and Cyrus. They’re still as in love today as they were when they got married. My mom tells me all the time.” White teeth flashed as he grinned.

  “Claire,” Lainey repeated softly. “What was her maiden name?”

  He seemed startled but answered anyway. “Finch. Claire Finch. Why?”

  Struggling to breathe, she shook her head. “Just curious. Thank you, Officer Montgomery. I’ll be on my way now. Keep up the good work.”

  “Good luck, ma’am,” he said with a nod. Striding to the car, he sat behind the wheel and drove down the block.

  Slowly pivoting, as the conversation replayed over and over in her brain, she headed toward the dumpster.

  “Hey, duchess, you okay?” Hunter asked, his and Luke’s expressions filled with worry.

  “I think
I know where Claire and Cyrus are,” she said, her voice filled with wonder.

  “Where?” Luke asked.

  She squinted, calculating in her head. “Somewhere in the past. Most likely, the early 2000s.”

  “What?” Hunter asked, confused.

  “Come on,” she said, rubbing her temples as a migraine threatened to form in her brain. Great. Just what she needed. “We’ve got work to do.”

  In the brisk afternoon air, they returned to the hotel as Lainey updated them on her conversation with Officer Montgomery.

  Chapter 26

  They waited until evening to approach Nelson and Lorna. The couple would be at home, and that location was more private than the university. Hunter and Luke would keep watch outside while Lainey explained everything to them and asked for their help.

  Under the cool March breeze and cloudy early-evening sky, Lainey knocked on Nelson’s door, the sound mimicking the dull thuds in her brain. She’d taken some caffeine pills earlier in an attempt to ward off the migraine, but it still lingered along with her annoyance at its existence. Nelson opened the door, and Lainey looked at his beloved face, so much younger than she’d ever seen it.

  “Hello,” he said, his smile welcoming. “Can I help you?”

  “Yes,” she said, attempting to appear as non-threatening and normal as possible. “My name is Elaine, and I’d like a few minutes of your time if possible.”

  “We already have everything we need, dear,” Lorna said, appearing behind Nelson. “We’re agnostics who read everything online, so we have no need of religion or newspapers.”

  Lainey couldn’t help her laugh. Lorna always was a tough old bird, although she was exceptionally gorgeous in her youth, with her blond hair and deep blue eyes. Lainey knew she was roughly thirty-five in this timeline, and Nelson only two years older.

  “I’m not trying to sell you anything, I swear. But it would be really helpful if you let me inside. I assure you, I have no wish to do anything but sit and talk. I believe you know one of my associates, Dr. Lewis Randolph.”

  “He’s my partner at the university,” Nelson said. “I’m sure he would’ve mentioned you, Ms.…” The sentence trailed off as Nelson waited for her to supply her last name.

  “I’d rather we speak inside. It’s possible we’re being surveilled. You’re both very intuitive people. I know this is strange but hope your curiosity will prevail. Nelson, you gave Lewis a lamp that was inscribed with the words, ‘May the light shine until all your answers are illuminated.’ It would be impossible for me to know that if I wasn’t his associate. Please,” she said, eyes searching theirs, “let me inside. I promise, I wish you no harm.”

  Nelson looked at Lorna, and she gave a hesitant nod. Opening the door wider, he invited her into the foyer. They led her to a sitting room lined with a comfortable couch and two chairs. Sliding into one, she addressed them when they were seated on the couch.

  Inhaling a deep breath, she rubbed her palms on her jean-clad thighs. “I have no idea how to say this, but I’m a practical scientist, so I’m just going to put it out there.”

  “Say what, dear?” Lorna asked, her expression perplexed.

  Straightening her spine, she said, “My name is Dr. Elaine Randolph. I am the daughter of Dr. Lewis Randolph and the granddaughter of President Edward James Randolph. On September fourth of this year, 2035, my grandfather will launch nuclear weapons upon the Earth, eventually thrusting us into a post-apocalyptic society. Scientists will band together to form scientific compounds on a few continents, my father running the one west of here, in the foothills of Virginia. You two will leave on one of the last boats to Australia, to help form the scientific hub on that continent. It's where you’ll live the rest of your days.

  “You and my father are currently working on solving time travel at the university here. Eventually, it will be elucidated—not by Lewis, but by me, in the year 2075. Lewis dedicated his entire life to training me so I could decipher time travel and return here, to this timeline in 2035, to prevent my grandfather from detonating the nukes. Unfortunately, there is an evil regime that has also learned to manipulate time travel, and we are stuck on an unending loop, attempting to prevent each other’s actions. I need your help so I can rebuild the Sphere and create a functional time machine in this timeline. Are you with me so far?”

  They sat still upon the sofa, looking a bit stunned but not as much as Lainey had expected. Her fingers writhed together in her lap as she waited.

  Finally, Lorna said, “Why don’t you go get the old cell phone, darling?”

  Nelson nodded and stood, walking over to rustle in a bin atop the desk in the corner of the room. Striding back, he pushed a button on the side, and the phone illuminated.

  “We met a couple on a cruise several years ago,” Nelson said, his finger swiping over the screen of the phone. “They were lovely, and we felt a bond with them since they were also an interracial couple. The man had the bartender take a photo of the four of us and he texted it to me. Here,” he said, handing the phone to Lainey.

  Lainey’s eyes grew wide as she observed the photo. Nelson and Lorna sat with Cyrus and Claire, older than she knew them but smiling and happy. “Go ahead,” Nelson said, “read the text he sent along with the picture.”

  Minimizing the photo, Lainey read the text.

  Cyrus: So nice meeting you both. Claire and I had a lovely time. She misses talking about science, and I can’t give that to her, so I thank you both for that gift. Seeing her smile is the one thing that warms my heart more than any other. In return, I will give you a gift. It might seem strange, but remember, most things are explained in time. If a woman approaches you asking you to help her with the Sphere, please do not dismiss her. She is a friend and an avid science lover as well. You told me you like riddles, Nelson, so I’ll leave it at that. Phones are disposable in this technological world, but please keep this one so this message is saved. I believe it will serve a purpose one day. Claire and I wish you all the best.

  Lainey lifted her eyes, her irises darting back and forth between Nelson and Lorna. “Wow. Good lookin’ out, Cyrus,” she muttered.

  “I didn’t have the heart to throw that phone out when I replaced it a few years ago,” Nelson said. “When I texted the number back, it was disconnected, and we haven’t seen or heard from them since. It was all so bizarre, but I love mysteries, so I kept it, much to my wife’s chagrin.”

  With a sheepish grin, he continued. “I’m confused as hell, being that I just saw Lewis a few hours ago, and he and Mara don’t have any children I’m aware of. But you have his eyes, and I’m no fool. What do you need me to do?”

  There, in the den of the Washington D.C. townhome, Lainey explained her plan in detail. They would work nights, in the abandoned underground lab of the university, reconstructing the Sphere until it was functional. Then, she had many feats to accomplish.

  She would travel to the past to save Claire and Cyrus and help them travel to 2035.

  She would transport to 2075 to find Sara, Zach, Alora, Marie, and Elle and ensure they safely conveyed to 2035.

  Then, she would work with Cyrus and Hunter to thwart her grandfather’s actions, all while maintaining a low profile and putting safeguards in place that assured the New Establishment couldn’t interfere. The scope of her efforts over the next few months was massive.

  “How did you figure out future time travel, Elaine?” Nelson asked. “Lewis and I only theoretically proved one could travel to the past, not the future.”

  Lainey shrugged. “I didn’t. The Sphere I created was only capable of traveling to the past. I saw no need to create a portal to the future. I was resigned to live the rest of my days in 2035 once I’d stopped President Randolph. Now, I realize how short-sighted that was. We need to create a portal that will transport us both ways.”

  “Future time travel is rife with paradoxes, Elaine. It’s fraught with many theoretical inconsistencies. I hesitate to encourage your belief in it. It’s pos
sible we’ll fail.”

  “Failure is something I’m intimately familiar with, Dr. Longwood. Believe me, it’s been the cornerstone of my entire existence.” Her gaze dropped to her hands in her lap, remembering all the times she’d let everyone down. Determination to succeed burned in her pores. She’d made a mess of things thus far, but she’d be damned if she let the New Establishment win.

  “I don’t want to sound like an overbearing mother hen here, but are you okay, Elaine? This is a daunting endeavor to undertake. Do you have someone to support you?” Lorna’s kind eyes swam with concern.

  “Yes,” Lainey said, standing and plastering on a smile she hoped was convincing. In truth, Victor’s words about Hunter in the alley had rankled her, and that, along with the drumming migraine, made her feel unstable.

  Pushing the thoughts away, she said to Nelson, “I’ll meet you at the university tomorrow night, at eleven o’clock. We have a prepaid cell phone. Please text me directions to the underground lab.” She recited the number of Luke’s phone while Nelson tapped it into his contacts. “I appreciate your willingness to help me, Nelson. You were a father figure to me in the future, and I hope I can recreate that same bond here. With both of you.” She smiled at Lorna. “With that, I’ll say good night.” Pivoting, she strode toward the front door.

  “Wait, dear,” Lorna called. Rushing toward her, the woman pulled Lainey into a warm embrace. “You’re not alone,” she whispered in her ear, causing tears to sting Lainey’s eyes. “Please, call on me if you need me.”

  “Thank you, Lorna,” she said, sniffing. Willing the tears away, she gave the woman a nod and exited the townhome. Hunter and Luke appeared at the bottom of the stairs.

  “How did it go?” Hunter asked.

  Lainey lifted her chin. “We’re meeting at the university at eleven o’clock tomorrow night. We’re going to recreate the Sphere.”