by Mark J Rose
“My dear Mr. Miller!” Isabelle exclaimed. The girl rushed to give him a hug, squeezing him tightly as her father looked on.
The hug was long enough to make Matt uncomfortable, so he stepped back when it was convenient. “Very good to see you, Isabelle!” She had ribbons on her dress and in her hair. Matt got the distinct impression that some of them were for him. “In my professional opinion, you’re healed,” he proclaimed.
“I feel wonderful,” she replied. “I came with Father to thank you.” She turned to her father. “Can we invite Mr. Miller for dinner?”
“Maybe, darling,” he said. “Mr. Miller has his own life and ladies his own age he’d like to entertain.” Matt winked at him surreptitiously. “Say your thanks,” her father said. “I must talk to Mr. Miller in private.”
She stepped in to Matt and gave him another tight hug. “Thank you again, Mr. Miller.” She curtsied and walked out to stand on the front porch.
“Sorry,” Matt said to her father. “I’m not doing anything to encourage that.”
“She’s starting to notice men,” he said. “Unfortunately they’re all a decade too old.”
Matt smiled. “She looks great. How’s her leg?”
“Healed. She’s singing in front of the church this Sunday.”
“I’m glad I could help.”
“I never received your bill,” Ricken said.
“The experience was worth more than money. I was glad to help.” It was true. Matt had learned that he did, indeed, have a working form of penicillin. He still felt somewhat guilty for testing it on a young girl, though, and considered himself fortunate to have escaped unscathed.
“I know what it’s like to build a business,” Ricken declared, “but you should make every effort to collect your debts. You never know when an opportunity will present itself. What if you have no capital?” Ricken pulled a large purse from his pocket. “I’ll not attempt to put a price on my daughter’s life. You saved her and managed to capture my imagination. I don’t want to hear that you’ve spent this on wine and ladies.”
Matt accepted the purse. The weight of it surprised him. “Thank you.”
Ricken reached out and shook his hand. “The best of luck to you, Mr. Miller. If I can help, please visit.”
Matt nodded and watched the man leave. He put the purse in a drawer behind the counter without looking inside. He thought back to his conversation with David Taylor. When he left Richmond, it was important to David that Matt understand that his success and acceptance in the Taylor family wasn’t dependent on money. Matt was making a living now in Philadelphia, and he was doing it all on his own.
Matt was sure that being a shopkeeper wasn’t worthy of Grace Taylor. He’d promised her a large farm with horses where they could raise a family. Selling soap and toothpaste was nowhere near his vision. It might be different if he planned on having a soap empire that stretched across the colonies.
Just then, another customer walked in and Matt sold him four bars of lye soap. He looked up at the ceiling afterwards. “Very funny.”
He pulled a slate and some chalk out of a drawer and wrote “Help Wanted” in large letters, and then hung it in the window. It felt like a giant weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He locked the door, went into the back laboratory, and set up another chemical reaction to synthesize aspirin.
It was still light when he got home. A letter from Grace was waiting for him in the box at his door, and it made him smile. “Got another letter,” he said to the dog. He still had an hour or so until he was supposed to meet Franklin for dinner, so he went inside to read the latest news from Richmond. Graine and Will had set a wedding date for late August, right before harvest. A smaller card from Will was enclosed, inviting Matt to join the wedding party. He would need to travel down to Virginia in two months. A wide smile filled Matt’s face at the thought of seeing Grace and her family. Unexpectedly, though, his happy daydreams were interrupted by a vision of Levi Payne.
The migraines had been a regular occurrence since he was clubbed by Levi’s thugs. When the headaches came, his vision clouded over with indistinguishable snapshots of the future. Most times he could consciously force the visions out of his head, but it was impossible during a migraine. Matt had often suffered for hours as unfiltered images of the future assaulted him. There were certain scenes that were clearer than others, and those almost always came to pass. One of his most lucid visions was of fighting Levi Payne, then lying bleeding on the ground.
Thus far, for lack of a solution, Matt had avoided thinking about how he’d deal with Levi when he returned to Richmond. He hadn’t mentioned the mugging in his letters to Grace, but Matt had told her about the Paynes being a threat and that her family should be careful. She had written back that they were taking precautions. Levi hadn’t come up again. I’ll have to confront him.
Matt stooped down to the dog, ran his hands through his fur, and felt a little despair. “They’ll probably want you to stay,” he said, “though I don’t know how they’d prevent you from running away again.”
When Matt finished reading Grace’s letter, he pulled Ricken’s purse from his bag. He opened it and shook it out onto the bed. The coins added up to about three hundred pounds. More money than I know what to do with…again. Large sums of money now made him uneasy. He gathered the money and pried up the loose floorboard under the bed, then dropped the purse next to the hundred or so pounds he’d already saved.
29
Come Clean
Franklin was already seated with a mug of ale in front of him. He stood momentarily when Matt entered the tavern and waved to get his attention. Matt smiled, then looked over at Charity standing behind the bar and motioned for her to bring him his own mug. She arrived with his ale as he removed his coat and sat down.
“How’s business?” Franklin asked once Matt was seated and had taken a drink.
“I’ve decided to hire someone to mind my store,” Matt said. “It’ll help me spend more time in the lab.” He was interested in whether Franklin believed the additional expense made good business sense.
“Still no progress, then?” Franklin asked.
Matt shook his head. “I need to find a better supply of willow bark—”
“You think that will help?” Franklin replied, cutting him off. He gazed intently at Matt from under a furrowed brow.
“Something will work…eventually,” Matt said, trying to interpret the older man’s hard line.
“Have you thought about speaking to your old instructors?”
Matt hesitated to compose himself, as he always did when Franklin asked about his past. He stretched the moment out by taking a drink. “I already asked them,” Matt replied carefully. “They don’t know any more than I do.”
“I’m going to William and Mary to lecture in two weeks,” Franklin declared. “I can ask them for you.”
“They wouldn’t be able to help. I’m beyond what they were able to teach.” Matt strained to find a new topic. He wanted to kick himself for using William and Mary as a cover story. He scrutinized the mug in front of him, wondering if taking another drink would make him seem more or less confident. He involuntarily moved his hand toward the ale and saw Franklin’s eyes follow his fingers. Matt covered his movement by reaching up to push the hair off his forehead.
“At least tell me their names,” Franklin demanded. “I’ll wish them well and inform them that their prize student has become a prosperous businessman.”
“I’d rather they weren’t involved,” Matt said. “We didn’t always agree.”
“I’m sure they’d be happy to help.”
“No need,” Matt insisted. He laughed, trying to sound collected. His head was starting to swim.
Franklin stood up and reached for his coat. “I don’t know what your ruse is,” he said threateningly. “You can be sure that I’ll be contacting the authorities.” Matt watched as Franklin buttoned his coat.
“Authorities? For what?”
; “They’ve never heard of you at William and Mary.” Franklin turned abruptly to leave.
“There’s an explanation,” Matt said. He could feel his hands trembling from the adrenaline of a confrontation that had come much more quickly than he had expected.
Franklin stopped in the middle of his first stride toward the door, turned back, and stared down at Matt like a bird of prey. “The explanation,” he replied, “is that you’re a liar, a swindler, and probably a thief.”
“I’m not a swindler and I’m not a thief!”
“My first stop will be the sheriff,” Franklin declared.
“If you’re resigned to that,” Matt said, “will it hurt to sit for a few minutes and let me plead my case?”
“I care not,” Franklin replied.
“I lied for a reason,” Matt exclaimed.
Franklin faced him again. “A man lies about his past for only two reasons,” he declared. “He’s committed a crime or he’s planning one. Either way, he’s a criminal.” Franklin put his hands out in a gesture of obviousness.
“There’s a third reason you haven’t considered.”
Franklin scoffed. “Nonsense.”
Matt motioned to the chair. “Please, sir, you’re considered one of the greatest intellects of your day. Aren’t you curious how I managed to fool you?”
To Matt’s satisfaction and relief, Franklin stepped back to the table, pulled out a chair, and sat down with his coat still on. “Ten minutes,” he scowled.
Matt reached into his jacket pocket, pulled out his wristwatch, and handed it to Franklin. “What do you think this is?”
“A bracelet?” Franklin quipped. “Stolen?” He put his glasses on and looked more closely. “It’s an intricate likeness of a clock.”
“Not a likeness,” Matt said. “Put it to your ear.”
Franklin put the Rolex to the side his head. “It chirps,” he proclaimed.
“It’s called a wristwatch.”
“It’s small,” Franklin observed, inspecting it again. “I’ve never seen you wear this.”
“Because I didn’t want to lie about it.”
Franklin looked down again at the watch and then to the large pendulum clock at the front wall of the tavern. “Where’d you get this?”
“Philadelphia,” Matt said. “It cost me five thousand dollars.”
Franklin gave him a questioning look.
“I’d planned on showing you money from my country sometime,” Matt explained. “Not this soon, though.”
“Until you were caught in your lies,” Franklin said with venom in his voice. He was reading the face of the watch. “You’ve used up three of your minutes.”
“I’m going to show you the money I used to buy this watch,” Matt said. “It should help with my story.” He pulled out the wallet that contained the one-hundred-dollar bill he carried. “Promise me that you’ll sit until I’ve made my case.”
“Through your entire ruse?” Franklin said with scorn.
Matt was suddenly pissed and it was his turn to scowl. “You’re holding a miracle in your hand,” Matt said coldly, “and you’re not curious enough to ask questions?” He thrust the wallet back into his pocket and then reached out for the watch in an exaggerated motion. “Give it back.” Matt stood as soon as his fingers closed around the watch. “I’m not a criminal. You know where I live. Send the authorities if you want.” Matt fished into his pocket and put some coins down on the table. “Good day, sir.” He grabbed his coat and walked out of the pub, wondering if he’d taken too much of a gamble.
30
Quantum Leap
Matt walked the six city blocks back to his house. He’d pick up Scout and sneak him into his room. It puzzled him how he could be in the most crowded city in the colonies and still feel so alone.
“Can you slow down?” It was Franklin, calling from behind.
Matt felt a twinge of satisfaction that he had aroused the man’s curiosity. “I expected more from a man of science,” Matt said over his shoulder.
“I should sit quietly and listen to your lies?” Franklin called.
“Not lies,” Matt said. “It’s a cover story.”
“Slow down,” Franklin called. “I’m an old man with one foot in the grave.”
“You’re going to live for another thirty years,” Matt said, still walking.
“Only the Lord knows the time and place of a man’s death!” Franklin had sincere concern in his voice.
“I read your biography.”
Franklin had finally caught up and was walking alongside, breathing hard. “Whose biography?”
“You heard me,” Matt replied. He opened the gate to the Bakers’ complex and Franklin followed him in. They stepped off the main driveway to the barn where he kept Scout, and Matt slid the door open. He heard some shuffling, and the dog came trotting from one of the stalls and greeted them happily. Matt stooped over and rubbed the dog on both sides of his head. “Hey, buddy,” he said. Matt stood and walked to Thunder’s stall as Franklin followed. “Hi, boy,” Matt said when the horse stuck his head out to greet him. Matt scratched until his hands got tired and then offered him the green apple he had in his pocket. “They’re getting a little soft.” Thunder chomped happily on the fruit.
Both men stood there in silence, hypnotized by the motions of the horse’s jaw. Scout was already leaning into Franklin as the man ran his hand through his fur. Matt looked over at the dog and rolled his eyes. “I’m surprised you came,” Matt said as he lifted his head to look into Franklin’s eyes.
“I apologize for my initial reaction,” Franklin replied sincerely. “Nonetheless, I expect to be treated with the respect my station deserves.”
Matt acknowledged him with a nod and made a conscious effort to relax his face and shake off the pretense that had built up inside him. “I’ll tell you my story, but you must swear your secrecy.”
“Only if you’ve committed no crime,” Franklin declared.
“No crime,” Matt replied.
“You have my word, then. I’ll take your secret to my grave.”
“That’s thirty years.” Matt smiled.
“How do you believe you can predict the future?” Concern spread again across Franklin’s face.
Matt gave Thunder some strong pats on his neck, then turned to Franklin and motioned for him to follow. The dog stepped away from Franklin and joined Matt at his side, looking up at him. “Come on, dog,” he said. “Let’s go make Dr. Franklin some tea and let him sit down.”
“You’re trying my patience, young man,” Franklin warned.
Matt waited for Franklin to step out of the barn and then shut the door behind them as Franklin watched and waited. “I’m from the future,” Matt said simply. “There was an accident with electricity, and I ended up in another century.” Matt waved for Franklin to follow him to his room, but Franklin stood for a second to think.
“’Tis all clear now,” Franklin called. “You’re crazy as a loon.” He stutter-stepped quickly to catch up to Matt.
“Either way, here I am in 1763,” Matt replied. He reached down to rest his hand on the dog’s head as they walked.
“You expect me to believe you’re from the future based on your jewelry?”
“It’s a wristwatch,” Matt said. “Why do they even call it that? Shouldn’t it be a wrist clock?”
“Men need to know the time when they stand watch,” Franklin explained. “It makes sense, actually. Where did you get your education? Someplace on the Continent?”
“Philadelphia College of Science.”
“There’s no such place.”
“There will be,” Matt said. “I received my doctorate from the University of Kansas. Kansas won’t even exist for another seventy years. The French own that territory now.”
“You’re quite mad,” Franklin exclaimed.
They were almost at Matt’s door. Matt reached into his jacket and pulled out his pocketbook. He unfolded the hundred-dollar bill and handed it to
Franklin. “This is money from the United States of America,” he said. “I bought the watch with US dollars.”
Franklin fumbled with the green paper. “I need my glasses.”
Matt waited for Franklin to inspect the bill. “Better if you see it in the daylight.”
Franklin put his glasses on and spread the bill open between his two hands. “Why is my likeness on this paper?”
“Look at the year,” Matt said, pointing to the bottom of the bill.
“It’s a number,” Franklin replied.
“It’s a year,” Matt corrected. “Two thousand sixteen.”
“You’re from the year two thousand and sixteen?” Franklin repeated. His eyes were still glued to the bill. “This is surely a work of art by some master. Only royalty could afford this.”
“Everyone has them where I come from,” Matt said. “Many places have stopped taking paper money. The printing technology that’s available makes it too easy to counterfeit.”
Franklin followed Matt into his room. Scout went to his dog bed in the corner and settled in. Franklin sat while still looking at the bill and asked, “Why would my face be on money?”
“You have some role in the formation of my country,” Matt replied. “You want tea?”
Franklin nodded, still inspecting the treasure in his hands. “United States of America,” he read aloud. “Are you trying to ensnare me for treason?” He stared suspiciously at Matt. “Some of the things I’ve said in the past may be misconstrued as against the Crown, but I’m a strong loyalist.” He seemed surprised by his own conviction. He looked into Matt’s face. “You’re an agent of the king.”
“Hardly,” Matt answered. “I’ve one other thing to show you. It’ll knock your socks off.” Matt went to his pack in the corner. “This is probably the most advanced invention in my time. Even a king isn’t capable of making something like this.” Franklin, still holding the bill, now stared intently at the object Matt had pulled from his backpack. “It’s a communication device that plays music and displays pictures,” Matt said. He had already pressed the on button and the phone was now glowing. Matt touched icons to get to his music files and pressed play. The small speakers were amazingly effective in filling the room with classical music.
