“Then what about me? Is there anything I can do?”
“The only person who can do it needs to match very precise conditions. And, as far as I know, there’s no one like that.”
“What are the conditions, Leah?” I asked, determined.
“First, for that person to have the same bloodline as the Earl, but there’s no one left. Second, to have inherited the ability to control artefacts. And third, to be willing to accept the Watch’s Curse, and either use it or seal it.”
“That can’t be it,” I said disheartened. “There must be something more.”
“There isn’t, Scarlett! Those are the rules. If even one of them it’s not met, then it won’t matter.” Her voice was flat. She had given up, but I hadn’t.
“If the Watch is active, that means the Earl is still alive in my time.”
“That’s right,” Leah approved.
“How can I find him?
With a wave of her hand, Leah changed the scenario around us. We were both standing in front of the manor, which looked like it was set on fast-forward. People, carriages, cars, came and went in a split second. As time passed, the garden suffered vast alterations, getting smaller and smaller, and after a while, disappearing completely. More constructions raised around the manor, shops opened their doors, then closed. More and more cars drove on the paved street in front of the building, which became none other than the museum I was working at. That’s why at times, parts of the manor seemed so familiar. The whole scene came to a stop, focusing on the man standing in front of the double doors, looking at the busy street.
“That’s the Earl.”
“But, that’s the Director!” we said at the same time. “So, all along, the man who tormented you for all these years was right there, beside me, and I hadn’t had a clue.” I dropped on my knees, disappointed; looking at my hands, I continued. “If I couldn’t figure that much, then what can I possibly do?” I raised my face towards Leah, with teary eyes, who was looking at me, smiling warmly. “What can I do, Leah?” Tears started flowing. “I can’t leave things like that. I refuse to let you and Chance waste your lives away any longer. But what can I do?” I covered my face, crying my helplessness.
Leah hugged me tightly and softly whispered in my ear. “You, being here, crying for me, wishing me better, that’s more than enough. I gave up a long time ago on any sort of salvation, but I never stopped wishing for a friend who would care about me and not my abilities. Thank you, Scarlett.” She kissed my forehead.
Chapter 27
I woke up, still crying, and my heart felt heavier than ever. I had to accept the reality in which I wasn’t able to do a thing, but I couldn’t. If I did that, then it was all over for them– one unaware, while the other had already given up.
I got up from my bed and headed to the bathroom to wash my face.
If only I would’ve had more time to talk to Jubilee. Maybe there was a solution Leah wasn’t aware of, I thought while patting my face dry. If only. . .. I stopped with the towel halfway to my face. Perhaps there was something; Jubilee did leave something behind, and it might not be much, but it might contain some sort of clue.
I rushed to my wardrobe and pulled everything out from the shelves, but it wasn’t there, and it wasn’t in the nightstands, either.
“What are you doing? Are we moving?” Midnight entered the room, attracted by the noise.
“I’m looking for something.” I said agitated, “But I can’t seem to find it.”
“What is it?” she asked, tilting her head to the side.
“A book I had from the museum.”
“But why is it so important that it put you in such a frenzy?”
“I never got to the end of it, and it might give me a clue about how to deal with this situation,” I said, continuing to turn the room upside down.
“And by situation, you mean the Watch?” she continued to question me.
“Yes, the Watch,” I answered impatiently.
“Will you stop for a second? I know where your book is.”
I stopped in the middle of the room and looked at her. “What? Where?”
“Your mother has it. You accidentally sent it with a bunch of other stuff, so it’s at your mother’s house.”
“I’m such an idiot.” I slapped my forehead.
“No, you’re just careless. So? What are you going to do?”
“A little trip, I guess.” I shrugged my shoulders.
“What about work?” Midnight asked.
“I’ll just have to play sick,” I said, determined, and putting my hands on my hips.
“No need for drama.”
“What are you talking about?” I asked.
“You got an email not too long ago, from the Secretary to the Department of Restoration and Classification,” she said chuckling. “I see Matteo is still as inflexible as always.”
“Why didn’t you tell me earlier? And since when are you reading my emails?” I pressed my lips together, pushing them out.
“I was getting bored”, Midnight looked away impassive.
“So?” I said expectantly, after a few seconds. “Are you going to tell me what the email was about, or do I have to read it myself?”
“Due to security reasons, the Museum will be closed for the following days. Please wait for further updates,” she recited mechanically.
“Well, that makes things way easier, but I have a bad feeling about this.” I scowled. “We need to be fast. Oh, right; I hope you don’t have motion sickness.”
“What! I’m coming as well?” Midnight’s mouth fell open.
“Unless you don’t want to spend the next few days alone, in an empty house.”
“Fine, but you’d better pack my treats.”
***
Security reasons, my ass, my eyes narrowed, looking at the fast-moving scenery outside the train’s window.
But there was only one possibility. Gregor discovered something he shouldn’t have, hence the wounds and the fright which brought his rushed end, but at the same time, it caused the Director to be on guard. Whatever he’s up to, it must be connected to Chronos’s Watch.
I turned my attention to Midnight, who was sleeping peacefully in her transport bag, on my legs. I felt a bit bad that I’d had to give her a sleeping pill. Despite the fact that she had experience living as a human, it was still too much sensorial excitement for her as a kitten. The crowd, the horde of smells and noises, and a few overly friendly people caused her to panic.
We reached my parents’ house in the evening, and the next train back was the following day at noon. That gave me plenty of time to find the book and spend some time with family before I had to head back.
“Oh, sweetie! It’s so good to see you!” My mother opened the door, when we arrived, with a big smile on her face, and grabbed me in a tight hug. “Did something happen? I was so surprised when you called,” she said concerned, still rubbing my back.
“Hi, mom,” I said, smiling, pushing her softly. “How about you let me in first, and then we can chat?” She stepped aside, giving me room.
“You don’t have any luggage with you? she asked me, surprised.
“I’m afraid I have to head back tomorrow, so the only thing I brought is Midnight.”
“Aw, what a sweet little thing!” my mom exclaimed looking at Midnight through the transporting bag’s net. “But why can’t you stay a bit longer?”
“I have to return to work,” I lied. “I just need something I accidentally sent last time.”
“Oh, sweetie, but you could’ve told me what it is, and I could’ve sent it to you. There was no need for you to spend your money to come all the way here.”
“Nah, it’s better this way. I also wanted to see you, even if only for a short time.”
“Okay, enough chatting!” My father’s heavy voice came from the living room. “Let the girl change and rest a bit before dinner.”
Once in my room, I closed the door behind me and let Midnight out o
f her bag.
“Your mom seems like a nice person,” she said, shaking off all the tension and stretching her body.
“She is. She’s one of those people that’s almost impossible to annoy,” I said, laughing.
“What about your dad?” she asked curiously.
“He’s nice as well, but he’s the type to care a lot about his personal space. So, I’m more likely to get a pat on the back from him, instead of a bear-hug.”
“So, maybe it’s a better idea to keep away from him?”
“No,” I assured her, “he loves pets, just try not to suffocate him.”
Looking around the nostalgic place of my childhood, I came to the realisation I missed home; a lot. Nothing had changed since I left a few years ago, and probably it never will. The walls had the same peachy colour. My bed was covered with the same old, colourful blanket, a silly project I took on when I was about eleven, which kept me busy for several months. On a shelf, carefully arranged, all my books sat in the same order I’d left them, and a few prizes won during school years, some of them only for participation.
Although no one lived in that room anymore, it was clear that my mother still took good care of it. There wasn’t a speck of dust, nor any strange humid smell.
I noticed all the things I sent were nicely put in a corner, still in their boxes, but that could wait. I needed a long shower first.
The hot water was a god-sent blessing, especially after such a long trip. In my carelessness, I forgot I was no longer at home and failed to take something to change into with me. Peeking through the slightly open door, I looked for any signs of my parents–sure, my mom was fine, but my father was a whole different story. The corridor looked clear, so wrapped only in a towel, I ran for my room, careful not to slam any doors in my rush.
Opening the wardrobe, I jumped straight into some oversized grey pyjamas. I refused to face the reality in which I couldn’t fit in my old late-teen years clothes.
Kneeling next to the boxes, I opened the one I sent last and began my search. It didn’t take me long to find the book, and grabbing it, I lay in my bed next to Midnight, who was still a bit dizzy, as a side effect from the sleeping drug. I didn’t get the chance to open it before I heard my mother calling.
“Scarlett! Dinner’s ready!”
“I’m coming!” I shouted back. “Let’s go and grab a bite,” I tell Midnight.
“I think I’ll stay here,” she said, cleaning her fur. “Your bed is way more comfortable than your knees, but don’t forget to bring me something as well.”
“Okay, if you’re sure.” And I left the room.
The living room was filled with the heavenly smell of the roast chicken only my mom could make. In all the years I watched and helped her, I couldn’t figure out her secret. And she wouldn’t share it, either, at least not until I’ll have children of my own; that’s what she said.
“Sit down, Scarlett,” my father said while putting the cutlery on the table. “I bet you’re still tired from the road.”
“I’m not that tired. I can help you set the table if you want.”
“No. No, there’s no need for that,” he told me, then he turned to the kitchen and shouted. “Hurry up, woman! The child is starving!”
I laughed.
“Oh, shut it!” My mom appeared through the door, holding a big, hot tray. “I’m not sure who’s hungrier here; you, or your daughter.” She put the tray on the table and placing her hands on her hips, continued. “How about I tell her how you couldn’t stay put from the moment she called until she got to the front door? Stop acting so mighty, you big old mush.”
My father muttered something in a low voice, but as he passed by me on his way to his chair, he brushed my shoulder and only loud enough for me to hear, said. “It’s good to have you home, honey.”
I loved to be at home.
My mother cut the chicken and prepared the plates.
“Why don’t you spoil me the same?” my father protested when she placed a plate with a whole chicken leg in front of me.
“It has two legs,” my mom raised her eyebrows, pressing on every word, pointing the sharp knife at my father. “One for you, and one for her. Now stop complaining about everything and eat. I swear, sometimes it feels like I married your mother.”
For an outsider, it probably looked like a big fight was about to begin, but I knew better, and a look at my parents was enough to know if they were joking or not. In my father’s eyes there was this playful twinkle meant only for his wife, while my mother had a subtle smile spread all over her face. They’ve always been like that, and to be fair, I think I can count on the fingers of one hand the amount of time I remember them fighting.
The rest of the evening passed mostly with my mother and I chatting, and my father listening. At some point, the discussion turned to Jarred and the reason for our separation. That was the first, and only time my father interfered.
“He should consider himself lucky I wasn’t there,” he said, irritated. “That boy always had something wobbly in his head. What a moron. What was he thinking? That girls like you grow on every corner? If he ever comes back begging, make sure to kick his ass on the way out.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle. After all, he did try to come back, although not while begging, I still kicked him out with a twist.
“It’s good enough that he’s gone,” Mom approved. “So, what now? Do you have someone else you are interested in?” she pried.
“I do, but–” I don’t know what sort of expression I had on my face, but my mom continued.
“Don’t tell me he’s married!”
“What! No! He’s not!” I jumped defensively. “But he might as well be,” I added a bit sadly.
“I don’t understand.” Mom frowned, confused.
“There is this immense wall between us, which can’t be crossed or demolished. So, no matter what feelings we might have for each other, they will never come to a conclusion.”
“Oh, my sweet girl, now you listen to this old lady. Sometimes things seem impossible, but if they are meant to happen, there will be a way. After all, who would have thought I’d end up with this hunk of a man as my husband?” She winked at me, smiling, then we both looked at my father who unsuccessfully tried to hide his embarrassment.
I knew the story too well, but while for them were physical blockades caused by other people, for me it was a two centuries’ time barrier which was impossible to overcome no matter how I looked at it.
Chapter 28
“Ohmygod! What is that smell?” Midnight jumped from the bed as soon as I got into the room with her dinner, licking her muzzle.
“It’s just chicken,” I said, placing the plate with some leftover chicken on the floor.
Midnight didn’t need any invitation. She jumped on the plate and began to gobble it up like there was no tomorrow, snarling and growling at her food. I covered my mouth, and with great difficulty, I suppressed a cackle.
I laid on the bed, trying to ignore the funny sounds she made, and taking the book, I opened it with a crack, only to be slapped over the face by something that fell from between its pages.
Sitting up, I grabbed the object which turned out to be nothing else than the letter I’d found in the secret compartment of the oldest shelf in the museum’s library. I failed to notice before how thick the envelope was. Pushing my finger under the paper, I detached the red-wax seal, and opening it, I pulled out a few pieces of paper folded together, and one on its own.
First, unfolding the ones that were a few, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Decorated by the same elegant handwriting as the rest of the book, the missing pages; the ones about Chrono’s Watch, rested in my hands. I scanned through the text, in the hope that I would find something new, something useful. But there was nothing. Everything written there I was already told beforehand either by Jubilee, or by Leah.
I turned my attention to the single sheet, which turned out to be a letter, for me. The handwriting, still elegan
t, yet very different from the previous one, made it obvious it had been written by a different person.
My sweetest Lady,
I write these rows with a burdened heart, as hope seems to slowly leave us. I don’t know if you are aware at this point in time, but Leah is heavy with the Earl’s child, and while the Watch refuses to react, it’s not a reason to be joyful.
The late Lady Jubilee warned me about this moment, but like many times before I failed to protect her.
The Earl believes it’s the pregnancy that made the Watch unresponsive, which in reality, it’s Leah’s determination to protect her unborn child. But a great danger looms over their heads as the Earl does everything in his power to kill the child before he gets the chance to see the daylight.
I’m afraid to say this, but that child is the only hope there is that the last seal won’t be broken, and the Watch awakened. If he doesn’t survive, then. . .
While it’s true that the Earl doesn’t have the ability to bring forth the Watch’s true menace, he can still use it to prolong his life at the cost of others until he finds someone capable of such a thing.
My Lady, I’m afraid my time . . . our time comes to an end.
I wished I could’ve held you once more, but, perhaps, in another time, in another world, we will meet again, this time unrestricted by unfavourable circumstances.
Yours,
Fatefully forever,
Chance Colton
I dropped the page on the floor, as a tear slid down the side of my cheek. Closing my eyes, I shook my head in disbelief, and rubbing my forehead, I let out a big sigh.
He knew. He knew all along that this would happen, that he would become a power source for the Watch, yet he refused to run away.
“This doesn’t sound too good.” I opened my eyes to see Midnight looking hover the letter. “So? What are you going to do?”
“I don’t know. I don’t know what I can possibly do. You read the letter yourself. That child was the only hope, but since the Earl and the Director are one and the same person, I think the outcome is rather clear. The child didn’t survive, meaning there are no descendants in our time. Meaning no one can stop him until his borrowed time is up. And even then, I don’t see what can get in his way to get more ‘batteries’.”
The Curse of Time Page 15
