The sudden reality that she missed his easy smile and Courtney’s infectious laughter made her spirit deflate. Harrison’s non-existence in this world had caused damage to more than just her. She needed to make things right.
Collecting her bottle of water, she walked to the checkout resolved. Knowing she would pay a huge price for her decision, but deciding she didn’t care, Gemma paid for her drink and ran for the exit. She didn’t have time to waste at the mall. She had practice to do. Bursting into the sunlight, Gemma let the image of Ruby’s birthmark slip from her mind. All that mattered now was getting Harrison back.
Chapter Twenty-Four
St Augustine, Florida – 2011 AD
“Gabe! It’s me!” Gemma pounded on the door a couple more times then stepped back and kicked the lower step.
Where are you?
Pacing away from the caravan she stomped into the empty lot. Images of Courtney’s confusion and tears were still vivid. Gemma had been so ready for a serious afternoon of traveling. The farthest she’d been back so far was 50 years, but she knew she could do more. It was getting easier to remember old trips with her family and visualize where she was.
Slumping to the ground, she sat crossed-legged in the sun and dredged through her memory. She tipped her head as she ran through several scenarios then finally decided to settle on the time they went back to Chicago in 1926. They had saved a man who was being chased down by the mob for ratting out one of their members. Details were a little fuzzy, but Gemma could remember the dark alley they had arrived in. She could picture the grimy walls and remembered the stench of rubbish as she’d shoved her legs into a pair of pants.
She ran the details over in her head, ready to discuss them with Gabe as soon as he arrived.
Time passed at a slow, painful pace.
Tapping her finger on her teeth, she looked at her watch then back to where Gabe would be appearing. She had been waiting nearly thirty minutes and her mounting frustration was making her limbs jitter.
I could always go without him.
She knew immediately the idea was fool hardy, but she suddenly didn’t care. Gabe not being here wasn’t her problem and she knew she could do this. Standing to her feet, she wriggled her fingers and drew in a slow breath.
The alley became clear as she closed her eyes and concentrated. She couldn’t remember the specific day and time she had gone, but 1926 was very clear in her head. As she smelt the familiar stench of garbage her body disintegrated.
* * * *
Chicago, Illinois – 1926 AD
She let the sting disappear before opening her eyes with a proud smile. Her triumph quickly diminished as she looked down the alley and spotted a group of men. They were standing in a circle smoking cigarettes and talking in that 1920s Chicago accent they used in gangster movies.
Okay, so they weren’t here last time.
Her heart hammered. She was overly aware of her nakedness and wanted to return on the spot, but knew she couldn’t risk one of them turning to see her as she disappeared. So far they were still chatting in a noisy circle. Stealing her breath, Gemma crept away from the wall and peeked out of the alley. The street wasn’t crowded, but the minimal human traffic was too risky. She’d rather be caught dead than naked.
After a quick assessment, she decided her only other option was to walk towards the men and sneak around the side of the building. She could see a patch of shadow that would hide her gold dust perfectly. Biting her cheek, she slithered along the wall and was about to make a break for it when her nightmare came true.
One of the young men turned to throw his cigarette butt on the ground. His beady eyes traveled the short distance to her and slowly worked their way up her body. His crooked smile was repulsive and the glint in his eye made Gemma want to whimper.
“Well, hello doll.”
She could feel her even breathing growing rapid as he approached. His friends turned to see who he was talking to and Gemma was soon facing six hungry smiles.
He sidled up against her and brushed his finger down her cheek.
“Now what’s a pretty young thing like you doing here?”
She shied away from him and swallowed. “Don’t touch me.”
Her mind was screaming for ideas of escape, but all strategies involved way too much publicity. If she disappeared on the spot they may talk of gold dust. If she fought them off word might spread. Who knows what could end up in the history books?
As his smoky breath covered her cheek she knew she was running out of options.
“Fancy a little entertainment, boys?”
Holding the back of her neck with a rough hand, he pulled her towards him and ran his tongue down her neck.
She acted before thought could stop her. Grabbing his crotch she pulled as hard as she could. He let out a high scream and crumpled to the dirt.
“You little…”
His friend came at her with a forceful punch, which she blocked. She finished him off with a few swift punches of her own. She thought two fallen comrades might be enough to deter the rest, but it just inflamed them. They all came at her at once.
Trying to forget her nakedness yet fueled by the desperation of that fact, she fought hard and dirty. Breaking every rule Dom had ever taught her, she threw herself into getting free, kicking, biting, punching and clawing until every man was down and bleeding.
She wiped the blood from her lips and winced. She could feel the oncoming golf ball beneath her lower lip and was sure her right eye was going to look pretty purple upon her return. All she could hope was that Gabe wouldn’t be there to greet her.
Stepping over the moaning debris, she was about to stand in the shadows and disappear when one of the men yelled. “Police! Help!”
Gemma looked up the alley with a gasp and spotted the silhouette. The baton in his hand made his occupation clear. She held her breath, hoping he’d walk on by, but it was too late. She couldn’t see his face, but somehow knew he’d spotted her.
Spinning around, she lurched down the alley at full speed.
“Hey! Stop!”
She ignored the sound of his whistle, focused solely on finding a place of escape. She knew she needed somewhere dark enough not to be seen and somewhere hidden enough that she’d have time to concentrate and get the hell away.
Jumping over an old crate, she landed on something sharp and let out a wail. Her barefoot hit the ground again and a sharp pain seared through her flesh. Adjusting her running style, she limped down the alley, turning to see the officer’s bulky form struggling to keep up with her. The alley was coming to an end. She could see a brick wall in the murky darkness. Panic rose swiftly. She came to an abrupt stop. A dead end.
She turned back and watched the police officer approaching.
I can’t knock out a police officer. That will definitely make the news!
Frantically searching her surroundings, she noticed a window ajar. It was two stories up, but it would have to do. Stepping onto a metal garbage can, Gemma jumped and caught the lowest rung of the fire escape ladder. Using what strength she had left in her arms, she hauled herself up. The police officer made a grab for her ankle, but she cleared it just in time and raced up the ladder. The pain in her foot was screaming by the time she climbed onto the ledge and shimmied across the bricks.
Sliding the window open, she ignored the officer’s shouted commands and slithered inside. She landed with a soft thud and held her breath, listening for sounds of movement in the room. The lump in the bed across from her rolled over with a sleepy moan. Gemma went statue still, waiting for the occupant to settle before jumping to her feet.
The noise outside the window was increasing as orders were shouted down the alley. Gemma heard the screech of the ladder being pulled down and knew she only had moments left. Jumping to her feet, she hastened for the door. The lump in the bed suddenly grew restless and began to sit up. She saw the hand reaching for the light. Grabbing the door handle, she swung it open and hid behind it. Squeezi
ng her eyes tight, she thought of Gabe’s lot.
She heard a click and sensed the light as her body broke apart.
* * * *
St Augustine, Florida – 2011 AD
Gemma kept her eyes shut as she curled into a ball and covered her face. Her body shook with panicky tears.
“Gemma! Oh thank God.” Gabe’s voice approached rapidly.
She stayed in a ball and wished for invisibility.
“I saw your bike. When I couldn’t find you, I just knew.”
Gabe covered her with a large T-shirt.
“What the hell were you thinking?”
“I thought I could do it.” Gemma mumbled through her hands.
“You never travel without my supervision. I thought that went without saying!”
“I won’t do it again.” She sniffed.
Gabe’s grip was gentle as he pulled her hands away. His face was a mixture of anger and concern. “What happened?” He was merciful enough to keep his voice soft.
“You don’t want to know.” She fingered her lip and winced.
“Oh, I really do.”
She looked into his eyes and swallowed. “Can I at least get dressed first?”
“Come on.” Gabe stood from his spot and helped her up. Gathering up her clothes, he chucked them at her face and walked towards the caravan. “I’ll get some ice.”
She got dressed slowly, not really wanting to face the wrath she knew she deserved. Placing her foot on the ground, she hissed and grabbed at it. A large gash had ripped her skin apart. She wondered what it was that had done it and felt really bad for the person that was going to find a bloody piece of glass or metal embedded in their carpet.
So much for being subtle.
Loathing her mistake, she limped towards the caravan and fumbled her way inside.
“Sit.” Gabe handed her a cold soda and pointed to the bed.
“My foot is…”
Without a word, he grabbed up a stool. Pushing her shoulder, he forced her to sit then lifted her foot gently onto the stool. He grimaced at the ugly wound and turned back to the sink.
“Start talking.”
Gemma let out a slow sigh. “I don’t know what happened. I could picture where we’d been perfectly. Everything was crystal clear and then when I arrived there were these men standing there. They weren’t there last time, I don’t-”
“Where did you go?”
“Chicago, 1926.”
“That far? You haven’t even made it back to the 1940s yet.”
“I thought I could do it! I don’t know what happened.”
Gabe handed her packet of frozen peas. “Put that on your face.” Kneeling down, he eyed her foot and poked at the wound. She drew in a breath and jumped.
“Sorry kid, but we need to clean this and bandage it up. You’re not going anywhere until it’s fully healed… unless you have a brilliant alibi for turning up looking like you’ve come from a boxing ring.”
“I had to fight off six guys and then run from the law. I don’t think I did too bad.”
Gabe closed his eyes and shook his head.
“Okay, my guess is you had the right place, but the wrong time. That’s probably why those guys were there. Did you know the specific day?”
Gemma looked down and shook her head.
“Idiot.” Gabe wiped her wound clean.
Gemma held her tongue. The easiest way to make these lectures go quicker was to just stay quiet. She waited for Gabe to raise his voice and rip into her, but he didn’t. He cleaned her foot in silence, being as gentle as possible.
Unable to stand this bizarre behavior, Gemma finally caved. “Are you… are you going to tell me off?”
Gabe looked at her sideways. “Do you want me to?”
“Well, no, but… look can you just get on with it. This silence thing sucks.”
His smile was crooked as he wrapped the bandage around her foot. “I take it Penelope is a yeller.”
“She likes to get things off her chest.”
Gabe tied the bandage securely then rested his elbows on his knees and looked at her. “I don’t need to tell you off. You knew you’d made a mistake the second you crossed the line and you’re not going to do it again.”
“No, I’m not.”
Gabe shrugged with a grin and stood to his feet.
“So, where’ve you been the last few days?”
Gemma groaned and fell back onto the bed. The next hour flew by as Gabe listened to Gemma lament about shopping malls then meeting up with Courtney. Gabe listened with amusement then sympathy.
“We’ll get him back, kid. You just have to hang in there and do it right.”
“Then everything will go back to the way it was?”
“That’s the plan.” Gabe took a swig of his drink and looked at her. “Your eye’s back to normal now. Let’s have a look at this foot.” He reached for the bandage as Gemma checked her watch.
“Crap, I hope it’s better. I need to get home.”
“Let me guess, Penelope’s got something she wants to get off her chest.”
“I imagine so.”
Gabe’s rich laughter made Gemma grin and then it made her chuckle. By the time Gabe had the bandage off her stomach was shaking with giggles. She just hoped she could keep a straight face when she got home.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida – 2011 AD
“You don’t just leave without telling anybody!” Penelope slammed the utensil drawer closed. “I thought you were simply buying a bottle of water and the next thing I knew you’d disappeared!”
“Like I said, I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking. I bumped into Courtney and she asked if I wanted to go get a slushy, so I did.”
Gemma had formulated her story on the way home. She had snuck in the door with the vain hope that her mother was working and she could deal with the drama in the morning. Unfortunately the second she had opened the front door her mother had been bustling over the tiles with an irate demand that she come immediately to the kitchen.
“I still can’t believe you actually had one of those things. Do you have any idea how bad they are for you? Don’t let your father know you’ve been slurping that poison. You can’t afford to eat trash; it affects your performance across the line, you know that already!”
“If it’s any consolation, I didn’t enjoy it.” Gemma shoved her hands in her pockets as she watched her mother prepare dinner with military precision. As a little girl, Gemma used to find her annoyance amusing, but that’s because it was never directed at her. This year had been a little different.
Although, Gabe’s laughter was still running through her head. She squashed a smile as she watched her mother attack a head of lettuce.
“I shouldn’t have let you take your bike to the mall. I’m tempted to take your keys!”
“What? Mom, no! Please, don’t take the bike. I won’t let my cell phone battery die again. I’ll be more careful. You’ll be able to reach me next time.”
Her mother stopped chopping to sear her with a narrow gaze. The silence that followed was a good sign. Her mother did have a tendency for rash statements when she was annoyed. If she didn’t follow through with any more comments, it usually meant she wasn’t going to act on it.
Gemma breathed a sigh of relief as her mother resumed chopping. She opened her mouth to excuse herself, but realized this wasn’t over.
“And who is this Courtney girl anyway? I was assuming after the Harrison fiasco had finished things would have gone back to the way they were.”
Gemma’s smile disappeared at the sound of her boyfriend’s name. She hated the way her mother uttered it with such disdain. The familiar burst of irritation that seemed to accompany every discussion with her mother exploded in her belly. “So you don’t want me to have any friends now? You were over the moon when I first started hanging out with Courtney.”
“That’s before I knew she was just a cover so you could spend time with that Granger bo
y.”
“Yeah, well he’s not a problem anymore, is he?!” Gemma threw as much venom into her expression as she could.
“Don’t take that tone with me.” The sharp point of her mother’s knife nearly touched Gemma’s nose.
“What tone am I supposed to take? How am I supposed to react when everything I enjoy doesn’t fit in with your perfect plans? What do you want me to say?”
Penelope shrugged. “Tell me you trust me.”
All Gemma could do was stare at her mother for one silent beat too long. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she turned and left the kitchen.
Taking the stairs two at a time, she made a quiet retreat to her bedroom. Hopefully everyone would forget she was there and she could spend the evening going over Gabe’s latest tips. The need to get her boyfriend back was becoming narcotic… and her mother was only fueling the addiction.
Trust her? Seriously?
Gemma huffed. A soft shuffle caught her attention as she rounded the corner. Jumping back out of sight, she snuck another peek and watched her father stride towards his study with purpose. She wasn’t sure why she felt the need to be inconspicuous. Maybe it was something about his gait or the tense set of his shoulders. Pausing outside his office door, he touched the handle then glanced behind him. Sucking in her breath, Gemma ducked out of view and waited for the click of the door. A few moments later she peered around the corner and found the hallway empty.
At first she couldn’t pinpoint what it was about her father’s entry to his office that bothered her so much. He went to his office all the time and he often looked tense with work things. It wasn’t until three o’clock the next morning that Gemma sat up in bed and blurted, “Why did he look over his shoulder?”
Slumping back onto her pillow, she kicked her legs free of the sheets and toyed with the ends of her hair. Gazing up at the ceiling, she recaptured the scene and there it was again.
Black Blood (Time Spirit Trilogy, #2) Page 14
