“
I’m Josephine Mickler,” the woman said. “You know, people don’t do that much anymore.”
Tabitha must have looked confused.
“Shaking hands,” the chief clarified.
“Oh. Pleased to meet you, ma’am,” Tabitha offered.
“People don’t say that much anymore, either,” Josephine said, giving a sideways glance to Wilkes. “It’s obvious you’re not from around here. The lieutenant has given me a little background information on your situation. I must say, it is an interesting story.”
“Can I just ask, why do you have a woman perpetually in lock up here? This is not a permanent prison facility, is it?” Tabitha sat back down and got comfortable. They may think I’m crazy, but I’m certainly not stupid.
“You are correct, and what a bright girl you are. Yes, I am aware of the woman who is ‘perpetually’ in lock up. She is an extenuating situation, not to be trusted out on the streets, considering the many laws she has broken and her state of mind. She’s one who would not do well in a lock up with hardened criminals. Is that why you came to the station today?”
Tabitha could not stall any longer. “No, it’s not. I’m just looking around at how you all do things here and that question has come to mind. I wonder if I could talk to you in private.”
“I’m sorry, but I don’t see where that is necessary. I have entrusted Lieutenant Wilkes with running the police department when I am not here. He should be part of this as well. Do you believe you were mistreated in the presence of, or by one of my officers?”
“Well, ma’am, I am actually not here to complain of that. I need to give you, and maybe even get from you, some information about a man I saw in here yesterday. His name is Dr. George Mahoney. Or, I think he’s a doctor, a scientific researcher, inventor, or something like that. He has tried to cause trouble for my husband and me back home, and he has access to some dangerous weapons. You also should be concerned about why he is here, because I can tell you, he certainly is not from here. He has access to a weapon that never would have been approved in my home town or in your lovely town here.”
Josephine’s eyes grew wide. Although she believed Tabitha had a few screws loose, she also knew this was no dummy. There was at least a minute chance that some of this girl’s story was the truth, and she couldn’t risk dismissing the information. There actually was a reason the ‘potato lady’ was remaining right where she was. She knew enough to start a riot in the general prison population. Such is why she remained at the station, right under their noses.
“You’re going to need to give us more details, please. We need to know why we should trust you. We need to know how you know this man, George Mahoney, and what proof you have that he is a dangerous suspect. Obviously, he would be under the jurisdiction of another police department somewhere, so tell me, where would that be? We can run a report on him and get a head start that way.”
“No, I can’t tell you. It wouldn’t help you at all. Please, just trust me. There really are some extenuating circumstances here.”
Josephine nodded to Wilkes. Quickly, he came over and slapped some handcuffs on her.
“Wow, Lieutenant. You really get a kick out of doing that don’t you?” Tabitha scowled at him. Today he carried the scent of last night’s beer mixed with aftershave. She couldn’t say that this surprised her at all.
Wilkes snickered in response.
“Tabitha Hansen,” the chief announced, “we are detaining you due to the erratic behavior you presented when first brought to the station coupled with your outlandish claims which you refuse to verify. Really, I’d love to believe that you are only here in the interest of justice, but your refusal of specific details is making you suspect. I’d like to suggest a memory download, as your information is truly not helpful to me in the way presented. I will give you five minutes to think on this. If you respond erratically, it will be the only approval we need.”
Whatever happened to constitutional rights? Did behaving erratically take away my rights, and how do they define the word, “erratically?” By the way, who carries a handy dandy constitution for every time era they may possibly visit? Oh, well, at least I’m not in 17th century Salem. Showing up without a man to tend to me? And these clothes! I’d be burned as a witch for sure.
Tabitha giggled, partly out of nerves and partly out of a disdain for their authority and these new rules. She sensed them both looking at her intently.
“Oh, is my time up? Okay, let’s try it. What have I got to lose? You need to realize, I am here to help you. Something deadly could happen right here in your town. You all should’ve tagged him while he was here. You know, put a GPS on him.”
Wilkes balked. “Well, it’s not called GPS anymore, but I assure you, we did not have just cause to do such a thing. Do you think we could just tag any odd individual that comes into our city limits? What would that mean for you?”
“Tabitha, I’m going to record that as your consent to the procedure.” Chief Mickler pulled a card out of her pocket and began reading. “Your consent to this memory download has been received and indicates that you understand that anything you say as a result of the memory download can be used in a court of law. Acknowledgments made from the memory download are not enough to convict you of a crime. However, when coupled with physical evidence, they can be used in a case against you by the Boston Police Department. Are there any questions?”
Tabitha shook her head, eyes growing wider. She truly hoped her stubborn resolve could keep them from reading her most hidden thoughts. I am a time traveler from 1999. I believe a man named George Mahoney, who is also from the past, is either following me or is here for other reasons, and he possibly has access to very destructive weapons. He also has the capacity to kill and break laws of Physics. I only know of this because when I time travelled to 2047 the last time, I read about it in the news archives. It almost sounded just as crazy to her as it would to them. No, it was time to focus on something else.
A female assistant attached electrodes at Tabitha’s temples. They felt cool against her skin. The chief was wrapping what seemed to be a blood pressure cuff around her arm, and a clip was placed on her finger.
“What’s that for?” The cuff kept filling up and emptying of air, tightening and then easing its hold on her arm. It was like being at the doctor’s office.
“We are monitoring your blood pressure and heart rate. We don’t do this at the expense of someone’s health. If it legitimately puts you in distress, we’ll stop.”
That was good to know. Tabitha took a deep breath.
“Okay, Tabitha, just relax. Let’s first explore the reason you came here.”
“I wanted to get away.”
“That wasn’t what you told me,” Wilkes smirked.
Chief Mickler bristled. “Hush, Phil. Or you may leave the room.”
He shook his head. “It’s okay. I’m sorry.”
“Tabitha, your brain is lighting up in the part that controls the maternal instinct; it’s called the AVPV. And, interestingly, it is lighting up in the amygdala, a portion of the brain associated with anxieties.”
Uncomfortable, Tabitha shifted her weight.
“Please uncross your legs,” the assistant instructed her.
“This is all Mickey Mouse stuff so far. Just wait,” Wilkes added, as cocky as ever.
“So, where are you from?” Mickler asked.
“An average home, in the suburbs, just outside of…the city. Farther south, in Georgia.”
“Why did you want to get away?”
“Because I’m bored, I’m tired, unappreciated, and I can’t do anything right. My baby has gone right to the bottle, and they’re all fine without me. Seriously, I felt like I was about to explode.” All of this was the truth.
Satisfied, Mickler nodded her head. “What were you looking for?”
“Adventure and escape.”
“What’s this about a family mem
ber you were supposedly looking for?”
Tabitha frowned. “He has run off, but I knew I wouldn’t find him here. Well, I guess, that story was just a cover. What could I say? I’m a new mom and I wanted to get away from my baby? Don’t worry, they won’t even know I’m gone. Can we get to George Mahoney now?”
“Okay. Describe what makes George Mahoney so dangerous.”
“He is a scientist who we believe is experimenting with some very lethal inventions and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. What he wants is to stop anyone who gets in the way of him getting what he wants. It could be fame, a woman, even recognition for a certain discovery. I believe he wants all of these things and is willing to kill for them.”
“Can you describe one of his inventions?”
Tabitha shook her head.
“Is it a type of machine gun?”
“Where’d you get that idea?” Tabitha turned around, and her jaw fell.
There was a screen behind her on which there was an image of a long, heavy gun, a grainy image probably conjured in Tabitha’s imagination after seeing the archives from her last trip to 2047. Tabitha knew it had come from her own mind. That may have explained why it was so blurry. She’d never seen it, only imagined it. How could it be appearing on the screen? Okay, the gun was not going to give her away, but this could really lead to trouble for her, depending on what else they asked. She tried to fill her mind with other things. Pregnancy. The feel of her baby kicking inside. Childbirth. Seeing her doctor hold up her son for the first time. She closed her eyes. It was all making her very tired.
“How did you get here?”
Tabitha imagined childbirth. The first painful contraction. Tears came to her eyes. Labor. This was it for sure. She imagined being there again, as painful as it was. She started breathing heavily. Sweat was trickling down her face.
“I got here in my vehicle. It is parked at 200 and Washington St.”
“That checks out,” Wilkes said.
“Why would George Mahoney be after you?” the chief asked.
“My husband is also a scientist and inventor, just like Dr. George Mahoney. It feels strange calling him Dr., though,” Tabitha answered, still breathing heavily.
“Is she alright?” Wilkes asked.
“I suspect she’s doing this on purpose,” the chief answered. “Tabitha, what does your husband have that George Mahoney wants? Is it a competition between the two men?”
Taking a heavy breath, she answered, “We don’t know the answer to that yet.”
“Can you explain?”
Tabitha grew silent and looked straight ahead for several minutes.
“We don’t know what my husband might have done to stir up his animosity.” Because my husband and George Mahoney have not met yet. Danger! A warning signal went off in her brain. She was thinking with too much honesty. Could they read these thoughts? She pictured herself walking to their Jeep Cherokee that day she went into labor, swollen feet puffy in her slide on shoes, wobbling, holding her belly, the other arm holding onto Milt’s arm for reassurance, hoping the bottom wouldn’t drop out and the baby wouldn’t escape until she was ready. As if it would be that easy!
“What is your husband’s name?”
Tabitha paused for a moment. No, there’s no way she gave them the exact name. Could they catch her in a lie this way? Not prone to being a liar, yet capable if she thought it necessary for survival, she thought of Adam and his flashy sports car, his gelled hair and swaggering bravado. Then, she switched, and again pictured walking to that car as she was in labor.
“His name is Adam Minton. I already told you that.”
“How did he and Dr. Mahoney get along?”
She imagined those little twinges of pain as she stepped gingerly toward the car, Milt holding her hand with her overnight bag on his shoulder. How could she tell them that her husband and George Mahoney had not met yet? She couldn’t. She imagined stepping out of the car to get into the ER, contractions becoming stronger.
“I think….I think Dr. Mahoney stole one of my husband’s ideas. Or, we think. So…Not. Good.” Tabitha let out a deep breath and fainted.
Chapter 12
Recoup
“Get the electrodes off her! Didn’t you notice something was going wrong?”
“Ease up, Phil. I’m pretty sure she did this on purpose. There was obviously something she didn’t want to tell us. We should have added a truth component in this test. I would think she was on the run from the law, except her identification match revealed nothing.”
“Well, it revealed that she had the prints of a dead woman.”
“Yes, you told me that. Misty, go get an aguafer, will you?”
“I’ve got her. Let’s get her into the lounge in the next room.”
Moments later, Tabitha found herself lying on a chaise lounge, with Wilkes fanning her. Mickler was nowhere to be seen. The assistant went out and came back with a cold cloth, placing it on Tabitha’s forehead.
“Well, I guess you’ll be okay. You really pulled the wool over the chief’s eyes,” Wilkes said, moving back.
“What are you saying?” She put her hand to her head, feeling dizzy. Immediately, she felt for the wrench key in her shirt pocket, relieved and finally able to put her thoughts on it. It remained there, solid and reassuring. She had been so tempted to reach for it during the memory download.
“Well, you put on quite a show. Misty, you can leave now. Thank you.” He turned back to face Tabitha. “Little mystery woman. You ought to be back in lock-up right now, protesting the food choices with potato lady.”
“Where’s Chief Mickler?”
“She’s gone. She’s got other things to do, you know, and she doesn’t feel that you present any danger. But this might make you feel better. We’ve scanned George Mahoney’s face, and every camera in town will be on alert if he appears.”
“Meaning what?”
“Meaning we’ll be alerted, and someone here at the station will be watching. Officers will be dispatched to wherever he is spotted.”
“I know that’s supposed to make me feel better. Please, believe me, this man is very dangerous.”
“Well, we’ll be aware, and someone will be watching.”
“Thanks for not locking me up,” she said.
“I don’t know, you look like you could use the sleep again.”
Tabitha responded with a weak smile. “I’ll be alright.” She ran her hands through her hair.
“You should go and get yourself something to eat. You really aren’t treating yourself too well, being a new mom and all. Mickler suggested we give you a shot, it would elevate your mood and ease the anxiety.”
She sat on the edge of her seat as if positioned to pounce. “No!”
“Don’t worry, we didn’t. I convinced her that I would speak with you and assess your state of mind. Bottom line, we don’t think you pose a danger to our city or our society. She has moved on to other commitments for the day. You are in my hands. I don’t intend to drug you without your consent.”
Tabitha looked at Wilkes through different eyes. Perhaps he was a decent guy after all. A little prone to impulsive acts of privilege, for his rare status did give him some privilege, didn’t it? He was like a spoiled little king. Goodness, is this what would happen to male/female interactions in the future? What of the men who took to the mountains to be safe, to preserve their reproductive abilities? Did they have palaces with servants?
He actually sounded like he cared about her well-being, though. She was a little shocked but still on guard. Wilkes had the potential to be a creep. On one hand, she wanted to dodge him and get out; on the other, she knew she ought to calm down for a little while first.
“Seriously, food and sleep are some of the most primary needs on the hierarchy ladder. Everything else is easier to manage if you just tend to those. You don’t have any money, do you?”
She shook her head.
&n
bsp; “Okay. I have a chip and that’s all you need.” He started to take it off.
“No. No.” For all she knew they’d use it to locate her. What if she forgot and had it with her when she went back? No souvenirs, Milt had said, and he had good reason, too.
“Alright. Let me walk with you to the sandwich pocket shop. It’s not far. I know the owner. I’ll get you a sandwich and then I’ll leave. That’s it. Hopefully, we won’t see you again around here, unless your George Mahoney character pops up. Then, we may need your help. Honestly, I rather hope he doesn’t.”
“Well, I hope he doesn’t, too, but I hate this. I have a feeling.”
“Okay, whatever you say. I can hope, and I can make sure we’re ready if he does. Come on with me. You’ll feel better.” He extended a hand, but she made it a point not to take it and instead got up very deliberately and slowly.
They walked out the front door together, office staff and officers eyeing them suspiciously. She imagined the gossip waiting to spring from their tongues. It made her a little uneasy. She could imagine, as ambiguous as she thought he was, others around here knew just what he meant when he said or did certain things. Did he refrain from behaving in such a way toward his co-workers? She was thinking too much. It would soon be time to devote her thoughts to an escape plan. She had to get out of his sight.
A five minute walk got them to Stu’s. It was early for lunch, but Tabitha was hungry. A sandwich pocket had everything wrapped in it and was folded over and toasted for good measure. She pretty much gobbled it down.
Would the weather be nice? It had seemed to be quite placid since she got here. Would the skies be clear? She really hoped and prayed for no birds or other obstructions. Looking around at a green face, a blue face, several women and one with a shirt of merely strings, she couldn’t believe she’d taken that crazy leap and come here all alone. Yet, she did.
Wilkes stopped to talk to the owner at the window. He had been kind to Tabitha in the long run. Creepy Phil Wilkes. Sad, pickled Phil. Still, she felt inwardly that he was not to be trusted. Was she expected to just hang around until they caught Mahoney? He could be gone already, back in whatever year he came from. If he came from beyond 2000, did he already know she had left the year 2000 to come here?
Undercurrents in Time Page 11
