A Paradox of Fates Read online

  Chapter 3

  Lainey began the next day frustrated and cranky. She’d spent the rest of the previous day tweaking the equations with Claire and Zach. Each small adjustment altered the power output of the lasers they used to bend space and generate the wormhole. If they could determine the correct output, the Sphere would theoretically function flawlessly. After several hours, she’d given in to exhaustion and headed to the privacy of her room. The migraine had softened to a dull hammer, and she’d eventually been able to fall asleep.

  Finished with her shower, she padded to her dresser to dig out some clothes. A chill ran down her spine, and her head snapped toward the window. Squinting at the soft light that filtered through the white curtains, she listened, ears perked.

  A sudden shift in the light outside the window caught her eye, and Lainey’s heart leaped into her throat. Something was moving outside…outside her room. Throwing on her worn jeans, t-shirt, and sneakers, she pulled open the bedroom door, only to find Cyrus standing on the other side.

  “Something’s outside the hub,” she said to the man she trusted above all others.

  He gave a curt nod. “The men are armed. Take this.” Lainey swiped the gun from his outstretched hand.

  “Marie…and Claire and Sara. Cyrus, we have to protect them.” Fear laced her tone.

  His expression was stern yet calm, reassuring her as blood pounded through her shaking body. “They have no idea what you’re doing here, Lainey. To them, you’re just a boring scientist. Just focus on reiterating that narrative and making them believe it.”

  Inhaling a deep breath, she nodded. Sliding the gun into the waistband at her lower back, she straightened her spine and looked him dead in the eye. “Let’s go.”

  He jerked his head in agreement, and they began the trek down the hallway. They reached the front door of the hub, built from thick metal and protected by several locks. Cyrus freed every bolt, one by one, each click making an ominous sound. Once the latches were all unbound, Cyrus gave her a final glance. Pulling the massive contraption, the door opened, and they ascended the few concrete stairs to ground level.

  The first thing Lainey noticed was the smell. One of body odor and sweat, pungent but not overly nauseating. She counted approximately twenty men circling the hub’s entrance, each with a rifle slung over his shoulder, gripping the hilts as they observed her. They all stood facing the man she assumed was the leader.

  In the gloomy light of dawn, she observed his face, as Cyrus stood between them. Craning her neck a bit, Lainey let her eyes roam. A firm jaw, lined with several days’ stubble, led to a strong chin below a chiseled nose and deep-set eyes. Gunmetal gray irises were glued to hers as he stood tall, seemingly unfazed by Cyrus’s presence. Although the man’s build was thick with muscle and several inches over six feet tall, he was still dwarfed by Cyrus’ six-foot, six-inch frame.

  Slowly, as if not to alarm them, the leader lifted his hand and plucked the toothpick he’d been lazily chewing from between his thick lips. One corner of those lips curved, transforming the man’s face into something almost…seductive.

  “Hello, Lainey,” he said, the gravel in his baritone shooting daggers of warning through her entire body. Danger! her mind shouted, although she couldn’t be sure if the admonition stemmed from fear or the tiny pricks of awareness that rose in bumps on her skin. Never had she been so sentient of a man’s presence. He seemed to ooze an unidentified energy that encircled every vibrating cell in her body.

  “I am Dr. Elaine Randolph, Director of the scientific hub of the Eastern American Isle. We have declared neutrality in the war and have nothing of value to offer you.”

  The man grunted a laugh and arched a dark eyebrow, the same color as the thick, shaggy hair that slightly covered the tips of his ears. Although not long enough to pull into a tail, the man hadn’t seen a proper haircut in some time.

  “We are more than aware of your neutrality, Dr. Randolph, and have no intention of violating it. Although we hate the New Establishment bastards with a passion, we believe their lack of understanding regarding your compound is what’s kept you safe this long. Unfortunately, those days are coming to an end. Have you spoken to Dr. Longwood yet this morning?”

  “Nelson would alert me if anything was wrong—”

  “Nelson’s hub was seized by the New Establishment a few hours ago,” the man interrupted. “Your hub is in imminent danger. I suggest you let us help you.”

  Worry, thick and smothering, pervaded every inch of her body. “How do you know this?”

  A muscle in his jaw ticked. “Let me in, and I’ll tell you everything, Lainey.”

  “First of all,” she said, stepping around Cyrus. When he stiffened, she placed a reassuring hand on his bicep, squeezing before she turned to face the leader. “My name is Dr. Elaine Randolph, and I expect to be addressed that way. I would suggest you tell me who the hell you are within the next five seconds, before I have my friend here”—she gestured her head toward Cyrus—“extricate the information from you.”

  Gray eyes narrowed as he placed the toothpick back between his teeth, chewing thoughtfully. “Lewis did say you’d be resistant,” he murmured, studying her with a slight smirk on his face, enflaming her annoyance.

  “My father died several years ago, and I’m sure he never met you nor discussed me with you. He would’ve told me. My father told me everything.”

  His reaction was a sardonic sneer, causing Lainey to dig her nails into her palms to keep from smacking it off his face. “Lewis was a…complicated man. I’m sure you understood that. But there was one thing embedded deep in his soul, and that was his love for you.” Spitting the toothpick onto the ground, he reached behind him with the hand that wasn’t resting on the rifle sitting atop his thick chest.

  Behind her, Cyrus ruffled, drawing his Glock from the holster and aiming it between the man’s eyes.

  “Whoa, buddy,” the leader said, holding up his hand, palm facing out. “I’m just reaching for a letter. It’s in my back pocket.”

  “Slowly,” Cyrus said, his tone laced with steel. “I’d really like to eat breakfast before I plant a bullet in someone’s brain today.”

  The man breathed a laugh. “Was just thinking how hungry I am myself. See, my men here, we haven’t had a suitable meal or a bath or, hell, anything proper in several weeks. Oh, and I like their chances against you better than yours against me. Twenty-two to one doesn’t usually work out that well. But I’ll go slow. Relax.”

  Cyrus grunted, and Lainey could almost feel the tension radiating from his body.

  The man reached into his back pocket and pulled out a piece of folded paper. The parchment had faded to a dull yellow, and Lainey could tell it had been folded many times over.

  “You can take it,” the leader said, hand outstretched to her, the letter between his fingers. “It’s not a bomb. Well, not the kind that blows up anyway.”

  Frozen, she studied the man, frustrated she was unable to get a read on him. “Who are you?” she asked, wishing her voice didn’t sound so enervated.

  “Captain Hunter Rhodes, at your service, ma’am,” he said with a nod, both condescending and respectful—if that was possible. “I’m the leader of this battalion. We’re all soldiers, left over from the first war. Every one of us was a ranking officer of the Old Rebellion. Although we lost that war, we still believe in the cause. Still believe in freedom. We’re not quite sure the Insurgency or the New Establishment stand for those things, so our allegiance is to ourselves. Your father and I knew each other for many years before his death. He asked that I deliver this to you if I believed you to be in imminent danger, and not before. I’m sorry, but I believe that time has come.” He shook the letter at her again. “Read it. Go inside if you want. We’ll be here when you’re ready.”

  With shaking fingers, Lainey grasped the letter, feeling tiny jolts at the points of her skin where their fingers brushed. Stepping back, she rubbed the faded parchment in her hand as she contem
plated him.

  “Captain Rhodes, please don’t take this the wrong way, but there’s no way in hell you knew my father. I insist you leave this compound at once.”

  Something akin to sympathy crossed his expression, the gentler emotion making him look ruggedly handsome under the brightening sky. “Go inside and read it, Lainey,” he said softly, as steely irises urged her to follow his command. “I’ll be here when you’re ready to discuss it. I don’t mean to sound harsh, but time is of the essence.”

  Hating that this unwelcome stranger was directing her to do anything, she lifted her chin. “I don’t want any movement around the compound. Stay here until I return. I will be sending our soldiers out to backup Cyrus.” Pivoting, she gave Cyrus a stern nod, hoping the infuriating man behind her understood that she gave the damn orders around here.

  After plodding down the steps, she shut the door behind her, clicking the largest deadbolt in place.

  “What do you need from us, Lainey?” Steven asked, Ivan at his side. The two soldiers Cyrus had recruited from the Old Rebellion were his right-hand men and extremely competent.

  “You saw everything on the cameras, right?” she asked.

  They nodded in unison.

  “Go outside and back up Cyrus. I need to read this. Lock the door behind you.” Clutching the note in her hand, she watched the soldiers trail through the entrance of the hub. Gathering her bearings, she sucked in a deep breath.

  Wanting to be in a place she felt secure, she trod to her office. It had been her father’s office for so long, the place where she’d sat on his lap while he taught her science and calculated difficult equations. A safe place where they had shared so much laughter and love.

  First, she needed to confirm. A scientist’s first duty was to verify and corroborate. Reaching for the mouse, she slid it over the desk, causing the screen to brighten. The secure message app was flashing, each slow blink casting a nail of anxiety into her heart. Opening the program, she watched Nelson’s face appear. Filled with dread, she clicked the arrow atop his beloved face.

  “They’re here, Lainey,” Nelson said, terror evident in his voice. “Tanner is here with two hundred troops. He’s at the door, demanding entrance. I managed to destroy our Sphere, as we’d practiced in our drills. I don’t think they’ll realize what we’ve been up to.” He glanced worriedly at the closed door of his office. “It won’t be long before Eli comes for you. Your father put some protections in place for you—ones I won’t detail on this channel since it will soon be overtaken. Trust your gut, Lainey. Be strong and remember that Lorna and I love you.”

  A knock pounded at his office door, and Lainey could see uniformed men entering. A wave of fear crossed Nelson’s face, and then the screen went dark. Holding her fist to her trembling lips, Lainey told herself to remain calm. Nelson had one of the most brilliant minds on the planet. Tanner Cross, the leader of the Australian New Establishment, needed him alive in order to obtain the most from his knowledge. They must’ve finally begun to comprehend the advantages they could gain by utilizing science in their quest to rule the earth.

  Taking the minute she needed, Lainey sent a prayer to the universe, asking numerous gods that she professed not to believe in to ensure Nelson and Lorna’s safety. Then, she picked up the faded parchment, preparing herself to digest the information it withheld.

  Too restless to sit, she stood firm in the middle of the dim room, the only light shining from her father’s old lamp on the desktop. It had been a gift from Nelson. The inscription read, May the light shine until all your answers are illuminated.

  With trembling hands, Lainey unfolded the paper. Tears welled in her eyes as she read her father’s handwriting:

  Lainey,

  If you are reading this letter then I am gone, and you are still stuck in the timeline that I tried so hard to erase. For that, my darling girl, I will never forgive myself. Leaving the burden of saving the world to you was selfish, although you never saw it that way. You have such a bright energy and a giving heart. This, my child, is why I know you will succeed.

  Hunter is a friend. I know this will come as a shock to you since I never spoke of him, but it was imperative that I kept our connection secret. He is no ally to the Insurgency or the New Establishment, but is a strong, loyal soldier and has committed to protecting you and ensuring you succeed in your quest to solve time travel.

  There is something Hunter craves with his soul, and I promised him you would grant his request in return for helping you to complete your mission. I won’t write it in this letter, but he will certainly tell you upon his arrival. His need to accomplish his goal makes him an ally, and he is a powerful one. He knows many secrets that the New Establishment wants to keep hidden. Learn them, and together, I believe you will succeed.

  In the event that you think this letter was written under duress or forged, I have left a corresponding one folded in the pages of Cosmos upon the office bookshelf, for never was my little scientist anything if not cynical. Nelson is also aware of my interactions with Hunter, but I’ve sworn him to secrecy until you mention to him that you read this letter. All my love to you, my beautiful daughter. The only thing I did right in my long, failure-ridden life was to love you and your mother.

  Dad

  A sob broke from Lainey’s throat as she read the words. After reading the message numerous times, she threw it on the desk and rushed to the bookshelf. Gulping in air, as she struggled to breathe, she yanked the hardback book from the shelf. The cover read “Cosmos” above the name Carl Sagan, the words overlaying a picture of the Milky Way galaxy. Opening the book, she frantically flipped the pages, a resulting airstream flitting through the air, cold against her cheeks.

  Emitting a gasp, Lainey watched the folded note fall to the carpeted floor. As the book fell from her limp hands, she slowly lowered to the ground, resting on her knees. Lifting the paper, she unfolded it, careful and wary. The letters inside were scrawled in her father’s deep cursive:

  Lainey,

  Please trust Hunter. He will ensure your safety. I love you, darling girl.

  Dad

  Pain, thick and metallic, invaded every pore of her body and bud of her tongue as she buried her face in her hands. Her father, whom she had trusted above all others, had made a secret pact with a rebel battalion leader without her knowledge. How many other times had he lied to her? Who else had he made clandestine arrangements with? Settling onto the carpet, she rested her forearms on her bent knees, contemplating.

  Lainey had been under the impression her father told her everything. In return, she’d never kept one thought or secret from him—except for her disastrous experience with Dalton, from which she’d learned a huge lesson. Her father had been her most cherished person upon the Earth. Although she’d loved her mother desperately and cared immensely for her family at the hub, her father was her confidant. Her rock. The one person she trusted above all others. Icy rivulets of betrayal swam through her veins as the very notion of the word “trust” was shattered in her soul.

  The betrayal turned to anger as she fumed at the notion her father had made a secret promise on her behalf. Lewis would’ve understood how exasperating that would be to Lainey, as he knew better than anyone how strong-willed she was. Searching her brain, she tried to compute the resentment, knowing it was a waste of time and energy. Still, it burned, and she struggled with the warring emotions inside.

  An eternity later, she felt a comforting hand cup her shoulder.

  “Sweet girl,” Marie said, the woman’s frail skin stroking Lainey’s hair. “I know it hurts, but he did it for your own good.”

  Lainey’s eyes narrowed. “You knew?” she asked, irritation lacing her tone.

  “Yes,” Marie said, nodding as she trained her guilty gaze upon the worn carpet. “I promised I wouldn’t say anything. Lewis had his ways of keeping us safe.”

  “How could he promise something of me that I never agreed to?” Lainey asked, shaking her head.

&nbs
p; “Once Lewis decided on something, there was no changing his mind. You know that best of all since you inherited his stubbornness,” she said, her sweet face awash with sympathy.

  “Can I chime in here?” Claire asked, sliding her head around the door.

  “Come on in,” Lainey sighed, realizing her moment of reflection was over.

  “I’m really sorry, Lainey. I’m sure you’re pissed,” Claire said, tentatively approaching, “but the Australian hub has been seized, and I’m honestly glad Captain sexy-scruff is here. I saw him on the cameras. I mean, if we have to be protected by someone, at least he’s easy on the eyes.”

  All was still for a moment until a laugh burst from Lainey’s throat. “Thank god for you, Claire,” she said, sighing as she contemplated the gravity of their new reality. “How would I get through this craphole of a world without your sense of humor?”

  “I mean,” Claire said, gaze darting to the ceiling as she tapped her lip with her finger, “it would be pretty hard. I’m the only one who keeps us sane.”

  “And I’m the only one who keeps us fed,” Marie chimed in. “Speaking of, it’s time to get breakfast on the table for the crew, Lainey. I know this is a shock, but we need to get moving. You’ve got to figure out what to do, and I won’t let you do it on an empty stomach.”

  Sitting back, Lainey observed the two women who were so dear to her. “Okay,” she said, running her hands through her hair. “I guess I need to figure out what the hell to do here. I need to have a chat with Captain Rhodes, but he’s got another thing coming if he thinks he’s giving orders around here. This is my hub, and I run the show. Nothing is more important than finishing my work.”

  “Damn straight,” Marie said, rising and extending her hand to Lainey. “Well, c’mon, girl,” she said, shaking her hand in Lainey’s face. “Let’s get to it then.”

  Grabbing onto the woman’s hand, Lainey let her friends pull her to her feet. After securing both of her father’s notes in his desk drawer, she straightened her spine, steeling herself for the day, for in their world, not one day could be wasted. With resolve, she stalked from the office.