A Chronetic Memory (The Chronography Records Book 1) (34 page)

“It’s hard for me to understand too,” said Marak.

“I’m so angry about what he’s done. On the other hand, he’s the reason we met! I wish I could sit down with him and ask, ‘What were you thinking?’ But he won’t even talk to me.”

“Give him time.” Marak gave her a little side hug. “He’ll see you when he’s had some time to think.”

“I hope so.”

“What about you?” Dani asked Marak. “After all your work, you didn’t even get to submit the whole story of the timestream repair to the paper, did you?”

He grimaced. “No. They said it didn’t happen, so it wasn’t news. The news was that it
didn’t
happen.” Then he smiled and winked. “But that’s all right. I’m already working on the book.”

“How will the changes affect you, personally?” Kat asked Dani. “You didn’t know much when we had lunch on Monday.”

“Well, for starters, we meet in groups every morning and interact directly with a researcher. We hear about the projects we’re working on, and the assignments feel more like part of a group effort than isolated tasks. Sometimes it’s even the same type of task, but because we’re working together, there’s more opportunity for discussion and sharing what we’ve found.”

“Wow, that’s a big change, isn’t it?” Marak asked.

“It is! And there’s a bigger change coming.” Dani paused to draw out the suspense, but the dramatic moment was spoiled utterly when Jored tore through the force-field screen over the back door.

“Dani! I heard your voice! Can we play chess? Did you bring me anything? Are you staying for dinner? Wanna come see what I built outside?”

She returned his enthusiastic hug. “Hey, bud! Slow down. I’m here for the evening. There’ll be lots of time for all that.”

“Okay! I’ll get it ready for you!” And before she could respond, he dashed back outside.

“It’s like you’re his playmate, instead of his grown-up friend.” Kat was shaking her head.

“And you love it,” Marak told his wife.

“Yeah, I love it.” She smiled at him and turned back to Dani. “Let’s go sit down and you can tell us about the big change at work.”

“They’ve started a new division, dedicated to researching temporal disturbances. How to monitor them, what causes them, how to stop them, even how to fix them, if necessary. It’s real research with lots of promise.”

“How will that affect you?” asked Kat. “Will you have a part?”

“Yes, I got the notification today. At first, they were saying they didn’t want interns involved, but I guess I made an impression.”

“At your interview?” Kat wanted all the details, of course.

“No. They didn’t even call me for an interview.”

“That’s unusual,” said Marak.

“Yeah, it was. I think they may have decided at the first meeting.” Dani paused to remember. “And that was weird, because it sure seemed as if he didn’t want me to put my name on the list at all. They were already packing up to go.”

“He? Who?” asked Kat.

“Lexil Myles. He’s heading up the division.”

“He’s a little young for that, isn’t he?”

“Yes, that’s what I…” She glanced at her friend, sharply. “How did you know that?”

Kat shrugged. “I’ve just heard of him, that’s all. Through my…uncle.” Her face darkened again.

“You’re right. He’s not much older than I am. He didn’t look interested at all, until I said my name. And then—the strangest thing—he acted like he’d heard it before, and then he smiled.” Dani trailed off.

Kat leaned forward. “Yeah?”

“Yeah,” she looked up at her friend and blushed. “I mean, it was probably nothing. Anyway, four days later, I got my notice. Oh, and it comes with a promotion. No more blue lab coat.”

“That calls for a celebration,” said Marak. “I’ve got a secret stash of chocolate hidden away for just such an occasion.”

“You have chocolate that you’re hiding from me?” Kat frowned at him.

“If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have it now to celebrate with, would I?”

“No, probably not.”

“Okay then. Dani, would you like some chocolate?”

Jored stepped through the force-field screen. “Chocolate? I would! I would!”

Dani laughed. “Let’s save it for dessert, okay?”

“Aw.” His face fell. He looked so much like his dad sometimes.

“Hey, you want to play a game of chess while we wait for dinner?”

He beamed. “Yeah! Right now?”

“Yes, right now. Which do you want, white or black?”

Kim K. O’Hara is a high school math and publications teacher who lives in Lacey, WA, and relishes frequent visits from two irresistible granddaughters. She loves reading, writing, and recreational math, but seldom gets in the mood for housework. You can reach her by email at
[email protected]
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AUTHOR’S NOTE

Hey! You made it to the end. What do you think, will Dani and Lexil stand a chance in the restored timestream? I am excited about writing the next book in the series, and your comments can contribute to the story that's told. What and who would you like to see more of?

On the next page, Kindle will give you the opportunity to rate this novel and tell your friends on Facebook and Twitter that you’ve just finished it. Please take a few seconds to help make my book more visible by rating it or leaving a sentence or two as a review. I’m eager to hear from you, and I’ll be reading every comment!

With gratitude, Kim