“Not really interesting, but they do exist. Anyway, back to the plan. We’re hoping to use me as bait, to tempt them into tryingto catch me again. At which point, we’ll take them instead and find out everything they know. They’re from the future so we presume they’ll know about the cataclysm.”
“You’re bait?”
“Yes, I’m wandering around my usual haunts in the hope that someone will pounce on me. But we’re being super careful.”
He shook his head. “Crazy.”
“On the positive side,” Josie put in. “If we manage to stay alive, you can help me and Kaitlin steal Kane’s time machine so we can go back in time and save her brother.”
For a moment, Kaitlin closed her eyes. She couldn’t believe Josie had just uttered those words. Josie must have sensed something as she twisted in her seat and turned to look at Kaitlin. Her eyes widened. “What?” she asked.
“I really wish you hadn’t told him that,” Kaitlin muttered.
“You said I could tell him everything.”
“Everything except that.”
“You never said. And why?”
“Because up until a moment ago, only you and I knew. Kane can’t read you, and he won’t read me, unless I give him permission. Which I won’t. But hecanread Steve.”
“Oh. I’m sorry.”
“Kane has a time machine?” Steve asked.
“I don’t suppose you could wipe that from your mind,” Kaitlin said.
“Not a chance.”
She sighed. “Okay, maybe we can keep the two of you apart and not give Kane any reason to get inside your head.” Christ, she could just imagine how he would react if he found out she had designs on his precious time machine. He’d probably put her down himself.
“And you plan to steal it?”
She shrugged. “It was just an idea. I doubt I would actuallydoit. The stupid thing is broken anyway.” She stared out the front window. “Hey, what’s going on up there?”
“Looks like some sort of diversion. Not exactly uncommon here.”
Ahead the road was blocked, and Steve followed the arrows around to the right, off the main road and onto a smaller side road.
“I don’t like this,” Kaitlin said.
“What’s there not to like?” Steve sounded puzzled.
“I don’t know. Josie, call in and let them know exactly where we are.”
“You think this is some sort of trap?”
“Probably not, but just to be sure...”
Josie was murmuring into her phone. “I told Rose. Kane isn’t there yet, but she and Dave are heading out now. They’re only ten minutes away. We’ll be all right.”
“Good. It’s probably nothing, but better to be prepared. Talking of which, I don’t suppose either of you are armed?”
“No, I’ve never shot a gun.”
“And I’m not allowed to carry,” Steve said.
Damn. “Here, have one of mine.” She reached into her bag and pulled out the Glock 9mm and handed it to him. “I take it you know how to shoot.”
