Page 45 of Reversal of Fate

24 – Clockwork Silver

Long Beach, Sunday, September 28, 2025

The drive to Long Beach was a disaster. Simply getting on the freeway had taken forever, and once on it, traffic slowed to a crawl. Carter checked his cell phone to find out why the traffic was more sluggish than what he’d read about L.A. weekend traffic, and found out that a four-car accident was blocking all lanes going southbound. Trying to get off the freeway at that point was impossible. They were trapped by other cars without an exit in sight.

In 2085, traffic jams were a thing of the past. There were far less cars on the roads to start with, since many people worked remotely rather than in large office buildings. In addition, cars were self-driving. They didn’t need a human anymore. In fact, eliminating human error had decreased traffic accidents by over ninety percent. And with every upgrade, the accident rate plummeted. Many freeways had been turned into green spaces.

But what Carter was facing here, was more than frustrating. No amount of cursing helped, and Carter grew more anxious with every minute that passed. Julie wasn’t any calmer either, and he knew what went through her mind.

“If we don’t make it in time, I won’t leave you,” he promised.

Tears welled up in Julie’s eyes, but she wiped them away before they could roll down her cheeks.

He felt helpless. There was nothing he could do to get out of this situation.

By the time the accident site was finally cleared, and the Highway Patrol reopened several of the lanes, it had already gotten dark.

At least the beach house was easy to find. Julie parked in front of the driveway, blocking it. Carter was already jumping out of the car and slamming the door shut. Julie was right behind him as he rushed to the entrance door and rang the doorbell.

He listened to any sounds coming from inside the house. There was music. Then the door opened. Carter recognized Steve, who wore swimming trunks and nothing else. Water pearled off his skin and hair. When he recognized Carter, Steve immediately slammed the door shut, but Carter had already jammed his foot between door and frame, preventing Steve from closing the door.

Carter pushed against it, and was helped by the fact that Steve’s wet feet were sliding on the tile floor. He managed to push the door open, and charged inside just as Steve fell backward and landed on his ass. His injured arm was bandaged in white gauze and wrapped in cling film to prevent it from getting wet.

“What the fuck do you want?” Steve looked up from the floor, trying to get up. “Haven’t you done enough damage?” He motioned to his arm.

“Apparently not,” Carter said.

Behind him, Julie entered the house, then shut the door.

Carter pointed to his black time travel watch he was now wearing on his wrist. “Where is the silver one?”

Steve squinted as if he couldn’t see what Carter was pointing to. “What?” He got to his feet.

“My silver watch. Where is it?”

“How should I know?” Steve asked, shrugging.

“You and Todd stole my watches. Todd took the black one. Which I took off him. He said you have the silver watch. So, where the fuck is it?” Carter growled.

“It’s a piece of junk. I tossed it.”

Carter lunged at him, grabbing his neck. “You did what?”

“I tossed it in the trash,” Steve squeezed out through his narrowed windpipe.

“Where?” Carter asked, not letting go of his throat.

“At the frat house. In the dumpster behind it.”

“If you’re lying—”

“It’s the truth! I swear.” He lifted his arms in surrender. “I don’t want any more trouble. That’s why I’m here. I’m done with Todd and the crap he pulls off…”

Carter let go of his throat.

“Do you believe him?” Julie asked.

Carter looked at her then back at Steve. “Should I believe you?” He grabbed Steve’s injured arm and pressed tightly where he’d cut the bastard the day before.