Borrowed Time by Keith Hughes

Author:Keith Hughes [Hughes, Keith]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780979991813
Publisher: Penslinger Press
Published: 2018-08-16T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIXTEEN: Back to the Future

Tuesday, August 26, 1986 3:53 p.m.

There is no fate but what we make.

Ness’s brain supplied the quote from one of his favorite movies, as it fit his desire for a different outcome for his friend. He tried to find some way to refute the doctor’s words but could not muster a single argument. The doctor gave him a sad smile and patted Ness’s arm.

“Do not cry over my lost years, for I can attest they do not exist. I have not shared with you my recently diagnosed medical condition of a rather nasty strain of cancer. It has apparently been at work in my body for some time. My longevity is now measured in weeks, not years, and this is far better than the painful end I know ultimately awaits me.”

The doctor’s words rocked Ness on such a deep emotional level that he didn’t know how to express his reaction.

Dr. Bertrand peered at Ness intently. “Have you retrieved my second time machine yet?”

The only way Ness could respond was to shake his head.

“As I said in the video, you must prevent it from being used by them, Fletcher and his ilk. I do not want to give the appearance of issuing orders, but the importance of that task cannot be overstated.”

A fit of coughing interrupted the doctor as he paused for a sip of coffee. He pressed his napkin to his mouth, and it took him almost a minute to get the cough under control. When he finally finished, Dr. Bertrand looked even weaker than he had before. His frailty tore at Ness’s heart.

“Part of the reason I had to entrust protecting my devices to you is because I do not have the endurance now to see it through to completion. I fear my weakness would lead to failure. I do hope you will forgive me for bringing you into my problems, but you are the only person I can trust with this.”

Ness swallowed his heartbreak and cleared his throat. “You have nothing to apologize for. I’m honored you confided in me.” A long, strained silence came between them. Ness took a sip of his cooling tea, trying to gather his equilibrium. “What will you do now?”

Dr. Bertrand’s countenance filled with such joy that Ness almost guessed the answer. “I have a number of hours left. Once I am almost done, I will send the device to you, but in the interim, I intend to be with my Evelyn. Back before this same disease turned her into a shadow of herself. I have dreamed for years of holding her hand again, of hearing her laugh one more time. This is how I have chosen to spend the last few hours of my life.”

Ness could only dip his head in acquiescence, his heart heavy at his friend’s impending death. A drop of moisture on his cheek distracted him, and he wiped it away. When another replaced it, he frowned. He was not crying. A hand across his forehead came away wet, as if he had been working in the sun.

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