Grimm: The Killing Time by Tim Waggoner

Author:Tim Waggoner [Waggoner, Tim]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Titan
Published: 2014-09-30T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

Juliette’s first impulse was to jump off the couch and run for the front door, but she didn’t give in to it. She knew that there was no way she could outrun the Wechselbalg, especially if he possessed Nick’s speed and reflexes. So while she was far from calm inside, she did her best to keep her emotions from showing on her face.

The Wechselbalg walked toward her, a coldness in his eyes like nothing she’d ever seen in Nick—her Nick—before.

“I know what it’s like,” she said.

The Wechselbalg stopped and regarded her, curiosity now joining the coldness in his gaze.

Juliette hurried on. “I don’t know how many of Nick’s memories you were able to duplicate, but it’s obvious that you didn’t get all of them. I saw the way you were walking around the room, looking at things, touching them, as if you almost remembered them but didn’t quite.”

The Wechselbalg continued to look at her in silence. He didn’t start advancing toward her again, though, and she was encouraged enough to keep talking.

“I know what it’s like to grope for memories that seem just out of reach. Something happened to me a while back, and I fell into a coma. When I came out of it, I couldn’t remember anything about Nick. Not a single detail about our relationship or about him as a person. I felt like something was missing, but I didn’t know what. Nick and our friends told me what had happened, and while I believed them, I still couldn’t remember Nick. It was so bizarre to meet a stranger who everyone believes is your fiancé. Everyone but you, that is.”

She paused to gauge the Wechselbalg’s reaction to her words. The shapeshifter’s face displayed no sign of emotion, but his gaze showed continued curiosity mixed with wariness. And was there a little hope present as well? Maybe.

Juliette went on.

“My memories of Nick returned eventually, but I still remember what it was like to not remember him, if that makes sense. Sometimes it almost feels like I’m two different people, and I’m not sure who the real me is. It must be so much worse for you.”

She paused again to give the Wechselbalg a chance to reply. Several moments passed in silence, and she began to think he would never speak. But then softly, hesitantly, he started talking.

“I am always two people, although I try very hard to talk, act, and think like the person whose body I wear. The memories I… acquire from others are never complete, but usually they are sufficient for my needs. But not this time. Nick Burkhardt’s memories are incomplete and hazy. Whenever I try to grab hold of them, they squirm out of my fingers, like tiny fish that swim rapidly away. It’s most frustrating.”

“I imagine it is,” Juliette said.

“I am trying to do a good job of being Nick Burkhardt, but without greater access to his memories, it is difficult.” The Wechselbalg brightened. “But you can help me! You are Nick’s fiancée.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.