Future Lost by Briggs Elizabeth;

Author:Briggs, Elizabeth;
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
Published: 2018-05-05T04:00:00+00:00

PART IV

THE NEAR FUTURE

00:00

The future slowly comes into focus. I’m standing beside Ken inside the accelerator, but the door’s already open. Vincent waits just outside it, looking a little older, a little grayer, but just as self-assured as in the present.

“Impressive,” Vincent says. “I’ve never actually been on this side of it before. You simply appeared out of nowhere.”

“What are you doing here?” I ask.

“I’m here to help you.” He steps back. “Let’s go. No time to waste.”

Ken and I shuffle out of the accelerator, and Vincent leads us to the elevator. Unlike my last trip to the future, the lights are on in the basement, and it looks nearly identical to when we left it. Assuming Dr. Walters got the navigation working, we’ve only gone ten years forward this time.

“Where is everyone?” Ken asks as we step into the elevator.

“It’s the day after Thanksgiving.” Vincent gives us a knowing glance. “I gave my employees the entire week off and made sure they knew there would be no overtime if they came in. The building should be completely empty.”

“You didn’t warn them about what would happen today?” I ask.

“No. I debated it for a long time, but wasn’t sure anyone would believe me. Or if they did, and word got out that I knew about the virus in advance, the authorities might investigate me and not look for the real perpetrators. Instead, I gave my employees an early Christmas bonus in the hopes they’d use it to get out of the city for a while. Or at least be able to buy supplies when things start going to hell. It’s not ideal, but it’s the best I could do.” He shakes his head. “And if you succeed, none of this will matter anyway.”

“That’s the idea,” Ken says. “Do you know where our present-day selves are?”

“I haven’t spoken to any of you in years. I imagine you’re all doing the same thing I am—preparing to ride out the end of the world.”

The elevator opens to the parking garage, and Vincent strides out, expecting us to keep up. He’s wearing a charcoal-gray suit and shiny black shoes, still playing the role of corporate big shot even though there’s no one around but Ken and me.

Vincent stops beside a dark-silver sedan that looks exactly like a car from the present. “You can use this car while you’re here. Everything you might need is inside already, including updated maps of the Beverly Center. I’ve also included some other electronic devices you might find useful, along with some money in case there’s anything else you need.”

“Thanks,” I say, as he hands me the keys. He’s helping us, just like his future self said he would. But Future-Vincent also said we would fail.

He gives me a sharp nod. “I won’t be here when you get back, but there’s a security badge inside the car that will get you in and out of the building.”

“Where are you going?” Ken asks.

“To my vineyard in Napa. Thanks to your warning, I’ve spent the last ten years preparing for what’s to come.

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