Twin Flames (Twin Flames #1)

Chapter 17

CHAPTER 17

Y ork, present day, six months later

‘ If we use my new TT system, we should be able to catapult you into any timeline we choose. Do you see the potential we have at our fingertips? It’s incredible!’ said Professor Eddie Makepeace.

Cara looked at him, wide-eyed. ‘So, hold on, let me get this straight a minute. You’ve come all this way to see me because you want to use me as a guinea pig for your new—what—system?’

‘TT: for time travel. It sounds dangerous, but it’s not that bad, I calculated it has a seventy-five percent success rate.’

‘Gosh! seventy-five percent?’

‘Yes. Isn’t it amazing?’

‘Er. . .what about the other twenty-five per cent? What if I fall into those stats?’

‘Let’s not focus on the negative. The chances are good that you’ll arrive in exactly the time for which we programme you. Think of the discoveries we’ll make if we send you into the future.’

‘The future? I hadn’t even thought about the possibility of going to the future. Who else has tested this wonderful TT system?’

‘Um, well, no one yet. You’ll be a pioneer. That’s why it’s so exciting.’

‘I’ve told you before, Eddie, much as I’d love to help you out with your experiments, I just don’t think it sounds like a sensible idea. It’s so hit and miss. I mean, how would I get home?’

‘We’ll work out all of those little details once you agree to take part. It’s a special system. My team and I have made considerable progress since we talked about it last time.’

‘No, Eddie, absolutely not. I don’t recall the specifics, but I’ve got an uncomfortable feeling that I’ve been your guinea pig in the past. And I don’t think it ended well. Am I right?’

‘I can’t remember.’ Eddie avoided her eyes and shuffled the paperwork in his briefcase. ‘We’ve been through a lot together over the centuries. But you’re here, aren’t you? It can’t have been that bad!’ He ran his long fingers through his messy hair and shot her a boyish, please-don’t-spoil-my fun, look.

‘Interesting how your memory fails you at this crucial moment.’ Cara laughed, always charmed by his innocent enthusiasm.

‘Will you promise me you’ll consider it, Lady Cara?’

‘Please don’t call me Lady Cara, Eddie, it sounds ridiculous! I’m just an ordinary woman now.’

‘Okay, I’ll try, but you’ll never be ordinary. How about Countess?’

Cara rolled her eyes, and Eddie laughed. They shared the easy affinity of old friends.

‘Purely out of interest, what timeline would you like to catapult me into?’

‘Well, I’m curious to see what we can learn from the citizens of 2100. Technology will be so advanced by then; there’ll be quantum leaps which we can apply now if we know what to look for. I’ll be able to lead my team of scientists at the university to replicate your findings.’

‘But is that not tinkering with the future, Eddie? What about the danger of unforeseen repercussions? It’s like a potential apocalypse movie.’

‘You’d report what you discover, and I’d only use what is safe to use.’

‘I see,’ Cara said. ‘It sounds absolutely terrifying. But because it’s you, I promise to think about it. Please don’t get your hopes up though as I have a lot of reservations. I don’t know if I can muster the courage, for one.’

‘You are worrying unnecessarily. I’ve never known a more courageous woman. You saved me from the hangman’s noose in Tudorville.’

‘One more thing,’ she said, touched by his affectionate words.

‘Yes?’

‘I’m confused. Why don’t you go yourself and then you would see it all firsthand?’

‘I wondered when you’d ask that. I’m afraid there’s one small problem.’

‘There always is, Eddie! What is it this time?’

‘I have already been to the future. I gathered fascinating data which is why we must continue the experiment. If in the very unlikely scenario you don’t come back as planned, I know how to come and get you. But if I go again and don’t come back, no one, including you, because you’re too inexperienced in time travel, would know how to reach me. Aside from the fact that I rather like my life here, me not returning would mean the end of the research. No one else on the team has the ability to time travel. This is why it’s so important for you to go. I wouldn’t ask you if it wasn’t vital. I’ve gone as far as I can using myself as a prototype which is why your timing is absolutely perfect.

It’s no exaggeration to say that what you discover, combined with our ability to analyse it, could save the planet from extinction. If we know what they know in 2100, we will be able to unpack the data and use it to set a different course. As crazy as it sounds, I think we will be able to save the world from a catastrophic end.’

Cara sighed. ‘Somehow I don’t feel any better after hearing that.’

York, the next day

Cara sipped her tea at the kitchen table and hummed to the radio. Energised after a good night’s sleep, she was enjoying a few peaceful hours of solitude. She had been spending a lot of time with George lately; their relationship was about as wonderful as it could be, given the precarious circumstances. After Sylvia’s reading, Cara had resolved to stop trying to control the situation and to accept it, for now, and then a couple of days later, as if by magic, George’s embargo on them seeing each other had lifted and the impasse between them dissolved.

The newspaper thudded onto the doormat and interrupted her reflection. She scooped up The Press and leafed through the pages, as she wondered what to have for dinner.

What the hell? No. . .

But there it was; a coloured photo of George, her George, slammed into her face. Her spirits plummeted as his dark eyes met hers. Handsome and relaxed, his arm cradled Joanna’s waist. The perfect couple. Cara’s senses reeled, her familiar insecurities resurfaced and slashed at the wounds in her tender heart.

Here we go again. I can’t take anymore.

Her thoughts raced as she read the article. There was a bit of back story about their life together, followed by a brief account of the history of the Tudor Kings’ Manuscript . The programme would air the following week.

As if on cue, her phone rang. It was George.

For a couple of seconds, she contemplated not answering.

‘Hello?’ she said after a few rings, her voice unsteady.

‘Morning. You okay? You sound a bit odd.’

The anger fuse lit deep within her like a firework spark before it exploded with a loud bang. ‘Oh, yes! You could say that. I’m odd, all right. Even odder than I realised, it seems. A gullible fool, some might say.’

‘What are you talking about Car? You’ve lost me.’

‘Have you read The Press today?’

‘No, why?’

‘You’re in it!’

There was a long silence before he said, ‘Ah, that.’

‘Yes, that.’

‘I can’t believe you didn’t tell me.’

‘Tell you what? It was just a routine piece of publicity the BBC asked me to do because the show will air soon.’

‘Oh, I see. Sounds like you had nothing to do with it. That makes me feel much better. Thank you for that.’

George was silent. Her words hit their mark with the precision of a champion boxer; fast, quick and painful. He’d been caught off guard. He thought the feature was going to be out the following week and had planned to mention it at some point. He knew she wouldn’t like it and had unconsciously put off telling her.

‘Do you remember the photos being taken?’ She prodded him, in the way one pokes a sore, swollen gum. She knew she shouldn’t do it, it was going to hurt, but she couldn’t stop herself.

‘Um, yes, of course. It was a few weeks ago.’ His words were clipped, his tone transmuted to ice.

‘Aha. So, you had a media photo shoot in your house, as well as at the workshop? It must have been quite a production, but it slipped your mind. You couldn’t mention it to me?’

If there was such a thing as seeing red, Cara saw it now.

‘Well, when you say it like that, it doesn’t put me in a very favourable light.’

He reverted to his trusted tool; self-deprecating humour, but it failed to entertain Cara this time.

She fumed. ‘I’m the one in the dark, George. Not you, obviously. Here I am, stupid me, trying to be understanding about your situation and wanting to believe you love me. Meanwhile, you’re posing for the whole city with your wife. You’re splashed all over the Saturday paper as the model husband.’

‘It’s only an article; please be reasonable. Let me explain how it happened because it’s not what you think. I didn’t plan it. I couldn’t say no when the coordinator invited Joanna to take part. It was agreed by her and my personal assistant before I heard anything about it.’

‘There’s nothing like opening the newspaper to read all about the incredible life the man you love shares with someone else. I particularly liked the bit where Joanna says how close you are because of your shared passion for the arts.’

‘Cara, will you please calm down? You’re blowing this way out of proportion. It’s just a business thing. Joanna agreed to take part because the media guy said it would be more interesting that way and they gave her art dealership a plug too.’

‘Oh, a win-win for the brilliant Cavendish couple. How fantastic. Well, I’ve had enough of this nonsense. Enjoy the publicity. I hope it keeps you warm in your cold marriage. Goodbye.’

‘Please don’t leave it like this,’ he said.

She heard his voice crack.

‘I have to go.’ Cara could barely speak. She was furious; her hand shook as she ended the call.

That he should try and pretend it was nothing, and she was being unreasonable, infuriated her more than him not having the courtesy, or the balls, to warn her about the article.

She was aware that he withheld information, with the intention of protecting her, but she was reeling from this latest episode. He was a master at changing the subject so that the focus was on her reaction rather than on his behaviour. Enough was enough. She was in love with him. There didn’t seem to be anything she could do to stop it, lord knows, she’d tried repeatedly, but she couldn’t handle any more of this insanity. Living a double life didn’t seem to bother him; he took it in his stride. She worried that perhaps he even enjoyed it. What man’s ego wouldn’t be stroked by the attention of two attractive, intelligent women?

He rang again. This time she didn’t answer. If she spoke to him, she knew she would say something she’d regret so she shoved the phone into the kitchen drawer.

Cara was too angry to cry. Her chest felt sore and tight. The tears would come later when her anger subsided, and she was left with the miserable prospect of long, empty days without him. In the months since they’d fallen in love, she’d shed more tears than ever before.

What is it about him that I find so irresistible? If it was anyone else, I would have been long gone.

Thoughts of Sylvia’s Twin Flame prophecy, whirled inside her head. She had explained to Cara that no matter how much she resisted the karmic connection, it was ultimately pointless because her and George’s life’s mission was to love one another unconditionally. She said that their souls had planned the reunion thousands of years ago. They must reunite as one soul, and in so doing, they would raise the consciousness of the planet. They were chosen.

It’s completely ridiculous. If this is being chosen, I’ll do without it.

Flashes of their life together in Tudorville pirouetted through her mind. It was the most confusing situation; no matter how she rationalised or reframed events, she couldn’t seem to achieve clarity. Each time she thought she’d got a grip on their relationship, it shifted, and she lost her footing.

She wished she could be normal again; not a time traveller with a karmic mission, flitting back and forth over five hundred years, in love with a guy who made her crazy.

Cara pulled her jacket on. She’d go and see Daniel. He was delightfully uncomplicated and appreciative of her presence. Even after all of this time, he still loved her and didn’t have another woman on the scene. Maybe she’d go back to him; to the sensible passionless life, she’d resigned herself to before she met George. Surely, eventually, the pain would stop if she stayed away from George long enough.

Wouldn’t it?

Retrieving her phone, she saw there were two missed calls from George. How could she speak to him now? She slammed the front door behind her and the car wheels sliced through the gravel, leaving a dusty cloud in her wake as she raced out of the driveway. She needed some time alone. After checking in on Daniel who had recovered well from his heart attack, she’d go away for a couple of days. She’d tried to break it off with George numerous times when she felt deceived. But somehow, he usually managed to build a reasonable case which left her feeling like she’d blown the situation out of proportion.

On the occasions when she felt justified in her reaction, she couldn’t bring herself to end it because she didn’t want to be without him. It was a continuous rollercoaster of emotions with her head at war with her heart. Her logic said she should end it; the situation was clear cut. It didn’t matter how much he loved her if he wasn’t free. She dreaded a future of pining for him while he went off with Joanna. She’d never experienced jealousy like this before. Her heart was as though ripped from her chest; the pain was uncontrollable, and she invariably lashed out and temporarily withdrew from him.

But she couldn’t handle this latest slap in the face. She’d thought he had stopped hiding things from her, and they were closer than ever before. Seeing the article was soul-destroying.

George phoned intermittently throughout the day.

Finally, she relented and messaged, ‘I’m giving us some space. It’s for the best.’

‘I don’t want space. I want to talk to you every day,’ he replied.

Her heart lurched. Pushing him away was the hardest thing she’d ever had to do. She wanted to be close to him. Always.

‘I can’t do this any longer. I’m going to go away for a while.’

‘Where?’

‘I don’t know yet. I’ll figure it out. I think we need a break.’

‘How long for?’

‘I’m not sure,’ she replied.

‘Will you be in touch?’

‘That wouldn’t be a break.’

‘True. But I don’t want a break!’

‘I get that. And I love you. I don’t want it either, but I don’t know what else to do.’

He called again immediately. ‘Will you please at least let me know where you are and that you’re okay?’

‘Yes, yes, of course. I will. I have to go now. Take care.’

The tears spilt down her cheeks. She mustn’t fall apart now, or another day would be lost in a foggy, tearful haze. She needed to be practical; she must make plans.

Where could she go to get away?

The phone rang again. ‘Hi, Cara. How you doing?’

‘Morning Eddie. Yeah great,’ she said through her silent tears.

‘Did you think about my suggestion?’ he asked.

‘Yes, of course,’ she fibbed. ‘I’ll do it.’

‘What? You will? Brilliant! You won’t be sorry. We’re going to discover amazing things together.’

‘Fabulous. I’m guessing I don’t need my passport. Where shall I meet you?’

Cara busied herself, getting ready to meet Eddie. She would rather be anywhere than where she was now, with this agonising pain ripping her chest apart.

The solution was under her nose. She’d turn her Twin Flame, time-travelling curse into a superpower and go to the future where she wouldn’t bump into George at all. He really would be out of her life. Yes, the future would be the perfect place to be.

George sat staring at his computer screen, seeing nothing but Cara’s face. He couldn’t get anything done when they were at odds. They were fine yesterday. They’d talked and laughed for hours on the phone. He couldn’t remember what they talked about most of the time, but they never ran out of things to say.

He turned over recent events in his mind. He wished he’d told her about the article and handled it differently. But even if he’d warned her, he knew she would have been hurt. It was a no-win game. Had he lost her completely this time?

Less than a year had passed since they’d met, but it was as if he’d known her forever. It was the strangest feeling.

For the umpteenth time, he considered ending his marriage. He’d wanted to walk away many times over the years, before meeting Cara. Since meeting her, the possibility continuously popped in and out of his thoughts. He’d known the relationship with Joanna wasn’t what he’d imagined not long after the wedding. But soon after, Jane was born, life chugged on, and he couldn’t bring himself to leave. He hoped that with time he’d settle down and it would be enough. He hadn’t. It wasn’t.

What would Joanna do if he left? He feared she would fall apart. And then there was his beautiful Jane. He’d had the same fruitless conversation with himself countless times. The idea of disappointing his family was intolerable to him. He was a Cavendish. Cavendish men didn’t walk out on their obligations. He thought of his father and mother. They were more like business partners than lovers, managing their considerable estate, the family business and assets. They stuck together and lived an honourable, sensible life. What they lacked in passion, they made up for in duty. That was the Cavendish way.