Chapter 2 #2
The fire died down and Zeke was left to make sense of what had just happened.
It seems he was really going to time travel and he was doing it tonight.
He had a lot to do. First of all, he would be heading to the studio to get all of his equipment and to speak with Wade about taking care of things until he got back.
He was going to sixteenth century Scotland, ready to bring Sara home.
***
Edna chuckled to herself as she walked away from the hearth.
“What’s so funny?” Angus asked. He was seated in his favorite chair, reading the newspaper.
“Sara’s brother wishes to see his sister. I couldnae have planned it more perfectly.” She was quite proud of herself and it showed.
“What are ye up to, me wee fox?” Angus raised an eyebrow in question.
“Nothing out of the ordinary, love.” She smiled. Walking behind Angus, she placed her hands on his shoulders.
“I dinnae believe that sending someone time traveling is ordinary. And I dinnae believe that ye do either.”
“Yer right.”
“Are ye matchmaking again?” He placed the paper in his lap, capturing her hands in his and pulling her around where he could see her.
“Perhaps.” She gave him a coy little smile. Disentangling herself from his grasp, she left the room calling, “Maggie!”
An out of breath Maggie met her in the lobby of the inn. “You called me?”
“Aye. We’ve some things to arrange. Sara’s brother Zeke is to travel back in time to see her.”
Maggie’s face lit up on hearing this news. “But that’s not really why yer sending him back, is it?” A knowing grin spread across her face.
“Ye ken me so well,” Edna chuckled. “Come, let’s go make some plans.”
They walked into the dining room, and sat at their table by the fire.
Across the room, Teddy was seated in his corner spot by the window having breakfast with Marissa Merryvale.
They’d been practically inseparable since she came to Glendaloch at Christmas time the year before.
They both smiled and waved at Edna before continuing their conversation.
“We’ll need to contact Wallace. Zeke will need a horse and someone waiting for him when he arrives.”
“Who do you intend to match him with?” Maggie asked.
“That will remain a secret for the time being, but there is a young lady who is going to need his help. I’ll keep ye informed as it plays out.”
“Auntie, ’tis nae fair. Share with me!” Maggie pouted.
“Would ye like some tea?” Edna smiled.
“Aye.” It was obvious Maggie realized, she would get no further information. “I’ll get us a pot.”
“Scones, too.” Edna called as Maggie left for the kitchen. She should have asked Zeke to bring some baked goods for Wallace, as he loved them so much, but it was too late now. She made a mental note to make it up to Wallace later.
***
Zeke hurried into the studio and quickly began gathering his equipment. He changed into his medieval garb, which he kept in his office for competitions they participated in and for the Renaissance Faire.
“I thought you weren’t coming in today. Did you find Sara?” Wade asked.
“No. I mean sort of.” He sheathed his sword and his dirk while he spoke.
“Sort of?” Wade questioned. “You aren’t planning to bring your weapons with you to find Sara, are you? I hear they frown on that kind of thing at the TSA.”
“Wade, you know how this whole time traveling thing works, right?” Zeke asked, scanning the area to be sure he hadn’t forgotten anything.
“I wouldn’t exactly say I know how it works, but I know about it.”
“Sara traveled back in time to be with Logan. You remember him?”
“Yeah. He was here with that other guy to get Helene,” he answered.
Zeke froze in his preparations. He hadn’t thought about the possibility of seeing Helene. His heart was just beginning to heal and he didn’t know that it could survive another blow.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to mention her,” Wade apologized.
“It’s okay.” Zeke shook his head, clearing the thoughts of Helene away so he could focus on Sara.
“You’re right though. He’s the one. Sara, apparently, is in love and is living in the sixteenth century.
She asked Edna to let me know where she was.
I’m going back to find her and convince her to come home with me. ”
“What if she doesn’t want to?”
“She will. How could she possibly be happy living somewhere with no modern conveniences? You know Sara. She hates to be without her phone for even a minute.”
“Are you kidding me? She’s in love. All those endorphins would make anything bearable.”
Zeke took a moment to collect himself. There was no way he was going to let her stay there.
Living in the past was just plain dangerous and even if she was too in love to see it, he knew it was and he was certain she would be coming back with him.
“She’s my sister. She’s all I’ve got. I can’t lose her. ” He gazed pointedly at Wade.
“I hear you. So, when are you leaving?”
“Tonight. That’s why I’m here. I came to get my stuff and to see if you’d be okay with running this place until I get back.”
“I’m happy to do it for as long as you need me. Do you want me to take care of your cat?”
“Yes. Please. You’ve got a key to the house. Stay there if you like. I know Milly would be happy of the company.”
“I’ll do that.”
“Thanks, Wade. You’re a life saver.” Zeke was relieved that Wade would stay at the house. He’d feel a lot better about leaving Milly for however long he was going to be gone.
“I’d say keep in touch, but I guess that’s not possible.”
“If I need you, I’ll have Edna contact you.” He thought he’d better tell Wade what to expect. “She likes to talk to me through the fireplace, so don’t be surprised if you hear her voice out of the blue.”
Wade chuckled. “That’ll be a first for me. Be safe, my friend and I’ll see you when you get back. Don’t worry about anything here. I’ll take care of it.”