Dead Sure?: A Paranormal Mystery (45 page)

“No, this is the best the engine will do. Hang on, I’m going to pull a quick turn into the next alleyway,” Tim said, gritting his teeth and heaving on the wheel. The car’s suspension squeaked in protest as the auto entered the corner. Then the car began tipping up onto two wheels, before crashing back down with a loud cracking noise.

Jack grabbed for his non-existent seat-belt, trying to suppress his feelings of trepidation. “That didn’t sound good! I’m amazed we didn’t roll over.”

“So am I,” came the terse reply from Tim, who was now trying to avoid several garbage cans and crates that were jutting out rather far into the alley.

Jack glanced back just in time to see Steve overshoot the corner. “I think we might have lost him.”

“Not for long, this guy doesn’t give up.”

The car jostled up and down through the lumpy alleyway, its broken suspension grumbling all the way. At the end of the alley, Tim swung a right and then another left in an effort to confuse their pursuer. The car continued its objection, unheeded. 

Letting his guard down for a minute, Tim began, “So, tell me, what’s your name and how bad are things?”

Jack stared hard at his new acquaintance, trying to decide just how much to share. “Listen,” he began, before stopping and placing his hand over the wet spot on his neck. The wound hurt but it already seemed to have stopped bleeding.

“Are you okay? It looks like some of that flying glass got you earlier.”

“Yeah, it feels minor enough.” Switching gears, Jack attempted to answer Tim’s previous question. “I’m not exactly sure how to start, other than to introduce myself. My name is Jack Weston.”

“Look, it’s okay, I know you have bad news for me. Just shoot it to me straight and just maybe we can both help each other.”

Jack scanned the man’s face. It seemed kind and understanding, just like Rene’s. He decided right then to put his trust in Tim. Before beginning again, his attention was drawn to the passenger side window by a loud horn screeching “aroggaa”. A carriage drawn by two horses was pulling away from the curb cutting off a car that was coming up the street. The driver blasted his horn again, shaking his head. Jack thought the scene seemed almost comical.
Now there’s something you don’t see any more. Well, I guess you do if you’re back in the twenties.

Jack focused his attention back to Tim. They turned a corner heading up another city block. Jack began again, “I didn’t mean to…” His mouth fell open in alarm as Steve’s car came barreling out of a nearby alley, plowing into the driver’s side of their car.

The impact sent Tim and Jack’s car skittering sideways into another horse and buggy rig. Steve’s car, which had luckily hit them at an angle, careened off, sailing several car lengths further up the street.

“We have to get the hell out of here! Tim, are you okay?” Jack asked hastily, watching Steve already beginning to back up.

Tim looked a little bit confused, but after a slight pause, he answered by throwing the car in reverse and stomping on the accelerator.

Jack hardly noticed the screaming carriage driver and throng of people that were starting to stop and stare. He raised the gun in his hand and fired off a shot in Steve’s direction. The bullet didn’t make contact, but it had the desired effect. Steve’s car stopped approaching. He appeared to be reassessing the situation.

Tim did a hard u-turn, the car clanking and sputtering. It was just a matter of time before the thing crapped out. They were going forward again as the automobile began to pick up speed. Unfortunately, Steve had done a similar maneuver and was back giving chase.

“This car isn’t going to go much farther.”

“You’re right, we need to end this chase fast!” Tim chanced an expedient glance at his wristwatch. The hour hand was pointing to the Roman numeral two, and the minute hand was just one minute away from the top of the hour.
One minute before the blue line crosses Center Street.
Tim gunned the engine with renewed vigor. “I have an idea that just might end this.”

The car jostled along begrudgingly before hitting one of the bigger main streets that was nicely paved with brick instead of mud. With a clunk the vehicle leapt up onto the smoother surface.

“Steve seems to be hanging back some,” Jack observed.

“Yeah, I think you came a little too close for comfort with your last shot. When I give the word, get the gun ready and aim for his radiator. It makes a much easier target.”

“That’s assuming he gets in close enough again.”

“Oh, he will, I’m about to force the issue. Get ready, here it comes!” Tim applied the brakes hard.

Steve didn’t react immediately to the change in velocity. The tactic was completely unexpected.
What the fuck is that crazy idiot doing!
He thought as his car barreled forward full tilt. Steve began to lay into the brakes heavily without much response.
Shit, I forgot how bad these old braking systems are!

As Steve fought with the steering wheel, he watched helplessly as Jack’s gun reappeared. This time Jack was using the back of the seat to steady the firearm as he took aim. Steve cringed as a shot rang out. He felt quite relieved a second later that he had not been hit. That reprieve was fleeting as he realized the loud “thunk” noise was the radiator being plugged instead of him.

It was only a matter of minutes before steam began to pour out from the engine. The bastards had sped back up, forcing him to continue pursuit in a car that wasn’t going to make it. …
Pretty clever, Tim, you sack of shit … Killing you once was too good for you. This time I’m going to really make you pay.

Their cream colored car was just barely ahead of Steve’s.
It doesn’t look like their ride is doing all that much better.
Steve watched as Tim and Jack careened through the next intersection apparently unbothered by the warning clang of the oncoming streetcar.
Shit, they made it. I can too.
In a vain effort to make himself feel better, Steve pressed the accelerator down to the floor even harder.

The nose of his car had just reached the edge of the tracks when, with one last gasp, the engine called it quits, expelling a final cloud of steam. Momentum continued to carry the vehicle forward. Only then did Steve recognize his mistake. A wave of terror enveloped him as the streetcar, brakes screeching, came bearing down on his car. 

The big machine had managed to slow itself just enough. The trolley hit Steve’s car with a solid ear-splitting thud, ensuring that the pursuit was terminated. Steve sat there staring at the streetcar driver, as if to say “This is entirely your fault.”

The driver waved a meaty fist out the window at Steve. The man quickly retracted it upon seeing a gun point in his direction.

You bastards, I’ll make you pay dearly for this. Angela, I don’t know how you pulled it off, but it doesn’t matter, you’re going to lose again and this time for good.

*    *    *

Jack smiled, “That was awesome, well played, Tim!”

“Yeah, I just wish I could have seen the look on that smug bastard’s face when the streetcar was almost on top of him. It was probably one of the few times, he wasn’t in control of the situation.”

“I’d say he got very lucky, which isn’t so great for us.”

Tim paused for a few minutes before answering. He seemed to be considering multiple scenarios in his head. “Today is the day Angela and I were supposed to go into the future together and start a new life. Based on current events and Charles coming back from the future with you, indicates our plan must not have worked out,” he finished agitatedly.

“Well, it’s your lucky day then. You’re going to get another shot at it.”

Tim spared him an tenuous glance as the car continued to jostle along. “Yes, I am. So listen carefully, I don’t think we have much time to fix things and get you back to your own time. Angela and I never knew what artifact actually did the forward movement. Unfortunately, Charles does. I’m sure once he stops being such a hothead and thinks about it, he will retrieve the piece and leave this era.”

“You’re saying that you don’t have the object and don’t know what it is. That’s just great,” Jack groaned.

“Yes, I’m aware that’s pretty discouraging news. However, on a brighter note, I do know that, whatever the item is, it is locked up in the ancient Chinese display wing of the public museum. So I’m going to drop you off there to keep an eye on things while Angela and I formulate a new plan.”

“What do you want me to do, watch for Steve, I mean Charles, and then what?”

“Hopefully he won’t get there before we all do, but if he does, you have to make sure that whatever Charles tries to retrieve he doesn’t even lay a finger on it.”

Jack snapped open the cylinder on the revolver Tim had given him earlier. “Three shots left. Do you have any more bullets for this thing?”

“No, I don’t even usually carry a gun. I’m not a violent person. I really don’t fit in well with the crowd that fate has placed me with.”

“Well, then I guess three will just have to do.”

Ten minutes later their car pulled up in front of the museum. “Good luck, Jack. Even though we just met, I feel like I can trust you. Keep a close watch on things and Angela and I will hopefully catch up with you before Charles makes an appearance.”

Jack studied Tim’s face thoroughly for a minute. Tim looked sad but determined, as if the weight of the world were on his shoulders.
If he only knew how bad things really are in the future. I’m not sure the man could take losing his child. I’ll just keep my mouth shut; events don’t have to go down that way.
“Hurry up please, I know I’m going to need some help with this guy.”

“I’m sure you’re right.”

Jack exited the car, watching worriedly as Tim pulled away from the curb. The car was continuing to make a myriad of noises. If not for feeling so overwhelmed by all that was happening, the scene was almost comical. Jack’s mind slid back to a happier time when he and Sam were teenagers, having purchased an old Buick Opel for five hundred dollars. The car squealed when turning right and wheezed when stopping. However, the funniest bit was how they had to push start it every time. The old battery just wouldn’t hold a charge and they couldn’t afford another one.
It really wasn’t a very good car but it did always get you there
, Jack thought, as he finished musing, a small smile threatening to break free.

I sure hope that this old car holds together as well. I know I’m going to need their help to finish this.
Looking away, Jack turned and strode towards the museum, his face a mask of resolve. There was only one way this showdown was going to come out and he intended to be the one on top.

*    *    *

Steve had spent the last half an hour explaining to his past self how things had gone down and his plan to rectify the situation. Charles was still staring at him with a look of shock. The whole experience was proving to be extremely surreal for the both of them.

“Well, what do you think? Are you ready to put this plan into action?” Steve asked.

Charles looked at him again, tipping his head to the side and scrutinizing the man up and down. It was hard to fathom the possibility of looking at his future self. One thing appeared clear, he had done quite well for himself. He was certainly in better shape than ever, and the limp from his recent bullet wound was gone. The individual standing there was obviously him, no doubt about it, and yet it was still hard to swallow. The biggest kicker was taking orders from someone else, even if that someone was his future self.  Maybe if he changed the plan a bit, it would feel a smidge less painful.
Yeah, that’s it, add my own touch.

“Sure, most of it sounds good,” Charles grunted. He wasn’t really sure what to change; the plan was actually quite solid. Charles hemmed and hawed for another minute or two, trying desperately to come up with something, anything.

Steve began to lose his patience with the stalling, “Come on, what’s not to like? It’s simplistic and gets the job done.”

His aggravation building, Charles slammed his right fist down on the desk in front of Steve defiantly, “Let me tell you this, I don’t care who you are, you’re not going to push me around!”

Steve was about to counter back when he noticed a pain in his right hand and jerked it back, staring at it with wonder.
What the hell? He feels it. I feel it.
He touched his lip gingerly; the bottom was swollen in exactly the same place as Charles’s lip from the punch he had delivered only hours ago, before realizing who he was attacking.
This seems dangerous, very dangerous. Perhaps a different tact would be better. 
“Look, I’m sorry about being so pushy, but that bastard Jack has a strong potential to really fuck up our future and our past. At this point I have no doubt he has shared with Angela and Tim that their contrivance was an utter failure.”

The tension on Charles face eased some. “You’re right; of course he’s warned them. Changes have been set in motion and details must be altered.” Sitting up in his chair, he looked Steve straight in the eye. Charles spoke with a new tone of resolve in his voice, like a man who’d made up his mind. “I’ll make sure none of them enter the museum alive, and you do what you have to do to fix this mess.”