ZenithRising (19 page)
Authors: Marilyn Campbell
Noah nodded slowly. “And Broderick’s life definitely
changed. Who knows what might have happened had he gone through with marrying
Amelia? They could have had a child who turned out to be a demon spawn.”
“So says the great horror author,” Maggie added with a
smile.
“My point is, our actions may have
prevented
someone
evil from being born.”
“Possible, but that’s not exactly the sort of thing we could
ever verify. Besides, I have a feeling that’s not the case.”
“A feeling?” Noah grinned with obvious self-satisfaction.
“Do tell.”
“In most of the time-travel stories I’ve read, major
historical events can’t be changed without creating a separate timeline.
However, the future is changeable. That’s where our actions will make the most
difference. Look at the career choices of these three great-grandchildren—one
is an environmentalist, one is a medical research scientist and the other is on
the political trail. While I was reading the report, their names practically
jumped off the page for me. It’s like I
know
they will be working
together to do something hugely important. I realize that sounds crazy—”
“Whoa. If you’ll recall, I’m the one who insisted you have
extrasensory gifts. If you have a feeling, that’s all I need to know. And the
coolest part is we’ll be around to see it as it happens.”
His enthusiasm was so contagious, she couldn’t help but
chuckle. “Very cool indeed. And look, there’s even a great-great-grandchild
named Shannon. I can’t wait to see what she’ll end up doing with her life. Who
would have thought a poor Irish maid and a spoiled idiot could have planted
such a strong tree?”
Noah pulled her close for a long hug. “Have I told you how
much I love the way your brain works?”
She kissed him softly. “I believe that was the first time
but I will be sure to remind you if you ever forget.”
“Even when we’re ninety-four and forget why we sleep in the
same bed?”
A hint of lust twinkled in her eyes. “We may forget a lot of
things in our old age, but I’ll bet your next royalty check that why we sleep
together
won’t
be one of them.”
* * * * *
The First called the meeting of the Council of Abstracts to
order. “I believe the matter of Shannon O’Toole has been properly corrected.
Any objections to recording this mission as a success?” When no one spoke The
First called on the three Abstracts specifically involved in the case.
“Justice?”
“Satisfied.”
“Karma?”
“Satisfied.”
“Love?”
“Very satisfied. And thank you, Justice, for getting the fox
back in his cage.”
“You’re welcome. Just be more careful next time.”
The First recorded the success as confirmed and closed The
Book with a dramatic thud. But as they all knew, the closure was only
temporary.
The Crystal Island portal would open again in the future,
another choice would be made, another pair selected and another mission
initiated.
Only the ending had not yet been written.
Marilyn Campbell has been writing fiction novels, nonfiction
works and screenplays for nearly twenty years. A true thrill-junkie, she has
jumped out of an airplane, raced around the Indy 500 track, driven solo
throughout the United States and believes a great roller coaster ride can cure
whatever ails her. Happily, she is able to start every day with a morning walk
on the beach with her four-legged companion, Sweetie.
Marilyn welcomes comments from readers. You can find her
website and email address on her
author bio page
at
www.ellorascave.com
.
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Marilyn
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