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Had the South won the war in another timeline? I paused, considered. “They won because you gave the Union Army General Lee’s plans sewn into the lining of the Rebel coats, and because you warned Mead about the final attack on the center. It’s a loop.”
“Yes, I believe the North won not only because of me, because of Boon and all the brave men and women who fought. You can’t look at it any other way. Boon was killed fighting a noble cause. And I’ll make sure his daughter knows him well.”
A tear slipped down her cheek.
Her eyes shined and I placed my hand over hers.
“I’m sorry he died.”
“I am too, but we fought for a good cause, together.”
If her visions were correct, maybe she was supposed to be here.
“You and Caiyan have known each other a long time?” I asked her.
“Since we were kids. The three of us, me, Caiyan, and Kishin sort of grew up together. Our grandparents were, let’s say, in the business.” She dropped her gaze to her hands resting on her stomach.
“Kishin knew the WTF banished you?” I asked her.
“He did, but he didn’t know where. I imagine it drove him nuts.” She stifled a yawn.
“Let me show you to Eli’s old room.”
She pushed up from the chair, and I showed her the room and adjoining bathroom.
“Thanks for letting me stay,” she said.
“No problem.” I handed her a set of clean towels. “Stay as long as you need.”
“Gian-Carlo was pretty mad when he found out I didn’t have the key.” She turned to move into the room then paused and turned back around toward me. “Who’d have thought Elma would put it in the box. It was the only thing I couldn’t see. I hope nothing bad happens to Kishin.”
“Me, too.” And I meant it.
Chapter 27
After getting Victory situated in Eli’s old room, I drug myself upstairs. My legs and eyelids were equally heavy. Part of me wanted to lateral travel to Gitmo and sit with Caiyan, but I needed a shower and sleep. Figuring out that man’s secrets wore me to the bone.
I took a long, hot shower and felt better. I sent Eli a text letting him know my work for the WTF had concluded, I was home, but I would need one more day before I returned to work. There was one more duck that needed tending. Caiyan.
Eli offered plans to meet for dinner tomorrow night.
I replied,Pizza, my treat.
He responded back withI’m there, glad you’re home safe.
I sent him a tired emoji, plugged my phone into the cable on my nightstand, and slipped between my sheets.
A gentle breeze blew in from my open window, ruffling the curtains. I thought about Daphne and her early morning breakfast routine, considered closing the window, but the fresh air smelled nice with the hint of summer rain looming.
Temperatures in the Texas summer rarely dropped into the open window category, so I’d risk having breakfast with Daphne.
I stared at the ceiling, scrolling through the events during the moon cycle and ending with the Mafuso mayhem. Between losing the general, conniving my way through Gettysburg, almost losing Caiyan, keeping Sam on the right path, saving Victory, and faking out Gian-Carlo to snag Caiyan’s key, I felt like I had lived a year in five days. This transporter was exhausted.
Jake got the green light from General Potts to approve travelers on a case by case basis, with the defenders and the transporters allowed to have input on who travels for each jump. I’d won a huge victory for the transporters, and Ace would still be my friend.
He was on a date with Marvin, wedding planner extraordinaire. I hoped it went well. He deserved to find love.
What about my love? My gut told me Caiyan still had secrets he hadn’t shared. Did I want to continue a relationship filled with lies and secrets? At least he wasn’t going to be a father. My inner voice reminded me that was my bad. I assumed he was the baby’s daddy.
