Time Cursor is a story about a fifty-year-old man who goes back in time to stop his younger self from getting married.
John Augur is getting married tomorrow. While at his bachelor party, his evening is interrupted by a visitor from thirty years in the future. John is stunned to discoverer that the visitor is him - thirty years older, The older John, know as Jack, has come back to stop the wedding because it is destined to be a disaster.
Within minutes of their meeting, while taking a walk, they cross the street, causing a motorcycle to crash - killing the rider. They soon find out that the dead man is to be the inventor who was to create the time machine which sent Jack back in time.
What happens next is a roller-coaster ride of suspense, action and intrgue as the two try to undo the damage they've done and get the world back on track.
Excerpt
“Better than you realize,” answered the man as he slowly walked toward John, the smile remaining on his face.
“I’m sorry. Your face is really familiar…still, I just can’t…I guess I’ve had a couple too many tonight.”
His grin broadening, the stranger replied, “Nice try. Only problem is, you don’t drink.”
The man edged closer, and John was able to get a better look at his face. As the details coalesced, an inexplicable chill shivered through his spine.
“Okay. I give up. Who the hell are you?”
Reaching out his right hand, the stranger introduced himself, “I’m Jack.”
Hesitantly returning the handshake, John responded, “John.”
“I know, believe me.”
“What does that mean?” John’s voice rose slightly, irritation showing in his inflection.
“You don’t recognize me, do you?”
“No. Already told you that. Should I?”
Sighing softly, Jack replied, “I guess not. It just would have made this a little easier.”
“Made what a little easier? Come on, this is my bachelor party, and I’m in no mood for some ‘gamer’ out here on the sidewalk.”
“Well,” Jack reached up and lightly scratched his chin. “That’s why I’m here. Tonight, I mean.”
“Why?”
“The bachelor party. I knew about this night. I knew this had to be the night.”
“Look,” barked John, making no attempt at this point to conceal his frustration with the stranger, “last chance. What do you want?”
The man stared at John for nearly a minute before answering. Then, appearing to have made a difficult decision, he took a deep breath and blurted out, “You need to cancel the wedding.”
John, stunned, took a moment to reply. “What?”
Gaining a little confidence, Jack reiterated, “No wedding. No marriage. Not to Gail. Not tomorrow. Not ever.”
There was no outburst. John just stared at the stranger silently. Neither spoke as the tension gradually built. Finally, John took a deep draw on his cigarette, flipped the butt into the gutter and said, “Have a good night, man.” With that, he turned to walk away.
“Wait. Don’t go!”
John continued to walk, nearing the double doors which would take him back into the lobby.
“PLEASE!” the stranger shouted, a note of desperation creeping into his voice.
Unmoved, John took another two steps when the man yelled, “I’M YOU! YOU CAN’T DO THIS…TO EITHER OF US.”
Nine New Novellas, Part III is a collection of nine sci-fi/paranormal stories to complement the nine in Nine New Novellas, Nine New Novellas Part II and Nine New Novellas, Part IV.
