Time After Time

“He’s not coming,” said Kate.

It was almost midnight, and she stood with Tom and Hermes in a litter-strewn wasteland next to a train track. There was a tall wire fence smeared in black grease, and covered in warning signs. The air next to the track shimmered, a faint green. A train rumbled past heading for Scotland, and a small boy peered through the window. He waved at them.

Tom wore a suit and flat cap, supplied by Hermes. Kate wore a long white dress, and a large, wide brimmed hat.

“Are you sure you want to go ahead with this?” Hermes asked.

“Yes,” said Tom, without hesitation. For the past two weeks, life had returned to normal. Each day was the same; his mother was still gone, and his dad still worked long hours. He picked up Sophie from school; they ate, watched TV, or played on the computer. He should be studying for his O levels. Before they had gone through the portal, he had focused on getting to sixth form, but now his mind was elsewhere. It was all so trivial.

“I have a few things you might need,” said Hermes. He gave each of them a roll of money, and then reached into his bag and handed something to Kate. She unraveled it, revealing a long blue, green and white sash bearing the words Votes For Women.

Hermes reached into his bag again, and handed something to Tom. “I hope you won’t need this, but it may be necessary.”

It was heavy, wrapped in cloth. He pulled back the cloth. It was an antique gun. He handed it back to Hermes.

“I don’t want this. I’ve never used one. I’ve never even seen one before.”

“It’s for your protection Tom. Please take it.”

“No. I’ve killed one man, and it won’t happen again.”

Hermes sighed and shoved the gun back into his bag. “It’s time. You need to go now.”

Kate grabbed Tom’s hand. They walked to the edge of the track, the green air shimmered inches away from their faces.

“Good luck,” said Hermes.

They stepped towards the rails and vanished.

Hermes stood waiting for a few minutes. Someone clambered over the fence.

“There’s a hole at the bottom,” shouted Hermes.

“You could have mentioned that earlier,” said Pete. He was stuck at the top; the wire had snagged his jacket. Hermes rushed over to help. Together they pulled Pete loose, and he toppled to the ground.

“I’m covered in this black stuff,” said Pete, wiping his hands on the grass. “It stinks.”

“You need to go. Quick, or you will miss them,” said Hermes.

Pete got to his feet and hurried to the edge of the track.

“Here, take this,” said Hermes, handing Pete a heavy object wrapped in cloth. “Go now.”

Pete stepped into the green mist.

Hermes stood alone by the track. He could smell rain was coming. The only sound was the rustle of dry autumn leaves, blown by bitter October winds. Then there was silence.