Chapter Two: Bering and Wells

Helena's POV

"Nate, Darling, I'm going into town. Do you need anything?" I'm not sure what's worse: domestication or being bronzed. I need some excitement to distract me before I think about Myka again.

"Nothing that I know of. Besides milk and eggs."

"Okay." Grabbing my keys and purse, I opened the door to find a young man walking towards me. "Who are you?"

"I'm Henry. Uhm, where am I?" Closing the door behind me, I pulled him along. "Ow."

"What do you mean, "where am I?" You drove here so you must know…" There's that dazed look in his eyes. "Get in the car."

"What?"

"Get in the car. You're not really in the position to argue." Finally, he gave into my demands. Once we were out of the driveway, I spoke again. "You're not from here. Don't deny it. I know that look. Where are you from? And when?" He didn't answer for a few miles. "Henry."

"Storybrooke, Maine and 2017…I know it sounds nuts but…"

"Not to me. So, you're from the future?" That familiar excitement warmed my soul. Myka would love this.

"What?"

"It's 2012." Pulling into a parking lot, I searched for a spot.

"Holy shit." Panic spread through the young man. "I'm supposed to be twelve…."

"How did you get here? Time travel isn't physically possible. And you don't look like you've been taken over by someone else."

"Huh?"

"Obviously, you're not from the Warehouse."

"What warehouse? No. I'm from Storybrooke. I…I used a…magic bean." My eyes narrowed. "It's true. I swear."

"I wouldn't tell that to anyone around here. They won't believe you."

"But…you do?" All I did was nod. "How? Why?"

"Being a time traveler myself, I have no choice but to believe you." Henry looked at me with amazement. "Nice to meet you, Henry. I'm Helena G. Wells." I always love that soul crushing look when I ruin a childhood.

"Helena G. Wells. Like, H.G. Wells?"

"One and the same." Here it comes.

His eyes grew and his jaw slacked. "Holy crap! Mom read me one of your books when I was a kid."

"A lot of parents do eventually. But you can't tell anyone. I'm trusting you, Henry. Most likely you've already gotten pinged whenever you arrived."

"What? N-no. I can't be taken in by authorities. No one will believe me." Panic overtook the shaggy haired teen.

"Calm down. The people who would come specialize in stuff like this. You won't be arrested." If the Warehouse did notify them, that means I might be able to see Myka. My heart clenched remembering how I left things.

"Hey, you okay? You're crying."

"Yes," clearing my throat, I opened the door. "I'm fine. Now, do you want food or not. You look hungry."

"Yeah, I kinda am. I've not eaten since yesterday."

Entering the small diner, we were seated quickly in a booth. "Emily, how are you?"

"I'm well. Yourself?"

"I'm great. What can I get you to drink?" I ordered a water while Henry a Coke. "I'll be right back to get your orders." Smiling, Doris walked off.

"This place reminds me of home." Looking around, Henry seemed to relax a little.

"Where are you staying?"

"Well, last night I stayed in the welcome center. Besides there, no place."

"We have a spare bedroom. You can stay with my boyfriend and I. His daughter is off at camp." I know I'm using him but I need some excitement. One more book club meeting with Nate and I may ask to be bronzed again.

"Th-thank you, uh…"

Glancing around, I made sure no one could hear us. "Emily in public. Helena in private. My boyfriend knows the truth but no one else."

"Got it." Over lunch, Henry told me about Storybrooke, his family tree, and about himself in general. When he spoke of his mothers, it reminded me of Myka and I. Our story is fairly complicated as well. We don't physically share a child but I shared Christina's memory with her. "You have that sadness in your eyes again." Henry paused realizing he had struck something. Making sure no one was near, he spoke softly. "You're in a similar situation, aren't you?"

Becoming hard, I shut him down. "No. It was a lifetime ago. They've moved on."

"You're lying."

Or so I thought. "You're a stubborn one, aren't you?"

"Yes, actually. I get it from both of my mothers."

Before he could continue, my phone rang. "Nate, hello. I'm sorry if I worried you. I'm heading home soon. I do have a favor to ask. I met a boy, well young man, who needs a place to stay for a few days. He's quite nice and I trust him." After some hesitation, Nate finally agreed to let Henry stay. "We'll be back soon. We grabbed a bite to eat. Yes, I'll pick up the milk and eggs." Ending the call, I smirked. "Not a word or I'll let you sleep outside."

"I wasn't going to say anything." Henry grinned. "Thank you for your kindness."

"You're welcome."

After running by the grocery store, I took Henry home with me. He and Nate seemed to get along well enough but Henry held back. A normal civilian couldn't tell, thankfully. My Warehouse training will never die. I'm torn between calling Myka and reporting the ping or waiting for her to show up. As far as I'm aware, she doesn't know I'm here. Mrs. Frederic made it clear I was to have no contact with anyone. I guess I never listen. Hearing my phone ring, I had a feeling I knew who the blocked number was. "I'll be outside, Nate."

"Okay, honey."

Walking away from the house, I answered. "You never give me a chance to make my own choices, do you?"

"No, I don't." The Caretaker's voice was very matter of fact as always. "Are you going to report the man or not?"

"How do you know about that?" Looking around, I didn't see any of her goons.

"I've kept an eye on you, Helena." Irene paused, "will you tell Agent Bering yourself or do I need to tell Arthur? They're not aware of the activity yet. I stopped it to give you time. I see how unhappy you are."

"I'm not unhappy." I can feel her disapproving stare in my soul. "Fine. I am. But you said to have no contact with the Warehouse."

"And when have you ever listened to anyone? The crisis Arthur created has been averted and dealt with. I gave you a chance to have a normal life as you asked. If you wish to keep it, that's up to you. I'll give you twenty-four hours to decide whether you want to contact Agent Bering. If you don't, I will." With that, the call ended.

She's always been one for dramatic entrances and exits. Sighing, I walked back towards the house. I stopped a few feet from the door when I saw Nate and Henry talking. He wants a son but I don't wish to have more children. Myka never put that pressure on me. She doesn't want children and neither do I. Before I could stop myself, I tapped her name in my speed dial and waited.

"Hello?"

"Hello, Darling."

"H-Helena?" Myka's voice squeaked.

I'm sure she has that crease between her brows. That cute confused look she always got when something happened out of place. "I have a ping for you. A man appeared on my doorstep this afternoon. He's from the future and I believe a different dimension."

"How? Time travel, physical anyway, is impossible. If you can't do it, no one can."

"As absurd as it sounds, a magic bean."

Myka snorted. "That's definitely my department. We've not gotten any pings though."

"It seems that Irene stopped the transmission."

"Of course, she did. Uh, Pete is out on an assignment with Artie and…" I heard a rustle and fight for the phone.

"H.G.? Is that really you?!" An ecstatic Claudia spoke.

"Yes, it's really me. How are you?" Warmth filled my heart hearing the young girl's voice again.

"I'm great. You coming back? Pleeeeaaassseee? It's boring around here without you! There's no one to-"

"Give me the phone!" Another squabble for the phone. "I guess Claudia and I will come see about this ping."

I spoke without thinking and regretted it instantly. "It'll be good to see you again." Hearing nothing, I thought the call had been disconnected. "Myka?"

"Yeah, you too. We'll be there tomorrow." Myka ended the call abruptly.

I know that tone. She's as torn as I am. What have I done? Gathering myself, I reentered the house. Even though I put on a smile for Nate, Henry saw right through it. He knows all the signs of a fake or unhappy relationship because of his mothers. Lovely. Hopefully, he won't blow my cover. "Henry, tomorrow a friend of mine will be coming to help you find a place to live." That familiar panic washed over his face again. "If anyone can help you, she can."

After studying me a moment, a soft smile made its way to his face. "Thank you."

He knows.

Xxx

Myka's POV

Driving to the location of Helena's phone call, my stomach was in knots. I've not seen the woman in years and then she just calls me out of nowhere. Hearing her voice brought back all the emotions I had bottled up and put away. Damn it. I thought I was over this. Seeing her will only make it worse but I can't pass up a chance to hear her voice or feel her touch.

"Mykes, you gonna be okay? I know it's been a while since we've heard from H.G…" I didn't answer. "Well, we're here."

Turning up the driveway, we saw a motorcycle parked outside the garage. Taking a deep breath, I tried to settle my stomach. "Let's go." I wasn't able to knock before Helena answered.

"Hello, Myka."

Her voice. "Hey." Damn it I'm right back to where I started.

"Claudia, it's so good to see you-oh."

"Aaaahhhh!" The younger agent wrapped H.G. in a strong hug. "It's been so long!"

"It has been." Reciprocating, Helena met my gaze. "Would you like to come in? The source of the ping is in the living room." Following the author, she introduced us to Henry and Nate. She has a boyfriend. My stomach dropped.

"Hello." Nate sounded nice enough.

"Hey." Henry had a charming smile. He's wiser beyond his years. I can see it in his eyes.

"Well, I need to go to work. I'll leave the four of you to it." Gathering a few things, Nate left. Not before kissing Helena goodbye.

Jealousy bubbled inside me. "He seems…nice."

"Myka," Helena was sympathetic.

"No. We're here to do a job. You've moved on and you have every right to be happy." Even if it's killing me inside because I haven't. "So, how exactly did you arrive here? Helena said you're from the future?"

"Yes," Henry rubbed his hands together. "I'm from a town called Storybrooke. It's in Maine, ironically. I arrived two days ago and just kinda wandered around until I came to this house. When I left my home, it was 2017. Where I'm from, magic is real. The town was created from a dark curse. I used a magic bean to open a portal and when I passed through, it spit me out here."

"Why did you come to this house?" I kept things very professional even if Helena wasn't. The way she's looking at me isn't helping.

"Honestly, I'm not sure. I was just drawn towards it. And then my bike stalled out. In my opinion, those are signs you need to be somewhere."

"Right. After you throw a magic bean, does it disappear after the portal is gone?"

"Yeah. I'm stuck here. How it works, is if the user has no real destination in mind, they'll be sent somewhere they're needed."

My brow furrowed. "And you're needed here? Why?"

"Yes, I am. The moment I spoke to Helena yesterday my mission became clear."

"And what is that?"

"I'm here to-"

"Help the warehouse." H.G. spoke quickly. Everyone looking quite confused.

"How is he supposed to help the warehouse? From what he just said, he was sent here because he was needed. If the warehouse needed him, wouldn't he be sent there?"

"No. I was sent here to help the two of you."

My guard skyrocketed. "I don't need your help."

"Oh, but you do. And if my life has taught me anything, it's that you're going to get it whether you want it or not." Henry looked from me to Claudia. "Don't you think they need my help?"

The young woman's eyes narrowed before realization hit. "Yes! Yes, they do!"

"Okay, come on. We're taking you back to the B&B. We can't have a time traveler from the future wandering around."

"But you can have her? She's from the past." Henry stood.

"He has a point, Mykes." Claudia's voice was mischievous.

"Mrs. F says it's okay for H.G. to be here. She's happy so nothing can go wrong." Henry and Claudia followed me towards the car. "We'll send someone to get your bike."

"I guess this is it." Claudia shuffled her feet. "Bye, I guess?" With a nod, H.G. hugged the young agent.

The plane ride was quiet. The air was heavy from tension. I'm right back to where I was when I heard H.G. left without saying goodbye. The sound of her saying my name caused chills to run down my spine. But the joy and mischief was gone in her eyes. She's not happy with Nate. And I was a bitch to her. All I wanted to do was wrap her in my arms and never let go. When Nate kissed her… Rage bubbled inside me again. I can't think about that.

It was late when we arrived at the B&B. Abigale helped Henry get squared away in a room. We would introduce him to Artie and Pete tomorrow. Tapping lightly, I waited for Henry to allow me entrance. "Come in."

"Breakfast is at eight." I leaned against the doorframe. Of course, he'd be put in Helena's old room. "It seems all time travelers get this room."

"Oh, really?" He chuckled softly.

"Yeah. Can I get you anything?"

"No. I'm good. Thank you, though."

It must be my agent training but he's so protective of that notebook. And why is he writing with a fountain pen and ink? "Nice writing equipment."

"Thanks. One of my moms gave it to me before I left." Flipping it open, he showed me a picture of a blonde woman who had her arms wrapped around a brunette. "They miss me, I'm sure."

They look so happy together. "I'm sure they do. You're their son. Well, goodnight."

"Night."

As I did my nightly routine, I thought of the two women in Henry's photo. They look so happy together. Like they could take on anything as long as they had each other. Taking out my secret box that I hid under a loose floorboard, I sat on my bed. I've not opened this in nearly ten months. I'm not sure if I should. Running my fingers over the engraving, I opened the box against my better judgment. Pictures of Helena and I littered my bed. I had that smile. I could have done anything back then. My chest ached remembering the sassy time traveler. She's a shell of the woman she once was. It's heartbreaking.

Xxx

After a quick shower, I got ready and went down for breakfast. Surprisingly, Henry was up and already sitting at the table chatting with Claudia and Pete. Feeling a vibe, Pete looked towards me. "Mykes! You didn't tell me we had another time traveler coming."

"You were asleep when we got back. I didn't want to wake you." Yawning, I went to get coffee. "How was your trip with Artie?"

"Good. We snagged another one. It's in his office. I'll shelve it after breakfast."

"Sounds good." Taking my normal seat, I opened the newspaper. "Has anyone heard from-" hearing the front door open, I continued. "Never mind. Morning, Artie."

"Ah, good. You're back. And this must be Henry, the man H.G. found."

"What?" Pete's interest was piqued. "You didn't tell me H.G. found him. How's she doing?"

"Taken." One word is all it took to shut Pete down.

"Oh…"

"Yes, H.G. Wells was the woman who took me in and called Agent Bering. I'm not in any trouble, am I?"

"No. We just can't have you running around unsupervised."

"I'll supervise him!" Claudia spoke, nearly bouncing out of her seat. She's up to something. "I mean, Pete is back and Jinks is still visiting his family."

Artie shared my suspicions. "Alright. But you stay here or in town. He is not allowed in the warehouse."

"Understood." Claudia smiled triumphantly. "I'll show you around town."

"Sounds good to me." They are definitely up to something.

"Well, since things are slow, Pete needs to go for his annual review before the Regents. It's nothing bad. Just the normal physical training blah, blah blah. Myka, would you do inventory? I have a few things to do for Mrs. Frederic."

"Yes, I'll head to the warehouse after breakfast."

"Keep me informed if anything changes." With that, Artie left.

Once breakfast was over, we all went our separate ways. As I placed the artifact Pete snagged, a familiar presence appeared. Groaning inwardly, I continued to work. "Mrs. F, please don't scare the crap out of me. I know you enjoy doing that but my nerves can't take it right now."

"Seeing Helena has upset you that badly?"

Glancing at the woman, I took the clipboard and walked away. "You know the answer to that. She made her choice. She's with Nate. I just need to come to terms that she's moved on."

"And you haven't?" I never answered. "Why do you think the boy was sent here?"

"Henry? I'm not sure. He says to help Helena and I but there's nothing to help." The lights flickered above me. I need to calm down. Neutral thoughts. Breathe in and out.

"Do you really believe there's nothing he can help with?"

By now, I was getting irritated with Mrs. Frederic's open-ended questions. Before I could stop myself, I spoke. "Mrs. Frederic, if you have something to say, then just say it. I'm sick of-" Turning, she was gone. Letting my eyes focus, I read the sign on the nearby area. H.G. Wells Section. Sometimes I hate this place.

Xxx

Helena's POV

"She's miserable without you!" Claudia pleaded. "Come on, H.G. You know you're her One."

"Just from what Claudia has told me about the two of you, I must say, she's right. You and Myka remind me of my moms so much it's scary. The only reason they were with guys was because they saw the other one with a guy." Henry paused, "do you really want to think about Myka being in the arms of Pete?"

"Eewww!" Claudia whined. "That's gross! They're like brother and sister!"

"Mom was with a man who made her the other woman while Ma was with an abusive asshole who talked down to her constantly. At least Pete is nice to Myka."

I know what he's doing. He's trying to anger me. Hoping I'll break things off with Nate and come running to sweep Myka off her feet. "It's been good speaking with you, Claudia. However, I need to go." Ending the call, I noticed Nate's car pulling into the driveway. I need to end things with Nate. I've not been happy. He deserves someone who loves him and can give him another child.

"Helena, I'm home." I waited at the dining room table for Nate to notice me. "Helena, I-oh, what's wrong?"

"I need to speak with you. Please, sit."

"Oh, okay." Sitting in the chair beside me, Nate prepared himself. "What's going on?"

"I'm leaving. You deserve someone who can give you a son. Someone who wants to give you a son. I've had a child and lost a child. I do not wish to do that again. The woman you saw yesterday, the one with curly hair, she…" I took a deep breath. I need to say it out loud. "She's the one I love. You asked why there are days I seem so distant from you, it's because those days I think about her. Last week was her birthday, the time before that was the anniversary of her and I meeting, before that was the day I realized I was in love with her. She is always on my mind. It's unfair to you. Seeing her yesterday only brought things full circle for me. I thought I had moved on but I haven't." Pausing, I allowed the new information to sink in. "I'm sorry, Nate. I believe it will be better if I leave before Adelaide returns."

"You're leaving me for her…" It was more of a realization than a question.

"I'm leaving you for the chance to be with her. I'll be taking Henry's bike. A small U-Haul will be here soon that I can pack some of my things to take with me. The rest, you can donate to the women's shelter or do whatever you wish."

"This is insane, Helena. The drive there is like…a week."

"It's actually twenty-eight hours and forty-nine minutes." Nate stared blankly. "You know how much of a stickler I am for time."

"Just for the chance to be with her. To be with the one you love." His voice was soft. "Tell me this, the boy, how does he play into this?"

"To be honest with you, I can only explain it as fate."

"You're a woman of science."

"I know. That's why I can't explain it." Hearing a truck pulling in, I looked up. "It's time. I'll pack what I need and leave."

"I'll help you." He smiled sadly. "You brought such joy to Adelaide and I. It's the least I can do."

"Thank you, Nate."

It took us about three hours to pack everything I wanted to take with me. Pulling my hair back, I sat on the motorcycle. Adjusting the strap, I latched the buckle. "Do you even know how to drive one of these things?"

"Yes. I helped build one once." Turning the key, I reeved the engine.

"How did you get the keys anyway?"

"Claudia gave them to me. Before they left, she hugged me slipping them into my pocket."

"Take care, Helena. I hope you get your girl."

"You as well. Thank you." Backing out carefully, I headed towards town to fill up. I have a long journey ahead. About a three-day trip if my calculations are correct. I'll be at the B&B by early Friday morning if everything goes well. Hopefully, Henry's bike stalling was a fluke.

Xxx

It was lunch time on Friday when I arrived at the B&B. Hitting rain in Illinois put me behind schedule but at least I'm here. I'm terrified to see Myka but also excited. Knocking, I waited. To say Abigale was surprised to see me was an understatement. "Helena, what are you doing here?" Her line of vision went towards Henry's bike. "Oh."

"Is Myka here?"

"No. Her and Pete are gone on a mission. Come in. I just put the kettle on." Entering the B&B, I felt at home. So many memories. "I see the plan Claudia and Henry hatched worked."

"Plan?" I took a seat at the table as Abigale gathered the tea tray.

"Oh, I thought…well, their plan was to get you back here. Henry saw how you and Myka acted and after Claudia and Pete told him your history, he said he wouldn't leave until the two of you were happy together."

"He can't leave anyway. He doesn't have a way to travel dimensions." I knew he was a meddler. Good intentions though. His mothers raised him well. "Where is he and Claudia?"

"They went into town to run errands. They should be back soon. So, how have you been? When Myka went straight to her room the other night, Claudia said you were with a man."

Smirking, I sipped my tea. "You didn't see that coming either, did you?"

"I can't say that I was expecting it." The two of us caught up for a while. When Abigale needed to get a few things done, I did some investigating.

Eventually, Henry and Claudia rushed into the house after seeing Henry's motorcycle outside. "Yes! It worked!" Claudia squealed when she saw me. "Thank God!"

"H.G." Henry smiled. "Glad you could make it."

"Me as well." I paused, placing a worn leather journal on the table. "Author." Henry's face paled slightly. He'd be caught. "Claudia, may we have the room?"

"Sure." Closing the doors behind her, the young agent gave us privacy.

"I…I can explain."

"No need. You've caused no harm. As long as you don't do it again. Let Myka and I work this out. I want to know it's truly her doing if we get together."

"That's the beauty of being The Author. I only get the two of you in the same place. I wasn't going to write anything else. By me writing that you actually had the strength to leave Nate goes against the rules. But as long as I don't do anything else, until after it's played out, I'll be fine."

"Good. I won't tell anyone about the book or pen. Whichever one gives you the power. If I did, it would be snagged, bagged, and tagged. Keep it safe and never let it out of your sight."

Relief washed over Henry. "Thank you, Helena."

"You're welcome. Now, let Claudia back in before she cramps by crouching like that." Henry did as he was told. As he opened the door, Claudia fell into the room holding her thigh. "Cramp, dear?"

"Uh…no?" She grinned. "So, you're here for Myka, right?"

"Yes. I ended things with Nate, packed up everything I wanted to keep, and left. I hoped to drop my stuff off here and get a hotel room."

"You're not leaving again." Claudia and Henry turned to reveal Myka standing in the doorway.

"We're gonna go." The room cleared quickly, leaving Myka and I alone to talk.

"You came after me." Her voice was soft.

"I did. Seeing you made me realize how unhappy I've been. I'm not cut out for a civilian life. I'm H.G. Wells, Father of Science Fiction. It was absurd to believe I could handle a life without craziness in it." Baring myself to her is the only way Myka will know I'm here to stay. "When I'm around you," taking the agent's hand, I squeezed. "It makes me want to be the person you believe I am. When I'm around you, I'm happy. Truly happy. I know that I've hurt you. I wanted to say goodbye but Mrs. Frederic forbid me from doing so. She knew if I saw your face that I wouldn't leave. World be damned." Tears glistened in Myka's eyes. "Please don't cry, Darling." Wiping a tear away, I cupped her cheek.

"I can't help it." Sniffling, she laughed. "I missed you so much." Closing the gap between us, Myka pulled me in for a kiss. It was slow and soft, full of all the emotions we had been fighting.

Letting my forehead rest against Myka's, I chuckled. "We have an audience."

Turning, Myka saw the tops of Henry's, Claudia's, and Pete's head. "We can see you guys." One by one they stood, all grinning.

"Please don't yell at us, moms." Claudia started. "You guys are back together and happy again. Last thing you want to do is punish us, right?"

Wrapping my arms around the taller woman's waist, I let my chin rest on her shoulder. "Myka, Darling, when did we get married and adopt two grown adults?"

"I'm not quite sure."

"Agent Bering, Miss. Wells." Mrs. Frederic's voice startled all of us as she appeared behind Claudia, Henry, and Peter. "I need to have a word with you." The room cleared quickly. "It seems you are here to stay?"

"As long as Myka wants me, yes." My grip tightened slightly. "I don't want to be an agent though. We've all seen what happens when the warehouse and I mix. But I would be open to being a consultant."

"That was my next question. You would be perfect for that since you've been an agent. However, that won't take up all of your time."

"I can always write again. Or help Claudia invent new things to help around the warehouse. And besides, I have to help Henry find a way home. That alone will take up quite a bit of time."

"Yes, it will." Mrs. Frederic paused. "It's good to have you home, Helena. I know Myka will be happy again. You may stay at the B&B. I will talk things over with the Regents and get back to you."

"Thank you, Irene." With a nod, the Caretaker left. "Will you help me move in?"

"Definitely."

Xxx

Over the next year, Myka and I became close again. She realized I wasn't going to leave. The rest of the agents learned to forgive me for what I had done and thought of me as one of their own. Being a consultant for the warehouse was perfect. It gave me just enough adventure to keep my life interesting.

Getting Henry home, or able to time travel, became a bigger project than any of us imagined. We used his motorcycle as a base for the machine and built around it. I used parts from my time machine that was no longer functioning to build the rest. Each day I worked on the motorcycle, I thought of Christina and how I could see her again. Seeing this change in me, Myka suggested I speak to Abigale. Surprisingly, talking about Christina to her helped the sorrow I felt.

Each of us hugged Henry, knowing it would probably be the last time we would see him. It was sad to see him leave. He had become one of us over the past year. "I'm gonna miss you, dude." Claudia smiled sadly.

"I'll miss you too, Claud. Keep these two in line, alright?"

"Will do."

"There's a few days' worth of food, clothes, water, and gas in the back compartment. It should help you in your next dimension." Myka smiled. "Stay golden, Ponyboy." I couldn't help but chuckle at the look of confusion on Henry's face.

"Thanks?"

And then it was my turn. "Thank you for everything, Henry."

"You're welcome. It's just good to see you and Myka happy. If I figure out how, I'll keep in touch. Storybrooke is kind of a time bubble so it wouldn't mess with anything if you went there."

"Talking about dimension jumping like it's a common thing. What has this job done to us?" Myka shook her head. "Thanks, Henry."

"You're welcome. Each of you have been kind and have taught me a lot. That's the best thing you could do for me. I should be thanking you." Snapping his helmet, Henry reeved the engine. Speeding off, he vanished eighty-eight feet away with a line of fire where his back wheel was.

"I hope he makes it to where he's going."

"Me too, Myka." Pulling my fiancée close, I kissed her temple.