Chapter 15 – Messing with Memories
"So how do you propose that we gain access to the machine? How did you do it last time?"
"Well, we have to wait until they've finished tinkering with it and it actually works, Andrea. No point in stealing a broken time machine, you know."
"And when will it be functional?"
"Tonight. That is when we'll strike. The men will fetch the time machine while I keep Layton and his company distracted. You will use the machine to make sure that everything will keep in motion. Remember the plan; get the younger selves of Layton, Altava and Bronev and let everything else fall into place. Then the rest will be up to you. Do you understand?"
Andrea nodded. "Understood."
The other woman smiled. "Good."
They both turned around as a man entered; another accomplice of theirs. Dressed smartly in his red suit, he smiled at the women sat before him.
"And how are my lovely girls?" he smiled.
"Everything is nearly in place, father? Have you tested out the memory eraser yet?"
"I was just about to." He poked his head out the door. "Bring him in."
Two men carried in a chair with a man strapped to it. A very familiar man.
"Is that...?" Andrea was unable to believe her eyes.
"It is," the man said calmly.
Desmond roared through his gag, thrashing around as he was bound to his chair.
The man smiled. "Let's ungag him and see what he has to say."
The man leaned over Desmond and ripped the gag out of his mouth.
"What in the— Miss McIntyre, what is the meaning of this? And you! You too!" he roared at the man. "I trusted you! I trusted you with my life! Why would you do this?"
The man didn't reply; he took the memory eraser from one of his cronies and placed it onto Desmond's head. "So, how far back should we erase his memory?"
"Well..." Andrea looked at Desmond, who was now sweating. "Poor little lamb," she mocked in her head. She smiled. "Well, let's start with an easy one; erase as far back as when you kidnapped him. Then we'll find someone a little closer to Layton to do the next test on."
"Right you are." The man flicked the switch.
"NOOO!"
Desmond's head was banging. Dim lights flashed before his eyes and he felt himself going drowsy. Very, very drowsy...
Professor Sycamore? Professor Sycamore!"
Desmond groaned and sat up. He opened his eyes to find a concerned Aurora staring back at him.
"Are you okay? Where have you been? I came back from school and you weren't there, so I went to your office and you weren't there either, and I have been looking everywhere for you—"
"I... wait... what time is it?" Desmond looked up at the clock, but all he could see was a wavy blur. "Uurgh..."
"Professor Sycamore?" Aurora took his hand.
"Aurora, can you read the clock for me? I can't see the numbers," Desmond said drowsily, his speech slurred.
"It's ten to five."
"Aurora, dear, I... I really can't remember where I've been."
Aurora frowned and looked at Desmond.
"Professor? I'm going to call Professor Layton."