Two Timed

By Clayton Spann

Peter Keller is a brilliant nerd. Barbara Jackson is a brilliant beauty. Peter the biologist seeks extension of the human lifespan. He plays hard and fair. Barbara the gold digger seeks only gold. She plays hard and dirty.

These opposites are teamed in a bizarre contest. On a time warped playing field they and their equally determined opposition battle for a perilous prize. The winners can secure great wealth...or profound love...or fiendish hell.

Peter and Barbara will vie desperately for their hearts' desire. Along the way they will learn more than wanted about ecstasy, humiliation, betrayal, and vindication.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Clayton Spann
• Release date: Apr 23, 2012
• ISBN: 9780976086062

Book preview

Two Timed

Clayton Spann

Copyright 2012 Clayton Spann

Smashwords Edition

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or persons (except for historical figures), living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

For Sharon,

Rose of Texas

And death shall be no more;

Death, thou shalt die.

John Donne

Chapter 1

Peter Keller believed in patience. So he did not change the channel. He told himself the picture frozen on the flat screen TV would shortly return to life.

More time passed in the dead silence of his living room. The picture on the screen, a live transmission of a volcano erupting in Japan, remained motionless.

Keller sighed. He was tired from a draining if productive day in the lab, and he didn’t feel like rising to manually change the channel. The remote controller mocked him from its position beside the TV. He had placed the remote there as protest against the sloth its use induced.

Finally Keller roused and trod over immaculate green carpet to the TV. He pushed the channel button. The button would not depress. He pushed harder but the button stayed stuck and the picture did not change.

He pressed the power button. He muttered as repeated jabbing failed to turn off the set. More finger probing found every control on both the set and the remote control locked.

Keller groaned. He would have to take the set in for service. It didn’t console him one iota the machine was under full warranty. He would have to expend his most valuable commodity: time.

He stepped back and folded his pipestem arms. This didn’t make sense. He had bought the set just two months ago. What were things coming to if Sony products failed so quickly?

Well, there was nothing he could do about the situation this evening―except get the set ready for transport tomorrow. He would put it in the shipping box and position the box by the front door. In the morning he wanted to be able to grab the set and run.

He grasped the TV power cord. He pulled gently―to no avail. He pulled harder―to no avail. His underdeveloped biceps knotted as his right arm strained full strength at the plug, which remained in the wall socket.

Keller sat on the floor and took the cord in both hands. He planted his feet against the wall. He tugged, jerked, and yanked on the cord until he was breathing hard. The plug did not move a millimeter.

He let go and flopped on the carpet. He stared uncomprehendingly up at the television screen―still occupied by the frozen picture of a volcano spewing ash―and at the embedded plug.

Then it hit him.

Keller laughed. These machinations bore the signature of none other than Jason Henry. His post-doc was famous for both his practical jokes and his electronic wizardry. Combine the two talents and Keller had his culprit.

He stood. He would call Jason, and congratulate him on his ingenuity. (Keller often wondered why Jason hadn’t taken his Ph.D. in electrical engineering rather than developmental biology.) After the congratulations he would strongly suggest Jason get over here and set the TV straight.

Keller reached for the phone and found the receiver glued in place.

His amusement faded. This was going too far. He appreciated Jason’s zany sense of humor; it kept the lab loose and morale high. But these particular antics approached the point of lunacy.

Keller strode to the front door of his townhouse. Even before he touched the knob, he knew he wouldn’t be able to open the door. He was right; the knob would not rotate.

He went to the living room windows, through which an orange-red sun hovered over the fringes of the Hill Country. None of the three windows would lift. On the other side of the room the sliding glass door to the patio failed to budge. Nor would any other windows on the first floor move.

Keller tried not to get angry. But jest or not, Jason’s actions were irresponsible. What if fire broke out, or if Keller suffered a disabling fall? He would be trapped and unable to phone for help. He knew people considered him overly cautious, but anyone would agree a dangerous situation existed here.

Hoping to spot Jason, he again peered through the front windows. Surely his amber bearded post-doc lurked near. As the prank unfolded Jason would want a front row seat from which to enjoy his victim’s discomfiture.

Keller couldn’t detect anyone in the bushes lining the townhouse or among the half dozen cars parked further away. The wildflower covered field behind the parking lot was empty. If Jason were present, he would have to be observing with binoculars from the tangle of brush and stunted oaks beyond the field. But would even Jason spy from terrain infested with snakes, scorpions, and fire ants?

Again Keller attacked the first floor doors and windows. Nothing would move, or even rattle. Ditto for the windows upstairs, and the telephone in his bedroom. In the bathroom the water faucets wouldn’t turn, nor would the flush handle on the toilet depress. Jason had somehow even prevented light switches from flipping.

He returned to the living room and stood helplessly. He was upset with Jason, but he also must credit the man with masterly thoroughness. (Would that Jason attended to such detail in his research work.) Jason had even frozen the pendulum in the baby grandfather clock on the mantle. Jason managed to lock it at the top of a swing.

Obviously a lot of labor had gone into this prank. Keller tried to account for Jason’s whereabouts during the day. Keller had been in meetings most of the morning; his post-doc must have struck then. Or at least applied the finishing touches.

No problem for Jason to gain access to the townhouse; Keller had given him and Tim joint custody of his keys when he’d attended the Gordon Conference last summer. Keller also had the pair check on the place when he’d been away at another conference five weeks ago in March. Jason had probably started implementing his plan then.

Well, Jason had obviously brought it off. So kudos to him. But now was the time to show up and take a bow. Keller hoped the borderline lunatic wasn’t planning to drag this out several more hours.

He glanced at his wristwatch. He would give Jason another ten minutes before―

Keller’s eyes snapped back to the LCD window of the watch. The seconds were not advancing.

He snorted. Come on, how had Jason tinkered with his wristwatch? Keller wore it every moment of his waking hours. Could that nut have slipped into the townhouse while he was sleeping?

Then Keller remembered he did sometimes remove the watch while in the lab. He had yesterday when assisting Janice with her plasmid preparation. Jason could have switched the watch with one already doctored.

Jason wouldn’t have any trouble getting a duplicate. The black encased watch was a common enough model, Casio’s Telememo 50. Keller had thought the model a bargain, as it combined a calculator, stop watch, timer, data banks, an alarm, and two clocks.

He wondered what else on the watch Jason had sabotaged. The watch was in World Time mode, the display window showing the time in Chicago. His pinky pressed the Forward command on the data entry panel to see if the time zone would still shift one hour eastward.

Keller jumped as blaring sound assaulted. He whirled to face the TV. The thunderous noise erupting from the speakers made him realize how completely quiet had gripped the living room.

Motion again flickered on the TV screen. He watched the volcano resume belching thick gray smoke, then his eyes whipped to the grandfather clock. The pendulum was swinging.

On slightly unsteady feet he walked around the living room. At the telephone the receiver lifted easily and he heard a dial tone. At the front door the knob turned without resistance. He opened the door and thrust his head out in renewed search for Jason. Balmy air and a now tomato red sun greeted him.

Jason, he called. Jason, are you there?

No one answered. A couple of kids cycling in the parking lot glanced his way.

He scanned the surroundings, then shut the door.

His hand drifted back to the wristwatch. Now he remembered. Just before the screen froze he had pressed the Reverse command to go westward from Central Daylight Time. CNN had posted local time beneath the live shot of the Japanese volcano; he wanted to check if the watch’s Tokyo time setting matched.

Keller hesitated, then pushed the Reverse command. Instantly silence snuffed out TV commentary. A check of the telephone and front door found them again immovable. The pendulum in the baby grandfather clock had stopped on the other side of its swing.

He pushed the Forward command. Television audio abruptly returned, and the pendulum resumed movement.

His head shook in wonder. He didn’t know that Jason’s electronic expertise reached to this level. Jason had apparently installed servomechanisms controlling most items in his house, then tied their operation to a triggering device in this watch. Keller was flattered that Jason would expend this much effort―and probably fair expense―on his behalf. He did suppose it was a sign of warped affection.

But the time had come to end the game.

At the phone he punched Jason’s number. Jason answered on the second ring.

Hello?

Jason, this is Peter. He didn’t say anything more. He’d see how long his post-doc could keep a straight voice.

Hey. What’s up?

Jason’s normally hoarse voice remained normal.

Well done, Dr. Henry. I am suitably impressed.

A pause. "You mean the in situ?"

Keller chuckled. Good try. Jason’s in situ hybridizations were indeed progressing well. You rascal. You had me fooled. For a moment I thought I was in the Twilight Zone.

Uh―what’s going on?

Jason, I know you’re behind this. The attention is appreciated. I would appreciate it more if you’d come over and undo your mischief.

Another pause. Then what sounded like a helpless laugh. Peter, we’re on different wavelengths. I don’t know what you’re talking about.

It’s amazing how you rigged everything to function through the watch.

Rig what watch?

I’m hitting the Reverse command now The room froze. See?" Keller said into the receiver, then held it toward the silent TV.

He pressed the Forward command and normalcy returned. Bring over a bottle of that lousy wine you drink and you can tell me how you did it.

A long pause, then tenseness gripped Jason’s voice. Are you okay? Are you trying to signal me someone’s there and you’re in danger?

Keller laughed. Of course not. If I’m in any danger it’s because of your chicanery. Really, what if the place had caught fire and I hadn’t figured out how to unfreeze things? Now please come over here and return control of my home to me.

Another great pause. He bet Jason’s whiskered face was twisting with mirth, even if his voice feigned innocence.

Jason finally answered. Uh―okay. I’ll be over in a few minutes.

Keller hung up and played some more with the watch. It was amazing what Jason had done―from a purely technical point of view, of course. Keller wasn’t sure he should inform colleagues at the Health Science Center of this particular display of ingenuity. It might or might not enhance Jason’s reputation.

Ten minutes later the doorbell chimed. Keller broke into a grin as he opened the door.

Before him stood Jason and Tim Case. Both wore expressions of concern and puzzlement.

Keller did a double take upon seeing Tim. His other post-doc didn’t lack a sense of humor, but wild practical jokes were not his forte. But Jason could have talked Tim into helping. For a setup this extensive, Jason likely needed a second pair of hands.

Well, there they were. Still continuing to play the con.

Welcome, gentlemen. Now please put right what you have wrought.

The two post-docs exchanged hard glances, then strode in.

Keller laughed. I should be annoyed at your disruption, but I always applaud excellence...and this was excellently done.

Jason stepped toward Keller with a raised palm. It was quite strange to see him looking so grave, this man who always had a twinkle in his eye and cheer on his lips. Peter, why don’t we sit down? We can―

Keller smiled as his pinky touched the Reverse command.

Jason timed it perfectly, stopping his forward motion in mid stride. Keller was impressed at how Jason held his rigidity as the seconds passed. He didn’t quiver and he didn’t blink. Tim also imitated a statue.

Keller hit the Forward command. Jason resumed his advance. Tim moved to the side.

He touched Reverse. Both men stopped.

Keller threw out his arms and put bite in his voice. Enough of this. I mean it! He wasn’t angry but certainly exasperation was brewing.

Neither man even twitched. Keller took his bearded friend by the shoulders and shook gently. Please, Jason. End this.

Jason stared at him and through him. Jason owned as slight a build as his own, but Keller had grabbed hold of granite.

He shook harder. Jason didn’t budge. Two yards away raven haired Tim maintained a locked stance, with his right foot lifted several inches. From the tilt of his body Tim should be falling.

Keller refrained from pushing the Forward command. Several minutes passed and neither of the men shifted. As the eerie silence in the townhouse grew into a crescendo, a chill crawled over his skin. His breathing grew faster.

He pressed Forward, then Reverse. A brief snap of sound, a brief flicker of movement from the men.

Keller gasped and stepped back. Then there was movement in the room, and he realized it was the walls and floor dancing about him. Before his knees gave way he did manage to once more squeeze the Forward command.

Two pairs of arms caught him.

Next thing he knew the men were helping him toward the door. He heard faraway voices saying they were taking him to the hospital.

He protested and tried to twist free, but their grips were strong, especially that of barrel-chested Tim. His post-doctoral fellows reminded him he was under a lot of stress; renewal of the aging grant was far from certain. They were sure this was nothing serious. But they were going to have him checked out at the emergency room.

They hustled Keller into the back seat of Jason’s Nissan Sentra. Tim slid in beside him.

Keller’s head still spun. Was he suffering some horrible delusion? What he just experienced with the watch, it could not be real.

I don’t understand, he said to Tim. Tim patted his shoulder and said it would be okay.

Jason wheeled out of the townhouse complex. The breeze streaming in from the front window revived Keller and his hand drifted to the black wristwatch. He pushed Reverse.

The car stopped. The vehicle ceased forward motion instantly, without squeal of tires, or passengers thrown forward. The speedometer read 35 miles per hour. On the opposite side of the road three other cars had also abruptly halted.

In the dead silent vehicle Keller saw the eyes of both frozen men fixed upon him. Tim cast sidelong eyes while Jason, hunched over the steering wheel, observed from the rear view mirror. Each man stared warily.

Keller grabbed the door handle. It wouldn’t move. Neither could he roll down the door window.

A push on the Forward command, and the car resumed full speed. Keller wasn’t jolted backwards. In the other lane cars swished past.

He slumped in the seat. His hand went to his head, to clamp his brow.

You okay? asked Tim.

I don’t know.

Was he losing his mind? This certainly bore the symptoms. What they said about the grant, yes, he had felt pressure. If it wasn’t renewed he lost half his funding. But he hadn’t treated renewal as a life or death situation...at least not consciously.

He had to snap out of this. He couldn’t afford to spend any time under psychiatric observation. Either workwise or reputationwise.

Jason turned off Fredericksburg Road into the sprawling South Texas Medical Center. In the gathering twilight the spires of a half dozen hospitals loomed around them.

Let’s take him to Methodist, said Tim.

Keller gave silent approval. Methodist Hospital was the best at the Center. Not that the Bexar County hospital was all that bad, but its proximity to the Health Science Center meant he stood a greater chance of being recognized.

I’ll drop you two at Emergency, then park, said Jason.

I’m feeling much better, Keller announced.

We should still get you looked at, said Tim. Tim was poised for action, as if ready to prevent Keller from jumping from the car.

In the emergency room they were able to see him fairly quickly. They had him lie down, checked his blood pressure and temperature, drew blood, then later took him away to run an MRI and an EEG. A neurologist was brought in to examine the results. Through it all Keller did his best to act normally. That was one thing he had always been good at, keeping calm in trying circumstances while others let their tempers fray.

Eventually they returned him to the ER. The neurologist moved away to talk with Tim and Jason. He couldn’t hear the conversation, though the tension in the post-docs’ faces lessened as the doctor spoke.

Keller had to admit he felt perfectly fine now. But what the hell had been going on? He’d never hallucinated, never come close.

The only thing that remotely made sense was that he had been put under hypnosis. Pushing the Reverse or Forward commands might induce an illusion that everything around him was frozen.

Could a hypnotic suggestion be this powerful? He knew little about hypnosis, except that it supposedly couldn’t make you act against your will.

Keller wasn’t a hypnotist, but he was a scientist. A scientist could conjecture all he wanted yet in the end he must test. Keller had to determine where the reality of the situation lay: inside his head or out.

He withdrew a quarter from his pocket, then pushed the Reverse command.

The hubbub of the ER ceased immediately. A dozen statues postured about the harshly lit room. Gone also were hospital smells of ethyl alcohol and washed linens, and from somewhere, the faint odor of bedpan contents.

Keller rose from the cot and, with quarter in hand, walked over to Jason. He balanced the quarter on the shiny scalp of Jason’s balding head. Keller returned to the cot.

A press of Forward brought the ER to life. He watched Jason nod at the doctor, then flinch as the quarter slid from his forehead and bounced with a ping on the floor. Jason, Tim and the doctor stared befuddled at the quarter as it rolled away.

Keller hit Reverse. Uneasiness again gripped him. Hallucination had not put that coin on Jason’s head. Nor could Keller have placed it there while under the influence of a hypnotic trance. Jason, the others, would have stopped him.

Keller went to pick up the quarter. He found he couldn’t lift the little disk, even when he knelt and pried with both hands. Neither did a hard kick dislodge the coin.

He stood statue-like himself. If this wasn’t hypnosis, then either he was asleep or insane. If he was asleep, this dream exceeded any other during his thirty-five years for bizarreness. If he had gone mad―though he had always thought himself one of the most stable people around―then the madness had consumed him.

The alternative to insanity meant what he experienced was actually occurring. Time halted whenever he pressed the Reverse command on this watch. But that was impossible. Not unlikely, improbable, or technically difficult―just flat impossible.

So...what did he do now?

Step one was to get out of this hospital. Then get home, try to get some rest. Hopefully he would wake from this aberration. If he were really lucky he wouldn’t even remember it.

The neurologist made noises about holding him for