Test of Time

By A. C. Crozier

What started as a simple white lie and a fun sleepover turns into the adventure of a life time! Walking in on a robbery they find themselves thrust back in time where they discover the gravity of every decision they make. Fighting for life and limb, they alone are faced with choices on what to save and what to sacrifice. Having to discern what w

• Language: English
• Publisher: URLink Print & Media, LLC
• Release date: Jul 8, 2019
• ISBN: 9781643675596

A. C. Crozier

A.C. Crozier is a Chef who enjoys mentoring and working with youth and young adults who struggle with dreams and direction.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

15-year-old Madison Bishop walked over to the school track. She slipped into the crowds that were watching the race, hoping her cousin would think that she had been watching the whole thing and not just the last four minuets.

Madison didn’t have much trouble finding her cousin, Mary Bishop. She was the shortest one on the track and a startling distance ahead of everyone.

Madison smiled as Mary slowed to a stop just before crossing the finish line. Right before the boy in second could pass, Mary did a front flip across the line. Finishing first. The small crowd roared, cheering Mary’s name. Mary did a few eloquent bows before jumping up on the railing.

Triumph! Mary yelled Start’s with a try, ends with an?

Umph! The crowd cried as they applauded

Mary gestured widely before she flipped off the rail and headed towards the gym.

Madison rolled her eyes, but couldn’t help but smile. Mary had always loved the theatrics.

Madison headed over to the gym. Upon opening the door, she was met with the smell of sweat, shoes and dirty socks. Being hyper-sensitive to smells, these bothered Madison. Smells that where mostly indictable to most people, were easily detected and when there were multiple smells or a couple pungent ones a headache gave warning and if she did not, or could not get away from them, flu like symptoms soon followed.

Pretty good race. Madison said after finding Mary in the gym.

Mary looked up from her gym bag and smiled How would you know? You missed the whole thing.

Maddie flushed, and not just from the smells How did you know?

Mary slung her bag over her shoulder Because it was a boring race! No challenge what so ever! It was not a good race.

Madison followed Mary outside, happy to leave the smelly place Well the provincials are coming up, so don’t get so cocky you don’t practice.

Hey, you should train with me! You’d be great! You’re what, five six?

Five four. Madison corrected

Whatever, that’s still four inches taller than me. And you’re mostly legs! I’ve seen you run, you can go like a scared cat. You’d be a cinch to make the track team and finally give me the competition I deserve.

Madison shook her head I could never run like you. I’d just lose.

Aw Maddie, don’t be such a wet blanket. Of course you would lose, you lose some and you win some. That’s just how it goes. And no, you could never run like me, only I can run like me. You would just have to run like you.

Maddie was about to reply when the boy who came in second stepped in front of them.

Jake! Mary said patronizingly good race! You were so close! But don’t worry at least you weren’t last. Unfortunately, you’re still a loser, but not the last loser.

Jake was sweaty from the race and Maddie wasn’t sure if his face was red from the race, or anger. He was quite a bit taller than Mary and undeniably more muscular.

You cheated! he seethed There is no way someone like you can run that fast!

Mary’s cheeks burned red How dare you! Just because you suck, doesn’t make me a cheater!

You are a cheater! Your way too short to be that fast!

You take that back! Mary spat

I will not.

You take it back or you’ll eat those words through a tube.

You’re a cheater and a liar!

Mary, let’s just go Maddie said but before she could take Mary’s arm, Mary hurled herself at Jake.

Mary head butted the larger boy, knocking the wind right out of him. It didn’t take long for him to retaliate by kicking Mary in the shins and tossing her to the ground. Mary grabbed a handful of dirt and flung it up in his face, she spun around knocking his feet out from underneath of him. Jake fell hard and Mary leapt on him with a barrage of punches to his face.

Mary! Maddie cried as she grabbed hold of Mary’s shoulders

Jake kicked Maddie in the knees causing her to fall onto Mary. As Mary fell in towards Jake he grabbed her head and smoked her right in the head with his forehead. Leaving them both too dazed to get up.

Maddie got up and Mary rolled lethargically over onto her side.

Ok, nothing to see here folks. Maddie said to the gathering crowd as she helped Mary to her feet We were just leaving. She said as they walked away, leaving Jake on the ground with his head in his hands.

Ow! Stop it! Mary snapped as she sat on the nurses examining table

Oh please. Maddie’s 14-year-old sister Ella, chided as she dabbed a cotton ball on the open wound above Mary’s eyebrow You were just in a fist fight, again, and probably didn’t make a sound, but now that I’m trying to help with some iodine, you’re suddenly a big baby!

Shut up! I am not! Mary said smacking the cotton ball away I’m fine. And you’re not the nurse.

No, the nurse said coming over But she will make a fine doctor one day and so I don’t mind letting her practice by treating your wounds. Heaven knows I’m getting sick of doing it.

Mary rolled her eyes I should have known she would have been here helping out.

Alrighty, you can go. The nurse said but take it easy for a bit. No more fighting.

He started it. Mary said jumping down Let’s go guys.

The three girls grabbed their bags and headed for home. They walked home, as usual. Mary had offered long ago that they walk home for the exercise. Maddie had quickly agreed because Mary’s fights usually resurfaced on the bus ride home. Walking home was easily agreed to be better for everyone’s health.

The walk was long, but not bad on a nice day such as today. So did you win your race today? Ella asked as they walked Mary laughed Obviously

I wasn’t sure, I though maybe you lost and beat up the guy that came in first.

Mary flushed I’m not a sore loser!

Right, you also don’t have anger management problems.

I don’t!

They walked past the large, stone houses their tall hedges or gates told the girls that they were not allowed to enter and to be honest, they didn’t desire to. The cut through this subdivision was to save time and because Ella liked to point out the various things she was going to have on her house once she became a successful doctor.

My gun licence should arrive today. Maddie said interrupting Ella’s nattering about some two car garage

Nice, so you can use your Dad’s gun legally now? Mary said, more focused on making sure not to step on any cracks in the side walk

Well, I wasn’t old enough to get my full licence. I got one that says I can use a gun under supervision.

Yeah, like that will happen. Mary laughed You’ve used it without supervision up until this point.

They had left the subdivision and came to the part of town where people who hadn’t won the lottery lived. These houses were much simpler, but nice with big backyards and barking dogs.

Fisher street, this is where we say farewell. Ella said dramatically as she and Maddie turned left, leaving Mary to continue straight down Elm’s street to her house.

Guys, I can’t go home like this! Mary called motioning to her ragged clothes, cut up brow and bruised legs I’m still banned from my computer from the last fight I was in! Mom and Dad will kill me.

Maddie and Ella looked Mary over, it was quite obvious she had been in a fight. It was true her Mom and Dad would probably blow a gasket and it was common knowledge that Mary was pretty much attached to her computer or some electronic device. Being separated from it was like losing a limb for Mary.

Well, you could come home with us and we’ll call your place and say your sleeping over. Ella offered

Maddie shook her head That won’t work, as soon as Mary comes in looking like that, our Mom will call her Mom and that’ll be that.

Mary’s evergreen eyes were distant for only a moment before snapping her fingers, as she usually did before revealing her newest hair brained scheme Let’s crash at Uncle Ray’s house! He loves it when we come by and we have a bunch of our stuff in our room at his place. Than I’ll call my Mom and tell her that I’m staying at your place and you guys call your folks and tell them your staying at my place!

Yeah, because that could never back fire. Maddie said under her breath

I think it’s a great plan! Ella said happily "Uncle Ray is always super cool!

It’ll be fun!"

You just like it because he’s rich. Mary said as they headed back to the stone houses

Yeah, so? The spare room he gave to us is so much better than my room at home. Heck the closet in that room is bigger than my whole room at home!

Uncle Ray’s house required a few turns down a couple streets at the end of the subdivision and was clearly the cherry of the subdivision sundae. Uncle Ray’s three story house had a long, stone, double lane driveway that wrapped around a sprawling garden that boasted flowers from all over that always seemed to be in full bloom.

Mary pulled the big brass ring that hung from the mouth of a lion and knocked on the door.

You know the doorbell works right? Ella said pressing a small button by the door

It just doesn’t feel as majestic Mary explained

The dark wood door was opened by a petite young woman, her long black hair pulled back into a braid, her dark eyes lite up when she saw the girls.

Hello! she cried joyously come on in girls! I just put some pound cake in for dessert tonight. I put a small one in for taste testing.

You’re the best Jasmine! I have a superb palate for refined tasting. Mary said The girls removed their shoes and replaced them with the house shoes that Uncle Ray had got for them. Dirt was absolutely abhorred and not allowed in this house. On one rainy day the girls had come to visit and though they removed their shoes at the door, their wet socks had left prints on the pristine floor. Uncle Ray had bought them house shoes the next day.

What are you making for dinner Jazzy? Ella asked as they followed Jasmine into the lavish kitchen And more importantly, is there enough for company?

Jasmine Hallow, referred to as Jazzy by those who knew her, was Uncle Ray’s joyful and meticulous house keeper. She had been there for as long as the girls could remember, as far as they were concerned, she was family.

Well, Ella darling, there is roast beef with potato gratin, carrots and- Mary! What happened to you! Jazzy held Mary’s chin and gingerly touched her temples

Aw, it was nothing. I won my race today!

Don’t try to change the subject young lady! Jazzy reprimanded as she started prepping some extra food although I will congratulate you on your victory.

I prefer to call it triumph Mary said as she sat at one of the bar stools at the island

Mary got in a fight, Maddie broke it up and I treated the wounded Ella explained is the pound cake done?

I just put it in, these ovens are something else, but there not that fast Jazzy said as she put some more gratins in the top oven.

There were three ovens in the large kitchen and they were all so big they made Maddie think of the ovens in the story of Hansel and Gretel, they must have been the same size.

Why don’t you put some cleaner clothes on before your Uncle sees you. You know how he is

Cleanliness is next to godliness Ella quoted their Uncle’s favourite saying as they headed up to the room he had given them.

The girls ran up the spiral staircase all the way up to the third floor. Ella had asked for their room to be the farthest room in the tallest tower. She claimed it made her feel like royalty. Though Uncle Ray had no towers, he did his best by giving them a room on the top floor.

Ah, home sweet home Ella said throwing the door to their room open.

Inside was just as posh as the rest of the house. The three walls were white, a mandatory wall colour in the house of Uncle Ray and the fourth wall was completely a floor to ceiling window. The three single beds were full and plush. Each one had two giant pillows and a unique duvet that Uncle Ray had the girls design, each for their own bed.

Alright, you guys get changed, I’ll just wait here. Mary said as she sat down at the large black computer desk that boasted the most advanced computer currently on the market

I don’t think so Maddie said opening their closet, that truly was larger then their room at home We all know that you’re the one who Jazzy was hinting needed cleaning up

The closet, though huge, was quite sparse. The girls didn’t have many outfits with which to fill it, after all, Uncle Ray didn’t buy everything for them.

Ella walked in as though entering a ballroom "One day, when I’m a doctor,

I’ll have a place like this"

Maddie pulled out one of her nicer T-shirts Sorry sis, although you’ll be well off, I doubt you’ll ever get this rich. Unless of course, you single handily create a new completely self sustaining power source that produces fresh water as a by product. Which of course, is what Uncle Ray did, so you’d have to do something else.

Ella shrugged I’ll think of something. Here Mary she called throwing new clothes at her computer I’ll go change in the bathroom. I need to do my hair and make up.

Mary begrudgingly put the computer to sleep and picked up her clothes What’s wrong with her hair and make up?

Maddie shrugged You know Ella, there was probably a couple hairs out of place and her eyeliner was probably starting to smudge a little.

Seemingly satisfied with the answer, Mary changed and went to another bathroom to wash the dirt off her face ad arms.

Maddie called their parents from the phone in their room and than headed down to help Jazzy in the kitchen.

Oh darling, you don’t have to work! Go enjoy yourself! I know myself, this house never seems to get boring. Jazzy said as she puttered around

I’d rather be helpful Maddie said. She pulled the roast out and put it on the counter beside the gas range that Jazzy was cooking some vegetables on. When Maddie turned the roast over in the pan, as per Jazzy’s instruction, some of the grease spilled on the counter and caught fire from the range.

A little scream slipped from Maddie as she ran to the sink and grabbed a glass of water to throw on the fire. She was about to douse the flames when Jazzy threw a cookie sheet over the fire.

Oh Hun, let’s put that in the sink She said taking the glass of water and dumping it down the drain. She smiled at Maddie’s confused look Here’s a fun fact for you. A grease fire cannot be put out with water. In fact, water will make it much worse! See, the grease floats on the water and continues to burn, the water spreads it farther. Therefore, the more water you use, the worse the fire will become. Jazzy used a hot mitt to take the cookie sheet and put it in the sink. There was some black char where the fire had been, but that wiped off the marble counter top fairly easily.

So you have to smother it? Maddie asked cleaning the counter Jazzy nodded You can kill any fire by smothering it, but yes, that’s the only way to stop a grease fire. Sand works well if it’s outside, but we both know dirt of any kind cannot be found in this house!

Maddie smiled putting the roast back in the oven.

Well done, we’ll make a cook out of you yet! Now be a dear and set the table, I’ll finish up here. Jazzy said shooing her out

Maddie went out to the dinning room. It, like the rest of the house, didn’t disappoint. The long table was made up of stainless steal legs and supports that could easily be seen through the glass top. A massive chandelier was turned off, but glimmered anyway by catching the light that came from the huge windows.

Maddie set the plates and cutlery, the table could quite comfortably sit twelve, though it rarely saw that many people. At one time the Christmas family get togethers was held at Uncle Ray’s house, but the extended family is quite large and Uncle Ray found with so many children it was impossible to contain the mess. Christmas was held at Mary’s house ever since.

The table was just set when Jazzy rushed out with the roast. Dinner was always at six. Sharp.

Love, would you help grab the food.

Maddie hurried back with Jazzy and they nicely got the food on the table when Mary, Ella and two men entered the dinning room.

Uncle Ray! Maddie cried hugging the older man.

Uncle Ray (Dr. Raymond Clinston) was a tall man whose black hair was beginning to show signs of grey and slightly balding. He was also not technically Maddie and Ella’s Uncle, seeing as he is the brother of Mary’s Mother. But that was what they had called and thought of him since as long as they could remember.

Madison! He said embracing her I’m always happy to see you girls! Come, sit down everyone, Jazzy and Maddie have made, what smells to be a wonderful meal.

The other man was younger than Dr. Raymond. His skin always looked like he just finished tanning in Hawaii, though he had never been, and his eyes were such a dark brown they would easily be mistaken for black. He was Dr. Raymond’s assistant. Like Dr. Raymond, he was a genius, unlike Dr. Raymond, he didn’t appreciate the girls un-announced visits.

Hello Pranit Maddie said happily

I’ve told you, it’s Dr. Hammond he said curtly as they sat at the dinner table

Now Hammond, no need to be sharp. Uncle Ray gently reprimanded But girls, you need be respectful to Dr. Hammond, he has worked hard to get where he is.

Yes Uncle Ray, sorry Dr. Hammond. Maddie said genuinely

Now than-oh Jazzy, stop fussing about! Everything looks divine! Come, sit with us. Uncle Ray said motioning to a seat at the table

Jazzy sat down beside Mary and the group fell silent and folded their hands as Uncle Ray said a prayer of thanks for the food and company with which to share it. As soon as he said amen, the food was passed around. Dr. Hammond looked rather anxious.

Dr. Clinston, how can you think of eating? Our success today must be reported!

Dr. Hammond, I really feel it necessary to wait until tomorrow. We need to fully understand what revealing our research will fully mean.

Dr. Hammond looked confused It means we’ll be rich beyond measure!

Oh brother, leave something for the rest of us to discover! Ella said before thinking

Maddie blushed for her sister, Ella never thought before speaking.

Uncle Ray only smiled though "Forgive me girls! Here I am talking of work.

Mary, how was your race today?"

First place, of course. Mary said beaming the others didn’t stand a chance!

Good for you. You’re off to the provincials?

Was there ever a doubt? Mary asked

Uncle Ray laughed "No of course not. And Ella, how are your studies going?

Have you been helping out at the nurse’s station?"

Oh yes! Ella said enthusiastically and I’ve almost finished reading the Medial Merck Manual.

You are dedicated! And you’ve been learning, not just reading through?

Oh yes, Uncle Ray! I’ve been making notes and have been rereading portions to help retain the information.

How Good! And Maddie, how’s your gun license coming?

Dr. Hammond put his fork down rather loudly Dr. Clinston! We have made the most important discovery in the history of man kind and we are discussing minor school details! Give glory and success where it’s due!

Pranit. Uncle Ray didn’t say it meanly, but it was clear he was upset bringing others down to help build yourself up is never the right course of action. Denying yourself in order to build others up is where there is glory and doing it and doing so joyfully, is truly success. Please Maddie, continue.

Maddie flushed, embarrassed Uncle Ray, Dr. Hammond is right, your work is so much more important. Tell us what you did.

Uncle Ray smiled and shook his head No darling, one cannot say that one’s work is more important than another’s. Find something that you believe is important and work your hardest at it, never doubt your importance and never let anyone convince you otherwise. As for telling you what we have created Uncle Ray sat back in his chair and studied the girls for a moment before answering I’m not sure if I’m ready. Or perhaps, I am not sure if the world is ready. Which ever it is, I’m afraid that it must remain a secret until Dr. Hammond and I decide. Now Maddie, your gun licence?

Maddie’s curiosity was most certainly peaked, but felt it rude to ask him more When I called home, Mom said it had come today.

That’s great! I suppose the next step is to get your own gun?

Maddie nodded Yes! I already have the one I want picked out. A few more babysitting jobs and I should have the money.

No, no my dear. The license calls for celebration! I’ll buy you your gun.

Thank you Uncle Ray, really, but if you don’t mind. Maddie paused not wanting to be rude I would really like to earn this. To work hard for it, so that I can truly appreciate it.

Uncle Ray looked hard at her for a moment before smiling I don’t mind at all, in fact, I quite understand and respect you for it. Now than he said happily "I went to town today.

All three girls sat a bit straighter. Uncle Ray very rarely left his house, he could almost always be found in his laboratory in the basement. But the odd time he left, it was like an adventure and he would always return bearing gifts from whatever store he had ended up going to.

Ella, I found something I believe you would like, especially since you’re finished reading your book. Uncle Ray pulled up his briefcase and pulled out a book twice the size of the dictionary and handed it to Ella.

Ella looked puzzled as she took the book. As she scanned the title her eyes lite up and a smile reached across her face This is remarkable! she gasped A book of ailments and all the known natural remedies! This is-wow! Thank you so much!

He went to a bookstore? Mary whispered disappointedly to Maddie, who elbowed her in reply.

And Mary, you still have your magic hobby I hope. He said as he handed Mary a large magic book

Never being one for books, Mary leafed hesitantly through and grew much more excited at her findings This book’s something else! It’s got tricks I’ve never even heard of!

And Maddie, I hope you find this interesting he said giving Maddie a book Maddie looked the cover over and smiled Thanks Uncle Ray! The history of guns, it explains how they first made the guns and how they made gun powder and how they make it now.

I’m glad you like them. I hope you will learn lots from them.

Once dinner was done they all enjoyed a large slice of Jazzy’s pound cake before Dr. Hammond and Uncle Ray headed back to their laboratory to continue working.

After offering to help Jazzy clean up, the girls went up to their room. Honestly Maddie puffed I don’t care how much this makes you feel like royalty. Unless Uncle Ray put’s an elevator in, I’ll feel just as royal on the first floor.

Oh you’re just a royal pain. Mary said flopping down on her bed

Ella and Maddie plopped down on one Maddie’s bed. They turned on the large, flat screen TV and started flipping through to pick a movie.

I want to watch a comedy. What about you Mary? Maddie asked Mary?

What’s wrong? Is the computer broken or something? Ella asked pulling her long, curly, light brown hair into a braid.

Hm? Oh, no. I was just thinking Mary muttered looking up from where she was sitting

Really? That’s new. Maddie chirped running a brush through her long blonde hair

Mary’s evergreen eyes darted angrily towards Maddie What I was thinking about is what Uncle Ray and Dr. Hammond have created. Why wont they tell us? Uncle Ray has never kept anything from us before.

Ella shrugged Well, that we know of. And truthfully if we knew about it, it wouldn’t have been kept from us.

Mary was silent for a moment You make my head spin. I’ve got an idea.

Oh brother for some reason those words usually hurt when you say them.

Ella said

Uncle Ray and Hammond work until eight O’clock exactly. If we wait until at least mid-night, they’ll both be gone and surely be fast asleep. So we’ll pack our backpacks and sneak into the lab…

I don’t like where this is going Maddie said hesitantly

That’s because I haven’t got there yet Mary snapped Now, as I was saying we sneak into the lab and look at what he’s got going on!

Why do we need our bags? Ella asked

Mary rolled her eyes for one, we’ll probably have to be there most of the night to figure it out, if we can figure it out. And so we could use our sleeping bags and snacks and I’m going to bring some electronics to help me figure it out. We know that Uncle Ray starts work at Eight, no sooner no later. If we get out by six thirty or even seven if we ran behind, we would be out in plenty of time!

I don’t like where that went. Maddie said shaking her head

Don’t be such a bore! It’s just some harmless fun, an adventure if you will. Mary reassured

Before long the girls