NINE TIME MACHINES: Do you want to undo your entire life on planet earth?

CHAPTER 85

"Mary? Mary Pethiel?" says a voice I'd hoped would never speak in my direction again. "What are you doing here?"

I do a stiff walk over to where she stands. "I work here."

"Here? That's great! Then maybe you can help me out with my appointment."

"I can try," I manage to pluck the words from my throat. "What do you need?"

"It would be nice to meet the ambassador."

Miss Nosy lives up to her name. "The ambassador's not meeting anyone else today."

"I was talking to Mary, love. You're just a receptionist."

"Just a receptionist? And what do you think she is?"

My eyes scream at her to shut up but she's not one to back down. Neither is the Copper.

"Didn't anyone teach you to speak when spoken to?"

"Not when someone compares me to a janitor, I don't."

"A janitor?" The Madawaurian Copper turns to me with a smirk on her face. "Mary?"

"Ignore her." I put on a brave voice. "She has issues."

But a realization sweeps over the Copper as she looks back and forth sizing up our expressions.

"My God! She's right. You are the janitor!" she shrieks. "But wait! Aren't these the same clothes? My goodness, Mary! Don't tell me you still think you work at the bank?"

"Why don't you shut the hell up?" I shout.

"Right after you change your wardrobe." She laughs. "You know, to fit in with your new role."

"I'd still be there if it wasn't for you."

"Are you serious? You're blaming me for your leaving?"

I look all around me for effect. "I don't know. Is there some other vermin lurking about?"

"Come now, Mary. Is that any way to treat an old friend?"

"Is that what we were? The way you treated me, I'd never have guessed."

"I always made you feel welcome; and you know it."

"You're such a liar!" I spit out. "You know what? People like you deserve a horrible death!"

"Nice to see you again, Mary." The Copper laughs as I retreat. "I'll give your love to the girls. Maybe even get them to pay you a long overdue visit."