Elevators Through Time - Book 1

Part 2: Any thoughts Otis?

Part 2: Any thoughts Otis?

Year: 1852

Time: (Clock function in repair)

Location: Local bar, New York, America

Level: Ground

We chose to meet again a little while after the huge fanfare and fuss that surrounded E.G. Otis' safety brake for the elevator.

'At least that part of history is untainted by my presence' I thought, quite relieved.

So here we were, Otis, Richter and I, in a quiet bar.

"Mr Otis, I-"

E.G. Otis put down his hat.

"Please, Mr Julian, call me Eli,"

"Very well Eli, you may call me Rome,"

"Rome? What a curious choice,"

"Romeo is not suitable for me at this time, and Roland does not fit my disposition,"

"Well, Rome it is, and between us you may address me as John," J.Richter joined in.

"Haha, very well," I replied, "Eli, it is very difficult to explain what kind of predicament I am in,"

"That may be so, but let me know a few things so that I may ascertain what I can at this time," Elisha Otis said.

'Time,' I laughed to myself.

"Well for starters, I am older than I look," I said, "much older,"

After coming to know them I felt well-inclined to spending quite some time carefully articulating a general story on how I happened to be here, and how I do not know my pursuers, without saying too much...about me being from the future.

"...so as you can see, people have taken an interest in my demise without any sign for a demand or intention to halt in their pursuit," I finished.

Eli wiped his brow. John rubbed his chin.

"You are in quite a tizzy, Rome," he said. "But at least your identity is safe,"

"Well, I do not know who we can talk to for assist-" Eli started

"Oh, no no I couldn't impose," I cut in

"Oh, but Rome, I still feel compelled to help in what capacity I can." E.G. Otis nodded gruffly.

"I may be so inclined for some long distance travel soon, so they may have to travel with me," I said

"Well now, Jimmy could- no, he's due to be married so he cannot attend." John scratched his head. "How about 'lard fist'?"

"'Lard fist'?" I chuckled "Who is that?"

"Ah it's a nickname we gave a heavy hitter who eats a lot of lard but is a considerate man. He could join you but he is disposed to travelling only on foot as he has a leg that demands to be grounded. He is afraid of heights." John replied matter-of-factly.

We discussed further candidates but couldn't come up with any others to go with me. At some point John got up and asked for some drink at the counter and whispered something to the lady. It wasn't too suspicious then.

"Well at least I have ways to protect myself, so I should be okay as long as they try from the front," I said, patting my hand and leg pocket.

"Very good," Otis nodded, "and what if they try from long range?"

"I'll have to figure something out," I replied, laughing to myself because this 'long range' was much further than he meant.

Meanwhile, John Richter returned to us followed by an attendant with a tray carrying three glasses. One whiskey shot, a wine, and a glass of what looked like water with a strange green milky hue.