Time Change Everything (Titanic Fanfic) ON HOLD

Chapter 9

Jack's POV

Kate and I walk briskly back to her room, eager to find the valuable Time Machine before they had to evacuate the ship.  The look on Kate's face tells me that she's just as worried as I am, and I can't help but feel sorry for her.  The future is all she knows.  It's her home.  It must be torture for her to even catch a glimpse at what life might be like away from her reality.

Suddenly, a gruff voice echos off the hallway walls.  "Lucy!  I've been looking all over for you!"  I turn to see the odd man who had earlier looked at me as if I were no more than a rat.  He glares at me, but comes to stand by me anyway.  I want to take that as a sign of respect, but there's just something about his aire that gets to me.  I don't like it one bit.  Suddenly, an object is placed in my coat pocket.  It's actually kind of heavy, but I decide to wait until I reach her room until I look to see what it is, for fear that it may frighten my Kate even more.

I am surprised to find an angered Master of Arms waiting for us in the cabin.

"I found them," Mr. Rainier announces, looking pleased while also scowling at me.  "Since my dear darling Lucy has been returned to me, I know exactly where to find the other item.  Search him."

"Oh this is insane," I exclaim as a few officers come and pat me down, examining my pockets.

"Is this what you're looking for, sir?" one of them asks, holding up the heavy object.  Both Kate and I gasp at the Time Machine.  I turn to her, hoping not to see disgust.  Hoping not to see the after-effects of betrayal.

"This is horse shit!  Kate, they put it in my pocket."

"It isn't even your pocket, is it son?" the Master at Arms states, examining the coat.  "This was reported stolen this morning.  Property or R. L. Rhiles, is it not?"

"I was borrowing it!  I was going to give it back," I say as they handcuff me.

Mr. Rainier laughs.  "An honest theif!  You know, I believe I know exactly when he stole the necklace, too, if you need that information for the record.  Probably when you were putting your clothes back on, love."

"First of all," Kate states, putting her hands up in an exaspirated motion.  I have noticed that she often talks with her hands.  "I am most certainly not your 'love.'  I met you just the other day, and have said nothing but you give directions to your room."  She then turns to the Master at Arms and places her hands on her hips.  She looks almost as if she's going to laugh.

"And you, sir, are terrible at your job."  I almost chuckle.

"Excuse me, madam?" the man asks, horrified that a person would have the guts to say such a thing, much less, that person being a woman.  I've found that most first class men are very sexist.

"Yeah," she says.  "Honestly, you believe that this man would spend all his time on this ship with me just to steal a necklace that he didn't even know existed until he met me.  Plus, he really wasn't that interested in it when I showed him.  And I would've seen him take it.  Trust me, I had my eyes on him the entire time."  She turns, flashing me a smile, and winks at me, making me burst out laughing.

"So you know I didn't steal it?" I clarify, calming myself down enough to ask the question.

She chuckles.  "Of course I know you didn't steal it.  Besides, I know that he put it in your pocket.  I happen to have a very clear peripheral vision, Mr. Rainier.  The giant blue sapphire necklace, that I was racing back to my room to fetch, being put in Jack's pocket would not go unnoticed."

"But he still stole the jacket."

Kate's smile disappears.  Her hands drop to her sides and her eyes widen as she thinks of a way to defend me.  Anything.  Anything would help.

"But- but he stole it to come find me, so technically, I'm the one to blame.  Anyway, you have your coat back, and no one was harmed.  I'm sure the man with whom he stole it from hasn't got hypothermia because of the missing coat," she states.  That improvising class she took in college really paid off.

"But," Mr. Rainier says with a smile.  "Mr. Dawson did break the rules.  Not only did he steal the coat, but he also came up to the first class section whilst holding a third class ticket.  That is strictly against the rules, is it not."  All eyes turn to the Master at Arms.

"I'm sorry son, but rules are rules," he says to me.

"No!" Kate exclaims, rushing to my side, tears welling in her eyes.  "I won't let you take him.  It's a death sentence!"

"What?  No ma'am.  He'll just be taken to a jail cell for a couple of hours after we dock to await the authorities' word on how long he stays in containment.  I assure you, it won't be that long."

"No," she says now, only a whisper.  "You don't understand.  The ship is sinking.  I saw the iceberg.  If you take him, he's going to die."

"Now, now, dear!" Mr. Rainier exclaims, coming to her side.  She pushes him away, but he grabs her arms making her turn towards him, gasping.  "You're just delirious.  It's alright.  That you don't even remember that we are, in fact, courting, scares me into thinking you might be going insane.  I'm taking her to rest."

"Get your hands off of me," she gasps, pushing against her chest.  "I am most certainly not courting you, you bastard!  Get off!"

"Let go of her!" I yell, struggling against the restraints.  I just want to hold her, protect her.  Punch that lying bastard square in the face.

I am pulled out of the room, just to stare in horror, as Mr. Rainier leans down and crushes her face in a desperate, violent kiss.  She struggles against him, tears streaming down her face.  Then, I am pulled away from the door and can't see them anymore.

As I reach the end of the hallway, I hear a grunt and then see the angel run out of the room.  She looks in both directions, but doesn't spot me.

"Kate!" I yell.  Her head snaps in my direction and she runs towards me, just as I turn the corner.  As she comes in few again, she screams, as a hard body barrels into her, causing her to slam into the wall.  I stare in horror as she falls, unconscious, to the floor, a small pool of blood forming at the base of her head.

I feel a tear fall from my eye as I am pulled more briskly away, calling her name over and over.  Praying that she's alright.  Praying that I can find a way to break free so that I can see to her.  So that I can rescue her.  So that I can be with her in the last moments of our lives.