Liz was startled by how relieved she felt. She had been suspicious since her encounter with Cutty, but couldn't admit it to herself. Now she had another living, breathing human confirm her worst fear. "Couldn't we just swim to the mainland?" Liz asked.
"And do what once we get there?" Go to the authorities?" Erica had obviously thought this through. "Do you know the state of psychiatric hospitals in the 1950's? I've seen 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.'"
"I see your point."
"I've figured out that Jim and his father have been traveling to various times and places to gamble on sporting events. They have all the money in the world at their disposal. I've gotten that much out of Jim on his visits. He knows I can't get back to my time to tell anyone, and no one in this time would believe me. So he feels pretty comfortable telling me all his plans."
"Well I understand why you're here, but why would they send me back here? We can't try him for murder again."
"No, but you can try him for kidnapping. Jim was happy that you couldn't convict him for murder but he figured it was only a matter of time before you figured out that you could try him for kidnapping."
"Wow." Liz said. "We thought about that, but figured we'd look like fools. And it was apparent that Jim's lawyers would have a field day with that one."
"That's what he's counting on. Besides, I don't think he's capable of murder. I've gotten to know him pretty well."
"Does he think my disappearance will divert attention away from your case?" Liz wondered out loud.
"Possibly," answered Erica.
"I need some air," Liz announced. "Let's go for a walk."
As they walked in silence, Liz tried to formulate a plan. "How often does Jim come here?"
"Until recently, once a week or so. He brings me food and supplies."
Curious Liz asked, "Do you ever encounter anyone else on the island?"
"You talking about Cutty, or that woman in the shack? That's Jim's grandmother you know."
"Yeah...uhhh....really??"
"In this time, Jim doesn't exist yet. He is James Robert Crowson, IV. That little boy is his father. That's why he's the one to travel back to this time and place, not his father."
They were almost back to the cottage as the sun was beginning to set. Liz suddenly felt exhausted. "I'm very tired, and hungry. "
"Let me fix you something to eat," said Erica.
After a sandwich, Liz just wanted to close her eyes. She was tired of thinking. "This has been the longest 2 days of my life. I just need to sleep."
"Be my guest. Boy, it feels good to say that."
"I'll see you in the morning."
"You sure will," said Erica.
As she turned down the covers on the bed, something was bothering her, but she had no idea what it was. Exhaustion overtook her though. Liz didn't go to sleep, she passed out.
The first thing she was aware of was sunlight on her face. She had forgotten to pull the shades last night. The next thing she was aware of was hunger. I don't normally eat breakfast. Why am I so hungry? That's when she noticed she smelled cooking. Bacon and eggs. Unmistakable. She opened the door to the bedroom to see Erica making a wonderful breakfast.
"I thought you'd be hungry. You've been asleep for over 12 hours."
"I can't believe it!"
"Believe it. I was just getting ready to knock on your door."
Liz devoured breakfast. She felt as if the fog was lifting from her brain. As she was finishing up the last piece of toast she wanted to get started on a plan. "There has to be a way out of this," she announced. Liz was watching Erica put the dishes in the sink. It was then that she remembered what had been bothering her last night. "By the way, how did you know I met Cutty?"
The glass Erica was holding dropped from her hand and she stared at Liz. The look that flashed across her face sent chills up Liz's spine.
