Martha smiled. "Classic difference of context; to Quinn this is a scientific question while to Howie, it's like a gift from God, not to question and not to abuse."
"It's both, isn't it?" I said.
"After tomorrow, it's back to the drawing board," Quinn said. "When Howie is unable to verify what we do perhaps he'll let us investigate what's causing his mind to create these fantasies."
"You're convinced they're not real?" Betsy asked.
Quinn just smiled. "Get out your wallet, honey. I'll make that safe a bet anytime. These dreams may be fascinating and I admit I'm stumped about their cause but what you're suggesting is plain impossible."
We didn't bother to argue with Quinn. After all, tomorrow would answer the question. Instead we speculated on what we'd personally do if we had this gift or curse and it proved to be a true trip to the past. It was an interesting mental exercise and said much about the desires of the participants. Our visions continued to keep us awake long into the night.
At Martha's suggestion over coffee the next morning we decided on the public library in nearby Lynn as our destination. Each of us could find separate areas to be alone but remain close to each other. Martha handed out paper and pens before we left the house. We were quieter than usual as we drove to our destination.
"I hope Howie isn't too disappointed if he's unable to pull this off," Martha said. We all agreed but I silently wondered what our collective reaction would be if the opposite occurred!
I sat at a table after randomly pulling half dozen books from the shelf. I opened each somewhere in the middle and held it flat on the table after recording the title and page number. I then left the building and waited outside for the others who arrived moments later. None of us divulged what we did.
It was a beautiful morning and there was plenty of time to kill as Howie wasn't schedule to return to the house until late afternoon. We drove along the beach and into the town of Nahant. Betsy, being from mid-America, found the ocean delightful. We scampered over the rocks, inhaling the brisk sea air and later, we drove to Swampscott, to the north, and ate a pleasant sea food lunch. We were all fidgety and talked out by the time we returned to Peabody.
Howie arrived as scheduled. I don't know who among us was the most nervous. He stepped forward.
"I appreciate what I've put you people through but after this afternoon things are going to be different. Don't ask me how; I just know it."