West

"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?" Nell replied, her spark back.

Weird. But the woman had a brain tumor in addition to being stressed out after the events of this week. She didn't trail me into the house but remained with the deputy in the barn, helping him take care of his horse.

The moment I stepped into my room, I whipped out the cell and stared at it. Carter hadn't texted, as if he was waiting for me to be willing to speak to him again.

With Taylor's words raw in my thoughts, I managed to write out what was bothering me. Did you lie about why you sent me back? I hit send and went to the dressing room to replace the bonnet on its stand.

My phone vibrated, and I read his response. Sort of. Taylor was your real mission. I've been tracking him through several hundred time periods, and this was the first time I was able to catch up with him. Please don't hate me. There's a reason I'm doing this, and when you find out what it is, you'll understand. If it helps, you being there did help a few people.

"You're crazier than Fighting Badger," I said, astonished he'd think there was any explanation I'd accept for all the lying he'd done. "I didn't leave my life behind to help a few people! I came to rescue a million." And what could he want with Taylor? Before I could ask him, he sent me another note.

BTW- I have a potential solution for the nosebleeds and headaches. You're going to have to turn off the empathic memory chip.

I was close to crying again, shaking with anger and too upset to vocalize let alone type the mess of emotions in my mind. Instead, I wrote back, Am I doing self-brain surgery?

I drank a glass of water and worked on calming myself before I dared read his answer.

LOL - no! This is much more … primitive. It requires a 2x4 board and good aim. A hard blow to the right place on your skull will disengage it.

"Billion dollar technology and you shut it off with a two by four." I gave a choked sob that was half laugh, baffled, and then stopped short when his next message came in.

You'll need to do it soon. There's a chance your brain could swell. It won't be a quick or painless death. I swear, Josie, I want you to be safe and healthy. I wouldn't suggest this if there was any other way.

Tears stung my eyes. So I was trapped in the past, and my head was about to explode, thanks to Carter. I was an absolute fool. Looking around, I realized this place wouldn't be bad, if there was a way to stay with Taylor and Nell.