West

"Sure. Why not." So he planted three chips in my brain, not two. Not a fan of involuntary brain surgery. I know why I needed them but … yikes. Next time, tell me up front??? I responded. Rereading it, I typed him a second note about possible side effects of them doing brain surgery on me.

I'm sorry, Josie. I should've been more upfront, was his fast answer. There might be some side effects, but they've been tested enough that I don't think any of them are negative. A couple of the chips' functions are in the developmental stage - the empathic memory chip in particular was thought to be theoretically impossible, but I did it!

There was a part of me that wanted to ask how they had tested these brain chips enough to know there were no side effects. I hesitated to ask. Every once in a while, I sensed something … dark without understanding its source. As if knowing what I thought, Carter sent another note.

Trust me, Josie. I wouldn't put them in your head if they were dangerous to you.

Somewhat appeased, I reread his explanation about the empathic memory chip. It made no sense to me, but I guessed I'd find out when it kicked in. I messaged him once more about the real Josie.

"Miss Josie?" Nell's call was muffled by the closed door.

Shoving what she referred to as the devil's box into my pocket, I straightened my dress hastily and smoothed it out. The door opened.

"Your father said you wanted air." Nell held a parasol in one hand. She wore a dark hat and gloves. "Did you wish to go to town?"

I had completely forgotten about the town I saw last night. I bounced to my feet, ecstatic at the idea of seeing a real life Wild West town and hopeful of finding at least one of the men I sought. "Yes! What an awesome adventure!"

"You always did love town." An odd expression crossed Nell's face. It was no singular emotion but rather, a complete lack of anything. She went blank for a moment, glassy-eyed and frozen.

"You up for this?" I asked, concerned.

She shook her head. "Of course." Nell released a sigh but didn't give me one of her disapproval looks.

The odd spell passed, and I joined her at the door.

"Miss Josie, would you go to town without your bonnet?" she asked, askance.

"I guess not." With a look around, I wasn't able to determine where said bonnet was.

"I'll fetch it." She disappeared into the adjoining room. I trailed her to the doorway of a dressing room and saw a second fireplace, large basin for a bath, stands with different gowns displayed, and a wall of wardrobes.