Chapter Nineteen

Renn sat on the edge of his lumpy motel bed, waiting for Arlianna to speak. She sat across from him in the lone chair.

After approaching him at that beach wedding she had handed him a new locator and demanded he meet her in Malibu. That was that. And here they were.

“This place leaves something to be desired,” Arlianna said.

He wanted to tell her he hadn’t chosen this motel, but he didn’t want to be disrespectful. His behavior was causing enough trouble.

He crossed the room to the tiny fridge, got a bottle of water, and placed it on the table in front of her. Staying hydrated was a crucial aspect to time travel. Law #4. He wished he’d had some oranges, one of Arlianna’s favorite foods, but he hadn’t been expecting her to visit.

As for his immediate future, he expected her to yell at him, go off the handle as they used to say. But she said nothing.

She acknowledged the water with a nod, letting it sit untouched.

With every second that ticked by, the motel air became harder for him to breathe. It grew thick with Arlianna’s disappointment. He was her apprentice, her star pupil. She had put her faith in him. And he had let her down.

“There are flaws,” Arlianna finally said, staring directly into his eyes.

Renn nodded, feeling the slightest glimmer of hope.

“You must return home.”

The glimmer slammed shut. “I can’t,” he blurted out.

Arlianna held up her hand.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to disagree. But you have to understand. There’s this…” He held an imaginary ball in front of his face. He swallowed his words. Rule #13 – Never disobey one’s mentor.

“Go on,” she said.

“You must know what it is. You said yourself there were flaws.”

“I only know that the subject—”

“Please call her Jessica.”

Arlianna’s face softened. “I know that Jessica and Frank are not soulmates.”

“That’s because I’m her soulmate.” Renn held a fist to his chest. “I know it in my heart and gut.”

Arlianna closed her eyes, slowly exhaling. “I thought as much.”

“You knew?”

“No, of course not. But I know now.”

“Why did Natasha do this?” Renn asked. “Why would she send me after my own soulmate?”

“I’m not sure it was on purpose.” Arlianna took a sip of the water.

“But she had to know Frank and Jessica are not a match.”

“Yes. I’ve been suspecting her of foul play. But I didn’t think she’d do it with me involved.”

“We can’t let her get away with this,” Renn said.

“I will handle Natasha. You must return home and accept another mission.”

“I can’t do that.”

“You must. If you want to remain employed.”

Renn mulled over her ultimatum. Remaining a matchmaker was out of the question. He couldn’t work for such a conniving person.

“How can you still work for her?” he asked.

Arlianna ran a finger through her curly hair. “There is a lot of history between us.”

“But she’s trying to harm Jessica.” Renn paced the small room.

“I know,” Arlianna said. “But it’s imperative we follow the proper channels.”

“And if I don’t go home?” he said.

“I can’t protect you any longer.”

He opened the door to his motel, letting in the sea breeze. He ached for Jessica. He’d never be able to think straight if he didn’t see her again.

From the compassion showing on his mentor’s face, her sad smile and half-closed eyes, Renn knew she was thinking the same thing.