Karen D. Badger - Yesterday Once More Read Online Free PDF Page A

carefully. When the rings reached critical velocity, he toggled a second switch. The velocity of the rings increased exponentially, as did the volume of the hum coming from the center of the object. Kale threw a third switch, and a surge of blue, yellow, and red electricity lined the inside of the rotating rings.
    Kale’s heart pounded wildly in his chest. His hand hovered over the large red accelerator button on the control panel. Struggling with a sense of urgency, Kale forced himself to wait for the velocity of the spheres to reach critical value. Finally, his hand came down hard on the accelerator button. A blinding flash of light exploded through the barn as a powerful energy force knocked Kale off his feet and slammed him into the wall behind the console. The room suddenly dimmed, illuminated only by the lights hanging from the rafters of the barn.
    Kale lay motionless for several moments as he regained his bearings. The console was between him and the device, blocking his view. With great anticipation, he climbed to his feet and clamored to the center of the room.
    The boot was still on the platform. He had failed.

    Kale slammed the door. He shrugged his way out of his coat and tossed it on a chair. Throwing himself on the couch, he crossed his arms tightly over his chest and glowered.
    Jordan looked at him. “You’re in a good mood.”
    He looked at her sharply. “Kind of matches yours, huh?”
    Jordan was taken aback. “Want to talk about it?” she asked softly.
    Kale rubbed his brow. “I failed. It didn’t work.”
    Jordan maneuvered her chair across the room. “What didn’t work?”
    “The boot. The boot was still there.”
    “The boot?” Jordan asked, confused. “A little more information, please?”
    Kale rose to his feet and paced the room. He gestured broadly with his hands. “I found an old boot in the tack box and tried to send it back through time. The machine seemed to be operating okay, but when it reached critical momentum and I pressed the accelerator button, the entire thing just blew up in my face. The boot was still there.”
    Jordan raised her eyebrows. “The boot was still there?”
    Kale leaned forward and placed his hands on the armrests of Jordan’s chair. “The boot was still there. It didn’t work. What part of that don’t you understand?”
    Anger burned in Jordan’s chest. She looked at Kale through narrowed eyes. “Doesn’t feel very good to be helpless, does it? Try living with that feeling every day.”
    Kale pushed off the arms of her chair and stood up. He stared down at her for several moments before he spoke. “The difference between you and me is that I plan to try again. I will not let this failure defeat me. You, on the other hand, have chosen to remain helpless.”
    Jordan looked away, embarrassed. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
    “Bullshit. In a few weeks, the new implant will be ready for testing on human subjects. You are the perfect candidate, yet you sit in that chair stubbornly feeling sorry for yourself. I’ve always admired your spunk and determination, but lately, I’ve been sorely disappointed in your behavior. Get a grip on yourself, woman. Do something with your time while you wait for the implant, something other than wasting away in this chair. You need to get on with your life, Jordan.”
    Jordan lowered her chin to her chest and closed her eyes to hide the tears. When she opened them again, Kale was gone.

    * * *

    When Kale returned home from work the next day, the driveway was full of trucks. It took him a few moments to maneuver his vehicle into the driveway. Once the landing gear was lowered and the nuclear power supply was switched off, Kale made his way through the maze of boards and tools and climbed the stairs to the front porch. As he reached for the door, it flew open, nearly knocking him down.
    “Oops. Sorry, Bud.”
    “No problem.” Kale caught the swinging door and held it open for the carpenter, who was