“Why is that?”
“We can only control our own thoughts. We can’t control the thoughts of others. So when several thousand people come together with thousands, or even millions, of different thoughts, the outcomes sometimes—directly or indirectly—affect our lives in ways we can’t foresee or control. And sometimes when we are disappointed in an outcome, over time and in hindsight we see it was actually the best thing for us at that point in our lives. Like when people break up and they think that is the worst thing that has happened to them. But soon after they meet their soulmate and realize that the breakup was the best thing that had ever happened to them. Does that make sense?”
“I guess so. But what now? Nothing changes because we still have to live our lives in fear and hiding as long as Ian and Helen—if they’re alive—and their people are on the loose.”
“We just have to remain faithful that things will eventually work out in the best-possible outcome.”
Adam was quiet as he considered this. He still didn’t completely understand how faith and RTP worked, but maybe no one did. Overcome with the events of the day, he drifted off to sleep.
When he awoke, the sun was shining brightly through the windows. Maddie wasn’t in bed. He rolled over to check the time on his phone—ten-thirty. He slowly rolled out of bed and took a quick shower. He was anxious to get back to his life in New York.
He found Maddie, Sancha, Mel, and Mannie gathered around the large island in the kitchen having pastries, coffee, and hot cocoa for Mannie. He kissed Maddie and Sancha on their cheeks and gave Mel a man-hug. Mannie gave him a tight hug around the waist. Adam hugged him, patted his head, and said, “You were very brave yesterday, big guy.”
Mannie beamed at the praise and said, “Did you see how we commanded those lightning bolts? That was killer!”
“You’ve got that right. I’ve never seen anything like it. I’m very proud of you, but I wish you didn’t have to see the…bad stuff.”
Sancha said, “I agree. We told you to stay home, mijo.”
Mannie whined, “Mamá, I can handle it.”
Then he looked directly in Adam’s eyes and said with a wisdom beyond his age, “You did the right thing, Mr. Adam.”
Adam patted him on the shoulder and said, “Thanks, my man.”
He wondered just exactly how old Mannie really was.
“Have some brunch,” said Sancha.
“Thank you.”
He grabbed a pastry and poured himself a cup of coffee. His muscles were sore and his body was bruised, but overall he was no worse for wear, considering he had literally been struck by lightning. He wondered exactly what Jeremy had done to save him. Could he heal people like Maddie? He never got the chance to ask him or thank him for saving his life. Maybe he would do just that when he saw him again. And he knew without a doubt that he would see him again.
Mel said, “We’ve got guards stationed at Maddie’s house in Santa Fe. If Ian or Helen show up there, they’re in for a rude awakening, although we’re not expecting them to be that stupid. But we’re prepared just in case.”
Maddie said quietly, “It’s not my house anymore.”
Sancha said, “Don’t worry, querido corazón. We’ll make sure your art collections are relocated. We’ll help you find an even more beautiful place.”
Maddie nodded her thanks and said, “I’m fine with my place in New York. I’m just thankful we’re all okay.”
Adam was relieved to hear Maddie mention New York. Up until then he wasn’t even sure if they would be able to return to New York. He was fairly certain the KTP did not know their whereabouts in New York, but he didn’t know if Maddie would want to chance going back to the same place. He didn’t know if he would have to disappear from his life as he knew it.
“Speaking of New York,” said Mel, “we’ve arranged a private jet for you. We want to avoid public transportation for now.”
It worried Adam that Mel was worried enough to take these precautions, but he chose not to say anything. A ride on a private jet would be sweet. He’d never even traveled in first class. Now he was going to be traveling like the rich and famous. He still couldn’t believe how much his life had changed in the span of a week.
“Any idea on the whereabouts of the KTP deserters?” said Adam.
Mel shook his head and said, “We’ve got our best reconnaissance teams on it. We’ll let you know as soon as we find anything.”
“How do you think they vanished like that so quickly?”
Sancha, Mel, and Maddie exchanged glances.
“Okay, what’s up?” asked Adam suspiciously.
“We have our theories,” said Mel, “but we’re not sure.”
Adam cocked his head, waiting for further explanation.
“Possibly subatomic teleportation,” said Luis matter-of-factly as he entered the room.
All eyes turned to look at him as he grabbed a pastry and took a large bite. Adam furrowed his brow and looked at Maddie. She nodded slightly.
Luis wiped the frosting from his mouth and said, “It’s like the cold war race for arms, or the race for space, but now it’s the race for time travel with our minds. Whoever masters it first will have supremacy.”
“You mean like in science fiction?” said Adam. “Like ‘Beam me up, Scottie’ in ‘Star Trek’?”
“Sort of like that,” said Luis, his eyes dreamy with the possibilities. “Except at this point in quantum physics, no one knows for sure who or what will come out on the other side.”
“People really think this is a possibility?” said Adam skeptically.
“Absolutely. Scientists have already been successful at teleporting photons into space, faster than the speed of light. So theoretically, every particle in your body could be converted to information, down to the subatomic level. The data then could be transmitted to a receiver located wherever you intend to go.”
“Many practitioners of RTP are very interested in
