The Time Travel Directorate Read Free Page B

party, locating several men dressed in conquistador costumes. They formed a neat circle around Julius, who gestured a few times at Kanon—his eyes locking with hers. After several charged moments, he turned towards the front of the large ballroom, exiting as quickly as he appeared.
    The Duchess tapped Kanon’s forearm gently.
    “ Cécile, who is that? Another one of your secret lovers?”
    “Ha!” Kanon laughed hollowly. “No, my friend, just a visitor from far away.”
    “I have never seen him before, is he from England do you think? He is so tall—he might very well be a giant!”
    “I’m not sure , Duchess. Ah! But I am overextending myself, maybe I should rest a bit,” Kanon replied, feeling herself flush.
    I must warn headquarters immediately, she thought.
    “Be sure and come back, Cécile—Monsieur Pen has promised us fantastic stories of the Orient,” the Duchess said, squeezing Kanon’s arm in a kindly manner.
    Fighting to stay calm, Kanon murmured a response, departing directly for her suite. Weaving through the revelers, she freely admonished herself.
    Here it was, her first real piece of action and Julius Arnold had not only identified her, he had departed without a backward glance! It was frightening to see him so sure of himself—especially with so much at stake. Inspectors had authority to bring in wanted travel criminals dead or alive. Julius Arnold most certainly fell into this category. However, he had not looked overly concerned to see Kanon that evening. Quite the contrary, it was almost as if he was looking for her.
    After locking the door to her chambers, Kanon walked toward the ornate desk in her sitting room. Removing the web from its hiding space between her petticoats, she placed it gently on the desk—positioning its small reading pane in front of her. Wasting no time, she immediately dispatched a note to Central Computer. She kept it succinct, saying that she spotted Julius Arnold in her area of responsibility.
    After hitting the send button, she tapped her fingers on the table—sitting there for what seemed like hours.
    Checking the time, Kanon realized what a perfect storm embroiled the Directorate. Until that moment, she didn’t think much of the government shutdown, figuring she would have more time to party with the Duchess before assuming her official duties. Now, everything had changed. After alerting headquarters to one of the world’s most wanted time fugitives, she had effectively received a busy signal.
    Kanon spent the rest of the night reading more articles about the government shutdown and tossing in her bed. Lying awake for what seemed like an eternity, she finally gave up. With nothing to do, she paced the room, consumed with thoughts about her time in Versailles.
    Kanon enjoyed court life, perhaps a bit too much. Her routine consisted of strutting around with the Duchess, and enjoying close contact with the Queen. She knew her placement in this paradise was her father’s influence. He wanted her safe and protected. And now, having risen to the illustrious position of inspector and positioned in one of the most sought-after locations, Kanon realized she had peaked too early.
    She knew other inspectors did real work, building identity after identity in some of the most notorious time zones—each one more dangerous than the last. Alas, it was never Kanon’s intention to be the next celebrity inspector. However, it was blatantly obvious that the extravagance of court life had corrupted her. When real work interrupted, she didn’t know how to react.
    Exhausted, Kanon returned to bed, finally succumbing to sleep in the early morning hours.
    After rising the next morning and finding no new messages, there was nothing to do , but return to Versailles. With the coach piled high with fabrics, gifts and those treats one can only obtain in Paris, she set off for the journey home in the Duchess’ grand coach. The trip would take several days, hopefully enough time for