When Truth Fails Read Free Page B

arms, we no longer need your services. Thank you. I can have a guard show you to the-”
    “But Cass,” Ellie whispered. “He saved my life. And he-”
    Cassius smiled at her. “Yes, he already mentioned that. I am glad for his bravery. I was worried sick.” He kissed her forehead. “I am so glad to have you back at the villa. I will not let you out of my sight again.”
    Magnus raised his hand. “That is not what she wants. You are not even listening to her.”
    “Watch your tongue,” Cassius snapped. His voice startled Ellie as she tried to cower away. He cleared his throat as he tried to regain his composure.
    Ellie pulled away from Cass and took a few steps toward Magnus. “Maybe you can wait outside while I tell Cassius about what happened.”
    Magnus nodded. He bowed slightly to her and turned to leave.
    “Who does he presume to be, addressing me in such a manner?” Cassius said as soon as the door shut.
    “I’m sorry about him,” she said. “But there is something important that I need to discuss with you.”
    Cass touched her shoulder, causing shivers to run up and down her spine. She felt herself giggle like a school girl. Seriously , she thought. What is wrong with me?
    Ellie jumped right into the story, not wanting to waste another minute. “Someone had me imprisoned.”
    “But father said…”
    “I think it was someone from the council. I think it was the same man who probably murdered those women.”
    Cassius took a step away from her. “I am no longer focused on those murders,” he said. “I have more pressing concerns.”
    “What concerns?”
    “Someone murdered my father,” he said.
    Ellie fell silent. She remembered Senator Glabor from her studies. He was a well-known man that lived to be an old man. “That’s not right. That’s not right at all.” She took a step back but was unsteady on her feet and nearly fell over. Cassius caught her and helped her onto the bed. “No, no, no. That’s not what happens. Your father lives to be- I mean, he’s makes great changes in the counsel and he-”
    She was changing history. Her presence in the time had altered history.
    “How do you know that?” he said.
    “There’s something that I need to tell you.” She took a deep breath. This is it, she thought to herself. I should tell him the truth, right? The anxiety suddenly hit her chest and knocked the wind out of her. She took a deep breath. She had to tell him the truth. There was no going back now. Her presence had changed history, she had to make this right. “I’m not from here. I mean, not just Rome but this time. I’m not from this time. I am from the future.” Her eyes were fixed on the wooden floorboards of his bedroom. It was the silence in the room that brought her eyes up to Cass’ face.
    “What do you mean, you are from the future?”
    “I was standing at the Forum and-” She shook her head. “Just trust me. I’m not from your time. I’m from the future. Your father is supposed to live to be a great man that makes great changes in the country and for reform. He isn’t supposed to die right now. In fact, he dies of old age in his bed.” Ellie’s eyes scanned his face for any emotion but everything came up blank. “Say something,” she sputtered.
    Cass gritted his teeth. “Do not tell me what to do.”
    “I’m sorry,” she said. “I didn’t mean it like that. I just- Please let me know what you’re thinking.”
    He stood up and walked onto the balcony.
    “You have to believe me, Cass. I know what happens. I was brought back in time to solve these murders. That’s why these murders are so important to me. This wasn’t supposed to happen at all. Your father isn’t supposed to die. Not right now anyway.” She ran to the balcony after him but stopped short of the doorway. Though his back was turned to her, she could feel the anger emanating from his rigid stance. Something wasn’t right. She took a step back just as she heard him mutter something under