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DOYLE

Doyle didn’t get backto the machine until nearly midnight, the sweet taste of Sadie on his lips. She’d asked him to stay twice and saying no was the hardest thing he’d ever done. But he couldn’t get lost in a fantasy, no matter how enticing a life with her would be. Nor was it fair to her, to lead her on so much. He’d been honest about not being able to stay, but the more time they spent together, the more he wondered if he was sending mixed signals. But staying away was like asking him to stay away from an oasis when he’d been wandering a desert.

He used his anti-grav boosters to get up to the ship and his wristband to open the hatch door. The blinking lights of the monitors and controls greeted him, along with the recycled air and…was there a smell? Yes, the metallic smell of modern equipment.

Deciding to walk the winding hallways instead of heading right up to his room, Doyle took a midnight stroll through the resort, marveling at the visitors so swept up in the fantasy of the place. Though the backdrop of stars and desert night hung right outside for everyone to see, they all seemed so much more intent on visiting the fake saloons and streets on the inside. Sure, they were as accurate as they could be, down to horse and wagons like the one he’d borrowed with McGovern, but the difference between the inside and the real thing just yards away astounded him. Can’t they feel it too? At least the ones who’d gone on the tours?

“A word, Dr. Doyle,” a voice said.

With a start, Doyle turned to see the Watcher standing directly behind him. He had to take a step back. “It’s late,” he said when he got his heartrate back under control.

“Yet, we’re both still up. So let’s chat.” The Watcher’s ice-colored eyes studied him as he nodded reluctantly.

“What is it?” he asked, leading the way to the nearest lift.

“It seems that there are some excursions I was not aware of. Thus, I never approved them.”

“That’s not really my department, sorry.” Doyle rubbed the back of his neck and pressed the button for his floor.

“You are aware that I am here on behalf of over half a dozen governments?”

“Yes,” Doyle said.

“And that my sole purpose on this voyage is to monitor interaction with the historical timeline so that the absolute minimal interference happens.”

“Yes, but—”

“Then you are complicit in your actions to subvert my objective.” The Watcher’s arm shot out to catch the door and keep Doyle from leaving the elevator.

Maybe he’d spent too much time in Devil’s Creek, but Doyle had to hold back the instinct to punch them. Instead, he fisted his hand at his side and drew back his shoulders.

“I never had any intention of subverting your directives. I’m as interested in a successful time travel event as you and your employers are. I’m simply doing my job as directed by my own superiors. Now if you will excuse me.”

The Watcher’s jaw worked as they audibly ground their teeth. “You are now aware of the situation and will participate in no further outside tours until I give the approval. Is that understood, Dr. Doyle?”

Doyle thought what it would mean if he didn’t show up the next day, how Sadie and Teddy would feel. How he felt.

“I’ll have to defer to my boss.”

“Then let’s both pay Ms. Bennet a visit, shall we?” The Watcher let go of the elevator door, calling his bluff. Doyle stayed still as they rode up to the presidential suite.

“It’s almost two in the morning. You really going to disturb her now?” Doyle asked, leaning against the wood paneling and crossing both arms and feet.

The Watcher spoke into their wristband while keeping eye contact with Doyle. “Ms. Bennet.”

Nicole’s voice came from the other end. “Yes?”

“I need a word. I’m on my way up.”

Nicole said nothing further, but when they reached the suite, the door was open. She leaned across it, fully dressed, awake, and waiting.

“Dr. Doyle,” she said by way of greeting.

Doyle tipped his hat more out of habit than anything else. Nicole, being the shrewd woman she was, could likely read the frustration on his face.

She did not move to allow the Watcher entry.

“What do you need?” she asked.