&nbs
p; “Look, Little Miss,” he cut me off. “I don’t know how you got my personal number, but I suggest you call my secretary for any appointments.”
“You gave me your number Your Honor,” I found myself blurting out. “I know you don’t remember me, but I am a friend of William Bell, and you guys made sure I would have your number in a case of an emergency. You wanted me to tell you ‘good will prevail’.”
He cleared his throat. “What’s your location?”
“Knightstown Academy,” I said promptly.
“Will is there,” he said in confusion.
“Yes, sir,” I said softly, “But since giving me your name and number, things have become…complicated.”
“I’ll be there in twenty minutes,” he said brusquely. “Meet me by the swings at the elementary school.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. “Yes, Your Honor. Thank you so much!”
For appearances sake, Gavin and I decided to run the two miles to the school. Luckily, Gavin had an extra sweatshirt for me to wear. We didn’t waste any time running down to the elementary school. I knew I was going to be late getting back to meet Collin, but without my phone, he wouldn’t be able to track me, and I could claim I wanted to run instead of strength train today.
As we ran up to the playground, I saw Judge Myers was already waiting for me. I remembered how I thought he reminded me of a kindly grandfather. He had a way about him that made you feel comfortable.
“It’s good to see you again, Amanda,” he said immediately, the moment I stopped within feet of him. Gavin looked at me in confusion. I never told him I was born with a different name.
My jaw dropped, “You remember me,” I gasped.
He looked over at Gavin. “Gavin, it’s nice to meet you as well.” Holding out his hand.
Gavin looked a little discomfited but took his hand. He gasped immediately. “You see everything.”
Judge Myers smiled kindly. “Not quite. Come follow me, it’s a bit chilly out here. Let’s take a drive.”
Gavin took my hand and I squeezed it back. I didn’t know if he was offering me moral support, or if he needed it.
Gavin allowed me to sit up front in the black Lincoln with darkly tinted windows.
Judge Myers turned and looked at me. His eyebrows knitted. “We’ve met before, but I don’t remember it. Hmmm,” he continued to look in my eyes. I noticed the warmth in my head and I knew he was prying in my head, but instead of feeling invaded or cold, like Zach made me feel, the feeling from his was different. “I am truly stumped. My gift is to see into people’s lives. It helps me in my line of work. After meeting a defendant, I can tell within moments if he’s innocent or guilty.” He explained. “I see that we have met before, in a hospital. William Bell adopted you and…a little blond girl…Ella,” he smiled as if he found her name in my head. “But…something’s changed.”
“How close are you to William?” I asked hesitantly.
He chuckled softly. “You’re wondering what side I am on, and I assure you it’s yours.”
I snorted good naturedly. “Do you have to do that?”
It was kind of hard having a conversation with someone that already knew what you were thinking or seeing.
He frowned suddenly. “You should be able to shut me out, but someone has a block on you. Okay, I will stop reading you and let you talk.” He chuckled good naturedly.
He started his vehicle and we started moving.
“Someone’s turned back time,” I clarified bluntly. “Someone has taken the memories of my connections. They can’t remember me, but I remember everything. Collin Scott has been blocking me, and I know Zach Young has been making him watch me.”
He frowned even deeper. “I’m not familiar with Collin Scott, but I’ve known Zach Young. He has no back bone, I can’t imagine him capable of such an act.”
I grabbed his hand and looked in his eyes, “Look please.”
I brought up my memories of the time we found Zach in that run-down trailer, helping abduct children for Horatio, then when he tried to compel me in the restaurant, then when he succeeded to compel me and attempted to make me fear Will.
Judge Myer’s eyes widened in surprise. “I haven’t even heard about a time changer in centuries. I’m sure Horatio is hiding them carefully. The only one I know of, that’s capable of messing with memories is…your sister.”