This is episode thirty-eight of the novel, From Here To 1137 AD. If you would like to purchase From Here To 1137 AD, it is available on Amazon in Kindle format or paperback.
Preparing To Leave
In the pod’s lounge, Tom leaned back in the chair. A multitude of thoughts streaked through his brain like a passenger train that forgot to stop and never slowed down at the station.
“Brain,” Tom said, “can you infuse me with enough knowledge of 12th century England so I won’t feel like an alien?”
“I’m collecting data now,” Brain said.
“Let me know when you’re ready,” Tom said.
His thoughts turned to the farm. He wondered how long he might be gone. The farm would need his attention to prepare for planting. There were the cattle; they would need to be looked after. “Debbie,” he murmured and thought, ‘I love her, and love is built on trust. If I were gone for a day or two, that’s one thing, but it could be a week or two, or months.’
“Are you ready for the infusion of knowledge of 12th century England?” Brain asked.
Tom relaxed and slowly closed his eyes. “Ready.” Tom felt a mild jolt accompanied by a short buzz in his ears.
“All done,” Brain said.
“Well,” Tom said, “Stephen of Blois is king of England in 1138.”
Tom hiked back toward the house. He got into the truck and drove to Gene Francis’s office. Gene’s secretary ushered him into Gene’s office.
“What’s up?” Gene said.
“Something has come up, Gene, and I’d rather not talk about it.”
“Sure,” Gene said, “but if it’s something I can help you with…”
“That’s why I’m here. I may be gone for a while. I don’t know how long. I’d like for you to rent the farm out.”
Gene turned his head to the side. “Are you sure you don’t want to tell me what’s going on?”
“It’s a private matter. And it has nothing to do with Edgar or any of his shenanigans.”
“I wish you could give me a little more to go on,” Gene said.
“Let’s put it this way, I’m going to be out of the country. Let’s just say I need a break.”
“And you are not going to tell me where, out of the country, you are going.”
“No,” Tom said.
“Is that it?” Gene asked.
“The Truesdale boy, down the road from us, I’m going to ask him to take care of the cattle. If you don’t mind, check in on him from time to time. He’s a kid.”
“Do you have any idea what you want to charge for renting the farm out?” Gene asked.
“Just make sure there’s enough to pay the bills—and don’t forget to pay yourself.”
“Well,” Gene said, “this all comes as a surprise. There will be questions from folks, what should I say?”
“Tell them what I told you, I’m out of the country. Tell them I wanted to see the world.”
Tom pulled a folded piece of paper from his pocket. He handed it to Gene. “This is where Edgar can be reached. He lives in Tristan da Cunha. That’s confidential. I’ll phone Edgar and tell him the same thing I’ve told you. On the paper are instructions regarding Edgar.”
“Tom, you seem quite serious and resolute,” Gene said. “Yet, you seem disturbed and troubled.”
“There’s a lot on my mind. That’s why I need some time away.”
Gene stood and walked around from behind his desk. He gripped Tom’s shoulder. “If you’re in some sort of trouble, I can help you or refer you to somebody who can help.”
Tom struck a smile. “Gene, if I was in trouble, I’d be pouring my guts out to you. But I’m not in trouble.”
“If you say you're not in trouble, you’re not in trouble,” Gene gave a half smile. “That’s the end of it. Wherever you go, I hope it goes well for you.”
“Thanks, Gene.”
Tom left the office and drove to Debbie’s home.
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