Read Online Mirrored Time (A Time Archivist Novel Book 1) by J.D. Faulkner - Free Book Online Page A

structures: mirrors, doors, reflective surfaces.” Her mouth closed, question answered. “Now, I believe it is time to say goodnight.”
    He rose. “My rooms are located in the Archives. When you leave, turn right and walk to the farthest door.” Pausing, he rested his hand against the doorframe. “For what it’s worth, I deeply regret that you were injured tonight. And I regret any distress the discovery of the Archives causes you.”
    Then she was alone in the hallway, left with the sense his apology meant more than the actual words would suggest.

    Perched on the edge of the courthouse roof, Rafe watched over the city below. The illuminated windows glittered like jewels in the inky night. There was something hopeful about the tiny flickers, as if they were fighting the encroaching darkness and refusing to give up. Rather poetic tonight, aren’t we?
    A squeak below drew his attention. He watched as Gwen left the courthouse, her shoulders slumped as she trudged forward. The conversation between her and Alistair must not have been easy. I know that feeling. It had been a long time ago, yet he still remembered when he’d found out about the time streams. He’d been staggered by the sheer magnitude of what it all meant.
    With little thought, he slipped down the fire escape and followed her. Just to make sure she gets home safe. The guilt of what happened earlier still ate at him, leaving a bitter taste on his tongue. He wasn’t used to having to look after people. The last time someone had been in his care … That hadn’t ended so well. He grimaced, footsteps faltering.
    The girl in front of him looked back over her shoulder, her eyes dark in the moonlight. But he was too practiced, and she didn’t see him. He was just another silent shadow disappearing into the corners and hidden alcoves of her walk home. When she started forward again, her footsteps were faster. It made him feel guiltier. Even when he was only trying to make sure she was safe, he screwed it up. Made her uncomfortable. Brought her fear.
    Still, he followed her until she made it to the front door and watched as she fumbled with her keys and rushed into her apartment building. When she reached her room, the light burst through the darkness spilling a square of light at his feet. He watched the window for a moment, then shook his head with a wry grin. She made it home safe. Time to leave. There was nothing sweet about skulking outside a girl’s window at night.
    Her shadow passed by the lit glass, and he jolted back into the darkness. He grinned again. Wasn’t he supposed to be more comfortable in the shadows? He was a thief, after all. Now he was acting more like a lovesick boy. But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. Well, at least he had his sense of humor. The guilt may have been new and unfamiliar; still, he hadn’t lost his ability to make fun of himself—a necessary skill in his book.
    With a sigh, he touched the small item in his pocket. It had taken a while for him to hunt it down. There were many perks to traveling the streams, a more fluid passage of time was just one of them. He knew the hard work would be worth it. The perfect apology . Maybe once he had given the small pouch to Gwen, he would go back to feeling like his old self—free from any emotion that made him lurk in the dark like some unasked-for protector.
    “Goodnight, Gwendolyn.” The wind carried his whispered words away.
    He turned to leave when a flash of motion caught his attention. A dark, cloaked figure stood across from him. It stared up at the window for a moment before looking at Rafe. Then it nodded and Rafe caught the flash of teeth. The person melted away with a soft chuckle, leaving only a shadow following in its wake.
    Apparently, he wasn’t the only one keeping a midnight vigil. Well, that can’t be tolerated, now can it? With a wicked smirk, Rafe followed, exhilaration burning through his lungs. Here