Chapter 2: New Jersey, New York. What’s the Difference?
Kerr cleared his throat.
Nodding, he hugged his briefcase and walked to the Portal. He stopped just at the threshold and peeked through. Not a big deal. What's a hundred-year trip between friends?
He closed his eyes and stepped forward. He flinched as he tip-toed through the opening. He didn't know what to expect.
Nothing.
Nothing happened. He sighed.
Feeling foolish, he lowered the briefcase.
Johansson smiled and shook his head. "Look at this first-timer."
With wide eyes, Kerr looked around. There were no vehicles anywhere. It seemed to be a parking structure. There was no natural light. The only light flickered from old fluorescent bulbs. It could have been any time of the day or night.
Kerr shivered and rubbed his arm. This place was a tomb.
Major Blanc's sudden voice startled him. "It's a nice, crisp February morning." She sucked in a breath, nostrils flaring. "Smell that oil and stale air." She smiled at Johannson and Murphy.
Kerr took a deep breath.
Concrete.
Oil.
Gas.
Bubble gum?
Colonel Braun passed him. He had ditched his cigar in favor of a wad of gum. Kerr's cheeks grew warm.
He looked back at the open Portal. He could still see the rows of computer screens casting a green glow. As Kerr watched, the image of the Time Dock faded—now it was a door to nowhere.
"Keep it moving," growled Braun, bringing Kerr back.
Major Blanc nodded and started to walk. Murphy and Johansson moved with her, guns at the ready. They moved easy, their legs bent to absorb the sound. Kerr felt invisible eyes watching him. He imagined Hendrikson crouching just out of sight.
Major Blanc wasn't concerned about hiding. Each crisp step clicked on the pavement and echoed through the room.
Colonel Braun marched behind them, gun still strapped to his hip. His gaze burned forward, almost daring the air to attack.
Major Blanc tucked her gun back into her shoulder holster. The silver case swung as she weaved through the pillars.
A white van came into view. A red company logo on the side proclaimed it the property of Ryder. a yellow license plate was stamped "Garden State."
Kerr spoke sideways to Braun. "I thought you said this was New York?"
He shrugged, "Meh. All those states were the same."
Kerr's shoulders shook in a silent laugh.
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