Maxine and George spent the rest of the afternoon in the library and Lizzie could hear their muffled voices. They seemed to be arguing about something and Lizzie slowly walked closer so she could listen, but then the servant girl brought in freshly made biscuits and tea and Lizzie forgot all about Maxine and their guest.

“This was the last time I remember seeing him. At my birthdate party when I turned eight. He left after that and I never saw him again. I think this was the time when my mother began spending all her time organizing charities and patronizing local artists while Melvin was away on business for months at a time.”

“And what do you think kept Melvin away? Do you really think it was his business?”

Bette shrugged, “It doesn’t matter now.”

Clarice pursed her lips and replied, “Maybe not now but it did matter all this time. George disappeared when you were eight, never to be heard again, and suddenly he is back…dead.”

“Are you saying what I think you are saying?”

“What do you think I’m saying?”

“That my father murdered his best friend George because he found out about their affair?”

“And what do you think?”

“I think that I know my father well enough to be absolutely sure that he can be distant, unemotional and reserved but he is incapable of killing another human being.”

Clarice shook her head solemnly. “Everyone is capable of doing things they thought they’d never do. Look at yourself. Have you ever thought that you will fall in love with a woman? And not just any woman, a woman from another century.”

Bette swallowed hard and whispered, “How do you know?”

“Oh my dear child. People don’t call me oracle for nothing,” Clarice winked. “Tina was a pretty child. I’m sure she turned into a beautiful woman.”

Bette’s eyes went wide. “You went into the future,” she stated. Clarice nodded. “You went into the future and you came back. You didn’t stay there. Why?”

“Simple. I belong here but for you, my dear, it is the future. No riddles this time. The future is where you belong.”

Bette smiled, “Yes, I know.” She looked at Clarice thoughtfully and asked, “You know what happens in the future?” As Clarice nodded, Bette continued, “According to the history books, my father…Melvin…dies in 1890. It’s just four years from now. It seems too soon, isn’t it? Do you know what happened?”