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Sìneag blinked. “Forgive me, but what plan, lad?”

“To rape her and abuse her and keep her captive.”

“Nae, lad, I dinna do anything like that. I send people through time so that they can meet their soul mate, the person they’re supposed to be with. Like yer sister and Angus Mackenzie.”

David shook his head. “Unbelievable. It’s like you both are brainwashed.”

“So, lass,” Sìneag said. “Ye want to go back, aye?”

Rogene nodded. “Yeah. It’s still possible, isn’t it?”

Sìneag nodded. “Aye. For the last time. Only three times per couple.”

Her back sweating, Rogene nodded and glanced at David, who was scowling down at them. “Good. I’m ready.”

He stepped forward. “No, you’re not.”

“Mayhap ye are, lass,” Sìneag said. “But there’s still the question of payment.”

“Payment?” Rogene frowned.

“Well, ’tisna payment in the sense of yer human money. But I do like to treat myself to yer delicious human foods. Do ye happen to have something?”

Rogene gave out a soft chuckle. “You’re sweet. Of course I have something for you… Um. I think I had a chocolate bar. Does that work?”

“Oh aye, I like the sound of that.”

“I ate it last night,” David said.

Rogene’s face fell. “That’s okay. Do you have something else?”

“I have gum.”

Rogene lifted her brows at Sìneag.

“What’s that?” Sìneag asked.

“You don’t know what gum is?” David said.

“It’s not food,” Rogene said. “It’s just…to chew…for taste.”

Sìneag pinched her lips in consideration. “That doesna sound very appetizing.”

“I think I have soda…” Rogene said and peeked inside the messenger bag that hung over her shoulder. There it was, the smooth metal surface. She grabbed the can and showed it to Sìneag. Thank goodness she didn’t pack any food in her backpack, which she wore on her back.

“It’s a drink,” Rogene said.

Sìneag’s eyes sparkled. “Aye, I’d like to try.”

She took the can and turned it around, puzzled. Rogene realized Sìneag didn’t know how to open it.

“Let me.” The can opened with a small hiss, and Rogene handed it to the faerie.

After one small sip Sìneag giggled and touched her lips. “Oh!” she exclaimed. “What is this? It tickles…”

David shook his head in disbelief. “Come on, lady, it’s nice acting you’ve got going on, but don’t you think you’re taking it a bit too far?”

But Sìneag offered him a wise smile. “Ah, lad. So young. So clever. So mistrustful and so…lonely.”