Page 50 of Wild Oblivion

"I should never have published that paper. I should never have pursued this technology.”

"I don't think it would have made a difference."

Her brow wrinkled with confusion.

"Somebody else would have come up with the technology sooner or later. It always happens. Ideas are floating around in the atmosphere. Sometimes we happen to get lucky and pluck them out first. But technology can't be stopped.”

She frowned.

Jack called. "I'm watching this thing on the news. I just can't believe it. Are you okay?"

"Yeah. I think if I had gotten here a little bit sooner, I'd have been vaporized.” I exhaled a frustrated breath. "This guy’s playing with us, and I don't like it."

"Have you talked to him since the bombing?"

"Yes. He couldn’t resist the urge to gloat.”

"Did he give you any clues when the next bomb is going to be?"

"Our conversation didn't last that long. But one thing is certain. He's not stopping here."

"I’m going to get online and make a statement about the bombing on behalf of the band. Offer our condolences to the loved ones of the victims. I think we should set up some kind of fund.”

"I agree.”

"I’ll call some venues, see if we can move the show. We can donate all proceeds to the victim’s families. Don't worry, I'll handle everything.” He paused. "What's your plan?"

"I'm going to wrap up here, then head back to the boat. I don't think there's any need to stay at the Seven Seas. If this guy really wanted us dead, he could have done it. Like you said, a drone attack would be almost indefensible.”

“This guy is taunting us.”

“I agree.”

“What’s his motive?”

My lips tightened. “Entertainment. He’s getting a rush from all this. The destruction, the games, the media. It’s validating.”

“He’s baiting us.”

“Could be.”

"We’ll check out here, and I'll meet you back at the boat with Henrik,” Jack said.

"How's he doing?"

"Just fine.”

I told him I’d see him later and ended the call.

I looked at Emily and thought for a moment. “You’re a theoretical physicist. What’s your take on quantum gravity and time dilation?”

A quizzical expression knitted her brow.

“A little off topic, I know, but…”

“I suppose you’re asking in reference to time travel.”

I nodded.