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would be more than enough time to check out a stunning house on the east end of Garnet Street and return to the portal before day turned to night. He scanned the vicinity for nosy neighbors. Finding none, he proceeded down the street.
    When Kevin reached his destination, he stopped, turned around a few times, and took a moment to admire his surroundings. He could see why those who had made their fortunes in these mountains had stuck around to enjoy them. They were invigorating. Wallace residents had struck a truce with nature and that truce – or what amounted to a balance between man and his environment – appeared to be holding.
    Kevin then directed his attention to the main attraction at the end of the street and saw two impressive sights: one he had expected to see and one he had not. The first was an elegant Queen Anne mansion with an ornate exterior and two dormers that framed a second-story balcony. The second, standing at the edge of the balcony, was a woman – a very beautiful woman. Wearing an ankle-length dress and mile-high hair, the slender brunette looked like a Gibson girl from Central Casting. The mansion Kevin had come to see suddenly seemed a lot more elegant.
    "Are you lost?" the woman asked in a soft, friendly voice. "You seem lost."
    Kevin laughed to himself.
    That's the understatement of the year.
    "I guess I am, at least a little bit."
    "For whom are you looking?"
    Kevin nearly blurted out, "No one in particular," but caught himself and gave the question some thought. He had an answer, and it was pretty damned convenient.
    "I'm looking for a man named Asa Johnson. Do you know where I can find him?"
    "I most certainly do. He lives in the large white residence at the other end of this street. You can't miss it. In fact, you probably walked right past it, Mister . . ."
    "Johnson. My name is Kevin Johnson, but you can call me Kevin."
    "Are you a relative, Mr. Johnson?"
    Kevin smiled. He knew he could handle this one, too, though he also knew it was only a matter of time before she asked a question that he couldn't answer truthfully.
    "Indeed, I am. I'm a very distant relative. I'm visiting here for the first time."
    "Well, welcome to our town," she said. "I'm sure the other Mr. Johnson will be happy to see you and offer you the warmest hospitality."
    "I'm sure he will, Miss . . ."
    "Thompson. My name is Sarah Thompson, but you can call me Miss Thompson."
    Kevin smiled again. He liked her already.
    "It's nice to meet you, Miss Thompson. I'll just turn around now and go see my very distant relative. I'm sure his hospitality will be every bit as warm as yours has been."
    Sarah smiled at her new acquaintance in a way that suggested she recognized a subtle dig when she heard one. But her smile nonetheless projected warmth and friendliness.
    "Have a nice evening, Mr. Johnson."
    "You too," Kevin said.
    When he saw her turn to go inside, he turned himself, toward the west, and took three steps toward Asa Johnson's house, the chamber of stones, and 2013. He was about to take a fourth step when he stopped and called back to the woman on the balcony.
    "Miss Thompson?"
    "Yes, Mr. Johnson?"
    Sarah looked at him from an open door.
    "I have one more question."
    "Then please ask."
    "OK," Kevin said, as butterflies fluttered in his stomach. "What day is today?"
    "It's Friday, of course."
    "I mean the date. What is the date?"
    Sarah cocked her head and looked at Kevin with curious eyes.
    "It is July 22, I believe."
    "Thank you," Kevin said. "So it's Friday, July 22?"
    "That's what I said."
    "Friday, July 22, 1910?"
    "You're as smart as a whip, Mr. Johnson," Sarah said with a laugh. "Goodnight."
    Kevin grinned sheepishly as he watched her close the door to the balcony. He felt stupid for asking her even the day and the date, but it was a good kind of stupid. He could ask this enchanting woman stupid questions seven days a week.
    As he started back down the street, Kevin pondered the date. July 22, 1910, was definitely in