The Kaleidoscope by B K Nault Read Free Book Online Page B

“For all you’ve done for me, I will be forever grateful. This is for your kindness to me, which I could never fully repay.”
    The pastor accepted the finely crafted instrument and without pause lifted it to capture the light streaming in from high glass panes that allowed light to stream into the basement.
    Walter had debated keeping the twin. A memento, a keepsake of his many hours obsessing over both the external and internal workings, the fruit of his labors. But he had to somehow thank the man who blessed him by taking him in when he was hungry, thirsty, needed shelter, and giving him work. He’d kept him from sleeping on the street, while allowing him to accomplish his life’s work. He owed the clergyman his life.
    “It’s exquisite.” Slowly turning the dial, lips parted, Father shifted slightly to better catch the light. “I’ll cherish this as a memory of your devotion to our parish.” He was a slightly younger man than Walter. Together they’d seen the parish change, the demographics shrinking attendance in the pews, but increasing the long lines out the door on Food Bank Wednesdays.
    “There’s not another exactly like it in the world.”
    “But I saw you were making another. Aren’t they identical?”
    “Only on the outside.” He didn’t explain the internal workings of the doppelganger.
    “From the broken stained glass window,” Father Tucker recalled. He fingered the polished metal. “You know, in mythology, twins are considered opposites. One twin sired by a god, one by a devil.” He aimed the ’scope at Walter. “Have you spawned a diametric brotherhood?” His question was meant to be light-hearted, but Walter blanched at how close he might be to the reality.
    “My desire is that each one only moves mankind forward in positive ways. But one never knows how even the simplest technology will be used.”
    The priest studied Walter, brows furrowed in question. A vehicle rolled past in the parking lot and pulled up outside the window, its air brakes whooshing loudly and Walter stood up, glad for the interruption. He moved toward the door.
    “There’s Luis now.” Father Tucker arose. “I’ll walk with you outside.”
    Walter shifted a strap of the heavy backpack off a sore muscle and ascended the concrete steps into the Los Angeles sunshine. They embraced at the top of the stairs. “If anyone comes around asking for me…” Walter hesitated to say more.
    “I’ll use the utmost discretion.” Father Tucker’s palm warmed Walter’s rounded shoulder. “When you get settled, let me know how to reach you if you’d like. As always, I will protect your privacy, brother.”
    Walter knew he could trust the priest, who on many occasions had offered his counsel. He waved, and passed the vegetable patch one last time. Some of the plants were already withered and parched.
    He didn’t want to tell him now, but he never intended to contact the priest again. The less his friend knew, the less likely he’d come to harm.
    Please, Lord, keep us all safe from harm.
    ****
    Harold slept fitfully that night. His customary cup of chamomile tea, a half hour of the History Channel, and a crossword puzzle didn’t do their usual magic. Magic? Unable to see it well in the darkened room, he still sensed the presence of the ’scope on his dresser.
    While he was walking home, he had decided to place a Craigslist ad in case the true owner of the Kaleidoscope was looking for it. It occurred to him that the homeless guy had been wanting money for the find when the police came along. He probably expected Harold to give him cash, and Harold shuddered to think what they might have thought if they had seen him exchanging money for it.
    Harold sat up in bed. Of course. That explained everything. Drug residue was over the device. Some kind of touch-absorbed element. His eyes had adjusted and now he could see. From the dresser, the glint of its metal winked at him. Why didn’t he see images, though? He had more