The Gravity of Anti-Gravity by Tim Blagge

think I am going to go home. We’ve got a big day tomorrow, I mean today.” She nodded her understanding. I got dressed and left.
    The trip home allowed me to consider my life. Like I tended to do sometimes, I began to talk to myself out loud.
    “Let’s see, I just had sex with one of the finest women on the planet. That’s a good thing, check. I just got together with the woman I had always considered to be my soul mate; a possible conflict but for now, another good thing, check. I just got a great job in my field making excellent money; third good thing, check. I have the entire scientific and law-enforcement community trying to find me; not such a good thing, no check.”
    “So, to recap, I’ve got three out of four major good things in my life. This is better than most people I know,” I continued pondering out loud. “Unfortunately the bad thing in my life could result in 25 to life at San Quentin.”
    I got home, tiptoed to my room, set the alarm for 6:30 and slipped into bed.

 
    -14-
     
    When I got up to get ready for work, my subconscious had concluded during my short sleep that I needed to talk to Pops and Jerry and decide if I should confess. I thought if I threw myself on the mercy of the court or world or whatever, they might be more interested in the Flying Wallenda than in punishing me.
    When I went into the kitchen to grab an apple for breakfast and leave, Pops said, “Late night last night, eh, Billy boy.”
    “Damn it Pops, you sleep like a cat.” I said.
    “I fell asleep in front of the TV at Dr. Morton’s house. She took pity on me, covered me with a blanket, and let me sleep.”
    “I’m sure that’s exactly what happened.” Pops said with an incredulous smirk.
    Even Joanna chimed in. “You expect us to believe that lover boy?”
    I thought it was ironic that Joanna used the term ‘lover boy’. That’s the word that kicked off probably the best night of my life.
    “OK, OK, believe what you will. I’ve got to be at work in half an hour. By the way Pops, I’d like to get together with you and Jerry tonight if he’s available. Is that alright with you?”
    “Sure, just call me and let me know when.” Pops said. “See you later.”
     
    I got to work at one minute before eight, sprinted to the conference room and took my normal seat. I was the last one to arrive. When I looked around the room, the two FBI inspectors were also there.
    “Cutting it a little close Mr. Burton aren’t we?” said Dr. Brooks
    “I’m sorry sir, but did Stella, I mean Dr. Morton inform you that we worked all day yesterday?”
    “Yes she did and she also informed me this morning that you two have got some interesting analyses to convey to the group. Do you remember inspectors, Bain and Reynolds?”
    “How could I forget them?” I said as I gave a ‘wrist on the desk’ wave to both men.
    “First, let’s hear from Dr. Singh,” said Dr. Brooks.
    Dr. Singh discussed his research in his assigned area.
    “I am gathering information regarding any strange events that may have emanated from within the earth. I have heard from almost half of the seismic sensors across the globe. So far I haven’t identified any anomaly occurring anywhere on earth within an hour of the time shift. I am still waiting for other stations to report.” Dr. Singh went on for a while but added nothing to the puzzle.
    “Dr. Johnson, How is your research coming along?” Dr. Brooks questioned.
    “As you all know, I have been charged with analyzing any reports of unusual occurrences, sightings, rumors or any thing else that might lead us somewhere. It’s a huge task. So far the only thing I’ve uncovered is the sighting of a UFO over Burma about the same time as the time shift. The witness doesn’t look too credible so our people on the ground are searching for other witnesses. I may need help sorting through the data analysis here Dr Brooks.”
    “I understand Dr. Johnson. Just let me know if more brains are needed and