Page 16 of A Stop in Time
Pierced-lip guy is quiet for a moment before whispering back, “Yeah, you’re probably right. She’s pretty fucking hot.”
“And totally out of our league.”
I barely stifle the sarcastic snicker that attempts to break free, because my right side is all they see. Aren’t you boys in for a surprise…
“So, is it like the dark web?”
“Kinda, but not as dangerous. It’s the deep web. Where stuff’s intentionally hidden. Stuff people or even governments wanna keep hidden.”
As I gloss over flyers for the Baptist church’s potluck and the local Alcoholics Anonymous meeting announcement, I don’t find anything car related. Yet something compels me to linger here and eavesdrop on their whispered conversation.
“How’d you do it?”
“I uploaded it on all these computers, and the password’s already stored on ’em, so if we come in, we don’t have to wait for a particular computer.” Pierced guy’s voice drops to a barely audible level, and curiosity has me straining to hear him. “I buried it under Applications, and it’s at the bottom of the list. I’m telling you, dude, you can dig up all sorts of shit.”
“…you can dig up all sorts of shit.” That last part strikes up an idea, and I cycle through what I’ve already heard.
Could I use that to search a useful self-hypnosis and guided meditation? It’s worth a try. Anything to get past the pain and blackouts would be life-changing for me.
I venture toward the last row of computers against the far wall, taking a seat away from the guys. They’ve since shut up the instant my ass hit the chair, and the pierced one tossed a quick, cautious glance my way before returning to whatever he’s typing.
I’m suddenly smothered by the sensation of menacing eyes scoring over me as though they’re trying to pry open my mind. When I glance around the library, though, no one is staring at me. Nothing appears out of place.
An ominous tingle spreads through me like wildfire and it compels me to press my thumb and finger together. The instant I do, a near-deafening silence descends over the library. The guys in the rows ahead of me remain motionless just like everything else around me.
The florescent lights are now off, leaving the building partly in shadows, aside from the sunlight streaming through the windows. Most importantly, the unsettling sensation of being watched is gone.
With a purposeful touch of my right hand to the computer, it hums to life as it disengages from its paused state. The screen lights up and the keyboard illuminates.
With my hand on the mouse, I navigate the desktop and head to Applications, seeking whatever is listed at the very bottom.
AnonBrowser
I click to open it, and the screen pops up, waiting for me to type my query. With my fingers poised over the keyboard, I draw in a deep breath before exhaling slowly.
Guided hypnotic meditation to retrieve memories buried from traumatic events
Once I type in my search, results fill the screen, and the description of one in particular catches my attention.
Declassified technique once utilized by the US government’s most secret agencies
Wow. That honestly sounds both intriguing and a whole hell of a lot intimidating. But if secret government agencies used it, it must have been quite effective.
I click on the link, and the first few lines of text are in bold print.
WARNING: This is an extremely effective and fast-acting tool that requires your undivided attention.
· Allot a minimum of thirteen minutes to complete.
· Make sure you’re in a safe space.
· Use of headphones is recommended as this is a frequency-based therapy.
· Be seated comfortably and securely to prevent any potential injuries.
· Maintain your focus on the screen and ensure your volume is adjusted appropriately to ensure the instructions are audible.
Reaching for the headphones already connected to the computer, I slide them on securely. Then I click on the video and adjust the volume.