The Time Traveller's Dilemma

Chapter 4: Secrets And Lies

Asher's eyes never left Echo's face as he strode across the saloon, his boots kicking up clouds of dust. The patrons of the saloon watched him with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.

"Echo, what's going on here?" Asher asked, his voice low and even.

The time traveler chuckled. "Oh, Asher, you're just in time to join the fun."

Echo's grip on the time traveler's arm tightened. "Who is this person, Asher?" she demanded.

Asher's eyes flicked to the time traveler, and for a moment, Echo saw a flash of something like recognition. But then his expression smoothed out, and he shrugged.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, Echo," Asher said. "I've never seen this person before in my life."

The time traveler laughed. "Oh, Asher, you're such a bad liar."

Echo's eyes narrowed. What was going on here? Why was Asher denying any connection to the time traveler?

Suddenly, Chrono's voice whispered in her ear. "Echo, I've hacked into the saloon's security systems. I'm sending you the footage."

Echo's suit beeped, and a holographic display flickered to life in front of her. The footage showed Asher and the time traveler talking in hushed tones, their faces serious.

Echo's eyes locked onto Asher's face. He had lied to her.

The time traveler smiled. "You see, Echo, Asher and I have a bit of a history. Don't we, Asher?"

Asher's eyes flashed with anger, but he said nothing.

Echo's grip on the time traveler's arm tightened. "What do you want?" she demanded.

The time traveler leaned in, their voice dropping to a whisper. "I want to show you the truth, Echo. The truth about your past, and the secrets you've been keeping from yourself."

Echo's heart skipped a beat. What secrets? What past?

But before she could ask any questions, the time traveler vanished into thin air, leaving Echo staring at an empty space.

Asher's eyes locked onto hers. "Echo, we need to talk."

But Echo just shook her head. She didn't know what to believe anymore.