Lingering Danger

James – POV

I showed Alice the picture from our wedding, which was set as my phone's display image. Alice studied it, her brow furrowed. "I don't have our marriage certificate on me at the moment, but I hope this picture assuages your doubts about my identity," I said. My comment embarrassed Alice a little, but she nodded in response.

"Alice, we need to go back to California, where I can provide all the answers you seek," I said. She looked at me, her gaze contemplative, and I understood that she was trying to trust me despite me being a total stranger to her memory.

"James, there are many unanswered questions I need to ask before we go to California," Alice murmured.

"Why was I in New York, and how did you not know my whereabouts?" she asked.

"I can show you everything in California, Alice," I said. "I've been working on a project - something I refer to as the 'magic device.' It can help you find the answers. Trust me." Alice looked at me and nodded, and I was grateful for the trust