‘If you take my hand,’ he said, offering it to her,‘you’ll live. And in return I’ll ask for your help. Or you can stay. You getto choose, Madelaine.’

Maddy realized there were tears of panic rolling down her cheeks. The man seemed sane. Seemedcalm. Seemed deadly serious. And yet… how could anyone betaken off this plane mid-flight?

‘I know you don’t believe in God,’ he said. ‘I’ve read yourfile. I know you’re an atheist. So I won’t try to tell you I’m an angel. Iknow you have a fear of heights, that you’re not great on planes either. I know yourfavourite drink is Dr Pepper, I know you have a recurring nightmare about falling from ayellow-painted tree house… I know so many more things about you.’

She frowned. ‘How… how do you know th-that?’

He looked down at his watch. ‘You have thirty seconds left.’

A stewardess was now striding down the aisle towards them, her eyes widened with concern.

‘I know you’re an avid reader of science fiction, Madelaine, so perhapsit’ll be easier for you to understand if I tell you I’m from thefuture.’

Her mouth opened and closed. ‘But… but that’s impossible!’

‘Time travel will become possible in about forty years’ time.’ His handextended towards her. She looked down at it uncertainly.

‘Twenty seconds, Madelaine. Take my hand.’

She looked up at his lined face. ‘Why? Why — ?’

‘Why you?’

She nodded.

‘You fit the skill profile exactly.’

She swallowed nervously, felt her breathing becoming laboured and erratic. Confused,panic-stricken, unable to think of a useful next question.

‘We need you,’ he said, looking at his watch. ‘Fifteenseconds. It’s time to decide.’

‘Wh-who are y-you?’