I was convinced that Otto hadn't run off with some college girl. Even with the bank foreclosing on Otto's farm because of the drought, I couldn't believe the gossip. I mean, I had known Otto forever. He was like an uncle to me and he just wasn't the type to give up and leave his family. If anything, the old tinker was extremely clever at coming up with solutions to problems. His favorite advice to me had always been, "Boy, you just gotta believe in yourself. I may be a simple man, but look at the stuff I can do."

As I pondered on his disappearance at my desk as manager of the local bank, I fought to remain calm. Doris, Otto's wife, had explained the events leading up to when he vanished, but something just didn't seem right. I replayed the events in my head over and over, until it triggered a childhood memory. Then, it hit me. I jumped out of my seat and told my secretary I was leaving for the day.

Within five minutes I was headed in my Chevy pickup down the dirt road to Otto's farm. It was suddenly clear to me where Otto had gone. I reached the farm and was glad to see that the family car was gone. I didn't like the idea of Doris meddling in my discovery. This was my private moment.

I leapt out of the truck and headed straight to the spot where Doris said Otto had disappeared. I searched the ground intently, scraping the dry dirt with my fingernails. It didn't take long to find what I was looking for. A cleverly hidden latch gave way to my persistent tugging and the squeak of rusty hinges announced my findings. A trapdoor opened and I peered down into the darkness of the hole. Otto had shown me his secret underground compartment when I was a child.

"Otto!" I called into the blackness. Only my echo answered me. I waited a few moments and then lowered myself into the hole. My legs found the concealed ladder and instinct guided me into the earth. At the bottom of the ladder, I found more darkness and I hoped the tunnel was still intact.

"Otto," I called again, "It's me, Brian." Still, no answer.

Blind in the dark, I fumbled for the side of the tunnel. My heart raced as claustrophobia set in and I slowly edged my way further, sliding my palm against the side. I breathed cautiously, afraid each breath would be stagnant air and poison to my lungs.

Suddenly, a sound alerted me and I swung around violently, pawing at the air in defense. "Who's there," I demanded.

A calm, gentle voice replied, "I thought you'd come, boy."

"Otto," I sighed in relief.

A firm hand gripped my shoulder. "Let me help you," Otto spoke.

I relaxed and he led me to a door. As he coaxed me through, my eyes stung from the sudden light of a small bulb hanging from the ceiling. I stared at Otto, curious and confused.

I had only one thing to say to him. "Why?" I asked, simply.

He smiled a sad smile and stared me deep in the eyes. "You know how much I love my family?" he asked, though it was more of a statement.

"Of course," I replied.

"Well, it's like this. I made something that I think could be worth a lot of money. The only problem is that the bank would take it, seeing as they are foreclosing and all."

"Will you hide forever?"

His frustration was apparent as his eyebrows creased into a frown and his mouth became a thin, straight line. "You know I don't like lying, Brian."

I instantly regretted my words. Otto had always been kind to me. He was practically family and here I was judging him. My regret turned quickly into protectiveness. Even if I was the bank's manager, it broke my heart to think that he would lose everything to the bank. I was about to apologize when he interrupted me.

"We're going to fix this mess," he stated.

"How?" I asked. "Even if I could delay the paperwork..."

He didn't let me finish. "This is a two man job and you're the only one I can trust."

I sighed, unsure of how I could help. "Fine, Otto. You know I'll help."

He motioned me to follow and I trailed after him through another door. When I stepped through, I was overwhelmed with the sight. Directly in front of us was the oddest machine I'd ever seen. Flashing buttons and lights decorated its metal exterior and it barely resembled some type of vehicle. As I stared intently, it seemed to almost fade in and out of sight.

"Otto," I gasped, strangely excited by the invention.

He stood proudly beside it, caressing it gently with his hand. "This will take us where we need to go? Hop in."

His inventions had always thrilled me and I placed myself in the passenger's seat, eager to participate. "Where are we going?" I asked, as he got in the driver's seat.

He smiled that grin of mischief that I loved, "Back in time, of course."

Without another word, he pushed a button and white light consumed us.