In a peculiar bargain basement beneath a restaurant, Jack Hanshaw discovers a store selling futuristic items at absurdly low prices. Accompanied by his roommate Ken, Jack attempts to return a malfunctioning television set he bought for just two dollars. The store's clerk, Edigo Adaman, reveals that the basement exists in a time fault, allowing people from the future to sell goods to those in the present. Jack learns that the low prices are due to the future's compound interest on deposits made in their bank account. As Jack and Ken explore the store, Ken acquires a futuristic car for fifty dollars, further confirming the store's bizarre nature. Jack, feeling competitive over Lorene, the woman they both admire, uses a drug from the future to influence her feelings. This leads to an unexpected marriage, but as the timeline shifts, the basement and its contents begin to vanish, revealing the paradox of their actions. Ultimately, Jack realizes that their choices have altered the future, erasing Edigo and the store's existence. Despite the chaos, Jack retains his marriage to Lorene, understanding that their love story is now intertwined with the consequences of their actions in the bargain basement. The narrative explores themes of time, choice, and the complexities of relationships.
By Charles L. Fontenay · First published 1957 · Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller, Adventure