Chapter 21 - The Train That Should Never Run
Emily's ears rang as the smoke spread through the station.
Shouts echoed from every direction.
Thomas grabbed her shoulder.
"This way!"
Margaret hurried toward the silent train.
David remained behind, covering the group's retreat with remarkable composure.
Several officers exchanged fire with the advancing attackers, forcing them to slow their advance.
Richard Hale never moved.
He simply watched.
Almost as though the battle no longer concerned him.
Margaret reached the lead carriage.
She struck the side of the train three times with her brass lantern.
Nothing happened.
She struck again.
A hidden panel slid open.
Inside rested a brass lever.
Margaret pulled it downward.
For several seconds...
Nothing.
Then the abandoned locomotive released a deep mechanical rumble.
Dust drifted from the ceiling.
The rails vibrated beneath everyone's feet.
Thomas stared in disbelief.
"I thought this train was abandoned."
"It was waiting," Margaret replied.
"The difference matters."
The carriage doors unlocked simultaneously.
Emily climbed aboard with the wooden box still pressed against her chest.
Daniel hesitated outside.
Thomas looked at him.
"Move!"
Daniel boarded just before another explosion shook the platform.
David leapt inside at the last possible second.
The doors slammed shut.
Without a driver, the train slowly began rolling into the darkness ahead.
Behind them, the attackers reached the platform.
Several raised their weapons.
Before they could fire, Richard lifted one hand.
They immediately lowered them.
David noticed.
"He commands them."
Thomas looked through the rear window.
"Then why didn't he stop us?"
David answered quietly.
"Because he wanted us to continue."
No one liked that answer.
May you like
The train accelerated.
Ahead lay a tunnel no city map acknowledged.
