by Cindy Bell
“Walt!” Jo set her drink down hard on the table. “This is supposed to be a fun getaway. Not a lecture on how we might die.”
“Walt has a point.” Samantha looked over the crowd teeming with very intoxicated people. “I’ve been in enough dangerous situations to know when it’s time to leave. If this many people are drinking this much alcohol there is a good chance a fight will break out.”
“Well, is it going to be a fight or a crash?” Jo stood up and put her hands on her hips.
“Uh, remember it’s more likely to be a derailment…”
“Walt!” Samantha and Jo spoke his name at the same time. Walt jumped in reaction to the attention.
“What?” He looked over at Eddy. “Did I say something wrong?”
“I have an idea. Why don’t we all go back to the girls’ room and play some cards?” Eddy produced a deck of cards from his pocket. “I brought a deck just in case we had the chance to play.”
“Now, that sounds like a great idea.” Jo’s lips curled upward with confidence. “I can beat all of you in a hand of rummy.”
As a group they made their way through the crowd and out of the dining car. The moment they were out of the dining car the noise died down. The corridors were actually fairly empty.
“I guess everyone is either in the dining car, or holed up in their rooms.” Samantha sighed with relief. “Not much else to do on a train.”
“So far this trip isn’t exactly going as planned.”
“Don’t fret, Jo, we’re going to have fun.” Samantha hooked her arm through Jo’s. “Once we’re playing cards, you won’t even remember the noise of the dining car. You’ll get your peaceful trip.”
“In here.” Jo tilted her head towards the door of their room. “There’s not a lot of room I’m afraid.”
Eddy poked his head inside. “I’m sure we can all fit.”
Samantha sat on the seat near the window and Jo sat on the single bed opposite Samantha so they could look at the view. Eddy sat on the end of Jo’s bed and Walt sat next to Samantha. They used the small table between the bed and seat to deal the cards.
“I’ll deal.” Eddy began to shuffle the cards.
“Oh dear, you’re doing that wrong. May I see the cards?” Walt tried to grab the cards from Eddy’s hands.
“Walt relax, they’re just cards,” Eddy said.
“But if you don’t shuffle them well, the entire game will be ruined.”
“Eddy, just let him shuffle.” Samantha offered him a sweet smile. “It’s for the best.”
“All right, all right, but I get the next deal.”
“Good, then pay attention to how I shuffle, that way you can do it right next time.”
Jo leaned close to Samantha.
“Are you doing okay?” She met Samantha’s eyes.
“Yes, I’m all right.”
“I’m sorry that Peter didn’t want to talk.”
“It’s for the best.” Samantha shrugged. “What would we even really have to talk about? It was silly of me to ever expect that whatever I did in the past could simply be swept under the rug. Besides, I’m having plenty of fun playing cards with my four friends.” She flashed a smile in Walt’s direction. He didn’t notice as his mind was on Eddy’s sloppy dealing.
“That’s two cards not one.” Walt pointed to Jo’s pile of cards.
“Oops. So, I’ll skip her on the next round.”
“No!” Walt shook his head. “No, that makes it unfair because she’s not getting as random cards as she should. That card should be Samantha’s. If you just skip her next time you will be throwing off the entire balance of the game.”
“Walt.” Jo frowned. “It’s okay.”
“No, he’s right.” Eddy smiled at Walt. “Here, let’s fix it this way.” He picked up the top card in Jo’s pile and moved it to Samantha’s. “How’s that?”
Walt sighed with relief. “Better. Thanks Eddy.”
Eddy shrugged. “Hey, when I beat you I don’t want you making any claims that I threw the game.”
Walt grinned. “No chance that you’re going to manage that.”
“We’ll see,” Eddy said confidently.
“Boys, do remember this is just a game.” Samantha picked up her cards.
“To you it’s a game, to us, it’s a battle.” Walt picked up his cards as well. As the four took their turns the train rumbled on. The noise of the dining car was blocked out by the door of the room and the roar of the train.
Samantha glanced up as the train shifted a little around a curve. “Oh look, Jo!” She pointed out the window at the mountains that rose beyond it.
“We’re coming up to the overpass.” Jo smiled. “It’s worth the train ride, just for that view.”
Samantha stared out the window, until Walt’s voice drew her attention.
“Your turn, Samantha.”
Samantha played her turn, and returned her attention to the window.
“Oh yeah, this is it. Read them and weep!” Eddy prepared to lay his cards down on the table. Just as he did, the train lurched hard. The brakes ground and shrieked. Eddy’s cards fluttered across the table. Walt jumped up from the seat.
“It’s a derailment!” Walt exclaimed.
The train lurched again. Walt lost his balance and tumbled back into Samantha.
“Hang on!” Eddy grabbed onto a hook on the wall.
Jo stood up from the bed. “It’s not a derailment, the train is safe. It’s just stopped, suddenly.” She peered out the window. “I don’t know why.”
Walt managed to get back to his feet. “I’m sorry, Samantha, are you all right?”
“That’s okay. Walt. I’m okay.” Samantha stood up as well and joined Jo at the window.
“Let’s see what’s going on.” Eddy walked to the door. He opened it and was greeted by quite a commotion. Several train attendants ran down the corridor followed by a security officer.
“Something major is going on.” Eddy glanced back into the room. “I think that we better stay inside until they figure out what is happening.”
“Why would the train stop here?” Jo looked out the window. “We’re not even close to a station. We’re right on the edge of the mountains.”
“There’s only a few possible reasons. Maybe some engine trouble,” Walt suggested.
“Engine trouble wouldn’t make them put on the brakes like that.” Eddy shook his head.
“Well, the important thing is that we’re all safe.” Walt sighed.
“That’s true, but I want to know what’s happening. What if it’s a train robbery?” Samantha’s eyes widened.
“Like in the old west movies?” Jo laughed.
“I’m serious. Why couldn’t it happen today?”
“Sam, I think you’re letting your imagination get the better of you.” Eddy peeked out the door again into the corridor. “It’s clear out here now.”
“Well, we can’t just sit here. Let’s go see what’s happening,” Samantha encouraged.
“Ugh, do you know how many investigations I’ve been on that got gummed up because some curious neighbor got in the middle of it?” Eddy said. “We should stay put and let security and the staff handle it.”
“Samantha could be right though. If there is something criminal happening on the train I don’t want to just sit here and wait for it to get to us.” Jo shook her head. “We know how to stay out of the way. Let’s go take a look.”
Eddy looked at Walt. “What do you think?”
“I think I have to know what’s happening. Let’s go.” Walt slid past the others and right out into the corridor. Samantha followed behind him, with Jo behind her. Eddy took a look up and down the corridor then fell into step behind them.
Chapter Five
The corridor remained empty as the four friends walked down it. If there were any other passengers disturbed by the sudden stop of the train they were not brave enough to emerge from their rooms. Samantha’s heart fluttered as she heard the intercom sys
tem crackle to life.
“Passengers, we apologize for the delay. We will be back on schedule shortly. Please remain in your rooms for the moment.”
“Oh dear, maybe we should go back?” Walt looked up at the speaker.
“No look.” Samantha gestured to a train staff member that entered the corridor. “Let’s see what we can find out.” She broke away from the group and hurried to meet the man in the middle of the corridor.
“Excuse me, do you know what happened?” Samantha asked.
“Ma’am, just go back to your room. Nothing to see here. We will be on our way again soon.”
“Please, I just want to know that everyone is safe.” Samantha bit into her lip nervously. “Should we leave the train?”
“No one leaves until we move the body.” His tone became stern. “There is nowhere for anyone to go. We are right alongside the mountains.”
“Body?” Samantha took a slight step back. “What do you mean body? Is someone dead?”
“Oh, now you’ve made me say more than I should have. Do you want me to get fired?” His cheeks reddened. “Please excuse me.”
“I’m not going to cause you any trouble. I just want to know what’s going on, that’s all. Was someone on the tracks?” Samantha shifted her body in front of his when he tried to step around her.
He sighed and shook his head. “Look, sometimes people come on a train, not to get to their destination, if you know what I mean.”
“Are you saying someone jumped off the train?” Samantha’s chest tightened. “Who? Was it a passenger? A staff member?”
“I can’t tell you that. What I can tell you is that the train will be moving again soon. We just need everyone to be as patient as possible so that the local police can complete their investigation. Okay? So, please go back to your room, and do your best to remain calm.”
Eddy, Walt and Jo caught up with her. The four of them blocked off the corridor.
“Anything I can do to help?” Eddy offered his hand. “I’m a retired police officer.”
The staff member ignored his hand. “What I need all of you to do is return to your rooms. If you continue to cause trouble you will be forced off the train at the next station.” He brushed past them and stomped down the corridor.
“Yikes, he’s touchy.” Samantha stared after him. “He gave me the impression that someone committed suicide by jumping off the train.”
“How awful.” Jo ran her hand across her stomach.
Eddy peered out through the nearby window. “Looks like they’ve called in some local police.”
“We’d better get back to the rooms before security catches us in the corridor.” Walt pointed to a group of men that were about to enter the corridor.
“You’re right.” Eddy nodded. “Let’s all stick to one room for now though.”
As they walked back towards the room, Samantha noticed another person who was in the corridor. She stood near a room door, but she didn’t try to open it. Samantha recognized her right away as the woman that she had first encountered on the platform. She was as white as a sheet.
“Did you find out who it was?” Her breath was still laced with alcohol, so much that Samantha had to cover her nose to block out the smell.
“I’m sorry?” Samantha said.
“The man who died, do you know his name?”
“We didn’t even know that it was a man. The staff are being very tight-lipped.” Samantha frowned.
Eddy studied the woman. “You should go back into your room.”
“Oh no, this isn’t mine. Not my room,” she muttered.
“Do you need some help finding your room?” Walt offered his arm. Samantha was shocked by the gesture, but kept silent about it.
“No, I’m fine. I just wondered if you knew his name.” She sighed.
“Let’s keep moving.” Jo tilted her head back over her shoulder. The group of men continued down the corridor in their direction. “I don’t want to get thrown off the train.”
“All right.” Walt frowned. His eyes remained on the woman a moment longer, then he nodded. They continued down the corridor to the room. Once inside, Eddy sunk down on the end of the bed.
“I guess we have ourselves a real situation here.”
“If it’s a suicide, then as sad as it is the train should be on its way soon enough,” Samantha said.
“If.” Eddy lofted an eyebrow.
“Eddy, don’t go looking for a case where there isn’t one.” Samantha crossed her arms. “Until we know something for sure we have to assume it was suicide.”
Eddy glanced out the window. “Now, what is he doing out there?”
“Who?” Samantha tried to see past him out the window.
“You three stay put. I’ll be back. I’m going to find out what’s going on.”
“Eddy wait.” Jo started to move towards him.
“Don’t worry, I won’t get us thrown off the train.” Eddy was out the door before any of them could stop him.
***
Eddy saw a few people in the corridor. They were getting restless. There hadn’t been another announcement to satisfy the curiosity of the passengers. He blended in with the group and moved slowly towards the next train car. He was determined to find out what had happened. He noticed a staff member exit through a door at the end of the train. He quickly went to that door. He found that the door was unlatched. Eddy pushed it open and paused to see if it would set off an alarm. Nothing happened, so he stepped down through the door.
The police and train security were a few feet away on the rocks. Eddy did his best to stay out of their line of sight as he moved towards the man he spotted through the window. Once he reached the point of exposure, he did his best to appear as if he belonged there. He thrust his shoulders back and walked with purpose. It was his cop walk. Eddy walked towards the tangle of local police. He paused just outside of the group. He wasn’t about to interrupt them and alert them to his presence. Peter walked up beside him.
“Don’t even try to talk to them, trust me.”
Eddy looked over at Peter. “Why not?”
“They’re not friendly. I already tried to get some information and they threatened to have me locked up.”
“Did you get anything?” Eddy pushed his hat up along his forehead and looked directly into Peter’s eyes.
“I overheard the name of the victim.”
“Victim? Was it a murder?”
“If it was they’re not treating it like one. They say that he jumped off from the rear outdoor viewing platform. But I don’t think they have a clue what they’re doing. They were all just in a rush to get the body away from the tracks so they can get the train rolling again.”
“What’s the name of the victim?”
“Ryan Barker.”
“Ryan Barker,” Eddy repeated the name as he recognized it immediately. He thought about mentioning that he had seen the victim on the train, but decided against it.
Peter sighed and shook his head as a sheet was draped over the body. “They’re not collecting any forensic evidence. Nothing. They’re just rushing right through this. I guess it’s for the best.” He shrugged.
“How could that be for the best?” Eddy narrowed his eyes. “Do they have any proof that it was a suicide?”
“There’s been some mumblings about a note being left in Ryan’s room. I haven’t been able to confirm that though. Like I said, they’re not friendly.” He tilted his head towards a police officer that walked towards them. “Get ready for an argument.”
“What are you two doing out here? Are you passengers?” The officer glared at them.
“No, we’re mountain goats.” Peter scowled at him. Eddy glanced over at Peter with some shock.
“Watch your mouth. You’re interfering with an investigation.”
“Officer, I just wanted to offer my services, as a retired detective.” Eddy kept his tone polite.
“No thanks. We have plenty of officers who are active. Besides, this
is a suicide. Cut and dry.”
“Are you sure about that?” Eddy frowned. “I don’t mean to question you, I just wonder if maybe you’re moving a little fast.”
The officer shook his head. “Listen to me, there’s no reason not to rush. Some guy decided to off himself and hold up everyone’s train. He left a note in his room at least to keep things simple. There’s no reason not to move on from all of this. The only problem I have with this case, is the two of you not following my direct orders to get back on the train.”
Eddy looked over at Peter and nodded. Peter frowned but turned and walked towards the train. Eddy fell into step beside him. “What are you doing here, Peter?” Eddy locked eyes with him.
“What do you mean?” Peter tilted his head to the side.
“I mean, what are you doing on this train? Are you working a case?”
“If I was I wouldn’t be able to tell you that, you know that.” Peter crossed his arms and studied Eddy. “I know it’s in your nature to be suspicious, but what’s the real problem here, Eddy?”
“I noticed the way you snubbed me in the dining car. What was that about?” Eddy shifted from one foot to the other.
“It was crowded, Eddy. I don’t like crowds. I found an open spot and stayed put.” Peter sighed and shook his head. “I think you need to find a hobby, you’re a bit too paranoid in your old age.”
“So, you’re telling me that you’re not working a case? You have your nose in all of this for no reason?” Eddy squinted.
“I’m telling you that if I was, I wouldn’t be able to tell you, and you should know enough to leave that alone.”
“I think you should know me well enough to know that I won’t. And what is your problem with Samantha?”
“I don’t have a problem with her.” Peter looked away.
“Listen to me, Peter. I’m not one to get in the middle of another man’s personal business. But Samantha is a very good friend of mine. So, whatever your intentions may be…”