Raildogs

by Rejean Giguere

What the fuck? His two guys were running the other way. They must have turned around and left him there.

  Fuck, that’s not right. I helped you guys.

  A punch to the side of the head knocked him to his knees, and he was forced to return to the fight.

  A knee to the head knocked him over sideways. Letting his momentum carry him, he rolled and stood up. Shit. It looked like ten or more people. Who were they? Mexicans? One stepped close enough, and Danny swung hard. He caught the guy in the neck and the body folded sideways.

  One of his opponents laughed and said something in sharp Spanish.

  The men surged forward, swinging fists, feet, bats, and clubs. Danny starting swinging in self defense. He may have connected with one or two, but it didn’t matter.

  He took a bat to the side of the head and stood there stunned and rocking on his heels, a club connected with his ribs and he crumpled to the ground. No fight left in him now, Danny tried to curl inward to protect himself from the blows, but his attackers kept reaching down and pulling his legs out straight, holding his arms out to the side. He was hit again and again.

  He didn’t feel the blows anymore, just drifting away. He thought about the playground back home, taking walks and bike rides by himself. Why hadn’t that been good enough? Why had he wanted this? He pictured Bart and realized it was the leather jacket. It reminded him of thugs and bikers. Tough guys.

  He knew that’s what had drawn him to Bart in the first place. Now he was thinking that he should have never talked to the guy. He was wishing he was back home. He managed to turn his head and look up. The last thing he saw was the heel of a boot.

  *****

  Phoenix, Arizona

  Sam woke up in the dark. Confusion set in, then the pain pulled him from unconsciousness as he realized he was hanging from his arms. Movement near his feet jolted him fully awake as the rats scurried away.

  He kept blinking his eyes to adjust to the darkness. He looked up at the chains and the I-beam they were tied to. What the hell was going on? It took a second but then Sam remembered the guy at the station who said he was a Raildog.

  As his head cleared it started to hurt and he remembered seeing something coming at his face. Twisting and opening his mouth wide he could tell his face was bruised and swollen. Jesus Christ.

  The small irritation on his ankle didn’t register right away, but once he realized it was there it became alarming. He couldn’t tell, but he had a feeling the rats had been biting at him while he was passed out. That had him eyeing the floor.

  When he finally saw the first one it freaked him right out. The rat seemed to be watching him with his beady little eyes. He just knew it was waiting for a chance to take another piece of him. He wondered how many more there were, and kicked his foot out, in practice for the real thing.

  He had no idea where he was. Was he still near the tracks? One of the buildings his crew knew? Hopefully, they would find him before the other asshole came back.

  Was the guy coming back? Was he being left here to rot? Would anyone find him? He wondered how long he could stay awake. Falling asleep was just what the rats were waiting for.

  Chapter 16

  Reno, Nevada

  Sarah sat on the edge of her chair staring out over the darkened lawn. The streetlights lit the pathways through the grounds, but she wasn’t focusing on the view. She’d been packed and ready to leave for two days. Her patience was near its end. She balanced between going over the deep end and grinning foolishly in anticipation.

  Her single bag was ready to go. As she looked at the small blue backpack, it seemed to sum up her life. A few belongings, a coat, two pairs of shoes, a book and a couple items she had plans for. And then there was the mental baggage that sat squarely on her shoulders.

  She had collected everything she needed over the past forty-eight hours. Some of it was coming with her, but some of it was staying. A couple things wouldn’t come into play until after she left. David didn’t need to know about everything.

  Sarah had talked the cleaning bitch into giving it to her some of the toxic solvent. “Well if you’re not going to clean anything around here at least let me have the bottle.”

  The old hag had dropped the bottle off her cart onto the bathroom sink. Probably the first time it had moved that day.

  The first surprise was for the staffer who took her food whenever he felt like it She’d pocketed a syringe during her last visit to the building’s medical wing. She had carefully concealed the puddings that hadn’t been stolen over the last couple days while he was on a different shift and carefully injected through the outer seal.

  The pudding would cut the smell and if she was lucky the idiot wouldn’t notice while he gorged himself. He wouldn’t die, but he was going to have a hell of a few days – weeks maybe. A smile played out across her face.

  The items that Sarah stole from the other residents over the same period were all in a box that she’d hidden behind the yellow azaleas on her walk that afternoon.

  In the bottom of her purse was the anonymous letter she’d written to the home’s management, explaining that the cleaning lady had been observed hiding stolen things in a box on the grounds.

  These were small victories, but they raised her spirits just the same. When she saw a figure crossing the yard she pressed her face right up against the window. Sure it was David, she could hardly contain herself.

  This was it. It was happening. Finally she was going to get her life back.

  Sarah gathered up her stuff up. The box of flowers was buried deep in her bag. Anything she didn’t plan to take was left in place.

  She stood motionless in the middle of the room facing the door.

  I’m ready David.

  *****

  Reno, Nevada

  David pushed through the front doors and strode past the front desk.

  The night desk clerk yelled as he went past, “Hey buddy, it’s too late for visits.”

  He kept walking. “I’m not visiting. I’m here to get my Mother.”

  “Hey, you can’t do that, there’s rules around here.” The desk clerk came around in front of the counter.

  David stopped and turned, “You call the boss, call whoever you have to.” He pointed a finger at the clerk. “This has already been arranged. I take her when I want, or when she wants.”

  He didn’t wait for an answer, turning to continue towards his mother’s room.

  “Oh, I’m calling right now. Don’t you worry.”

  David held up one finger as he strode down the corridor.

  He didn’t get a chance to knock, she was waiting with the door open. “Hello son.” Her face beamed with pleasure.

  “Hi mom, you ready to go?” He stood there waiting.

  “Yes, I am.” She pointed to the single bag. “This is all I’m bringing.”

  It hit him that it wasn’t much to show for a lifetime. He picked the bag up gently, like she must have something of value hidden in there. He hoped she did. How was she going to make it through the rest of her life starting out with only a shoulder bag? He knew the answer, it was simple really, he’d help her.

  “Let’s go then.” He led the way, approaching the lobby. Looking back, Sarah was right on his heels. The clerk was waiting for them in the middle of the lobby, with the phone’s extension cord stretched over the desk.

  “The manager wants to speak with you.” The clerk looked full of steam.

  David took the phone and his side of the conversation went swiftly, “Yes, she wants to.”

  “This is your notice period. It’s already paid up.”

  “No. That’s why I kept it month to month. So we could check out like this when we wanted.”

  “Look it worked for you for ten years, now it’s going to work for me. Thank you for your service, we appreciate it.”

  David handed the phone back to the clerk and marched out the door, his bag on the one shoulder, his mother’s on the other, and Sarah in tow.

  Sh
e didn’t say a word until they were off the property, still fearful something might go wrong. “Where we going David?”

  “I’m taking you somewhere Mom. Trust me.” David nodded like he meant she would approve.

  As they got closer to the rail yard he sensed that Sarah had stopped behind him. “What’s wrong?”

  “Why are you bringing me here?” Her face was closed. Tight.

  “You’re going to have to trust me on this Mom,” David stalled. “Everything is set up. I just want to take you there. It’ll be worth it.”

  He reached out and grabbed her hand. She squeezed back firmly. He could tell she was scared and he realized he hadn’t considered what her feelings would be about getting on another train. The last time hadn’t gone so well.

  They ducked through the bushes and tucked through a hole in the fence. Once inside the rail yard David knew exactly where he had to be. The southbound lines where off to his right.

  The closer he got her to the train the harder she squeezed his hand. He could feel the trembling vibrating through her and he wondered if she would make it.

  He had to get her to Phoenix, and there really was no other way, “Come on Mom,” He pulled a plastic wrapped flower out of his pocket. “Here’s number four Mom, I’m taking you to the last one.

  She didn’t respond.

  “I made sure to keep him for you.”

  When her eyes met his he realized she understood what he meant and it seemed to energize her. She was preparing herself, her anger taking over, he saw her upper lip tighten.

  “Okay David. Let’s go.”

  *****

  Pensacola, Florida

  If he ever had any doubt about taking this trip, it was all gone now. Bart had been riding with the two women for hours and was having a blast.

  The two girls were fun and kept kidding and joking during the trip. The one kept looking at him and he wasn’t sure what to do except stare right back. They all stood up as the train came into Pensacola. He was finally in Florida.

  He was curious when the two women started to hug and say their goodbyes. He quickly realized one of them was getting off.

  “This is my stop.” Beth gave him a quick wave. “Good to meet you Bart.”

  “You too Beth. Maybe we’ll see each other again.”

  He caught the look between the women and then Beth said, “That might happen yet. You guys take care.”

  She jumped down from the slow moving train and stood waving at them. A slight curve in the track meant they lost sight of her fairly quickly and it hit him that they were now alone. Turning, he was surprised that Jackie was standing beside him.

  “So cowboy, what are we going to do now?

  “What do you mean?” God, that sounded stupid. But she came even closer until she leaned the entire length of her body against him. He felt her push against him and he moved back slightly.

  “You know what I mean.” She kept moving him back until they were away from the door. He felt the wall against his back and she smiled. The look on her face was mischievous as she rubbed her hips against his. Bart felt himself bulge up in the pants. So did Jackie.

  “That’s more like it cowboy. Now take off your clothes.” She stood back and started to peel off her jeans. He watched without comprehension. Looking up, Jackie noticed he was still dressed, “What? You want me to lay down on that?” She pointed at the rough wooden floor.

  No. No, he didn’t want that, he fumbled to unlace and kick off the Doc Martens then went to work on the pants. Jackie took his clothes and laid them out on the floor while Bart stood there naked. He realized he was grinning and he had an image of Danny flash through his head. Hope you’re having fun buddy. Cause I sure am.

  “Are you coming down here?” The sexy voice reclaimed his attention.

  He sank down to the floor of the boxcar. “Yes I am.”

  *****

  Caborca, Mexico

  The party was in full swing. Thirty or more gangsters and their women were spread out around the large back yard. The pool was open, two bars were set up and no one waited in line.

  The music was loud, but there were no neighbors nearby to complain. In just a bikini, Maria was holding a wine glass, dancing to the music in a world of her own. Groups of people in fancy clothes drifted past, outside her bubble.

  She knew a lot of men watched her. She didn’t mind, these were Raul’s friends and she was safe here. They’d crossed the border south of Tucson. One vehicle drove them across, and then someone else had picked them up and brought them to the villa.

  There was talk of going out the next day in the large sailboat on the Pacific an hour away, and something else was planned for the day after that. This was the life he had said he would give her, and she’d believed him. Now she was wondering where he was.

  Walking around the party, easing between the clusters of dancers and drinkers, she couldn’t find him. Finally, she did run into someone she recognized. “Hector, have you seen Raul?”

  “Out in the garage.” The gangster aimed his thumb back over his shoulder and headed off towards a short little blonde in a tiny mini skirt.

  Maria wondered why he wasn’t partying with the rest of them. She found him with the big garage door open, Raul was doing something with a barrel.

  She stood there perplexed, “What are you doing? There’s a party going on.”

  She saw him jump. He’d been so focused he hadn’t noticed her. He didn’t answer, but waved her over instead. Standing beside him, she looked into the barrel.

  It took a second to register that she was looking at her dress and high heels. Raul tipped the can and poured gasoline in on top of the clothes. Maria started shaking, it was like she was there all over again.

  When Raul lit a match, she looked up at him. He stared back at her while he dropped the match. The barrel flared up, flames shooting out the top for a few moments before settling into a steady burn that quickly reduced the dress to ashes. All she could do was watch.

  “It’s over Maria. I just wanted to get rid of them for you.”

  She fought a bunch of emotions that he seemed to understand. He hadn’t wanted her to see the clothes again. Relieved, she leaned against him.

  “Did I tell you how hot you look today? And what about this party?”

  Maria looked up and saw the energy in his eyes. He was with his boys now, and he was happy about it. She grabbed him by the hand and led him back to the party shaking her ass a little more than usual on the way. It didn’t matter what happened in the past, it mattered what you did with the future, and they were home now.

  *****

  Phoenix, Arizona

  David urged his mother along the side of the tracks. It was still dark out, but at four a.m. it wouldn’t stay that way for long. They walked about a half-mile along the eastbound lines before he stopped to take a break and look around. An old fence surrounded a field with a building set off from the track.

  “I still don’t understand David.” She really didn’t. Why were they walking in the middle of nowhere?

  “Jesus mom, you’re hard to surprise. Just take a break.”

  That made her bite her lip before asking anything else. David forced them to hang out there a few minutes more while he checked back and forth, ensuring no one was following them.

  “You okay to go?”

  “Lead the way.” She seemed excited now at the prospect of a surprise.

  David grabbed her hand and started down into the ditch. He took his time, waiting for his mother to come along without being pulled off her feet. As they approached the fence it became clear that there was a large tear where the chain link was peeled back and bent away from the post. He leaned down and turned sideways to push through the fence, then he pulled his mother through.

  The little winding path leading towards the building was beaten down from years of use. David heard a train coming and looked back over his shoulder as he hurried his step. A freight train was heading out of Phoeni
x going east. Shit.

  David didn’t expect anyone to see what they were up to, but he stopped dead anyways, they were less likely to be seen if they weren’t moving. His mother ran into him. “Just a second Mom.”

  The train was moving fairly quickly now. It looked like a bunch of storage containers. David watched them stream by, nothing to bother him, then he saw the boxcars tagged on the end, only a few – but still.

  His eyes were trained on the doors, they seemed empty, then the last one wasn’t. David saw a guy staring out of the car as it approached. The guy wasn’t looking their way.

  Shit. Again?

  It looked like the same guy he’d seen in Salt Lake a day or two before. That was too much of a coincidence. Just when he thought the guy would go past without noticing them, his head turned.

  How the guy picked them out in the morning darkness standing in a field was beyond him, but when the guy’s eyes found him, David turned to show his back and he started forward with his mother in tow.

  He had only one thought now – they had to hurry.

  *****

  Phoenix, Arizona

  Bill wasted little time when the train got into Phoenix. He’d found someone to point him to the eastbound lines and he’d hustled over there. The guy had told him to stay on the outside track. It would have a train heading out sometime that morning.

  It was a good thing he hustled, because the guy was wrong. There was a train on the outside line but it was starting to chug and jerk just as he got there. Decision time. Every time he thought about it, he came to the same conclusion. Sit and wait, or go out and search.

  Sitting was out of the question because he was always too late. He needed to get lucky and get one of them. Any one of them would work. He needed the name of the boss who was still alive, and only someone in the gang would be able to provide it.

  Bill jumped onto the end of the train as it rolled away. He couldn’t afford to wait for the next one. Leaning against the door of the car as it sped up, he realized he was becoming used to the trains. His legs weren’t spread out like a deer on ice, and he no longer held on to the side of the car for balance.

  He couldn’t help but see why people did it. He could see the sense of freedom and the adventure, if you could avoid the assholes. He’d seen more countryside in the last week than he had in the last ten years. Jobs did that to you.

  Daybreak wasn’t far away and he strained to look out over the fields as the train left Phoenix. He was staring out at nothing when a building caught his attention.