Starr closed his eyes and exhaled. He used the throttle lever to brace himself against the rhythmic rocking of the locomotive. Moments ago he’d cleared a switch outside of Mingus and rounded the bend heading east. For the time being, the tracks ahead would be clear. With any luck the unscheduled Black Diamond would be reported, resulting in a cleared line for as long as he could push the old engine without stopping for more coal or water.
He’d done it. He patted the book beneath his belt. He’d barely flipped through it, but clearly its pages contained scientific information about the contagion. Maybe it didn’t implicate TPE, but that had never been his intention.
He’d quietly copy as much of the information as he could before dutifully handing the book over to his superiors. Doing so would simultaneously strengthen his hand while building upon his perceived loyalty. On top of it all, and completely beyond his own planning, he’d managed to save a passel of innocent children in desperate need of medical attention.
Ever so slightly he found himself leaning forward into the backhead as the rhythm of the rails slowed beneath him. He opened his eyes and tapped the gauge closest to him. He didn’t understand everything he was looking at, but it seemed none of the indicators had changed significantly. All the same, the train was definitely slowing.
Starr shoveled in the last of the coal. He wouldn’t make it as far as he had hoped, that was all. The sound of a heavy boot on the landing startled him. Assuming some kid in oversized shoes had clambered up to see the engine, he turned. “Well hello…” Wide-eyed, Starr froze solid. A low growl filled the cabin as a cloaked figure sprang the last few feet to his side in the blink an eye. A twitcher.
The train resumed its former speed. Whatever had been holding it back now let it go. At the same time, Starr found himself unable to move a single muscle—not a finger, not an eye. Nothing save his mouth. “No.”
“Senator, we meet again.” The words originated within Starr’s head, but the voice was not his own. It was accented thickly and immediately familiar. The figure shifted its head toward the scant atmospheric light.
Starr trembled uncontrollably. “No, I saw you die. I touched the body.”
“Nothing but pawn, Senator Starr.” The cloaked figure shook his head from side to side, the lips still not moving when he spoke. “Game over only when one king is taken. But first one must recognize true opponent. Which in this case, was never me. Still, I will be relieving you of logbook.”
Without realizing it, Starr pulled back his jacket to reveal the book right next to his .38 Tri-Star.
“I cannot have you handing book to benefactors.” The figure’s lips snarled even as they remained shut.
“How—”
“You are nothing but slave, James Starr. For years, I was slave like you.” The figure snatched the book and concealed it within his cloak.
Starr barely saw the arm move. While internally he flinched at its quickness, his body refused to move. Then, just as before, the train slowed without losing steam. Starr swayed forward.
“Quit while ahead. Is no other end to one-sided game. Victory is deception.” The figure turned and leapt from the cabin in a fluid movement.
Starr stumbled as the train resumed speed quickly, throwing him against the back of the cabin. He regained control of his body and clutched at his belt. The book was gone. He drew his .38, rolled onto his side, and aimed the weapon into the cloistered night. Nothing remained but the shadows of trees rushing past.
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