The Inspection

“He shouldn’t have access to the announcements,” Ortiz said.

She tried the cab again. This time a young voice answered.

“Conductor? Mr. Calder says dispatch ordered a hold at Rook. He’s got an authorization number.”

“Eli, listen carefully. Do not admit anyone to the cab. Not with a number, not with a badge. You verify through me.”

A pause. “Understood.”

Ortiz released the radio button. “Our driver’s Eli Shaw. Good driver. First winter on this route.”

“Does Calder know we’re talking?” Mara asked.

“He will if he’s listening on the same channel.”

The linen compartment suddenly seemed very small.

Ortiz opened its door a finger’s width. “We need people together, not scattered. I’ll make it a heating fault. Mara, bring your patient to the rear lounge. Lena, stay with her.”

They emerged into the buffet, where a thin attendant was stacking paper cups with unnecessary precision. His name badge read NIKHIL.

“Coffee machine’s broken,” he said, without looking up.

Ortiz stopped. “Nobody asked.”

“Security did. Told me to stay here until he finished checking tickets.” Nikhil raised his eyes. “He has my phone.”

Mara felt the shape of the trap tighten. It was not a man pursuing a woman through a train. It was a man taking control of the train around her.

“Can you move the hot water urn?” she asked.

Nikhil blinked.

“We’re taking everyone into the lounge. Warm drinks will give them a reason.”

He nodded once and unplugged it.

They found Daniel sitting up, bewildered, with Ben holding a paper basin beneath his chin. He recognized Lena immediately.

“I told you,” he murmured. “Not their security.”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

His eyes shifted to Mara. “He put something in the cup. Said it was from her.”

“Save your breath,” she said. “Can you tell me if you take any regular medication?”

Before he could answer, Calder entered behind them.

“What’s all this?”

“Heating fault,” Ortiz said.

Calder looked at the lamps, the vents, the passengers collecting coats.

Then he smiled at Lena.

“Miss Saye. Your employer’s been very worried.”

Lena’s hand closed over her glove, hiding the outline of the key.

“I don’t work for them anymore.”