Terms of Passage

Calder did not block the aisle. He stood just far enough aside that passing him felt like accepting permission.

“Your resignation hasn’t been processed,” he said. “There’s company property to discuss.”

“Discuss it in Dunmere,” Ortiz said.

“I have instructions to escort Miss Saye off at Rook.”

“From police?”

“From people authorized to recover stolen equipment.”

“Then they can meet us at a staffed station.”

His smile vanished. For the first time Mara saw how much effort it had taken him to wear it.

Daniel tried to stand. His knees folded, and Mara caught his elbow while Ben took his other side. Calder watched the small struggle with an impatience that chilled her more than a threat would have.

“He needs a hospital,” she said.

“Then Rook will be convenient. A vehicle’s waiting.”

“What kind of vehicle?”

Calder turned his attention to her. “You’re a medic. Stay one.”

She remembered a roadside collision eleven months earlier: ice, a crushed door, her hands working while a frightened driver begged her to promise his wife would live. She had promised nothing, and still carried the weight of what she could not do. Since then, her sister had been trying to persuade her that rest was not abandonment.

Tonight, rest had lasted twelve minutes.

Mara adjusted Daniel’s arm across her shoulders.

“That’s what I’m doing.”

They moved past Calder into the rear lounge. He let them go, which worried her more than if he had resisted.

The lounge had broad windows, tables bolted to the floor, and one vestibule at its rear. Ortiz counted nineteen passengers, including Lena and Daniel. Nikhil brought blankets from a cupboard. Ben settled Poppy in a booth where she could see him.

Mara checked Daniel’s pulse again. It was slower now but regular. He answered questions about his medication clearly enough to reassure her, though she kept him beside the aisle.

At the forward door, Ortiz lowered her voice.

“There’s another security officer on the manifest. Tomas Vale. Haven’t seen him since departure.”

“Where would he be?”

“Baggage van. Between us and the cab.”

Outside, a signal glowed amber against the snow.

The train began to slow.

From the lounge ceiling, Calder spoke again.

“For your safety, please remain in the rear carriage until instructed otherwise.”