Chapter 52: Rest Stop

I'm surprised we're not moving off immediately, following Ande as he makes his way to the sleeping car. He gestures for me to join him, Beckett and the dog at my side. I hadn't noticed they came with me. I feel the glares and stares of Ande's people, but he ignores them, dishing out three big bowls of stew for us before filling a fourth for the dog, offering his glossy fur a gentle pat as Ande sits to eat.

"Have to w-w-wait for daylight," he says as if knowing exactly the question I'm about to ask. "As m-m-much as I can't wait, we need to. No idea what's out there, r-r-right?"

"What about the Crawlers?" I sample the stew and find it delicious. "Won't they follow?"

Ande flicks his fingers at me like he's shooing an ant. "No w-w-way they can catch my t-t-train." He winks before going on. "Chime's s-s-sending a few crew over the barrier to m-m-make s-s-sure there's track at least."

Beckett grunts over his stew. "She should do it herself," he grumbles.