Chapter 3

Other small groups moved freight from storage bins closer to the train and into various cars. Once each car was loaded with its cargo, they moved on to the next. No one looked as if they were searching for anyone or anything. It all appeared a perfectly normal work night of preparing a train to ship goods from one end of the protectorate to the other. Todd had been through more than one train yard in his life, this one included. Nothing seemed unusual, suspicious, or different.

After waiting until the workers made their way far enough down the train that it was unlikely they’d see Todd and Nick, Todd took hold of Nick’s wrist and gave a gentle tug. Nick immediately stepped up behind Todd, close enough he almost touched Todd’s back.

Pointing with his free hand, Todd asked, “See that one there? Just before the train’s midpoint?”

“Yes.”