Chapter 5 - Whispers in the Static
""Arthur, move!"" Elena screamed, lunging forward with all her strength.
A high-caliber gunshot cracked through the air. The bullet shattered the wooden frame inches from Arthur's ear, sending sharp splinters into his cheek. Arthur kicked violently off the gravel ballast, tumbling into the moving boxcar as a volley of automatic fire peppered the steel exterior.
Elena slammed the heavy sliding door shut, latching the interior deadbolt. The train accelerated, rhythmic clatter vibrating beneath their bodies as it pulled away from the yard and plunged into the safety of the dark wilderness.
Arthur sat against the crate, pressing a handkerchief to his bleeding cheek. His breath came in ragged, wheezing gasps. ""Good reflexes, kid.""
Elena slumped beside him, trembling as the adrenaline receded. In Arthur’s hand, the captured mercenary radio crackled to life, static giving way to a calm, aristocratic voice that sent a chill straight down Elena’s spine.
""Arthur,"" Julian’s voice spoke through the speaker, smooth and devoid of rage. ""I must congratulate you. Escaping the quarry was clever. But you forget who funded that rail line. You forget who owns the switches.""
Elena stared at the radio in horror.
""Give Elena the handset, Arthur,"" Julian continued. ""Let me speak to my bride.""
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Trembling, Elena reached forward and keyed the microphone. ""I will never come back, Julian. I know what you did to my father. I know about Cerberus.""
A brief, mocking chuckle drifted through the static. ""Then you know why you can never be allowed to live outside my sight, darling. Check the track speed. You aren't headed for Chicago. You're being rerouted to my private depot.""
