Chapter 6 - Shadows on the Perimeter
The radio fell silent. Elena turned frantic eyes toward Arthur. ""Is he telling the truth? Can he switch the tracks remotely?""
""The Sterling Corporation owns eighty percent of this freight line's logistics,"" Arthur said, his expression grim as he stood up. He unlatched a small side vent and peered out into the rushing darkness. ""He's telling the truth. The train has already bypassed the westward spur. We're heading north toward his secondary estate at Pine Ridge.""
""Then we jump,"" Elena insisted, terror rising in her throat.
""At fifty miles an hour? That gravel will tear you apart, Elena,"" Arthur warned. ""We need a diversion. When the train slows for the mountain grade in ten miles, we take our chance.""
Arthur opened the duffel bag, pulling out two flare sticks and the mercenary’s tactical radio. He rigged the radio's battery with a wire stripped from the train's interior junction box.
""What are you doing?"" she asked.
""Creating a ghost signature,"" Arthur replied. ""When they scan this car at the depot checkpoint, the short-circuit will trigger an emergency brake sensor on the tail car. It buys us thirty seconds.""
Ten minutes later, the train's diesel engines strained as the incline steepened. The grinding squeal of brakes signaled deceleration.
""Now!"" Arthur yelled, sliding the side door open just enough for them to squeeze through.
Elena leaped into the dark underbrush, tucking her shoulder as Arthur had taught her. She tumbled hard down a steep embankment of pine needles, scraping her arms and face before slamming into a rotten log.
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Arthur landed heavily a few yards behind her, clutching his ribs with a grimace of pain.
Above them, on the ridge, high-powered headlights flared to life. Three black luxury SUVs were parked along the logging road, engines humming like predatory insects.
