Locked

Chapter 1

Goniff was bored. The mail had come earlier and he had read the letter from his Mom and written a reply but Casino was still at it. With his big family he was going to be a while. He pictured then all sitting around the table discussing who was going to tell him what. Mom wants to tell him about the washing machine leaking and Dad decides he wants to tell him that he's getting a new car and who wants to tell him about the neighbour's dog that ran away or how the youngest who can't write yet is doing in school. Thinking about that entertained him for a whole two minutes.

With nothing else to do Goniff wandered out onto the back terrace and looked around. Actor was off discussing something with the Warden and Chiefy, well he was out there someplace. Sometimes he stayed in the courtyard and threw his knife at the targets the Sargent Major set up but not today. He had to be out on the grounds somewhere. What did he do out there? Maybe he slept out there; went out and had a siesta in the woods. That did not sound exciting but then what was there exciting to do in the woods. He told them how he had seen a baby deer not long ago. That would be cute. He had seen a picture once but seeing it in real life would be good. Thinking of Chief wandering around out there he wondered if there were any bears out there. As far as he knew the only bears were in the zoo. What else lived out there? There wasn't anything that would eat him out there was there? He pictured Chief wrestling a bear and killing it with his knife and he had to smile. Just like ol' Dan'l Boone kilt himself a bar.

Personally he didn't see what the appeal was. London, now that was the place to go for the sights, the food and the people and the opportunities… The Bobbies…

Oh well it had been good while it lasted. New York had been great too until the coppers had grabbed him. That brought thoughts of Sing Sing Prison. He shuddered. He didn't want to ever go back there.

And here? He had it good here, even though sometimes it was dull. It was safe and when they got into trouble the Warden always bailed them out. He also had his mates here and they did have their fun. Casino liked to razz the big guy, "and what's Beautiful going to be doing?" That one brought a smile to his face. And even better, the Warden had continued on as if that was his name. Yes they had their fun. All he had to do was bet Casino could or couldn't do and he was raring to go. Nicking the Judge's wig was perfect though how he had known it was him that made the called he didn't know. It could have been Actor; he had a sense of humor when he wanted to. Most of the time he was too serious but catch him right and he was up for some fun, like that Jewel heist and the stuff they took from the museum.

He frowned at the memory. An umbrella? The place was stuffed with jewels and pretty things that he could give to his lady friends but what does he take? An bloody umbrella. Maybe he could find out when his birthday was and he could get him one seeing as he had to give the other one back. A gentleman's accoutre-piece or something.

Goniff walked down the steps, crossed the courtyard and headed for the side of the building as he wondered what the owners of the place were like. They liked gardens, that was for sure. There were rose gardens and other gardens with plants with no flowers at all. Maybe they bloomed later. Summer was just starting.

He inhaled the smells. Mom would love it here. He pictured her living here, living like a queen. She would probably get bored too. Mom was always busy. She never dragged herself off to the newsstand, she went willingly and when he watched her she always looked like she was enjoying herself. She was like him or was it the other way around, he was like her. They liked people, liked being around what was happening. That was why they liked living in the city. Something was always going on in the city and the news stand was the best place to keep up with that.

He thought of his Mom so far away and his smile disappeared. "I miss you, Mom," he whispered. Would he ever see her again?

The sound of a vehicle out front brought his thoughts back to England. Garrison was leaving, probably off to see about another mission. How did he feel about that? He enjoyed the thrill but the thought of what the Warden had told them would happen if they got caught was scary. At least here in England and New York if you got caught you went to jail. Over there they would be shot as a spy. So far they had been lucky and Garrison had never left one of them behind. He was a good boss.

Goniff sat down on the garden bench, leaned back and put his arms along the back of the bench. The sun felt good on his face. Yes, he liked it here and he was glad he had accepted the offer to work for the Army. He didn't regret it; well there were a few times, like that first parachute jump. That had been scary but he had made it and seeing Casino's reaction had made it all worthwhile. He chuckled at the thought of poor Casino, big tough Casino, then sobered. Casino was a good guy to have as a mate. He was tough; he never backed down. That was the kind of mate you wanted over there and anywhere.

The sound of a vehicle approaching drew his attention again. What, did the Warden forget his hat?

No, this time it was a big black sedan; they had company. What if it was the owners come back to check on the place or maybe they wanted to move back in. Maybe it was someone come to visit the owners and they didn't know they had gone. He smiled as he envisioned the looks on their faces when the Sargent Major opened the door. Goniff got up and moved in closer. He wanted to see this. His grin widened.

That was why he saw the man who got out of the passenger side door and he gasped. Turning away, hoping he had not been seen, he ran around the back. Pounding up the stone steps he barged in the door. Taking a chance he called out, "Chief?" There was no answer so he flew back out the door and looked across the courtyard. There was no sign of the Indian. If he went out looking for him he might come in behind him. Goniff had to intercept him.

Back into the house he made his way close enough that he could hear what was being said. When he heard, "Locked down," he knew he had to move. It would take a little time to alert the Guards and for the search to get started but he had acres to search. With no time to waste, he ran.

After he left the courtyard he went fifty yards and began calling, "Chief? Where are you? I gotta talk to you." He had gone about two hundred yards when he saw a figure up ahead. Was that Chief or one of the guards? Taking a chance he said, "Chief, I gotta talk to you," in a normal voice. A Guardian might hear him but a Guard would be far enough away, he wouldn't. The figure started coming closer so he did too.

"Chief, it's'ughes. 'E's at the'ouse. 'E jus…"

"Wait a minute. Who's at the house?" In his panic Goniff was running his words together and Chief couldn't understand him but he caught the urgency.

"'Ughes, from G-CAT and 'e's got four men with 'im and 'e's got orders to take you back with 'im." Goniff saw the fear on his friends face as he looked toward the house. "You gotta run, get off the grounds. 'E's ordering our guards to stop you by any means." Chief spun and started to run.

"Wait," called the Englishman, "I can 'elp." He ran after him. "I can divert the guards."

Chief apparently saw the possibilities because he threw a look over his shoulder and slowed enough that his partner in crime could catch up with him.

There was no hesitation on Chief's choice of direction; he knew exactly where he was going. Up ahead they saw the wall that defined the edge of the property and they slowed then stopped. Between them and escape was a space of about twenty yards.

"Guards coming," whispered Chief as he dashed for the wall, Goniff right behind him. Chief would need help getting up and over. Goniff cupped his hands, Chief stepped up and with a hop he was at the top of the wall.

"Go back," he said as he looked down on his friend.

"I can't. They'll know I 'elped you. Wait right there."

Chief knew he was right. When they couldn't find him and Goniff came back they would suspect him and he didn't want Goniff to get into trouble for helping him so held on as Goniff jumped, grabbed his foot and climbed up beside him. Over they went as they heard the jeep approaching.

Beyond the wall was a farmer's sheep pasture with nowhere to hide. Goniff was all for waiting against the wall but Chief had other ideas. He began running along the wall in the direction the jeep had come from before cutting out across the field. Goniff ran after him. He had not planned on running with Chief but he could not let him go all alone. He might need him so he ran. If he had had any breath left he would have laughed. Bet the Warden never thought they would use all that training to escape.

The Englishman was agile like a dancer, he was not a long distance runner like Chief. He didn't get up like a bloody fool at the crack of dawn and run with the Warden for no reason. Now it looked like he had a very good reason. Goniff was falling behind, gasping for air so loud it was a wonder the guards didn't hear him and come after him. Maybe he should a stayed behind. Too late now. Up ahead was a hedgerow. Another fence? Maybe a road. Maybe they could hitch a ride somewhere they could wait in comfort and not have to run anymore.

As Chief approached he slowed then stopped. He had heard the train in the past so knew the tracks were close. From here he could get to London and maybe find his Hearth. He wanted him to know he had not just run away. There was another reason as well. Hughes was back there at the house where the other guys were. How far would Hughes go to get him back? Would he hurt the guys to get them to tell? He could not take the chance, just like he could not take the chance on them blaming Goniff. He could hear him coming up behind him panting. He was not used to the run like he was. This was going to be hard on the guy so he was going to keep that in mind.

Goniff stood just inside the hedgerow and leaned over hands on his thighs. He watched Chief looked up and down the tracks then began to walk along the side slowly. As much as he wanted to fall down and rest, he followed. Gradually his breathing slowed back closer to normal.

"What now?" asked the Englishman.

Chief was still on the alert, watching for danger. They were out of line of sight but they were not safe yet. As their breathing slowed he was better able to listen. Now he needed to know where the train was and which way was it was going. Hopefully there would be one headed for London and his Hearth. If not then he had to get them somewhere safe nearby so he would know when he came back. He knew Garrison could not stop them from taking him, he was their property, but eventually they would leave and then he could return.

Then a worrisome thought. What if they blamed Garrison for him not being there? What if they thought he had taken and hidden him? With this Chief's thoughts turned dark. If they blamed him, if they hurt him in anyway, he was going to start hunting and killing Trainers and Handlers and anybody connected with G-CAT. He would keep on killing until they killed him.

With that promise firmly in his mind he turned to their present situation. He needed to see and hear and for that he needed…

Would it work with Goniff, he wondered, as he turned to his companion. It had worked with Actor back there in Italy but it had been hard and he had been looking for his Hearth not a train. It was the only way, he had to try.

Chief tried to moisten his lips. After all that running he needed water. Goniff too. He listened for his heartbeat. It was strong and steady, not his Hearth's but it was reassuring to hear it close.

Speaking of close he needed to be close as well. If he was with Garrison he would go to him but then he was his Hearth. He lived to protect his Hearth. Goniff wasn't his Hearth. He needed him but he wasn't his Hearth. Garrison said it was all right to let someone touch him…

"Goniff, come'ere." When he moved up beside him he said, "Stand behind my shoulder."

Goniff thought he knew what was going to happen. "You mean like the Warden does?" he asked with a trace of eagerness. "Where you want me to…" He held up his hand waiting.

"Just hold real still," he said as he positioned Goniff's hand. "Now don't move." It had worked with Actor, it'll work now, he thought, as he leaned in until he was just feel the warmth of his hand through his shirt. Only then did he look as far as he could down the tracks. He did not see any trains but then the tracks curved off in the near distance in the one direction. He pulled back and mentally reviewed the map he had established in his head for where they might be and which way to the closest station. If he figured right they should head to the right. He started walking knowing Goniff would follow.

"It worked? 'Ey, I can …"

Chief whipped around, grabbed his shirt, got in his face and growled, "Don't you ever say that."

Goniff was startled and tried to pull back, his eyes wide with fear and confusion. "All I was going to say was I can 'elp. You know, if you 'ad to find the Warden. Like Actor did."

Chief just stood there glaring for a moment before turning back. Never back down from a threat given or taken. As long as they are afraid of you, they'll leave you alone.

Goniff was glad to see he had backed off. Why had he…? Then he thought it through. He had to make it right. He didn't want Chief mad at him. "Chiefy, I would never do anything like that; what you thought I was going to say. I couldn't 'urt one a my mates." He was watching his footing so he missed the slight relaxing of his 'mate's' shoulders.

Chief knew he should not have jumped on the guy. He would never try to Handle him. It was just he was so terrified of being put in that position again. If he tried it he would have to kill him, friend or no friend. He would never go back to what G-CAT had made him. Never!

It did not take long for Goniff to start. "Do you remember when you said you could smell rain?" He did not leave long enough for an answer. "I was just wondering if you could smell a well or someplace we could get water. I could do with a drink."

"Got any money on ya?"

Goniff checked his pockets but came up with a bit of lint and a ladies silver button but no money. "I wasn't expecting a trip to the pub. Are we close to the Doves? I could get some money."

"There should be a town somewhere along here."

"Any idea how far?"

"No, but you'll find it easier to walk along the dirt there," he said as he gestured to the area beyond the stone rail bed. He heard him move. Chief had no trouble matching his pace to meet the rail ties but he had noticed that Goniff had to stretch his stride. That would be tiring. Walking on the dirt would be easier for him.

They finally reached the bend and on the other side they saw the station up ahead. Even better were the train cars sitting, waiting. Chief could hear the steam engine hissing. They were in time. He picked up the pace when he heard the engine getting louder. The last few cars were box cars and Chief checked them out as they passed. He even hopped up into one for a closer look before hopping down and continuing on. Up ahead they heard the piercing steam whistle signalling the train's imminent departure.

"Let's go," said Chief as he eyed the next open door.

"What? I thought we were going into town for a drink."

"I wanna find the Warden an' he's in London. Stay here but don't go back, not until you know they're gone."

Goniff did not have to be told. He knew if he went back they would know he had helped him leave. Guilt by association. No thanks.

"Give me your hand," he said as he prepared to vault up as well. By now the cars had started to move so he was walking faster to catch up with the open door. As he reached up to grab Chief's extended hand to help pull himself up the engine slowed and the couplings adjusted to the lack of pressure which jostled the cars. Goniff had grabbed Chief's hand and was in mid leap when their car stopped. His trajectory was based on the car accelerating so instead of jumping into the car, he slammed shoulder first into the side of the car.

The blow stunned him and he released his grip. Chief was crouched by the edge preparing to pull his friend up but the cars sudden stop threw him off balance and Goniff's hand was wrenched from his as he fell. Without thought Chief was out the door and scrambling for his friend, grabbing and pulling him away from the killer wheels.

The train began accelerating again. Goniff, even stunned did not want his friend to get caught so he tried to get up but his coordination was off. Chief, seeing his escape route leaving grabbed his partner and almost threw him into the car and hopped in after him as the train began to pick up speed. They had made it.

Seeing Goniff lying face down where he had thrown him he hurried to his side. "Goniff? You hurt?"

"Yeah," he said as he lifted his head, "My shoulder and my ass." There were cinders and debris on his pants from where he had fallen.

"Let's get you rolled over. You ready?"

"No, but let's do it anyway. Before it gets worse." As he rolled he found a new pain, a stinging along the outside of his ankle. When he had fallen he was off balance after hitting the side of the car so when he fell he came down on an angle. His ankle and the side of his leg had driven sideways into the cinder rail bed. The course material had scraped away the material and at least one layer of skin leaving dirt, dust and debris. To Chief it looked painful. This was confirmed by Goniff's cry of pain.

The Englishman lifted his head to see but Chief knew it would hurt worse if he saw it. He had to stop him so without thinking he blurted out, "Don't look."

That was the wrong thing to say because it prompted an anxious, "Is it that bad?" as the patient tried harder to sit up.

"No," said Chief in what he hoped was a calm voice. He pushed Goniff back. "Your ankle is bruised. You have to lay still or you might make your shoulder worse." He turned his attention to the joint in question. Moving up into position he gently touched his shoulder.

"Is anything broken? Can you see how bad it is?"

"I can't see through you shirt."

"What if I took it off?"

"I can't see through your skin." The situation was too tense to get angry. Goniff was scared and hurt. He knew that sometimes when you were scared you didn't think straight.

"Oh," said Goniff with an embarrassed smile. "Sorry, I didn't mean nothin'."

Chief felt his shoulder, pleased that he had taken his mind off his ankle. Everything felt the way he thought it should so it was probably just bruised. He had hit it pretty hard.

"How's yer head?"

"I 'it the side pretty 'ard didn't I?" he said as he reached up and felt his head.

He had seen Actor play along and joke when someone was hurt so he tried. "You've got a hard head. You'll be all right."

"Easy for you to say, you 'aven't got the 'eadache."

"I got you." He remembered Casino calling him a headache or was it 'a pain in the ass'. Too late now. He waited for Goniff to laugh at his mistake.

Fortunately Goniff was not sure if he had just been insulted or not so he decided to ignore it. Instead he said, "'Ey Mister Conductor, 'ow long 'til we get to London?"

Chief saw the twinkle in his eye. Goniff was fine if he could joke about their predicament. Best way to keep him from worrying was to play along.

"Barring incident weather and Jerry bombs, we should be pulling in right on schedule." He wished he could have said it with an English accent but at least he tried.

"What's incident weather?" asked Goniff.

"I don' know. I heard Actor say it once." He wished he had something to clean the scrape on his ankle.

"'ere, 'elp me sit up." As Chief helped him Goniff continued to mull it over. "Barring… Barring in… Barring in… clement weather?" he asked, the frown of concentration disappearing.

"I don' know. What's inclement weather?"

"I don't either," smiled Goniff, "but I 'eard the Warden say it once."

They both chuckled. One of them was probably lying but it had displaced the worry and the pain at least for now.

As the train rolled on they could hear the engine with its distinctive puffing and the occasional blast of the whistle. Chief moved down to Goniff's ankle and took a closer look. Then after cutting the arm off his shirt he tried to brush the worst of the dirt from the wound. The bigger pieces he was able to pick out. When he had cleaned it the best he could he used his sleeve to wrap the ankle. He needed water but they did not have any so this would have to do.

"See if you can sleep for a bit," suggested Chief. "I'll wake you when we get there."

Goniff closed his eyes but the silence did not last. With eyes still closed he asked, "Do you know any jokes?"

"No."

"I need something to take my mind off my ankle. It bloody 'urts."

Chief thought back. Had he heard any jokes? He couldn't remember any. He did remember a story he heard long time ago. Maybe that would do.

"One time a travelling salesman's car broke down and he was out in the middle of nowhere. He went to the first house he come to. Two sisters lived there and they weren't sure about letting no man sleep in their house but there was no place else so the oldest sister pulled out a six shooter and said he could stay but she was goin' to keep it under her pillow so he better stay in his bed and no funny business. The other sister pulled out a six shooter and said she kept hers under her pillow too so he better do as he was told. The Salesman said that was fine by him, he just wanted a place to stay the night. He thanked them and climbed into bed. After a while he heard the older sister mumbling in her sleep sayin' 'my gun's not loaded' When she said it again he slipped out a bed and snuggled up with her. They had a real good time an' then he got back into his bed. After a bit he heard the other sister mumbling that her gun wasn't loaded so he did the same and they had such a good time that they did it twice before he went back to his bed. A little later he heard them both sayin' their guns weren't loaded but he just laid there. Finally he said 'Excuse me ladies but my gun ain't loaded either'."

That got a fine laugh from the Englishman. "My gun ain't loaded," he repeated as he laughed.

The train began to slow and Chief looked out the door. Were they coming into a station? Maybe he could find out where they were. Along the side were just green fields. Off on the hillside there were a few sheep grazing. Up ahead he saw a few buildings. The train continued to slow and finally it stopped.

"Let me see," said Goniff.

Chief went over to the wall where he had helped him to sit but suddenly he froze.

"What?" asked Goniff.

"Shhh. Someone's coming. Two men." The two stowaways moved into the front corner. Hopefully they would not be seen. They waited. Closer and closer, the men were discussing their wives, their neighbors and their boss. Most was positive except about their boss. They were almost at their door. The two inside held their breath. They did not want to have to walk from here.

With a rumble the door rolled closed stopping with a clank throwing the interior into darkness but they were safe. The voices muffled by the closed door faded off into nothing. All was quiet.

They waited another minute just to be sure before Goniff spoke into the dim.

"Wonder when we'll start moving. I'm getting 'ungry was well as thirsty.

Chief went over to the door. Maybe they should get out and see about food and water. Maybe he could steal a car and drive the rest of the way. He listened but all was quiet so he tried to open the door. It wouldn't move. He tried again, bracing his feet on the floor and heaving. The door did not move.

"Don't tell me we're stuck in 'ere. It's bad enough me thinking we are without you saying we are."

Chief thought that through and didn't understand but figured he might as well play along. Goniff had helped them many times by staying cheerful. He had to do it now. But how? How did Goniff do it? He had to find something good about what had just happened. What was good about getting locked in? Nothing. What about a door being closed? What was good about that? Just because he didn't like closed doors there were people who did. What did they think was good about a door being closed?

"Uh," he started, trying to come up with something. "We don't have to worry about burglars getting in," he said hopefully. There was no response and his heart sank. Goniff didn't get it, it wasn't funny. He was no good at this stuff. Angrily he turned away to pace their cage.

"I was thinking," said Goniff, "We don't have to worry about the rain getting in either but I'm so thirsty that a little rain coming in would be good."

Even in pain Goniff was better at this positive stuff than he was, he thought, until Goniff added another comment.

"Besides all the burglars are already inside."

"I ain't a burglar."

"Oh come on, Chiefy. You never stole a woman's 'eart. Good looking bloke like you must 'ave a pocket full of'm.

The Guardian refused to answer that. He had known a few women but he was always too afraid to really love them. He couldn't really give his heart; he had always stayed on the alert for betrayal. Even Christine had finally figured it out. She had given him an ultimatum and he had left. He just couldn't give himself to anyone.

The gap around the door allowed a little light in and now that was dimming, evening was coming.

"Wish I 'ad something to eat. Even a crust of bread."

"Don't think about it. Only makes it worse."

"'Ow can I not think about it. I'm 'ungry."

"How's your headache?"

"Why don't you add in about being thirsty too? Anything else to add to my misery?" said Goniff petulantly.

Chief was concerned. That wasn't like Goniff. Was there something else wrong with him? Had he hit his head too hard? That was what had happened to Soaring Bird when he had first come to G-CAT. The trainer had hit him in the head with his walking stick. He seemed all right, right after then he started acting strange. Two days later he was dead. He had had a head ache too. Fear crawled down his spine and moved into his stomach. He looked over at his companion. Was he going to die too?

Goniff saw the look and asked, "Why you looking at me like that. I'm hungry and thirsty."

Chief looked away to hide his shame. How was he going to face his Hearth? I ran away and I killed Goniff. Stupid! You shoulda stayed there and taken it or at least stopped Goniff from coming with you. He did not stop to consider how he was supposed to stop Goniff; hit him? He had told him to go back but he hadn't listened.

"Warden's gonna be mad we took off."

"Warden's gonna thank me for saving your 'ide."

Say it, his conscience screamed. Don't wait until it's too late. He said it before it was too late. "Thanks, Goniff," and he meant it.

"You can thank me by getting me a cuppa tea." It was going to be a long night.

"Do ya think they're gone yet" asked Goniff morosely.

"Who?"

"The guys from you know where."

"Uh uh."

"How long you think they'll wait?"

"Don' know."

"When did you know you were a Guardian? Did you know when you were born?"

"Why you…" he started angrily then caught himself. "Why you asking me all this stuff. You're the one likes to talk."

"I can't. My mouths too dry."

"Well so is mine. The more you talk the worse it gets." The silence lasted about thirty seconds.

"You ever been this thirsty?"

Trying to follow his own advice Chief just nodded.

"Did you die from it?"

His first reaction was to tell him to not be stupid but he put the brakes on that. Being thirsty made you angry. There was one Trainer who wouldn't give you any food or water for days and then he'd put four Guardians in a room with a cup of water up on a shelf. He thought it fun to watch them all trying to get it. He tried the first time and then the next time he just sat there. He got beat for it but he never had to play that game again so he figured he had won that one. This was just another of the Trainer's games and he wasn't going to play.

So did he die from it? No but he had a better answer so he nodded.

"Do ya think we're gonna die here?"

He nodded again. Goniff wasn't really paying attention to him so it didn't matter.