R - Riding Railways

by Bdoyle

Continuation of Parenting Through the Alphabet as the Coulson's deal with the trials and tribulations of raising their crew. Phil and Melinda plan a long weekend in NYC with the kids and choose to travel by rail. A mix up on the train sends Melinda and the girls into a day of panic and misadventure.

R – Riding Railways

Melinda stood at the ticket counter, bouncing a restless Skye on one hip and balancing a large bag on the opposite shoulder. Jemma stood on tiptoe next to her, trying to peer over the tall desk. The woman let out a frustrated breath as the clerk walked away for the third time. More and more she realized what an asinine plan this was.

Phil had taken the boys to New York City with him two days previously, saying it was a great time to do some father/son bonding. All of the local schools where on Spring break so neither Fitz nor Trip would miss any school time. He'd be sure to take them to Madison Square Garden for a Nicks game and hit at least one or two of the museums on Fitz's very long list. Melinda would follow with the girls on the weekend, giving her time to complete plans for a concert venue in Baltimore and give Jemma time to recover from oral surgery planned for Thursday. Both parents were more than sure Skye would not enjoy the plans daddy had for sports and engineering. Saturday would be time for the Central Park Zoo. Of course no trip to the Big Apple would be complete without a visit to Lady Liberty and Ellis Island. Phil had already secured tickets for Cats at the Winter Garden. Everything was laid out and planned.

Except the damn, ticket mix up at Union Station…

"I am truly sorry for the mix-up, ma'am." The young woman in the starched white shirt frowned up at Melinda.

"So you've said," Melinda sighed, grabbing Skye's hand before she snatched a handful of pens from a cup on the counter. She shook her head at her baby and looked back to the young woman. "I don't understand what the problem is. My husband purchased all of the tickets a month ago."

"Yes, ma'am, we have verified the sale, but apparently someone overbooked the car and sold the same tickets twice. I assure you, we will have you on the train. We are just working out the details." The clerk explained again.

"I be wit Jemma, momma? I be down the groun?" Skye pleaded, placing both palms on her mother's cheeks to pull her head come face to face.

"No, baobei," Melinda whispered as she shook her head. "You stay with momma right now."

Despite the fact that Melinda was as quiet and gentle as possible, given the situation, Skye had had enough. She panted a few times before throwing back her head and letting out a wail that stopped everyone within earshot. Melinda cringed, knowing this would last longer than it took Miss Clerk to figure out the ticket mess and she had no intention of apologizing for her distraught child since she pretty much felt like screaming herself.

"I can hold her, Momma. Perhaps we can stroll a bit, just here near the counter." Jemma offered

Melinda looked down at her older daughter and shook her head. She trusted Jemma wholeheartedly, but Skye, especially an upset Skye was like trying to hold on to a Tasmanian Devil on speed. "Thank you, Jemma, but we'll be finished shortly." She rocked Skye a little faster, while patting her back and trying to push the little girl's head down to rest on her shoulder.

The young clerk returned holding an envelope which she passed under the grate to Melinda and spoke loud enough to be heard over Skye's bellowing. "We've upgraded your tickets to first class, including all of the other passengers as well." She smiled broadly. "I hope we were able to satisfy your needs today and you will consider traveling with us in the future."

Anything Melinda might have said could not have been said in front of her children, although neither could possibly hear her. She merely glared at he woman, adjusted her screaming, squirming baby, grabbed Jemma's hand and set off toward the boarding platform.

Ten minutes later, Melinda plunked a now sniffling Skye onto the large leather seat and directed Jemma to join her. She set the large bag she'd been carrying on to seat with the intention of dropping on down on the one opposite her children. With any luck Skye would be asleep within the hour and Jemma was never a problem, Melinda would rest her eyes a bit before the first stop in Philadelphia. It was a little over two hours and then another two to Gran Central. That should have been a quick trip, with her little one asleep for most of it. The snafu with the tickets had added another forty-five minutes to the mix.

Now, Skye was grumpy and Jemma was anxious due to her sister's outburst. Melinda smiled at both of them as she helped them get comfortable and pulled Skye's favorite blanket from the large bag. Her bottom almost touched down on the soft seat when the conductor tapped her on the shoulder. She stood up and looked at the man who smiled an odd smile as he shook his head.

"I'm sorry, ma'am, but there is an issue with your baggage. If you can just step out of the car with me for a few minutes, I am sure we can resolve the matter quickly." The man sighed.

Melinda let out something between a frustrated breath and a ferocious snarl. The man stepped back quickly. She smiled with just her lips and turned back to her daughters. "Jemma, I have to go with the conductor for just a little bit. I need you to stay right here with Skye." She spoke firmly to the little girl.

Jemma nodded and reached for her sister's hand. "Yes, momma, I understand."

"Do not leave this seat, either of you." Melinda warned as she tucked Skye's blanket around her and placed a kiss on both girls' foreheads before following the middle-aged man back out to the platform.

Skye pulled herself to her knees and turned to watch over the back of the seat. "Momma leaf us here, Jemma. Hoer come back a us?"

Jemma watched the heated argument her mother and two well dressed gentlemen were having outside the car. She let out a soft breath and reached to help Skye return to her seat. "No, darling, momma is just talking with the conductor and his friend. She'll be back very soon." She smiled.

Skye bounced back to her knees and pushed her face against the window. "Momma look mad to them guys, Jemma." She looked back over her shoulder. "Hoer gonna be non't happy to emmybody."

"It's okay, baobei," Jemma crooned as she pulled her little sister away from the window and wrapped an arm around her. "Momma's just tired."

"Hoer needa take a nap, Jemma?" Skye looked up at her sister who smiled and nodded back.

For a few minutes Skye was quiet, resting her head against Jemma's shoulder while picking at the fuzz on the pale blue blanket. Her thumb slowly found its way to her lips and Jemma was sure the little girl had drifted off to sleep. She smiled and rested her head against the tall seat back. She looked out the window at her mother standing with her arms over her chest glaring at the two men.

"Jemma?" Skye's voice caused the older girl to jump just a bit. She looked down at her little sister silently answering her. "I haffa pee-pee."

"Oh, Skye, do you really? Can't you wait for momma?" Jemma looked to see if her mother was heading back to the car.

Skye shook her head rapidly. "I no wait a mint, Jemma. The pee-pee comin' now." She slid off the seat and bounced on her toes.

Jemma looked from her sister to her mother, weighing the consequences of disobeying against the muddle of Skye having an 'accident' that could have been prevented. Besides if momma didn't get back quickly Skye would shed her soiled clothing and be more than content to sit in her birthday suit while she waited. She looked in all directions. There had to be a rest room. People could not be expected to travel long distances without one.

Skye took her sister's hand and tugged. "Mon, Jemma, I needa pee-pee faster."

Jemma slipped to the floor and wrapped her little sister's hand in her own. "You mustn't let go of my hand, Skye." She looked left and right then spotted a sign at the far end of the car. Making her way around the passengers who had entered and were stowing their bags, Jemma kept a tight hold on Skye. Finally reaching the door she pressed on the odd shaped handle but it did not release. She tried again using one hand since she refused to release Skye to try with two.

"It's not working." A snarky voice sounded from behind her.

Jemma spun to see a young boy, a few years older than her pointing up to the red light lit at the top of the door. How could it be out of order? What would the passengers do on their journey?

"There's another in the next car." The boy remarked as he slouched down in his seat away from them.

Jemma already felt apprehensive about leaving the seat her mother had insisted she and Skye remain in until she returned, leaving the car was almost traumatic. Skye was jumping up and down and Jemma knew she did not have much time. She quietly thanked the boy and tugged Skye toward the cabin door.

The girls had very little luck at the second restroom door as the red light was lit above it as well and now Skye was almost in tears. A rather large older woman attempted to squeeze by the girls carrying one bag and dragging a second. "Hello, ladies," she smiled down at them. "Are you trying to use the ladies room?" Jemma nodded as Skye tucked a hand between her legs and bounced from foot to foot. "Oh, sweetie, they won't work until the train is moving, but you can just make it to the restroom if you hurry." She nodded toward the window then sidestepped her way down the aisle toward her seat.

Jemma looked in the direction the woman nodded and spied the station restroom across the platform. She looked down at her desperate sister and let out a quick breath. "Come, Skye we must hurry. Momma will not be happy that we've left our seat." She pulled the smaller girl toward the door and stepped down the metal steps. Skye had to run to keep up but both girls pushed into the ladies room within seconds. Jemma slammed open the first stall door, yanked her little sister's jeans to her ankles and plopped her on the bowl just in time.

xx

Melinda pulled her wallet from the inside pocket of her jacket and flipped her badge toward the conductor and the Marshall that questioned the weapon found in her baggage. She explained over and over her business and the fact that she and her husband always carried their weapons when traveling, but always in checked luggage. CHECKED luggage! What was the problem? Did they think she was about to sneak into the baggage car dragging a cranky toddler and small girl behind her? It was checked, locked….damn it, double locked to prevent any accident and the damn thing wasn't loaded. She would never carry a loaded weapon unless she was working and that work required it.

"Is that the only weapon you are traveling with, Mrs. Coulson?" The Marshall accused more than inquired.

Melinda closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I have already explained to you what I do for a living and I've shown you my ID and license. The weapon is checked in baggage. I don't understand the problem." She looked over her shoulder at the car where she left her girls and hoped Jemma was not having a problem with her sister.

The conductor looked at the Marshall then looked away quickly. "We are aware of the altercation with the ticket clerk, ma'am. We just want to be sure you're not harboring pent up anger over the situation?" The Marshall smiled.

"Altercation?" Melinda growled. "There was no altercation. Your company screwed up the tickets and had no intention of owning up to their mistake."

"Things did get a little out of control." The man raised his brows.

"Out of control?" Melinda narrowed her eyes. What the hell was this guy talking about? She had not even raised her voice at that moronic clerk who did nothing but double talk and took her good natured time to do anything other that stare at the tickets.

"Perhaps a little loud would be a more appropriate description." The man corrected himself.

Melinda grit her teeth and clenched her fists doing everything possible to hold her temper. "Are you referring to my child's crying?" The man pursed his lips and nodded. Melinda took a step toward him. "She is four years old and she'd had enough. She is tired and was forced to stand listening to that clerk make excuses for almost an hour. I had no intention of putting her down or letting her run wild in your station, so she let everyone know just how she felt. Is that what you are calling an altercation? Are you accusing a child because…"

The Marshall smiled and held out both hands. "No, no, that's not what I'm saying. We are just concerned after finding your weapon, but I see now that everything is order and I'm sure there will be no further outbursts."

Melinda snorted as a wide smile crossed her face. "You don't know Skye." She scoffed.

The train whistle sounded once, alerting passengers to prepare for motion. The steam engines hissed and the train lurched forward an inch. "You'd best get aboard, ma'am." The conductor held out a hand toward the car. Melinda shook her head and let out a long breath then stepped passed the man. "Have a pleasant journey." He commented as she climbed the short stairs. Melinda did not turn or respond.

She took three steps into the car before the train started moving and had to dig her nails into the closest seat holding on until her equilibrium matched that of the train's motion. She took a deep breath and reigned in the anger she did not wish to release on her girls. Slowly making her way toward her seat she smiled at passengers who looked up as she passed.

"Okay, ladies," she smiled as she reached the seat where she'd left her daughters. "We…Damn!" she spit seeing the empty seat. "What the hell else…" She turned and looked in both directions looking for the girls. Hopefully they'd just moved to look out a window. She told herself then laughed silently. She walked the length of the car and then back peering into every seat. Skye was a busy body and it would be just like her to go visiting anyone that looked interesting or had any item that held even the slightest curiosity. Melinda made her way back to her seat and pushed down the panic that threatened to take over her resolve. For a moment she stared at the white call button on the wall that would summon that damn conductor. She wasn't even sure she could look at the man let alone speak to him again. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath and hit it hard.

Xx

Jemma righted her little sister's clothing, smiling at the fact they'd both avoiding certain disaster. She pushed the flusher with her foot and pulled the stall door open, ushering Skye into the dim interior of the rail station rest room. Jemma frowned at the row of sinks that would be impossible for the smaller girl to reach until spying the last sink in the row and thanking whoever was responsible for the ADA¹ in the station. She hurried Skye to the lower sink and held her up so she could wash her hands.

"Why this sink be liddle, Jemma?" Skye asked as the water ran over her hands. "It be foe liddle kid a like me?"

"It's for those who use wheel chairs, sweetheart. They aren't able to reach the higher sinks." Jemma explained, looking over her sister's shoulder to be sure she did in fact use soap and water.

"I no haffa weed chayer. It okay I use a liddle sink?" Skye wondered.

"Of course it is, baobei." Jemma assure her as she set her on the floor and pulled out a few paper towels to help Skye dry her hands. "Now, we must hurry back so momma isn't all out of sorts because we left our seat." She smiled at Skye who smiled back and took her sister's hand.

Jemma maneuvered through the ladies waiting for stalls and those primping in front of mirrors to push open the large door and step into the crowded platform area. She stopped for a moment looking for the correct platform number then started in that direction, pulling Skye behind her. The girls weaved in and out of tourists and business people, skirted around pieces of luggage and slipped around a large cart before stopping at the boarding area for the train they had left a few minutes ago.

Jemma's mouth dropped open at the site of the empty track. Skye looked up and down the line then shrugged her shoulders. "Sun bunny take-ed our chayors onna choo choo, Jemma. Where it go?" She raised the hand Jemma wasn't holding as she asked.

xx

"They've probably just made their way into another car." The conductor suggested, keeping his distance from the angry woman. "Perhaps they were hungry and sought out the dining car."

"I told them to stay put." Melinda repeated as she followed the man toward the door that lead to the adjoining car.

He laughed under his breath. "Children don't always do as they're told now, do they." He smiled back.

"My children do." May exhaled.

'Sure they do,' the man rolled his eyes, thankful the woman was behind him. 'Your kids are just perfect. I bet.' He slid open the door on the next car and waited for her to step through before following.

For the next ten minutes the conductor, Harry James, and Melinda searched each car then turned and searched again on the way back. Melinda had opened the restroom doors on every car and waited if any were occupied to greet the person exiting. She repeated the action on the return trip waiting at the door of the stall in the car before first class. She crossed her arms over her chest and tapped her foot then smiled at the stout little woman who stepped next to her, apparently thinking Melinda was waiting to use the facilities.

"Didn't you come through ere just a few minutes ago, dear?" The little woman smiled. Melinda nodded. "The conductor asked if anyone had seen two children. Are you looking for a little girl with an adorable British accent?" She raised her eyebrows and smiled even wider.

Melinda dropped her arms and grabbed the woman's shoulders. "You saw them?"

The woman looked at the hands grasping her and then into the face of the woman who seemed quite beside herself. "Yes, dear. They were right here. The little one didn't say a word but I suspect she needed to use the potty." She smiled and tossed her head toward the restroom door.

"Where did they go?" Melinda forced herself not to shake the older woman.

"Well dear, the toilets don't work when the train is stopped. I pointed out the restroom out on the platform and told the little Brit she would need to hur…"

Melinda was gone before the woman finished. She slammed the door aside and passed into the first class car on the heels of the conductor catching him by the collar and spinning him to face her. "That woman told you about my girls and you chose not to tell me?" Now, she was yelling. Now, this was an altercation and if so many eyes weren't watching she knew she would throttle the man.

He looked at her with wide eyes. "The kid was British…I didn't…you…she…"

Melinda gave the man a rough shake and released him. He fell backward grabbing the seats on either side of the aisle to keep from landing on his backside between them. She snatched his collar yanking him back up, then shook him again.

"YOU!" she pointed in his face, so close that he squeezed his eyes shut. Melinda pulled the man close. She lowered her voice and growled in his ear. "You are going to stop this train."

He was shaking his head before she released him. "I…I…c-can't do that. N-no one c-can." He stammered.

She spun him around and shoved him hard. "Move," she commanded, pushing him forward toward the exit door that led to the engine. "Let's find someone who can."

xx

Jemma stood for a few seconds, rapidly going through the steps she now needed to take. She blinked back the tears of panic that threatened to break her and smiled down at the little girl next to her. The first step would be explaining the situation to Skye without sending her into another screaming session.

"It appears the train has left, Skye." She smiled again.

Skye looked down the track and then back up at her sister. "It come back?" She furrowed her brows, clearly confused by the explanation then looked over her shoulder before turning completely around without losing her sister's grip. "Where Momma?"

Jemma tensed. The tone in Skye's voice was definitely a harbinger to her wailing and there was no way she'd be able to comfort her. The fact was if Skye started sobbing, Jemma was pretty sure she would just sit down and join her. This was a horrid situation and in her panic she was having a very difficult time planning what she should do and just how to do it.

"Jemma," Skye was tugging on her jacket. "Where Momma, Jemma?" She tugged again. "Momma onna choo choo, Jemma?" The little girl's voice cracked.

Jemma wasn't taking any chances. She pulled Skye from the end of the platform toward a row of wooden benches and moved to the farthest corner of that area. She pushed her little sister on to the bench and sat down beside her then wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close.

"I think Momma, might be on the train Skye." Jemma whispered.

Skye was shaking her head. "No, no, no, Jemma. Momma not go way. Who watch us?" Skye spoke through her tears, scrubbing them away from her eyes as quickly as they trickled down. "I needa Momma, hoer is mine momma. Her no leff me heore." Skye sobbed. Jemma could feel the little girl shaking and knew she was doing so as well. She pulled her little sister closer and held her tightly.

"It's okay, baobei," Jemma lied. "We're going to be quite alright. Momma will find us. We'll go talk to the nice clerk that momma spoke to earlier. I'm sure she'll know what to do." She kissed the top of Skye's head, stood and help her down from the bench.

Skye wiped her nose with the back of her sleeve, causing Jemma to cringe. Momma would have Kleenex. She'd make sure Skye was clean and sanitary.

"Hoer no bees a nice lady, Jemma. Hoer make-ed momma mad to her. Momma non't like-a that lady. No me like-a hoer too." Skye shook her head as she followed her big sister, then stopped effectively halting Jemma as well. "Why we go na baffroom? I non't haffa go pee-pee. You haffa pee-pee?"

Jemma blushed at the people smiling as they passed. Skye was nothing if not loud. "No, dear, but you do need to wash your hands and I am hoping there are tissues available there." The smaller girl scrunched up her face and shrugged her shoulders before starting again.

xx

"What do you mean, you can't stop?" Melinda growled at the assistant conductor, who seemed to have more on the ball than his superior.

"It's not like a car, Mrs. Coulson. We can't just pull over. Stopping could be a catastrophe. All trains run on strict schedules. It's like a domino effect. If we stop this train, we mess up a lot of others and if they don't stop fast enough it could mean a disaster." He frowned as he shook his head. "We'll be in Phillie in about…" he pulled a trademark pocket watch from his vest "…forty minutes."

"You don't understand my nine-year-old and my four-year-old are alone in that station." Melinda was almost pleading.

"I do understand, ma'am. I've got kids of my own and I'd be frantic if I were you. Even if we could stop, we're in the middle of nowhere. You'd be stranded. We've called the station to make them aware of the situation. They've probably got your girls nice and cozy in some muckity-muck's office by now. We'll get you on a return train at Thirtieth Street and have you back in DC in a few hours."

Melinda let out a frustrated breath as she looked away from the man. She knew he was right. There was nothing she could do. Even if it were possible to contact Phil, there was nothing he could do except worry and she didn't want him feeling as she did. He'd probably be shuffling the boys into the first train he could and heading back himself. She almost laughed at the absurdity. It would be close to three hours before he could get back to Union Station. She'd be there before that. Melinda looked at the man, who had been calm and patient with her tirade.

By the time Melinda returned to her seat she was mentally exhausted. She dropped down and stared at the foliage as the train passed. She could hear Skye's many questions and Jemma's more than detailed explanations. The soft blue blanket still lay on the seat opposite her. She pulled it into her arms hugging it close. The scent of Skye's shampoo and baby bath lingered in the material. She rubbed it against her cheek to catch the tears she could not stop.

xx

Apparently the proximity of a lavatory had a definite effect on the elimination system of a four year old because as soon as Jemma led her baby sister into the ladies room, Skye announced in her loudest voice that she did indeed have to go. Once again Jemma pushed open the stall door and ushered Skye inside. A few seconds later she hefted the smaller girl up to one of the sinks to wash her hands. This lavatory had no paper hand towels but used forced air to dry freshly washed hands. Those machines stood much higher than the average four year old stood and Skye was quite less than average height. Even on her tip toes she barely reached the breeze but found standing under the nozzle while her hair blew in all directions absolutely fascinating.

"Looka me, Jemma!" The little girl giggled. "The wind blowded mine hairs all in everywhere." She turned in a circle allowing the air to toss her shoulder length hair wildly.

Jemma shook her head. "It is quite amusing, Skye, but you're to be drying your hands."

Skye continued to spin in a circle. "I non't reach a it." She threw her hands above her head and spun in the opposite direction, lost her balance and sat down with a thud. Jemma held her breath, certain her little sister would begin wailing in distress, but instead Skye giggled again as she wobbled side to side. "Jemma, the baffroom goin' round a round."

Now, Jemma giggled as she reached to help Skye stand. "No, darling. You've just destabilized your equilibrium by rotating for such an extended amount of time." Jemma let out a long breath. "And now you will need to wash your hands again. This floor is quite unsanitary." With that she turned back toward the sink before realizing that Skye would be wobbling more than walking until she heard the clunk followed by the familiar squeal of 'Skye's been hurt'.

"Momma!" Skye wailed, pushing her sister's attempted comfort aside.

Jemma winced at the large blue bump at her little sister's hairline. "Oh, baobei," she shushed the little girl, tugging her to her feet and wrapping her in the most affectionate hug she could manage. Jemma knew something cold would help with Skye's bump, but also knew Skye would fight tooth and nail to keep anyone or anything from touching the injury.

"I bleedin, Jemma?" Skye sobbed into her sister's belly.

"No, no, bao bao, there is no blood, just a bump." Jemma soothed her sister.

Skye sobbed for a few seconds before looking up at her big sister. "I non't wanna bant ade on to mine head." She reached up with one hand to cover the spot.

Jemma shook her head. "No, baobei, no patch, nothing at all, just a little kiss to make it better." She bent down and placed a soft kiss on the top of Skye's head, careful not to touch anywhere near the slight injury.

"I wan momma." Skye sniffled as she hugged her sister again. "I needa hoer to make mine boo-boo to be gone."

"Alright, sweetheart, let's wash your hands and face, first. We'll see Momma soon." Jemma smiled down at her little sister.

Skye pressed closer to Jemma and shook her head. "I non't wanna wash-a mine hands o faces, Jemma. The towl wind make me to fall down all again. I no like-a it noen more."

Jemma sighed. It really wasn't worth the battle to force Skye to wash but now she was a teary, sniffly mess and truly needed to be tidied up more than just a little bit. Momma would have wipies in her bag. Momma would have everything they needed. Right now, she just wanted to clean her sister and get out of this lavatory. Women were staring and she had no problem overhearing some of the comments they made.

Most of the ladies that moved in and out of the restroom merely 'tsk-tsked' the pair, others simply ignored them but some said things about how some mother's did not care much for their children or where was the mother and why was that little girl responsible for that baby. The scariest thing Jemma overheard was one woman who felt she and her companion should alert the station police and have these children turned over to social services. After all they were unaccompanied and probably neglected as well. The friend asked if perhaps they could have been abandoned or maybe homeless waifs living in the station illegally.

Jemma watched as the two women glared at her and Skye before they exited the lavatory, still discussing what they should do as concerned citizens. If Skye wasn't all slobbery she would just take her and make a dash for the ticket office where she could speak to the clerk and tell her what had happened.

"Excuse me, sweetie…"

Jemma jumped at the soft touch to her shoulder and looked up into the eyes of a woman who held a baby much younger than Skye in her arms. She held Skye closer and moved away.

"It's okay, honey. I just thought you might be able to use these. They have no towels or anything to wash little ones hands or faces and well…you seem to have your hands full." The woman held out a small pack of 'wet ones'. When Jemma just stared back and made no move to accept the offering, the woman smiled again and shook the pack gently. "It's okay, I've got more. You can have these."

"Thank you," Jemma whispered as she took the pack.

The woman stood and adjusted the baby on her hip. She looked from side to side then back to the little girls before her. "Where's your mommy? Is she here?"

Jemma thought for a moment. It probably would not be wise to tell this lady or anyone the truth. That other lady said that Children Services should take her and Skye. Jemma knew what that meant. A social worker would take them, maybe even keep them away from Momma and Da. They'd blame Momma for losing them and maybe say she couldn't be their Momma any more. She wasn't sure that could happen but she didn't know much about the law or how adoptions worked exactly. It didn't seem like they could take them away but she knew a social worker would terrify Skye and she would not let that happen.

"She's got a terrible stomach ache and had to use the loo. I'm just looking after my sister for a bit. I'm afraid I've not done a very good job. She has quiet a contusion on her head. Momma will be concerned." Jemma frowned.

The woman looked at the row of stalls, each occupied, and nodded her understanding. "I'm sure she'll understand and it doesn't look to be very serious, just a little bump." The baby on the woman's hip began to fuss and she bounced him a little bit.

"Thank you again for the wipes." Jemma smiled, hoping the woman would go away.

"I'm glad I could help, honey." The baby began to cry. The woman shushed him and bounced again as she turned to leave. "Have a nice trip, hope your mom feels better." She backed away a few steps then turned, pushed open the door and disappeared into the crowd.

Skye released her grip on her sister as Jemma let out a relieved sigh. "You tellded a lie, Jemma. Sisser Dannel sayed it be a sinna tella lie. Hoer sayed if you tellded a lie you go da Hell for all ever." The little girl nodded her head as she explained this fact.

Jemma pulled a wet wipe from the small package and began wiping Skye's face. "Sometimes it is necessary to tell an untruth in order to avert something worse." The older girl breathed. "And you should not say Hell, Skye."

Skye scrunched up her face as she tried to avoid her sister's attention. Sometimes it was very hard to understand her big sister and Fitz wasn't there to help. "Sisser Danell sayed it. I non't say it. Momma put a spank on Fitz when he sayed bad woerds. I non't want no spank on mine bum."

Jemma stood back a bit and looked at her little sister. Satisfied that she was clean, she snapped the small pack of wipies closed and pushed them into her jacket pocket. She was certain she'd need them again.

"Okay," she smiled with false confidence. "Let's go find Momma." Taking Skye's hand in her own she led the smaller girl out of the restroom and into the hustle of the busy rail station.

xx

Harry James wasn't a vengeful man, but he was six months shy of retiring from this job. He'd worked almost thirty years and had every intention of collecting every cent of his pension. He made the call to Union Station. He told the security person he believed a woman on his train had left her children in the station. The woman asked if it was purposefully. Harry paused for a moment and told her he wasn't really sure, which was not actually a lie. Maybe that bitch did leave those kids. He didn't really care.

She'd held up his train for almost an hour. Harry had spent that hour walking up and down the cars assuring the passengers that the train would leave as soon as a small issue was resolved. That woman had tried to board with a ticket that was invalid. She had the gall to tell him it was the company's error then marched off to read someone the riot act. Almost an hour later she was back. Not only did she have three brand new tickets but they'd been upgraded to first class. He couldn't believe she'd been rewarded for the trouble she caused, but showed her to her new accommodations.

Five minutes later the station police did a spot check and as luck would have it, pulled that Coulson woman's bag only to find a weapon. Another fifteen minutes of arguing and verifying her claim put his train even further behind schedule.

They finally start moving and now her kids are missing. Harry spent another thirty minutes going from car to car helping her search, all the while forcing himself to smile and console her. He spoke to that fat old bat who told him about the British kid. How the hell was he supposed to know that this Asian bitch had a kid that didn't even sound like her let alone look anything like her? Then she makes a fool out of him tossing him around the car like a rag doll.

The engineer sent him to cool off…to make that damn phone call…while the assistant conductor held her hand and coddled her into some pseudo-calm and got her to sit down and finally be quiet. He was pretty sure he'd be written up for the incident. Just what he needed, another write up.

So, yeah he made the call and gave security just enough information on those two brats to let them make their own assumptions. He was sure they'd be found and probably shipped off to Children's Services. Nothing would happen to those kids. They'd be safe, but their trouble making mother would pay for what she put him through. Yeah, he smiled, let her go through hell getting them back. Let her be accused of something over which she had no control, just like she'd done to him. Maybe they'd even toss her in jail for a bit, give her time to 'cool off'.

Harry James leaned back on his bunk, pulled his hat down over his eyes, folded his arms across his chest and relaxed into the rhythm of the wheels below him. The engineer told him to take time and cool off.

He intended to do just that.

xx

Jemma led Skye across the platform to the escalator that would take them back to the ticket offices. It took a little longer than she expected trying to get through the crowd and see the signs that were much too high for her to see properly. Skye really wasn't a lot of help. She whined about walking too fact and being pulled when she really needed to rest a little bit. Jemma smiled at her little sister and slowed her steps. Skye was little, but Jemma was no giant. There was no way she could carry the littler girl.

Finally reaching the office where momma had spoken to the clerk, Jemma paused and pulled Skye back against the wall before opening the door. She took a deep breath and smiled down at her little sister.

"Skye," Jemma began. "I have to speak to the nice lady about what happened with the train. I need you to be very quiet and very well behaved. Do you know what that means?"

The smaller girl scrunched up her face and shook her head. "Jemma, I beed hayved. I non't make a noises."

"Good girl," Jemma smiled. For the first time since all of this started, Jemma felt confident that everything would work out fine. All she had to do what explain what happened and someone would contact that train to let Momma know she and Skye were fine. Momma would know what to do. She wrapped Skye's hand in her own and reached for the door knob.

The door opened quickly before Jemma touched it. She moved back quickly, pushing Skye behind her to protect her from being stepped on by the number of people who moved through the portal. The last person out pulled the door closed and a very large man and woman stepped to the door.

"You'll have to wait about a half hour," someone told them. "Clerk's on break."

There was a lot of grumbling and Jemma let out a frustrated breath. There was no way she could stand her with Skye for thirty minutes. Maybe someone else could help. She wanted to ask but the very large man was grumbling and complaining so much she couldn't say anything. Finally someone else spoke.

"Listen, buddy, I'm sorry you've got a problem but some damn woman abandoned her kids her a little while ago. The Clerk's speaking to DYS right now, so why don't you get a coffee or something while you wait." The man speaking wasn't angry or demeaning, just trying to keep things smooth.

Jemma took advantage of the couple's large size and pulled Skye back and around the corner then hurried down the hall and back out into the station. She looked in all directions then hurried to a bench at the farthest end of the concourse, partially hidden by a row of lockers. The little girl spun around, almost knocking her smaller sister to the floor. Skye looked up at her with wide eyes, her thumb stuck firmly between her lips.

"Oh, baobei, I am so sorry," she pulled Skye to the bench, cast a quick look over her shoulder then pushed the little girl up on to it. "I did not mean to frighten you, Skye. I just needed you to hurry."

"You make ted me run too much, Jemma." Skye whined as she dropped her thumb to her lap. "Why you not talk a the mean lady? How we fine momma? Her heore?"

Jemma looked in all directions. She really wanted to sit down and cry. This was getting so much worse and how could she tell Skye what was happening. It was like a terrible nightmare. She took a shaky breath and patted her little sister's shoulder.

"The lady wasn't in her office right now. She had to go…"

"To a baffroom?" Skye raised her eyebrows and waited for Jemma's answer.

Jemma smiled and nodded. "Yes, yes baobei, the lady had to go to the lavatory so we have to wait for just a bit. I thought it would be nicer here where it's quiet." She looked over her shoulder again. "There are so many people walking about."

Skye leaned forward and peeked around her sister then dug her fist into one eye and gave a mighty yawn. "I tired, Jemma. I non't wanna run no moer. A kay?" She rubbed both eyes and shook her head.

Jemma nodded as she watched a maintenance person pull a large cart through a door at the opposite end of the benches. The man smiled at her as he passed. Jemma watched him move away into the crowd then looked back to the door and thought through her plan.

Sky was tired and would probably fall asleep but this was not a safe place. It was okay to rest here but they would be easily spotted once the entire station knew they needed to be found. She drummed her fingers on her knee as her little sister snuggled against her.

"Would you like to play a game, Skye?" Jemma smiled, making the decision to put her plan into action.

Skye shook her head. "I non't wanna. I tired at now." She yawned again.

"It's one of your favorites and if we win we get to see Momma." Jemma encouraged with a wider smile.

Skye pouted a bit before answering. "I needa Momma for a hug me. Hoer be mad to us acuz we not inna choo choo chair? Her put a spank onnus?" She shook her head and brushed her hair from her face.

"No, no baobei. Momma won't be angry, she will be very pleased." Jemma helped to tuck the little girl's hair behind her ear. She crinkled her brow and shook her head. "And she is not about to punish anyone." Jemma hoped their mother understood how this crazy incident occurred.

"Okay, I pulay. What we do?" Skye sat up straight and waited for Jemma's directions.

Jemma smiled again. "We are going to play hide and seek. You like that don't you?" She nodded at the smaller girl who was nodding back, suddenly very interested in the game.

"I hidin forist." Skye slid off the bench, ready to run. "You haffa fine me." She giggled.

Jemma grabbed her arm and stood quickly. "No, Skye we both have to hide."

Skye scrunched up her face and held up one palm, shaking it at her sister. "Jemma, how we hidin if none buddy looka foer usses? That not how a pulay it."

Jemma almost laughed. "Oh, yes I know that baobei and there are a lot of people looking for us. We have to hide so they don't find us. If they do we won't see Momma so we have to be very good at hiding and very, very quiet." She put one finger over her lips. "Do you understand that?"

Skye tilted her head to one side and crinkled her brow. "Where they are, Jemma? I non't see em looka foer usses."

Jemma nodded as she began leading Skye toward the maintenance door. She pointed toward the crowd behind them. "That's what makes it so much fun. Everyone out there is looking for us and they are all strangers. We do not want to go with any of them."

Skye's eyes grew wide as she looked toward the crowd and nodded. She remembered momma telling her about talking to people she did not know or going with anyone that was not a friend. She held Jemma's hand tighter and watched as her big sister pulled open the big wooden door to the dark closet.

xx

Melinda folded the small blue blanket covered with stars and set it on her lap. She rubbed her fingers through its soft fibers. Skye would be tired by now, well past her nap time, probably cranky too. Jemma was smart and independent but caring for Skye was more than difficult, even for Momma. She pictured her baby standing in the midst of the Union Station mob wailing at the top of her lungs. Would Jemma be able to console her?

And what of Jemma? Yes she was smart and independent in addition to mature beyond her years but she was still a little girl and now alone and probably terribly frightened. Melinda stared at the bag on the seat across from her for a moment before leaning forward and grabbing it. She pulled the zipper open and rifled through the contents a moment before pulling Jemma's small black shoulder bag free.

The little girl had tucked a portion of her savings into the bag. 'Just in case I see some lovely souvenir I just can't be without,' she'd giggled as she packed her bag for their journey. Even after Melinda assured her she could have whatever she wanted, she still insisted she wanted to be able to pay for something all on her own. So she folded two tens and a five into neat rectangles and slipped them into the small satchel.

Now, Melinda unsnapped the little purse and hoped she would not find that money inside. Her spirit fell even farther when she did. Jemma and Skye were alone in the station and had no means to buy so much as a bottle of water or a candy bar. Hunger was another of Skye's triggers and she would not understand that her sister could not get anything for her. Multitudes of wailing scenarios haunted Melinda's mind. She checked the time on her phone. It was still a half hour before they'd be in Phillie.

She tucked Jemma's purse inside Skye's blanket and held both. Even after she exited the train in Philadelphia she'd have to wait for a return train and then ride for almost two hours before making it back to her children. The wait for the train could be an hour or more. She considered renting a car and driving back but would probably be arrested if not for speeding, probably for aggressive driving. She took several deep breaths to clear her head…to think without the clouds of panic blinding her logic.

"Mack," she said out loud. "Mack," she repeated. If she was thinking with a clear mind she would have had the idea earlier. She'd call Mack from the station. He and Elena could get to Union Station in minutes. They could get to her girls and they'd be safe…with people they knew…people who would comfort them…assure them. She'd have Mack and Elena ride the train with the girls to Philadelphia. It would cut the time by two hours. She stood, still hugging the blanket wrapped purse. She'd speak to that assistant conductor and have him make the arrangements. She'd give him Mack's information and have the station police contact him to come for Jemma and Skye. The sooner this got done the sooner everything could be put right.

xx

Jemma pulled Skye into the large closet and let the door close softly. She breathed a sigh of relief that the door had not been locked. Skye tugged back.

"I non't like a it heore. It doerk. I non't lika a doerk." Skye whined.

"Shhh," Jemma warned, gently. "It's okay. This is the best of hiding places.' She smiled. "In a few moments your eyes will adjust to the difference in light and you'll be able to see and this is a fine place to rest for a while."

Jemma tried to assure her little sister as she led her farther into the room. Making her way along the tall supply shelf she turned the corner and walked the length of the area. At the end was a shelf of clean linen. Jemma wondered for a moment what it might be used for but in the end it didn't matter. It was clean and soft. She pulled an armful down and dragged a still whiney Skye back as far as possible behind the last shelf. Jemma spread one of the towels on the floor and bent down to pat it.

"See, we can rest here for a little bit and no one will find us." Jemma encouraged but Skye shook her head.

Jemma let out a little sigh and sat down, crossing her legs in front of her. She patted the spot next to her. "Please sit with me Skye." She raised her brows and gave the smaller her best sad face. "I promise it won't be for very long."

Skye stepped around her sister and folded herself to the floor. Jemma leaned back against the wall and let relief flow over her as Skye slipped her thumb into her mouth and snuggled against her. The girls sat in silence for a few minutes before Jemma realized her little sister's breathing had become soft and steady. Skye was asleep. Jemma slid the smaller girl down to rest on her lap then covered her with one of the towels. Someone would be back eventually, but it was quiet and safe.

The little girl closed her eyes and pictured the train schedule she'd seen in the clerk's office. By now momma had figured out what had happened and would be on her way back for them. It would be just a tiny bit more than two hours before the train was in Philadelphia and then the same amount of time for momma to come back. Jemma estimated that almost two hours had already passed. If Skye slept her normal two hour nap, she'd only have to keep them hidden in the station for about an hour.

Skye whimpered a little. Jemma pet her head like she'd seen momma do and shushed her softly until she quieted. It would be a long two hours.

xx

Allan Jeffers, assistant conductor met Melinda at the door of the first class door. He'd been on his way to check on her and let her know they were fifteen minutes from the station. She gave him the information to contact Mack but he informed her that as soon as they arrived he would escort her to the main office and she could make any calls she wished. He was sure there would be a message there telling her that her girls were fine and waiting to be collected. Harry James had also returned to his job, concentrating his attention to the last of the cars effectively avoiding the crazy woman who had ruined his day.

By the time the train pulled into the boarding platform, Melinda had the girls' things in the large bag and was waiting to exit. Jeffers had told her he would meet her near the baggage claim as soon. Melinda waited impatiently as the young couple in the first seat collected their bags and side walked to the exit then again while a woman who appeared to be a nurse helped an elderly gentleman there before she stepped down the metal stairs and looked for directions to the baggage claim. She moved in that direction.

"Excuse me, ma'am," a deep voice slowed but did not stop her. "Ma'am?" the voice was louder, but Melinda had no time for solicitors or whatever the hell this guy was selling. She walked faster.

"Ma'am, I'm going to have to ask you to stop right there." A second man spoke, standing in her path. He held out his hand displaying a badge that she stared at for a second as she stopped, finding herself almost surrounded by three other plain clothes security guards. "You need to come with me." The man spoke calmly.

Melinda felt her breath catch. Skye…Jemma…what if? No, nothing could have happened. They were fine…safe with the security police at Union Station. "Is this about my children?" She asked as she yanked her arm away from the officer who had stepped next to her. He wrapped a firm hand around it again, as did the man on the opposite side. The third one took the bag she'd carried from the train. Melinda looked from one man to the other, struggling to free her arms. The guy in charge gave a quick nod and she felt the cuffs snap around her wrists as they pulled her arms behind her.

"What the hell?" May spat through clenched teeth. She stomped hard on the left guy's instep and pulled away from the other, stepping very close to the 'in charge' guy. He merely glared back as the others regained their stance, grabbed her arms and dragged her toward the escalator that led to the main floor. People stopped and stared, quickly moving out of the way and mumbling their concerns as they watched the scene play out before them.

Harry James watched from his perch on the metal steps of the last car and smiled. Now that bitch would get what she had coming to her. He turned to view Jeffers fawning over passengers as they snagged their bags from the revolving style then waved as they drifted off into the massive crowd. "Jerk," he mumbled under his breath. "All that effort for nothing…you give a job everything you've got and it means nothing." He growled to himself as he turned and re-entered the last car. There was a thirty minute lay over. He'd use it to coddle a few passengers of his own and maybe make things just a little difficult for that fat bitch that added to this mess.

xx

Allan Jeffers looked at his pocket watch and then toward the train that waited for new passengers to board. He had hoped to get Mrs. Coulson to the security office and on the next train back to DC as quickly as possible. He had two toddlers of his own and could not imagine the anguish she was feeling about her children. Yet, there was no sign of the woman. He'd heard the passersby mumbling about some commotion after his passengers exited but most of it was mumbo jumbo about some crazed person being dragged off yelling and shouting obscenities and fighting with security. He shook his head at the absurdity of how people reacted to things these days.

There was no need to check Mrs. Coulson's luggage. It was going on to NYC with a message to hold it for pick up later in the day. He figured with the return to DC and then the direct line to Grand Central, the woman and her children would be there sometime this evening. Since, Melinda was nowhere to be seen he made his way to the ticket office to check the schedules and have an itinerary ready for her when she came to make plans. If all else failed he could have her paged to the office or send security to find and bring her there.

"Hey, Cheryl," Allan smiled as he made his way around the ticket cages and tapped a finger on the edge of the woman's desk.

She looked up at him over the rims of her glasses, "Allan." She smiled as she pushed up her spectacles and folded her hands in front of her chin. "Something I can do for you?"

"Had a passenger run into some pretty nasty luck on the way up. Thought I'd get things straightened out for her," he smiled.

Cheryl nodded and pulled a form from her desk drawer. "She filing a complaint?" She sighed.

Allan thought for a moment and shook his head. "I don't think so, really wasn't anyone's fault, just a crazy mix up. Anyway I want you to put her in first class on the next trip back to Union."

"Damn, what's with that place today?" Cheryl shook her head as she began writing. "Security's got some crazy in their office right now waiting for transport to the 35th."

Jeffers propped one hip on the edge of the woman's desk and sighed. "Must have been what all that craziness was down on the platform. What the hell is with people?" He shook his head as she did the same.

"What's your passenger's name? I can get her on the 10:45. Leaves track 5C7. She'll have to move fast." The woman glanced at the clock then back to the man half-seated on her desk.

"Don't think that'll be a problem. She's in a bit of a hurry. You'll have to page her to the platform. I kinda lost track of her in the crowd. Just give me the ticket and I'll get it to Jerry with the whole schmeal." He smiled.

"How 'bout a name, Jeffers?" Cheryl asked again.

He snorted as he brushed off the leg of his trousers. "Coulson, Melinda Coulson…traveling alone but I'll need a direction route to NYC from DC for three as well."

Cheryl started typing the name into her computer then stopped and looked over her glasses at the man again. "Coulson?" She repeated.

Jeffers pulled a scrap of paper from his shirt pocket and stared at it for a moment. "Yeah, C-o-u…"

"I know how to spell it." She frowned. "Melinda Coulson?"

"Melinda Coulson," he repeated. "You know her?" He scratched his head at Cheryl's crazy reaction to the name.

She shook her head. "Name only," she sneered. "Seems this lowlife abandoned her kids back at Union. Security's waiting to take her into custody, no wonder you lost her on the platform."

"What?" Allan stood as his mouth dropped opened. "She didn't…what!...how the hell?" He rambled as he turned and took a few steps then walked back. "Sweet Jesus, how did…what in…"

"Honey, if you want an answer to any of those questions, you are going to have to finish what you're saying. I am telling you we got a call that this woman left her kids, got on the train and just went on her merry way. Now, that's what's called abandoning them. One's just four years old, I think." She rifled through a pile of paper on her desk and pulled out a form that she held out to him.

"Guess security there is having a hard time locating these kids. Maybe she didn't just abandon them. Damn worthless woman, if you don't want your kids there are people who will take 'em and love then like their own."

Jeffers stared at the paper in his hand. It was a call record from his train made a little more than an hour ago by Harry James. He had no idea what Harry told the operator or how or why he said it the way he did but this note did not in any way match what had happened on his train. Allan shook his head.

"No way, Cheryl. This lady did not abandon her kids, there was a mix up and the kids got off the train without her. We were moving before she realized they'd gotten off." He laughed a weak laugh. "The little one needed to use the rest room. I guess they lost track of time."

Cheryl tapped the edge of the paper. "Maybe that's what she told you, but that's not what we got. Did you see these kids?" She raised one eyebrow at him.

Jeffers thought for a moment. No, he had not seen either child but he watched her hold that little blanket, the one she did not let go of until she got off the train. This woman was totally distraught there was no way she did this intentionally. He shook his head. "No, I did not see the kids but I spoke to the mom for some time. Almost had to stop her from jumping. She is rabid to get back to DC."

Cheryl turned up one side of her face and scowled. "Then where is she, Jeffers? She fed you a line and let's face it guys like you always look for the good in people."

He shook his head again. "You got a recording of Harry's report? I want to hear exactly what he said."

She nodded and pushed her wheeled desk chair back then rose and strode across the room. Flicking a few buttons on a large switch board she waited a moment then adjusted the volume and listed to Harry James' voice as he described the situation. Allan was shaking his head.

"He left out just enough to let everyone here make assumptions that just aren't true. That woman is desperate to get to her kids." He insisted again then stopped and swallowed hard. "The person security has in their office…is it a woman…is it her?"

He didn't wait for an answer. He was out the door and racing toward the office before she could reply.

xx

Melinda took deep breaths to calm herself. She was not getting out of this if she continued to act like a psychopath. Sitting back on the chair where the guy had tossed her she pushed herself into a more comfortable position and adjusted her bent back arms to relieve the pressure on her wrists. She smiled at the man sitting at the desk next to her.

"What is it you think I've done? I already explained to your officer why I had a weapon. I thought we had this cleared up before I boarded. My ID and registration are in my bag, but I'm sure you've already searched it." She tried desperately not to sound as sarcastic as she felt.

The man simply stared. "We take child abuse very seriously." He stated without emotion.

"Child…what!" She stammered.

"Abandonment is pretty serious as well, if that is what you've done. We haven't found your children anywhere at Union. What did you do to them, Mrs. Coulson?" He accused in the same emotionless voice.

Melinda merely stared, collecting herself from the shock of the statement and convincing herself not to head slam this moron, get out of this damn office and worrying about the cuffs later. "Abandoned? Are you insane? My daughters were left behind because of the stupidity of your company and the drama they put me through at that station. If I was in the car with them instead of trying to explain to that moron conductor why my weapon was in my checked luggage where I had absolutely no access to it, none of this would have happened."

"You left two small children alone in the car, yet no one seems to have seen them." The man almost smiled but caught himself.

"What do you mean no one say them?" Melinda narrowed her brows. "That jerk conductor helped me get them to their seat and the woman in the next car told him they tried to use the rest room there. Idiot never mentioned it until that same woman told me. If I could I would have drop kicked him off the damn train. How did all of that turn into me abandoning my daughters?" She squirmed to the edge of the chair and thanked fate for the cuffs that were stopping her from strangling this guy.

He stared at her for a moment. "That's not the story the conductor gave our office, ma'am. We're going to have to have the authorities sort this out."

Melinda shook her head to sort out the insanity of this never ending situation. Suddenly one thing ran clear. "You haven't found them?" She stood and was immediately pushed back into the chair by another guard she had not noticed standing next to her. "What do you mean you haven't found them? Jemma would have known to go to a police officer or security guard for help." She reasoned to herself more than explaining to the officer.

"Your daughter is nine years old? She's just a kid, Mrs. Coulson and she's probably terrified. Odds are she's not thinking logically." He shook his head, almost laughing at her statement.

"Jemma is very intelligent. She would know what to do." Again she tried to console herself because thinking of all of terrors that could befall two little girls in that overcrowded mass of humans was too horrifying. What if Jemma somehow lost Skye in the shuffle? What if some predator followed and whisked one or both of them away? What if her baby had fallen on to the tracks and… No she stopped herself, catching her breath and the tears that threatened to fall.

Melinda turned sideways and shook her bound hands at the officer. "Get these things off me. I need to make a call."

Now he did laugh. "That's for the police to decide ma'am. You'll get your phone call at the precinct. For now, just sit tight. We've got this under control." He tapped a few papers on the desk as he stood and nodded to the other officer. "And if," he raised one brow and leaned toward her, "if they find those kids at Union Station, CYS is already there to take them where they'll be safe."

Melinda dropped back, leaned her head against the wall and squeezed her eyes shut. She could not stop the tears from streaming over her cheeks.

xx

Allan Jeffers debated on whether he wanted to plant his fist in James' face or rescue Mrs. Coulson from the security office before she was arrested. That woman certainly didn't deserve what happened. He was having a hard time believing Cheryl, the usually optimistic ticket officer, was so quick to believe the convoluted story Harry James had woven. He'd listened to that call twice and could not say that James actually pointed any fingers but he certainly left out just enough detail for anyone to misinterpret the whole incident. Jeffers had to admit if he hadn't been involved he might think the same thing. That fact that he'd not seen either child didn't help, but he knew Harry had seen them and so did that woman in the second car.

The man checked the time and quickened his step toward the security office. He wasn't sure what he would say or how he would convince the authorities that Melinda Coulson was a victim and needed their help, not their condemnation but he had to try.

xx

Jemma jumped with a start at the cold hand against her cheek. She didn't remember falling asleep but the dark room, the quiet and Skye's soft breathing had helped her to relax. She blinked a few times to focus in the dim light then stared into her little sister's wide eyes. Skye was kneeling in front of her with one little hand on each of her cheeks.

"Nap over, Jemma. It bees time a wake up." Skye nodded at her. "It still doerk in heore." The little girl sat back on her bent legs and looked up at her sister. "We fine momma now? I no wanna pulay this game no more. I hungery and…" she bounced up and down a little. "I needa pee-pee again." The little girl let out a sad sigh. "I no like a that big labatony, Jemma. I bees too menies people and I no like a wash my handses inair. I needa go home now, akay?" She tilted her head in her little Skye way, and bounced a little more.

Jemma pushed herself up to stand and let out a long breath. Naptime certainly was over and now Skye was hungry and she would get hungrier and a lot cranky before she could figure out how to get something for her. She'd left her purse on the train, never expecting to end up in this situation. And now Skye had to use the bathroom, again. How could she need to go so much when she hadn't even had a drink since they'd left the house this morning?

"Okay," Jemma breathed, "we can't go home just yet, baobei, and we'll have to use the big lavatory if you really have to go." She put out a hand to Skye then froze when the door of the room opened and the lights flicked on. Grabbing Skye she pulled her as far back behind the shelf as they could squeeze and placed her hand over the little girl's mouth. She put a finger to her mouth indicating they needed to be quiet.

Jemma's heart beat so loudly she barely heard anything else. Her face burned with the fear it ignited and Skye wrapping herself around her middle nearly cut off her ability to breathe. Someone was in the room, moving from shelf to shelf and…humming…someone was humming. She heard the shuffle of feet and the scraping of things being slipped off the shelves. A bucket rattled and a mop slammed to the floor causing her to jump and Skye to squeak into her midsection. Jemma held her breath hoping the someone hadn't heard. She wrapped her arms around Skye's head and held her closer.

The someone swore a few times. The bucket rattled again and she heard the mop handle bump against the wall before the shuffling footsteps came closer. Jemma pulled herself and Skye against the wall and squeezed her eyes closed, immediately telling herself how silly it was to think closing them would help hide them. A moment later she heard the sound of a door click, then the familiar sound of flushing. The shuffle moved back across the floor, now whistling instead of humming. The door opened and the lights went out throwing the room into darkness once again before Jemma heard the door close again and everything was silent.

For a few seconds she remained pressed against the wall, arms around her little sister, just listening. Slowly Jemma released Skye and looked down at her. She could see the fear in Skye's eyes and smiled to help ease that fear.

"I want momma," Skye sniffled, tears brimming in her eyes.

"Yes, angel, I do too, but right now we just have each other and we have to be brave. Can you be brave?" Jemma raised her brows and nodded at her little sister.

Skye shook her head. "I non't wanna be brave. I needa see momma. I need heor to hug me." Now she was crying.

Jemma wrapped her arms around her little sister. "I can hug you Skye and you can hug me until we find momma." The older girl sniffed and quickly swiped away an errant tear.

"You non't hug like momma doos. I needa momma hug to me, Jemma." Skye sobbed into her sister's belly.

Jemma knew exactly what Skye meant because there was nothing more she'd like right now than to fall into her mother's embrace and let all her bravery just fall off so she could cry just like Skye was doing. Instead she drew a deep breath and forced a smile.

"Guess what, baobei?" She looked down at Skye who sniffled again. "There is a powder room right here. You don't have to use the lavatory. Why don't we do what we have to, wash up and see if we can't find you a little snack." She didn't wait for Skye to answer, just took her hand and started in the direction she had heard the flush come from a few minutes ago. Maybe it was time to use the bathroom herself.

xx

Allan burst into the security office almost out of breath. The secretary looked up at him and waited for him to take a few deep gulps of air before speaking. She was sure he was about to reveal some new catastrophe.

"The woman they brought from number seven fifteen is she still here?" He blurted out in one breath.

The young secretary looked at him and blinked as if she did not understand the question and waiting for further explanation.

"Station police took a woman off the train on C platform and brought her here." He pointed to the floor. "Is she still here?" He asked again and again the girl just stared at him.

"They think she left her kids in DC! She's going to be arrested! Is she here?!" He yelled at the girl wondering if she had zoned out while he was speaking.

A large man stepped through a door behind the girl. "You got a problem, buddy?" He growled, stepping in front of the young secretary.

"Yeah," Jeffers barked back, then reconsidered and took a quick breath. "No, no sir…not a problem just a question." He looked at the girl again then back at the large man. "The guards took a woman, Melinda Coulson, off seven fifteen. I just want to know if she's still here."

The guy narrowed his eyes. "What's it to ya?"

"Seven fifteen is my train. I need to speak to someone about what happened. You've got this all wrong. She never left her kids…" he thought for a moment. "I mean, yeah, the kids got left but it was an accident."

"What kind of accident?" The guy seemed interested now.

"No, not that kind of accident…can I just talk to someone before it's too late?" Jeffers almost begged.

"Too late, huh? You got something to do with those kids disappearing?" The guy accused.

"Disa…what?...no, they just got off and…" Allan shook his head as the guy took his arm and ushered him through the door he'd come through. This just kept getting worse.

Melinda looked up as Allan was practically dragged into the office. The large office plopped him in a chair across the room from where she sat. "Allan?" She was surprised to see him.

"So you two know each other?" The big guy smiled.

"He was the conductor on the train." Melinda growled understanding his implication.

"Look," Allan started as he stood. "This is all a terrible mistake. This lady did nothing wrong she's just trying to get her kids back."

"That'll be up to the courts." The original officer commented.

"I would never abandon my children!" Melinda screeched as she stood again. "Why don't you morons just listen to what this guy is saying or at least talk to someone who knows what's going on."

"James, Harry James," Allan added as he was forced back into his chair. "He's the conductor on seven fifteen. He knows what happened. Get him up here. The passengers on that train…it's still on the platform. They'll tell you the same thing. This lady did not just leave her kids, it was a terrible misunderstanding and keeping her here is just keeping her from getting back to them."

For a moment the two officers just stood, looking at one another in some weird nonverbal conversation. The one, who seemed to be in charge, barked orders to three others who scrambled to follow them. He gave a quick nod to the large guy who smiled and left the room.

"So if all this is true, tell me, why is it my people in DC can't find these kids?" He raised a brow and glared at Melinda.

xx

"Hey, Da," Trip called as he entered the hotel suite and tossed his key on the closest table. He set down the newspaper he carried and stood waiting for his father to reply.

Phil turned from flopping a towel across Fitz's hair and acknowledged his older son before looking down at the other. "That's the best we can do, little man. Get dressed. I'm sure mom will know what to do." He shook his head as his younger son scurried off into the bathroom clad in nothing more than a towel around his waist.

Trip couldn't help laughing. "He still smells like a Mrs. Morrison's rose garden."

"Yeah, well that'll teach him to just pour a whole bottle of rose water on his head." Phil shook his head and sniffed the towel he held. "What the hell is in that stuff? He took three showers. Probably won't get him in the bath for a week. Maybe we should try tomato juice." He wondered out loud.

"Tomato juice?" Trip scrunched up his face and repeated the last of what was said.

Phil shrugged as he threw the towel over his shoulder, immediately grimaced and dropped it to the floor. "It works for skunk stink and this is just a little less…" he searched for the right word.

"Powerful?" Trip offered.

Phil winked and shot a finger at the boy. "You were about to tell me something?"

Trip thought for a second. "Oh, yeah. The guy at the desk said to tell you the train is running late. Said there was a problem in DC and the train had to make a stop in Philly. Some passenger went ballistic or something and had to be taken off in cuffs." Trip shook his head and smiled. "Nothing like that happened with us, just dull old clickety clack for three hours. But the little guy liked it so…it was worth it."

Phil picked up the newspaper and flipped it open. "Your mother is probably not so thrilled. She's going to be like a bear when she gets here."

The boy laughed again. "Wait til she gets a sniff of old Fitzie Rose Lee." He jerked a thumb toward the bathroom.

xx

Harry James stormed into the security office, followed by two station police. The stout older woman who had directed Jemma to the restrooms on the platform followed with another officer.

"I can't believe you are holding up my train for this nonsense." James grumbled.

"Nonsense?" The security chief repeated. "Is that what you think this is? Two kids are missing and a woman is accused of being responsible and you consider it nonsense?" He pulled open the inside door and motioned for Harry to enter then smiled at the woman and stepped aside for her to follow.

"James!" Allan barked as his boss entered the room. "Thank god, tell them what happened."

In an instant Harry James realized what he'd done. Melinda Coulson sat cuffed to the arm of a chair. He could see how upset she was. He looked away quickly, swallowing the bile of guilt that grew in his gut.

"Oh, my land!" the older woman exclaimed. "My dear, what happened?" She hurried across the room and placed a hand on Melinda's shoulder.

"Who wants to start?" The security chief asked, glaring at the population of the room.

"The kids got left by accident," Harry mumbled. "It wasn't her fault, just a dumb accident."

"The little one needed to use the potty and they got off because the lavatory was not yet working." The woman added. "Why is she being restrained? Oh my land, did something happen to the children?" She covered her mouth with one hand.

"You've got a lot of explaining to do, James." The chief barked as he released the cuffs on Melinda's wrists. "Mrs. Coulson, I apologize…"

"I'll deal with you later," Melinda growled at the man. "I need a phone right now." She ordered.

The man turned the phone on his desk toward her. She punched in the number and glared at Harry James as it rang once…twice…then connected.

"Mack," she breathed, knowing this catastrophe was coming to an end when the man's deep voice responded.

xx

Jemma opened the door slowly and peered out before stepping into the locker area with Skye close behind. The locker area was still quiet, with just a few people opening and closing the thin cabinets then moving back to blend into the crowded station lobby. She moved to the archway that separated the two areas and waited until a family passed then hurried Skye to walk as close as possible to the two children that followed their parents through the concourse.

Mack and Elena stood at the entrance with two security guards. They peered across the crowd and contemplated how to pinpoint two little girls in all of the people that milled through the station.

"You're sure they didn't get on another train." Mack stated to no one in particular.

"No sir," the younger office replied. "That was the first thing we checked. Not one conductor has or had two unaccompanied children on their train."

"We checked in both directions." The female officer added.

Mack nodded. Elena smiled. "Ese pequeño gato salvaje no podría estar fuera de problemas por tanto tiempo. Jemma debe haberla noqueado.²"

Looking at his watch, Mack let out a snort. "Well, it's past naptime so the clock's ticking."

"I'm sorry sir," the young female officer remarked. "I don't understand. We've looked everywhere."

"What my friend is saying," Elena smiled at Mack then turned to the officer. "is we might not have to look. Perhaps this little one will find us."

xx

Jemma slipped away from the family, pulling Skye behind a large kiosk. "Why we hidin, Jemma? I toed you I no wanna pulay no more." Skye shook her head, but stayed close to her sister.

"We have to hide, Skye. It is important." Jemma did not want to scare the little girl but it seemed she might have no other choice. "We don't want them to find us. Remember if they do we won't be able to see momma."

Skye set her bottom lip in a fine pout and plopped down on the floor. "I no wanna pulay. I wanna go home." She wasn't whispering anymore.

Jemma turned and squatted down. "Are you still hungry, Skye. I think I can get one of those lovely crumpets over there." She pointed toward a sweet shop that had a small display on the outer counter. "They have chocolate." Jemma drew a deep breath. She'd never stolen anything in her life and fully intended to make sure the shop was compensated just as soon as she got back to her mother, but Skye needed something to eat and this was the best she could do.

Skye looked in the direction her sister pointed and sniffled. "I likes shockolit. Momma non't let me haffa donut fer lunch, Jemma. Hoer be mad to me."

Jemma smiled as she stood and reached out a hand to Skye. "I think just this once she will say it is alright."

Skye did not need convincing. A chocolate donut for lunch was quite a treat. She allowed Jemma to lead her across the small space to the sweet shop then watched as her sister lifted the pastry and quickly move away. Jemma handed to Skye and watched as she took a large bite. Skye smiled a chocolaty grin as she chewed, swallowed and chomped another bite.

"You gonna pay for that, sweet heart?" A man snarled as he leaned over the counter.

Jemma jumped at the sound. "Oh, why yes, yes of course…our mother is just over there." She nodded in the direction of a small group of people. "She'll be paying you directly." The little girl lied then cringed at the thought of doing so.

The guy grunted at them then walked away, leaving Jemma to breathe a sigh of relief. "Hey," she jumped again as the man stepped around the counter and barked at her second time. "Ain't you that kid they're all lookin' for?" He glared at her as she grabbed Skye's hand and turned to run. "Yeah, you are both of yas are."

Jemma took a step but was stopped as the guy grabbed her arm. "Let go!" she squealed, grabbing at his hand with both of her own and thereby losing her grip on Skye.

"Hold on there, girlie. Everybody's been lookin' for you all day." He called to someone in the sweet shop. "Call security, tell 'em we found them kids."

Jemma turned back to Skye who stood wide eyed watching the man hold on to her struggling sister. The chocolate donut lay on the floor at her feet. Her little fists curled at her sides, her arms stiff.

The scream that left the tiny girl's lungs stopped everyone in the station.

xx

Mack stepped down three of the stairs before hearing the scream that echoed through the large station. He turned to Elena, a step behind him, and smiled. The two security officers moved to pass the agents in an effort to reach whatever incident had caused the wail from below. The large man placed a hand on the young agent's chest, stopping him and his partner.

"Let us," he smiled. "They've been avoiding you all day." With that he turned and hurried down the stairs with Elena at his side.

They pushed through the crowd toward the telltale sound of Skye Coulson's claxon.

xx

Jemma struggled valiantly against the man's grip, kicking his leg and pinching the back of his hand until he could take no more. He released her, allowing the little girl to fall to the floor. Jemma scrambled back to her feet, grabbed her screaming sister's hand and ran blindly into the crowd. The tears that filled her eyes were no help. She scrubbed her arm across her face to get rid of them and yanked Skye harder to keep her on her feet.

"Jemma!"

She heard her name and panic stabbed her heart causing the tears to fall faster. Jemma sobbed as Skye continued screaming.

"Jemma, stop!" A deep voice commanded, sounding closer than it had a moment ago.

"Jemma," another voice…a woman called.

The little girl furiously pushed people aside, knocking luggage and carts to the floor as she pulled her little sister toward the wide glass doors that would allow them outside of the station into the fresh air and away from the people trying to take them away from their family. She had to get away.

Skye screamed again as she tripped over a small case and sprawled across the floor, losing her sister's hand as she fell. Jemma fell forward as Skye went back. She landed on her knees and crawled forward rising to her feet before turning back. In her panic she started to run away but stopped and turned back to once again grab her wailing sister but was too late. Skye had been scooped up off the floor into a woman's arms. Jemma screamed through her tears and slammed into them pulling at Skye in a desperate attempt to free her.

"Let her go…let go…" Jemma wailed.

"Hey, hey…Jemma, Jemma stop…" A deep calm voice spoke close to her as powerful arms surrounded her.

"No!" The little girl struggled, tossing back her head and flailing her arms and legs as she turned to fight off the large man. "No, let me go…you have to let me go…"

"Jemma, Jemma, it's me. It's Mack, Jemma…look at me." He still spoke softly, holding the little girl close as she continued to sob and fight.

"O-yo," Skye sobbed softly as she wrapped her arms around the woman's neck. "You take me a momma now." She nodded as she dropped her head on Elena's shoulder and continued crying.

Elena smiled at Mack who still struggled with Jemma as the crowd looked on and security held them back. She knelt down without losing her grip on the little girl she held and whispered close to Jemma's ear.

"Está bien, cariña. Tu mamá nos envió a ayudarte. Estás a salvo, Skye está a salvo. Shh, bebé, estás a salvo." Elena spoke in her native tongue, calming the child slowly.

Jemma still struggled to free herself as the panic subsided, turning into fear and then relief as she allowed herself to recognize the voices, the feeling of safety both gave her and slumped into Mack's arms. "Yoyo," she whispered then turned to the man who held her. "Mack, oh Mack…it's you." The tears fell again, but not in panic or fight but simple relief as she wrapped her arms around the man and sobbed heartily into his shoulder.

Both agents stood, each holding tightly to one exhausted little girl. Skye lifted her head and looked into Elena's eyes still holding tightly to her neck. "Jemma cryin?" Elena nodded. "Her bees sad to Mack?"

Elena smiled and shook her head. "No, mommi, she is happy."

Skye thought for a moment then dropped her head back to Elena's shoulder. "Ine happy you fine us, O-yo." She gently patted Elena's shoulder.

The woman kissed the little girl's cheek. "Me too, now let's go to make momma happy." She smiled at Mack who gently rubbed a hand up and down Jemma's back, quieting but not stilling the heavy sobs.

They followed the security officers to the station office where two EMT's waited to assess the girls. Both were found slightly dehydrated but otherwise fine. Jemma resisted the exam until Elena explained the logic in it and that once done they would be on the road to Philadelphia were Melinda was waiting. One of the officers supplied Skye with a carton of milk and a fresh donut to replace the one squished into the floor in the rescue fracas. Jemma refused anything but a bottle of cool water. The head of security made a call to Thirtieth Street and had Melinda on the phone within minutes. He assured her both of her children were fine and would be safe until she made her way back to the station. She demanded to speak with both.

"Momma!" Skye's little voice squeaked into the phone. "I gotsa big schocolate donut and Mack takeded a monser bit to it." Melinda brushed away tears as she ooed and awed over her baby's total oblivious sense of the insanity of the afternoon. Skye giggled that whimsical little snigger of hers and Melinda laughed through her own tears. "The udder donut gotted squished by the man inna shiny shoesh. Him gotted me anudder one. I get a donut foer lunch aday, momma!"

"Just today, baobei." Melinda replied and wondered why her little one had grown so quiet.

"I needa hug you, momma. You come a get me, now?" Skye was suddenly serious and Melinda could hear Elena comforting her, explaining that Jemma wanted a turn to speak to momma too. "You talk a Jemma, now o Mack a eat all up mine donut." Before Melinda could respond Skye had dropped the phone. She could hear the little giggle as Mack teased her with her treat.

"I'm sorry, momma," Jemma breathed into the phone. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." The little girl's voice cracked and bumped between her sobs.

Melinda pushed away her tears again and hated the fact she was not there to hold her babies. "Shh, shh, bao bao. None of this is your fault, none of it. It was all just a terrible mix up and it's over. Mack and Elena are going to make sure you get here safely." Melinda tried to console her older daughter, who had the polar opposite reaction of her sister.

After a fifteen minute conversation Melinda reluctantly told the girls she would see them soon. Mack insisted on taking them to Philadelphia by car and after a very short argument had both girls secure in the back of his SUV. The couple had spent so much time with their smallest passenger that they'd purchased a safety seat and once Skye was secure they were on the road.

Slightly more than two hours later Melinda held her babies in her arms, covering both with kisses and quickly doing a visual check to be sure they were indeed unharmed. She wrapped her arms around Mack and Elena as well, thanking them for being their saviors. Skye held tightly to her mother refusing to be put down while Jemma wrapped her arms around her mother's waist and managed to stop crying for short periods of time.

Mack had no intention of leaving this emotional group alone or putting them in or on any vehicle other than his own. He ignored Melinda's protest and packed the family into his car for the two hour trip to Manhattan. He made it perfectly clear he had no intention of letting them out of his sight until he delivered them to the Plaza and one Phil Coulson.

Melinda did not call Phil or tell him anything about her day of insanity. She did not feel he needed to experience the anxiety she had felt and there was no need to traumatize Fitz or Trip. Relaxing in the back seat of Mack's SUV, Melinda pulled a sleeping Jemma to rest her head in her lap. The girl had finally exhausted herself with her crying.

Skye rambled on with questions and comments about everything from the big bathrooms at the train station to playing hide and seek all day to the merits of having donuts for lunch. She sang every song she'd learned since starting preschool. Melinda smiled and sang along even with the mangled lyrics Skye invented. When the little girl began rubbing the soft fluff of her blue blanket against her cheek and across her forehead, Melinda knew her baby would be joining her sister in sleep very shortly. Once her girls were quiet, the exhausted mother closed her eyes and relaxed with one arm protectively over Jemma and the other holding tightly to her baby's hand.

Mack jerked his head back toward the 'ladies' and Elena turned to take in the scene. She smiled at the large man with his hands on the wheel and gave a nod. They'd be in the city within the hour, spend at least another explaining the insanity to Phil and then treat themselves to dinner in one of those fancy restaurants, grab a room and head back in the morning.

xx

Harry James left the security office with the station director. He cleaned out his locker and submitted his identification badge to the head clerk. Security escorted him to his car and off of the property.

He did not make it to his retirement date or collect a full pension.

It took three weeks for the black eye to heal and his nose bled off and on for almost a month.

Not one security officer could remember how the man had come by the injuries.

Allan James accepted the promotion to conductor.

The Coulson family rented a car for the return trip to Bethesda.