Back on the Skarloey Railway, Sir Handel, Duncan, and Fred were backing into the sheds, feeling good and proud that no one had discovered their dirty trick thus far.
"And, we're home free!" Fred sighed happily. "Now all you have to do is sit back and relax knowing you have nothing to do."
"Noo work! I tell ye', it feels great!" Duncan hooted.
"I haven't felt this free in years!" Sir Handel cheered. "I almost forgot the feeling!"
"And it gets better," Fred replied. "Sitting around and watching other engines do your jobs is half the fun!"
Sir Handel and Duncan agreed heartily, and with that the three engines sighed in relief as they closed their eyes for a little afternoon nap.
...
Unbeknownst to them, Skarloey, Rheneas, Luke, and Rusty were making their way to the Steamworks. They had Peter Sam stay behind and cover for them briefly so that they could begin to enact their plan.
"Are you sure this is a good idea, Rusty? I just have a hunch that it won't work," Rheneas asked doubtfully.
"Oh, I'm sure, trust me." The little diesel replied confidently. "Victor's called Duncan and Sir Handel's bluff multiple times before."
"Remember when he made that bet with Duncan about his attitude? It worked just wonderfully," Luke joined in. "Why wouldn't this plan work?"
"Well, I'll agree with you there." wheeshed Rheneas wisely. "Though I must admit, Rusty, this does seem a bit much."
"Now, now Rheneas," his brother needled slowly. "It's about time we put this act to rest. It may be a bit blunt and harsh, but they need to learn their lesson. I normally don't approve of taking matters into my own buffers, but now is right time. This has gone on far enough." Skarloey ended, flatly.
"Indeed." added Rusty. "I'm not going to deal with this behavior again. And to think, people thought Fred had changed his ways, rubbish!" He muttered darkly, surprising the others. It wasn't like Rusty to be this uptight.
Nevertheless, the quartet of engines continued to the Steamworks, determined but wary to inform Victor of the plan's next step.
...
A short little chapter, but I wanted to build up some suspense. Hope you all enjoyed this little update! The last chapter should be out this week. :D