Understanding and Promises: Chapter 12
Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
Authoresses Note: Here's the latest! I really hope you all enjoyed it because it took a long time to write. The next should be out shortly now that my midterms are (finally!) done. In the meantime though I'd really appreciate if you left me a review. The story is almost done and I want to know what you think of it as we get into the action and whatnot. Plus it's kind of discouraging when I put out three chapters in one weekend and only one person reviews. Though I'm not ungrateful, not at all. I really do appreciate that you've taken the time to read it and review when you can. I do hope this chapter is enjoyable though. It was a lot of fun to write. I stayed up until 3:30 am writing it because I was having too much fun to sleep :)
Revised on May 4, 2013.
Schemer stumbled but regained his balance quickly. He had to move fast, very fast. He rushed towards the front of the car and placed one hand on the door. Heart racing, he paused for a brief moment. The plan that had occurred to him back when Mr. Conductor had convinced him return was about to be put into action. He wasn't sure at the time when he'd have to use it but now seemed like it was the appropriate time. It was imperative that he be unseen for it to work, word couldn't have gotten around to his enemies that he was actually alive. Those thugs weren't the brightest in the bunch, if the guy they had 'killed' recently were suddenly around and walking, he'd be sure to have a great advantage over them. He could stop Paul's plan not at the source, but at the execution.
With a rush of courage, he threw open the door.
"Stop this train!" He said in a powerful voice.
The effect wasn't instantaneous, and for a second Schemer was afraid they had figured him out, but within a moment they began to react. The larger of the two flung himself at his comrade fearfully while the other just gapped in open mouth horror. He eventually lost balance due to a combination of his partner's weight and the movement of the train and the two went crashing to the floor in a tangled heap. Schemer rolled his eyes and leapt at the controls. 'Emergency Brake' was written in bold, red letters above a lever and Schemer quickly squeezed and pulled it with all his might. The train's wheels screeched in protest of the quickly applied brakes but slowed down to an eventual stop. He quickly hit the 'Emergency Shutdown' button as the train began to slow. He breathed a deep sigh of relief but he didn't pause to celebrate.
Whipping around, he rounded on the two thugs. They shrunk away from him and began to scoot away in fear.
"No... Please! Don't come any closer!" One begged.
"We're sorry we killed you! Please don't hurt us!" The other pleaded.
"QUIET!" Schemer shouted, anger filling up his glare. "How dare you... How dare you hijack a train with MY nephew onboard with the intention of crashing it into ANOTHER train with many more innocent people onboard and TRY TO APOLOGIZE FOR IT!"
"We didn't want to kill him, we swear! You gotta believe us! Paul would have us put in jail for sure for doing this, we had no choice!" One was near tears.
"Save it!" Schemer snarled. "You're paid killers, you would trade the lives of many people for money! Besides, you were never going to get paid for this anyways. Paul wanted you and the thugs driving the other train to die with everyone else. He wanted you to be the ones to crash it. How could you all be so stupid? He was never going to pay you because he knew you'd be killed as well!"
There was silence for a moment. Then realization dawned. They gapped in shock and looked at each other with fearful expressions.
Schemer shook his head in disgust and walked back into the car coupled to the back. He walked over to the still unconscious Schemee and undid his restraints. He picked him up by placing one arm under his knees and the other under his arms. The way his head lolled backwards made Schemer worry, he brought him to the front of the car.
"You! What did you give him?" He spat at the nearest one.
"Um... I'm not sure what it was called again... I think it was ch-chloro something..." He stuttered nervously.
"Chloroform?" Schemer snapped irritably.
"Yeah, that's it... Paul put it on a cloth and made him breath it in..."
He'd regain consciousness without any side-effects then. With one final disdainful look around the car, Schemer began to climb down with his nephew in his arms.
"Wait! What should we do now?" The largest asked, Schemer looked up as his feet touched the ground.
"Frankly, I don't care what you do. But let me tell you, if you ever come near my nephew, my friends or my town ever again, you will deeply regret it." He called up with a hard expression on his face. Without a second glance he began to walk back to the station.
The larger thug watched him walk away and turned back to his partner. The smaller spoke up after a long pause. "I sure wish my father cared about me like that..." He said sadly.
The larger nodded and gave a deep sigh. "Hey, ya know what? I think it's time we did the right thing for once." He suggested.
The smaller sighed. "I had a feeling you'd say that."
Billy had managed to get onboard while the train was moving. Like he had said, it was slow enough that he could grab ahold of a ladder and climb up into one of the middle cars. Mr. King just so happened to be in that car and watched on horrified as one of his former employees climbed his way into the train.
"Mr. Twofeathers!" He exclaimed as Billy walked into the car with a panicked look on his face.
"No time J.B., I've got to stop his train." He said hurriedly and began to run towards the front most car. Mr. King strode quickly to keep up.
"Mr. Twofeathers that is strictly for employees only and you are NOT an employee! Besides, how dare you gain access to a moving train without paying!" He shouted as he tried to match his pace. Despite being replaced as the Head of the Railroad, he was still staunchly loyal to the railway and it's rules.
"Trust me, you'll thank me later! Shoot... It's picking up speed!" He said fearfully and began to sprint against the acceleration.
"What is that engineer doing?" Mr. King asked as they reached the door to the front.
"Those aren't engineers Mr. King. Those are thugs hired by Paul. They're going to kill you and everyone else onboard by crashing this train into my own engine." He said grimly and tried to open the door.
"Drat! Locked!" He growled.
"Kill me? Why would Paul kill me?" Mr. King asked in a strangled voice. "He's already removed me from my position!"
"Why wouldn't he? He's a madman, and has no concern for human life. He probably doesn't trust you to stay down and out, despite him replacing you." Billy answered while taking a fire extinguisher down from it's mount.
Mr. King gapped in horror. "But then... He really did kill Schemer?"
"Yes, well... Yes." He said simply. Now was not the time to explain. He brought the extinguisher down on the doorknob. It flew off and hit the wall with a 'thunk'.
"Stand back." He cautioned before aiming a powerful kick at the door. He entered and the two thugs whirled around in shock. The two real engineers were tied up in a corner with gags in their mouthes. They looked up hopefully as Billy entered.
"You're one of the strikers!" One exclaimed.
"Stop this train right now! You're going to kill dozens of innocent people!" He said angrily before moving forward.
One blocked his path and the other continued to drive. "What's it to you? We're getting paid big bucks for this job!" He sneered.
Billy made a move to whip past his right side but the thug quickly caught him. They tussled on the floor, each trying to overpower the other. Mr. King dashed in and began to untie the other engineers.
The radio buzzed and everybody froze. "Hello? Is this the other train that's going to crash?" The voice asked confusedly.
"Yeah, this is Twofeather's engine calling, right? What's up boys?" The one driving asked and the scene in the background commenced once more.
"We're turning ourselves in. You best do the same. Paul's going to kill all of us, not just the people onboard the train. He never showed you how to escape before the crash, did he?"
The driver paused for a moment and then swore loudly. "That bloody... Arg, he was going to kill us AND not pay us!" He quickly grabbed the brakes and the entire train lurched. Mr. King was knocked to his feet and in the other cars passengers struggled to keep their balance or in their seats while staff tried to keep everyone calm.
The train slowed to a stop and Billy could see his engine stationary in the distance near the junction. "Well done Schemer!" He thought cheerfully.
Before anybody could react, the thug that was driving jumped to his feet. "I ain't turning myself in!" He exclaimed angrily and hopped out of the train car.
"Wait!" His partner cried after him but he never gave a second glance. His partner tried to exit the car as well but Billy quickly tackled him while the other two engineers advanced with the ropes they had been bound with. They quickly tied him up and propped him up against the wall.
"They just sort of came in here and demanded that we let them take control. We tried to fight them off but they were too strong." One of the engineers tried to explain. Billy nodded understandingly.
"It's okay, everything's fine now. We'll call the police and let them know about the other guy. Hey, J.B., you alright?" He asked.
Mr. King stood back, looking quite stunned. "I'm sorry... I'm just shocked... He wanted to kill me and a number of others."
"He's crazy, and we're going to have to work fast to catch him. He'll know it didn't work and will want to get the heck out of here. We should get this train back to Shining Time. While we're taking care of that, why don't you go tend to the passengers?" Billy suggested.
Mr. King nodded and began to walk out of the engine. "Oh and Mr. Twofeathers?" He called.
Billy turned towards him questioningly.
Mr. King sighed heavily. "I'm sorry that I didn't believe you or Ms. Jones at first. And that I essentially gave Paul the tools to get this far. I feel like... This mess is all my fault. If you're willing, and I'll be sure to talk to Ms. Jones as well, would you please return to Shining Time Station? Once this mess is sorted out, and I've been reinstated, and I WILL be reinstated, I'll be offering both of you your jobs back as my first order of business." He offered cautiously.
Billy smiled. "Sure Mr. King, and don't worry about it. Everything is going to be just fine."
Schemer walked back to Shining Time from the engine with Schemee in his arms. He still was still out cold but Schemer could feel his heartbeat and see that he was breathing so his mind was relatively at ease. The Station was empty and there were no stragglers around the building. He assumed that most people were at the scene of the commotion and figured that Billy's office would be the best place to put Schemee for the time being. He wasn't entirely sure where he was going to go from there though. If Paul or any of the other thugs saw him, he was as good as dead. Again. He opened the door to Billy's office, using his hip to swing the door. He laid Schemee out on the bench and smoothed his hair from his face.
"It's going to be alright now son." He promised. "I'm not leaving again." He saw Schemee's eyes flutter briefly at the sound of his voice but he still didn't regain consciousness. Schemer's forehead creased with worry but he was brought out of his thoughts by the sudden dizzy spell that caught him off guard. The room spun dangerously and he lost his balance. He let himself slide to the floor to avoid ay injury. Breathing heavily he slowly felt his vision return to normal. He refrained from moving even after his vision returned. He suddenly felt weakened. He hadn't slept in over thirty six hours and it was catching up to him, his fever and illness still hadn't fully dissolved. Not only that but his injuries were really beginning to cause him pain. He was able to ignore the discomfort before but everything was beginning to set in.
He looked up sharply at the crash of the front door bouncing off the wall. Schemer crept to the office door, closing it so it was open just a fraction and watched. Paul was in a panic, Schemer could see that his normally cold and business like persona had been replaced with a flustered and wild eyed man. He went to his office door but patted down his pockets and couldn't find a key. With a groan he put his back to the door and let himself slide to the floor.
"It's over. My plan is ruined." He moaned. Schemer felt disgust at the fact that this man was upset that a train full of people hadn't been killed. He could hear the express pulling into the Station as Paul rushed into his office, grabbing any cash he had lying around and stuffing it into his pocket. "I have to get out of here!"
"Hold it right there Paul!" An angry female voice called from the entrance. Paul whipped his head to the room's newest occupant like a predator catching the sight of prey. Schemer's eyes went wide as he took in the view.
"Well, Ms. Jones, I suppose you think you've won?" Paul asked coldly and emotionlessly.
She walked closer and Schemer got a better view of her. She had never been more beautiful to him than at that moment. She was wearing one of her work outfits, the white blouse with red form fitting pants, and her hair was a mess of dark curls that framed her face. Her faee itself was flushed in anger as she stood and stared Paul down. But at the same time, while Schemer's heart came alive at the sight of her, he had never felt more afraid for her. This man was dangerous and insane. And he had just lost everything.
"It's over Paul. The police will soon know that you planned this whole 'accident', Billy told me what you were planning, and we were ready for you. They're going to arrest you. You will never be able to harass, threaten or harm anybody ever again. Everyone knows that you killed Schemer now too. You killed my best friend, the man I loved, and you're finally going to pay for it." She said angrily.
A dark look spread across his features. "And I suppose you're going to hold me until the police get here?" He asked. Without giving her a chance to respond he launched forward at her. She reached for her ever faithful bat from behind her desk and swung it at his attacking form. He was slightly too fast for her and grabbed the end of the bat as it was coming down at him. He ripped it from her grasp and threw it over his shoulder. Grasping both of her wrists in one hand he wrenched her forward.
He held her close while she tried to struggle. "Shhh, let's see what your friends have to say." He said with a devilish smirk. "Looks like I can still get away, and you're going to help me."
Billy's voice could be heard from outside. "Everyone please remain onboard, Mr. King keep everyone there for safety. The police will be coming soon."
"Wrong move Billy." He said softly, he pulled out a gun and pointed it at Stacy's head just as Billy was walking in. She became limp with fear. Schemer couldn't move or say anything if he wanted to. Even the slightest sound might spook Paul.
Billy froze at the sight as he walked in. "Don't make a single move." Paul hissed. Billy obeyed and watched fearfully.
Paul began to move towards the front of the Station. "Come with me Twofeathers. You're going to get onboard that train with the passengers. The girl comes up to the front with me. If you want a chance at any of those lives onboard, you're going to do exactly as I say."
Billy nodded, not budging.
"Keep everyone in their seats, no one is to come anywhere near the engine if you ever want to see Stacy here alive ever again. Do you understand me?" He drawled, insanity creeping into his voice.
"Yes." Billy said, his voice a combination of fear and anger. From her position, even though she was terrified and afraid for her's and everyone else's lives, Stacy gave Billy nod and her determination shone through in her gaze.
"Good. Now go!" Paul hissed. As Billy turned away, regret in his eyes, Paul turned to Stacy. "You're going to ride with me up front. You're my collateral now, a hostage if you will. Try anything funny and you're not only signing away your life but everyone else's. Got it?" He spat harshly.
She tried to cancel the waiver in her voice. "Yes."
"Excellent. Now let's go!" He began to forcefully walk her with him.
As they exited the Station, Schemer watched with a heart that was beating uncontrollably.
"No! No!" He cried out, but his voice was hoarse and weak. He pounded the floor uselessly, trying to will his body to get up. Pulling himself to his knees, shaking he tried to pull himself up. A sudden train whistle caught his ears. For a heart wrenching moment he thought the train was leaving, but a familiar shower of gold dust proved him wrong.
"Mr. Conductor!" He rasped. "You've got to help me!"
"I can give you something to rejuvenate you, I know you've been working hard to save everyone. But at the same time it's risky for me to do to you, you're quite weak right now and this is only a temporary boost. Your body will crash when it wears off and to a degree that I cannot predict. You're not that well." He warned.
"I don't care! Just please do whatever it takes! I need to get on that train!" He pleaded.
"As you wish." He retrieved some gold dust from a pouch from his waist and tossed it towards Schemer. He promptly felt it's effects take place and his strength returned. He got to his feet and looked back towards his nephew.
"If I don't make it back again, no, I will make it back again! But I want you to know that I'm very proud of you, and everything will be okay. I'll see you in a few hours. You're the best son that anyone could have ever hoped for." He said sincerely. Schemee's eyelids fluttered once more and stayed open, but unfocused, for a brief second before closing once more.
Schemer turned back to Mr. Conductor. "I'm headed towards the back of the train. I've got an idea, and it's the only way I can remain inconspicuous."
"I'll be at the front, making sure Stacy's alright." Mr. Conductor said.
"Okay, then let's go!" Schemer said before rushing towards the platform. Mr. Conductor disappeared in a shower of gold dust, leaving the Station unoccupied except for one unconscious teenager.
