DERAILMENT
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Zoya was shocked when she saw the man sitting in her compartment.
"I really have to tell them their locks suck," Zoya said. "What the hell are you doing here?"
"You didn't return my call," Harold replied.
"That was because I didn't want to talk to you," Zoya stated. "How did you find me anyway?"
"I checked your credit card transactions," Harold smiled.
"Isn't that improper use of IRS equipment?" Zoya snapped.
"Zoya, we had something good," Harold said and tried to hug her.
"Harold, take another step and I will snap your neck." Zoya warned.
"Zoya, come on. We're perfect for each other." Harold told her.
"Harold, I am with someone," Zoya said picking up Webb's jacket.
"With who?" Harold asked.
"I don't think you know him, but he's on board." Zoya smiled.
"You know I applied for a position with the company," Harold said.
"So, what does that mean?" Zoya asked.
Before Harold could answer, Webb knocked on the door.
"Zoya, I left my jacket." Webb called out.
"Hang on sweetheart," Zoya replied with a smile.
"Sweetheart?" Webb mumbled.
"Why aren't you sharing a compartment?" Harold asked.
"We are, but since my uncle is here we are being respectful," Zoya replied. "He has his own compartment as well."
"Zoya who are you talking to?" Webb asked through the door. "May I have my jacket?"
"In a second honey," Zoya said.
Zoya opened the door and Webb assumed she was going to give him his jacket. Instead Zoya threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.
"I thought you were going to wait until we were sure everyone was asleep?" Zoya said.
"Excuse me?" Webb asked.
"Leaving your jacket was a good decoy," Zoya said.
"Zoya, are you okay?" Webb asked.
"Wonderful, now that you're here." Zoya said and gave him another kiss.
"Okay," Webb said.
"Well are you going to just stand out there or are you coming in?" Zoya asked. "We are supposed to be keeping this a secret."
Webb looked at Zoya in total confusion. He was convinced she had lost her mind.
"I am at a loss," Webb said. "I think you need to…"
"Give you another kiss. I'm so glad you asked." Zoya giggled.
"I didn't know I asked." Webb whispered. "Have you lost your mind?"
"Clayton, I haven't lost my mind. I'm just crazy for you," Zoya said.
"What was in your coffee?" Webb asked.
"Milk, but no sugar, you make things sweet enough for me." Zoya replied.
"Right," Webb said. He was very confused.
"Well, come in." Zoya smiled.
Webb stood there staring at Zoya. She put her arms around him and pulled him close. She then whispered, "Digit head here. Help me out… please."
"Darling," Webb said and came into the room. "Who is this?"
"You remember Harold?" Zoya said. "I told you about him."
"Oh the guy you went out with to get over me?" Webb smiled. "Yes, I remember."
"Harold Morris, I don't think we've ever been formally introduced." Harold said.
"No we haven't." Webb said shaking his hand. "Clayton Webb."
"She never told me you two were involved." Harold stated.
"That's my little spook, always keeping secrets." Webb said as he slapped Zoya's rear.
"Yes, occupational hazard," Zoya said giving Webb a dirty look.
"I thought we had something," Harold said honestly.
"Sorry about that," Webb said putting his arm around Zoya, "I guess she just couldn't get over me."
"I wish you had told me about this," Harold said.
"It's not something I like to talk about," Zoya replied moving away from Webb.
"She was really broken up after I dumped her." Webb said, trying not to laugh. Zoya just glared at him. "The phone calls, the begging for reconciliation and the crying, what could I do?"
"Yeah, it was awful." Zoya said in monotone.
"Well, I guess I should be going," Harold replied.
"Me too," Webb stated absently.
"Where are you going?" Harold asked.
"He's just being funny," Zoya said quickly. "He's not going anywhere."
"I couldn't leave my little pookie now could I?" Webb stated and gave her a hug.
"You two have a good night," Harold said.
"Oh we will," Webb said and gave Zoya a kiss on the cheek.
Once Harold had left, Zoya pushed Webb away.
"You dumped me? You couldn't come up with something else?" Zoya yelled.
"It had to be real, didn't it?" Webb laughed.
"Your little pookie?" Zoya snapped.
"Hey you're the one who needed help." Webb said.
"Yeah to act like my boyfriend, not make me look like an idiot." Zoya said shaking her head.
"Well this role playing has been fun, see you in the morning, Countess Pookie," Webb teased.
He left the compartment for his own and ran into Harold on the way.
"Greetings again," Harold said. "You're not staying with Zoya?"
"I forgot my toothbrush," Webb smiled.
Webb went into his compartment and then came out. Harold was still standing there.
"Got it," Webb said holding up the toothbrush. "Have a good night."
Webb returned to Zoya's compartment and told her that they would be spending the night together since Harold's compartment was in the same car as his. Zoya just shook her head and opened both bunks.
"Cute pajamas," Webb joked seeing Zoya in her sweats.
"Shut up," Zoya snapped and got into the top bunk.
THREE HOURS LATER
Everyone was sleeping soundly when an announcement was heard over the PA system.
"Ladies and gentlemen, sorry for waking you, would you please report to the dining car for a special announcement."
The sounds of doors opening and closing could be heard as people woke and made their way to the dining car.
"Zoya, come on." AJ said knocking at her door.
Webb opened the door and saw AJ and Meredith standing there.
"There better be a really good reason for this," AJ bellowed.
"Uncle AJ, it's a long story." Zoya said pushing past Webb.
"I oughta break your nose," AJ threatened Webb.
"You've already done that once," Webb replied.
"I am a grown woman, who I choose to sleep with is my business," Zoya said standing between the two men.
"What's going on?" Harm asked walking towards them with Mac.
"Nothing," Zoya stated. "Honestly, nothing is going on."
"Door locked?" Harm asked Webb with a smile.
"Don't help," Zoya stated. "Mac, I thought your compartment was at the other end?"
"Changing the subject isn't going to work," AJ said.
"I will explain it later," Zoya said.
By the time they made it to the dining car everyone was returning.
"What happened?" Mac asked.
"A freight car derailed and we have to stop," Bud replied.
"Stop, what the hell does that mean?" AJ asked.
"Sir, it means that we won't be getting back to DC tomorrow as scheduled." Sturgis informed him.
"Any idea when we will get back?" Meredith asked.
"At this point they aren't sure," Coates replied.
"They said they are trying to get the tracks cleared as quickly as possible." Harriet added.
"I guess all we can do is go back to sleep," Gunny stated.
"Hey, anyone solve the murder yet?" Tiner asked.
"No, but I guarantee there will be another one soon," AJ snapped, "Zoya my compartment now!"
Zoya followed AJ and Meredith back to their compartment looking like a little child who had been caught being bad. Webb went into Zoya's compartment to wait and the others returned to their compartment.
HARM'S COMPARTMENT
"That was interesting," Harm said.
"That was close, maybe I should go back to my room." Mac stated.
"Nah, the Admiral has other things on his mind right now," Harm said hugging Mac.
"Webb and Zoya, he's going to blow a gasket." Mac laughed.
"Where were we?" Harm asked changing the subject.
"Right here," Mac smiled and got into the bunk.
Neither was sure where this was going, but the events in the baggage compartment made them want to test the waters even further. They realized that at this moment it was physical and a time would eventually come where they would have to talk. For right now whatever contact they had suited them just fine.
AJ AND MEREDITH'S COMPARTMENT
"Would you please explain why Webb was in your compartment?" AJ asked angrily.
"I thought you liked Webb?" Zoya asked.
"That's not the point," AJ shouted.
"AJ, calm down," Meredith said.
"I am calm," AJ yelled.
"Uncle AJ, that IRS guy found out I was here and booked passage. Webb happened to come to get his jacket while he was there and I told Harold that Webb was my boyfriend." Zoya replied innocently.
"Why the hell was Webb's jacket in your compartment?" AJ snapped.
"He left it there," Zoya said,
"What was he doing there in the first place?" AJ asked.
"Talking, and then Mac and Harm came. Then we all went to the dining car." Zoya replied.
"That's another question, what the hell is going on with Rabb and MacKenzie?" AJ questioned. "What is going on with any of you? I have Tiner and Gunny falling over themselves over a woman, Rabb and MacKenzie acting like high schoolers in the baggage compartment and you and Webb are now playing the happy couple. Have you all lost your minds?"
"Well, Harriet, Bud, Jennifer and Sturgis seem to be handling everything in stride," Zoya joked.
"Zoya please," AJ said calmly. "It's not a good thing to get involved with someone you work with."
"Mac and Harm seem to be handling things well." Zoya said.
"You are not them and that's not the point," AJ stated.
"I suggest we all get some sleep," Meredith stated. "Zoya we will see you in the morning."
Zoya left and AJ just sat there.
"I should have seen this coming," AJ said.
"Zoya and Webb?" Meredith asked.
"No Rabb and MacKenzie, what the hell are they thinking?" AJ said.
"AJ, it's no secret how they feel about each other," Meredith said rubbing his back. "It was bound to happen."
"This is a mess," AJ said shaking his head.
DINING CAR
The next morning everyone assembled in the dining car. Webb and Zoya were sitting with Mac, Harm and Harold who had made himself a fixture.
"I guess I wasn't the only one who didn't know," Harold said.
"Well, we wanted to keep it a secret," Zoya said taking Webb's hand.
"The Admiral didn't look to happy last night," Harm commented.
"It was a shock," Zoya replied. "Almost as big a shock as the one he had when he walked into the baggage compartment."
"Would anyone like more coffee?" Mac asked. "Where is that porter?"
"Good morning," AJ said walking over.
The four just looked at him and did not say a word.
"Bud, what's going on?" Harriet whispered.
"I don't know honey, who's that guy with them?" Bud replied.
"That's Zoya's ex-boyfriend I believe." Meredith said taking a seat. "Apparently, he followed her and she told him that she was now with Webb."
"So that's what all the yelling was about," Sturgis said taking a seat.
"I thought he was yelling about the Colonel and the Commander," Coates said joining them.
"He hasn't gotten there yet," Meredith stated. "I am sure it's coming."
"We solved the murder," Gunny said as he and Tiner entered.
"Who did it?" Harriet asked.
"We gave our answer to Kevin," Tiner stated.
"Ladies and Gentleman, the team of Galindez and Tiner believe they have solved the mystery." Kevin announced. "According to their assessment, Mr. Weaver was killed by his wife."
"I didn't kill my husband, what makes you say that?" Mrs. Weaver cried out.
"Well, the other people all have alibis." Tiner stated.
"You on the other hand were the last to see him alive, you had motive. You are having an affair and the opportunity." Gunny said proudly.
"I didn't kill my husband," Mrs. Weaver replied.
"She's right," Kevin stated. "Mrs. Weaver could not have killed her husband. He was strangled in a standing position and then placed in the chair. Mrs. Weaver is not tall enough. Nice try gentlemen."
"Too bad," Coates laughed.
"Oh and you know who the killer is?" Gunny asked.
"We have a pretty good idea," Sturgis smiled.
"So tell us, we're out of it." Tiner said.
"Should we?" Coates asked.
"Sure," Sturgis smiled. "Kevin we think we solved it."
"Ok, let's hear it," Kevin replied.
"We think the Doctor did it," Coates stated.
"Why me?" Dr. Cronson asked.
"Well, you were being blackmailed. Mr. Weaver was your only patient and you had no other means of income." Sturgis said.
"You were the last one to arrive in the car after the murder." Coates said.
"You are correct, I was being blackmailed, but by Mr. Mathers not by Mr. Weaver. Working for Mr. Weaver was wonderful. I was making 6 figures a year and had to do very little work. I would never kill him." Dr. Cronson stated.
"I'm sorry to say but Dr. Cronson is not the murderer either," Kevin stated. "Better luck to the rest of you."
The group went back to questioning the cast and trying to solve the mystery. It was somewhat easier now that two suspects had been eliminated.
Dinner time came and they were all back, other passengers had attempted to solve the case but were also wrong.
SIX HOURS LATER
The train had not moved and they were all getting a little punchy. They sat together for dinner. Harold had joined them and was talking about the newest bunch of tax laws.
"You see why I couldn't stand him," Zoya whispered to Webb.
"Zoya stop it," Webb stated. "Your uncle isn't used to us yet."
Zoya kicked Webb under the table as AJ glared at them.
"Harm, I was thinking about catching a Birds game next weekend. Want to go?" Sturgis asked.
"I have plans buddy," Harm replied.
"Really what are you doing?" Bud asked.
"Working on Sarah," Harm replied and then added, "my plane."
AJ just shook his head. Maybe once they all got back to Washington things would be normal.
After dinner was over, they all went to the smoking car. The train crew had turned it into a little night club since they were still stuck.
"This is nice," Harriet said.
"Would you care to dance?" Bud smiled.
"Tiner, how about a dance?" Coates asked.
"Ok," Tiner replied as he looked around for Ms. Moore.
"AJ, let it go." Meredith said taking his hand.
"This is against regs," AJ said.
"AJ you said there were no ranks here." Meredith reminded him. "Don't worry about it. They are all grown ups."
"I just don't know how I am going to keep them together and how I am going to keep them apart." AJ said.
"What are you talking about?" Meredith asked.
"Rabb and MacKenzie, if they want a relationship they can't both work under my command." AJ said.
"Bud and Harriet are together," Meredith stated.
"Harriet is TDY, it's different." AJ replied.
"Who are you keeping apart?" Meredith asked.
"Zoya and Webb," AJ stated.
"They aren't together, it's a ruse." Meredith replied.
"I hope so," AJ said.
"Come on, dance with me." Meredith smiled.
Zoya and Webb were dancing together as were Mac and Harm. Gunny was the sole person left at the table when a woman approached him.
"Would you like to dance? My name is Sandy." The woman said.
"Sure," Gunny replied. "My name is Victor."
"You guys are a big group," Sandy stated.
"We all work together and I guess we are friends outside of work too," Gunny shrugged.
"I came with my younger brother, a treat before he leaves for boot camp." Sandy said. "He loves all this mystery stuff."
"Boot camp, what branch?" Gunny asked.
"The Army," Sandy said. "My mother isn't too happy about it. She wanted him to go to college. Danny said he would rather serve his country."
"It's a good choice," Gunny smiled.
"You think?" Sandy asked.
"I'm a marine. I think it's a good choice although I would have to disagree about the Army." Gunny smiled.
"Are you all in the military?" Sandy asked.
"Most of the group in is the Navy. The woman over there is also a marine. The couple over there, well they work for the government too." Gunny said pointing everyone out. What do you do?"
"I'm a CPA," Sandy said.
"Really, that guy over there works for the IRS." Gunny replied. "I don't know him very well."
"Oh interesting," Sandy smiled.
"That we are," Gunny laughed.
The song ended and Sandy went to find her brother, Gunny had agreed to talk to him about military life. When they returned, Sandy went over and chatted with Harold. Gunny may not have gotten this girl, but at least for Zoya's sake it kept Harold occupied.
"Attention, we have another couple who thinks they solved the mystery." Kevin announced.
Bud and Harriet were standing there with big grins on their faces.
"The floor is yours," Kevin smiled.
"We believe the killer is Mr. Davidson." Bud announced.
"Oh no way," Harm called out.
"What makes you think I did it?" Mr. Davidson asked.
"Well, you said you didn't know that Ms. Moore and Mr. Weaver were having an affair." Harriet said. "Ms. Torres, his secretary, told us that you knew because you were angry about it."
"Of course I was angry. He was cheating on his wife." Mr. Davidson stated.
"Why would that bother you?" Bud asked. "According to Mr. Mathers, you lent him your place in Ocean City on more than one occasion."
"So, what's your point?" Mr. Davidson asked.
"Our point is, Mr. Weaver having an affair would not be morally wrong to you since you supported his wife's efforts." Harriet said.
"Furthermore, you were very upset when we asked you about the affair between Mr. Weaver and Ms. Moore." Bud said.
"Where are you going with this?" Mac asked.
"According to the information, Mr. Davidson is the one who hired Ms. Moore." Bud said.
"You are in love with her aren't you?" Harriet asked.
"So what if I am?" Mr. Davidson replied.
"How did you find out about that?" Sturgis asked.
"It was in the bio," Harriet smiled.
"Mr. Davidson, you stated that you were in your room when the murder occurred." Bud stated. "But the truth is you were not."
"You can't prove that," Mr. Davidson said.
"Oh yes, we can." Harriet smiled. "You said that you saw Mr. Mathers in the smoking car and established his alibi. But he never saw you because you weren't in the car. You were walking past it and saw him."
"The smoking car is located between your room and Mr. Weaver's." Bud added.
"This is ridiculous," Mr. Davidson said.
"No it's not," Harriet smiled. "Mr. Davidson you killed Mr. Weaver because you were jealous, you wanted Ms. Moore for yourself."
"We have a winner," Kevin announced, "Very impressive detective work."
They all congratulated Harriet and Bud on solving the mystery. They were laughing and toasting the winning couple when AJ spoke.
"We have on other mystery to solve," AJ announced. "When are we getting back to DC?"
The entire car sighed. Hopefully by morning they would be on their way. AJ had already placed the necessary calls advising that he and most of his staff would not be in. Zoya advised Wellington the same.
