2

"Loveless, Miguelito Loveless," Artie grilled West for the hundredth time within the past hour, "Evil genius, stands yea-high?" Gordon leveled his hand to his hip.

"Yes," West exasperatingly answered as both men entered the train, "For the last time, Artie, yes, it was Loveless standing over me," he turned to Gordon, "holding a brick he apparently used to strike my assailant aside the head."

Gordon immediately rebuffed, "Maybe he wanted the honor of killing you himself?"

"If you could have seen the look in his eyes…" Jim activated the switch, exposing the hidden telegraph on the desk, "…absent of malice…fearful…"

"It doesn't make sense, Jim," Gordon flipped West's luggage onto the couch and turned to continue his thought, "Dr. Loveless, who has declared war on the world and with you in particular, bashes the skull of the killer of his most hated enemy?' 'I don't buy it."

West tapped a call to Washington, "I know, it doesn't make sense to me either, but it is what it is," he finished his message and returned the telegraph to its hiding place, sitting back in the chair, running his fingers through his hair.

"Whether he saved your life or not, Loveless is in the area," Artie headed for the door leading to the other cars, "I think I'll alert Tennyson and the crew to keep watch."

"Good idea, Artie." West said, still spinning from the mornings strange events; the extremely close call with the attempt on his life, not a random act, not with Loveless around. Artemus had noticed the same men following him to the train and in turn followed them back to the hotel, interrupting the assassination at the closest of times.

West sighed and put his head in his hands, he reached under his chin and felt the puncture resting just below his Adam's apple. A cold wave fluttered throughout his body as he grasped how close he had come to death. The hair on the back of his neck stood at attention with the thought of Loveless' return. It was the impending of the uncertain that West was afraid of; Dr. Loveless, like Artie mentioned, an evil genius, is unpredictable, with the only exception that madness and mayhem is sure to follow.

Jim was exhausted, explaining what had happened to the local police, Sylvia, and the hotel management as well, was wearing, the killers getting away was frustrating, and knowing Loveless is involved was the cold icing on an already frozen cake.

Tennyson had entered the suite with some alcohol and bandages; apparently he had spoken with Artie, and upon seeing West's condition asked if he wanted a bath and a shave before tending to his wounds.

Feeling his chin and remembering a complement Sylvia had made earlier concerning how cute his whiskers was, Jim opted for the bath but refused the shave, remarking about not wanting to see another razor that day.

Artemus had finished briefing the rest of the train's crew on the situation and ordered the Wanderer to be relocated to a site a half-mile outside the city for protective measures. The city was too congested, making the train an easy target; in the open space an attack could be spotted easier and if an offensive needed to be mounted, being away from town would ensure no civilian casualties.

Gordon made his way to the file room and was gathering the latest information they had on Loveless when a message from Washington brought the telegraph to life.

It read; Report received - regarding the current incident, the identification and capture of Miguelito Loveless to be considered highest priority. Previous orders to be disregarded. General follow up reports needed every three days or as warranted. Best of luck – Richmond.

Ah, the warmth of that man, Artie sarcastically thought about their Bureau Chief, Colonel Richmond, typical government man. He plucked the Loveless file from its resting place and headed to the rear of the train.

The Wanderer consisted of an engine and a coal car, pulling three other coaches- the stable car which housed the horses, a small jail cell, it also warehoused various quick-build wagons (that could be assembled and disguised to fit many of the different covers Gordon utilizes); the barracks car, not only had Jim's, Artie's, and Tennyson's living quarters, but also the laboratory/armory; and the last car held the kitchen and dining area, along with the parlor and office. Each car had (either openly or hidden) a telegraph so important messages would not be missed.

Artie entered the parlor to a bustle of activity; Tennyson was filling a tub with hot water as West was speaking with a detective flanked by two uniformed police officers.

"Just in time," West commented as Gordon weaved his way around Tennyson.

"That's twice today," Artie shot back.

"Very funny," West directed to Gordon as he grabbed the file and returned to the others, "This is Artemus Gordon, gentlemen, my fellow Service agent and apparently my guardian angel for today."

Artie and the detective shook hands as James continued with the introduction, "Artie this is Inspector Hudson, he and his men are going to be searching the area for Loveless."

"We hear that this guy is dangerous," Hudson mentioned as West handed Loveless's photo to him.

"Extremely," added Gordon.

"Don't let his appearance fool you," West chimed in, "what he lacks in size he certainly makes up for with intelligence…"

"…and cunning…" Artie continued, "…without conscience…"

West stopped his partner, "The best recourse would be to follow, then report to us his whereabouts.' 'Do not engage."

Hudson rubbed his moustache while studying the picture, "Really?"

"Really," Artie answered, "He will also have an entourage, consisting of an equally treacherous crew of criminal types."

"Today we encountered possibly three others," West went on, "Two gentlemen approximately my height and another, at least a head taller and forty pounds heavier. All with blonde hair and blue eyes."

The detective folded the picture and returned his bowler to his head; an expression of disbelief across his face belied his comments of understanding how dire the situation, but he agreed that West and Gordon would be contacted first if Loveless were spotted.

Gordon updated the officers where the train would be sited and the gentlemen parted ways.

Tennyson began to draw the window shades as he was finished preparing West's bath, Artemus left to the kitchen to assist Tennyson with lunch, and West bolted the door, undressed and entered his soothing bath, not before placing his revolver on the edge of the desk where it could be readily accessible.