Case #4 - Mystery on the Northern Express CHAPTER ONE Katie Spencer gazed out the window, watching the beautiful, spacious countryside speed along by her. She sat lazily on one of the plush seats on board the "Northern Express," as the train company liked to call it. From Boston to Seattle, and most points in between. Katie was traveling to Seattle during her weeklong Thanksgiving break to visit her ailing Aunt Patty, from her mother's side of the family. Patty had been diagnosed with breast cancer (like Katie's mom), however, it was discovered in its relatively early stages, and the doctors were confident that she would make a full recovery. Her Uncle Ken had bought her a round trip ticket for an overdue visit to see them for the holidays, and it was his insistence that Katie travel by train instead of by plane. He wanted to give Katie the rare opportunity to see America in all its splendid wondrous and beauty, which was something that you couldn't appreciate up at 30,000 feet. Her father and Karen were invited to come as well, but they regretfully declined and instead traveled to Karen's parents' house to spend the holidays over there. Katie was actually pleased that she was traveling alone; it gave her added confidence in taking of herself, which her father knows all too well. It was now 12:34 PM and the train had left the Chicago station on its way toward Madison, Wisconsin. At the present rate of travel, Katie should be arriving at her destination around noon tomorrow. Katie noticed that the train was sparsely packed of passengers, now doubt due to the unpopularity of cross country travel. Why spend 30 hours by train when you could make the same distance in about 6 hours by plane? Katie though enjoyed the soothing ride of the locomotive as it glided gently over the tracks. She closed her eyes and thought about Jake. It's been almost four weeks since they first met on that fateful Halloween night, and she still could not stop thinking about him. Katie wished that he was accompanying her on this trip, instead of being incarcerated at the juvenile detention center. She still can't believe in a million years that she would fall head over heels for a criminal. Now she can relate how Stacey felt when she gets infatuated with some cute boy. But Katie sensed that this was no petty crush, there was something deeper there. She can't explain it or even rationalize it. Jake did promise to her that once he gets out he would give up a life of crime and go back to school and graduate next year. She smiled to herself knowing that she rehabilitated a future felon. Tired of looking outside, Katie reached into her handbag, pulled out her latest Nancy Drew novel, and began reading from where she left off. It's going to be a long, quiet ride ... CHAPTER TWO "Is there anything I can get for you, Miss Katie?" Katie placed her book down and looked up at the gentleman standing over her. Standing at almost six feet tall with a lean build and dressed in a conductor's uniform, the well-aged face with balding hair and neatly trimmed beard smiled graciously down at her. "Oh, Joseph ... no I'm fine right now, thank you," Katie responded warmly. "Very good, Miss Katie. Please let me know if there's anything you should need to make your trip more enjoyable." "Thank you, and I will." He turned smoothly on the ball of his foot and proceeded down the narrow walkway, tending to other passengers seated nearby. Ever since Katie had presented her ticket upon boarding and informing him that she was traveling alone, Joseph has been keeping somewhat of a careful eye on her. If her father knew about that, he would certainly thank Joseph a hundred times over. Katie took an instant liking to him, and even though she knew that he was primarily concerned for her safety, he never once treated her like she was a child. The two of them had talked briefly after she settled in, asking her the nature of her trip. Katie in turn also learned a bit about him. Growing up outside of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, his grandfather was a railroad engineer, and he always loved to ride the trains. Katie then went back to her book, but seemed to have lost interest in it for the moment. Besides, her body was telling her it was time to relieve herself. She put her book away and rose up from her seat. The rest-rooms were three cars down. Having Joseph on board did make Katie feel a bit safer, and besides, what could possibly happen on a train? After she finished and departed the restroom, Katie heard the sounds of footsteps coming from behind her. She turned to see a large, plump man running towards her; his eyes were wide with fright. Katie stood there stunned and motionless as the man reached out and grabbed a hold of her jacket. The sudden shift in weight almost made Katie fall down right on top of him. She eased herself down as the man collapsed to the floor. His round face was covered in sweat, his breathing faint and uneven. The man's lips started to quiver as though he was trying to say something. Even though is breath reeked, Katie managed to place her ear close enough to the man's mouth. "Orrr ... pheee ... usss ... " was all that escaped his lips before he passed out. CHAPTER THREE Katie couldn't believe what just transpired. Thinking quickly, she reached under his sweaty shirt collar to feel for a pulse; it was very weak. It was at that moment that she detected a distinct scent. Not his body odor, but something sweet. It was very faint, but it smelled like perfume, and it was coming from his suit jacket. A woman had to have been with him very recently ... Katie snapped out of her train of thought and stood up. She had to get help quickly if this man has any chance of surviving. She ran back towards the passenger cars as fast as her legs would take her. Three cars down, Katie saw Joseph up ahead and bolted to him. "Joseph! Come quick ... there's a man passed out!" she exclaimed as she tried to catch her breath. He reacted to her statement with a look of alarm. "What? Where?" "Three cars down, he ran up to me and just collapsed on the floor. His pulse is very weak and was sweating profusely. I think he might be having a stroke." "Come on, show me!" Joseph said, and Katie led him back to the restroom car. Upon arriving there, Katie had a dumbfounded look on her face. The spot where the chubby man was lying ... was now empty! She knelt down, taking a closer look of the floor. "Are sure this is where he was?" Joseph asked. "I'm positive. He was right here not more than five minutes ago." There was absolutely no trace of anything on the smooth, tiled floor ... not even blood. Katie was perplexed. There was no way he could've just got up and walked away ... unless someone took the body. Katie's instincts told her that this was no ordinary case of motion sickness, someone apparently didn't want that body to be found, and she was going to find out why ... CHAPTER FOUR Joseph had escorted Katie back to her seat; she was still reeling from had just occurred. Her mind was racing as she tried to sort out who that mystery man was and more importantly, what happened to him. "Here, Miss Katie, please drink this," Joseph said as he handed Katie a cup of water. "Thank you," she said, taking a sip. She had explained to Joseph as best she could a full description of what the man looked like. She did consider telling him about the word that the man had said to her, but decided to keep that little piece of info to herself for the time being. "I need to see the train manifest and try and get a name to our mystery passenger." "What? No, you're staying here. I think you've been reading too many Nancy Drew books," Joseph said in reference to Katie's book lying next to her on the seat. "Look, I want to know more about this as much as you do. We can work together, okay?" Joseph stood there for a moment with a look in his eye that reminded Katie all too much of her father. "Alright, but stay close to me. I don't want another passenger to disappear." Excited, Katie followed Joseph to the head of the train where the records were kept. Inside the cramped room, Joseph pulled out a computer printout from a folder. The names of every passenger that boarded the train were arranged alphabetically by last name. Joseph had a photographic memory, and recalled seeing a face in his mind as he went through each male name on the list. "Here it is ... Peter Yablonski. Figures it would be last on the list. He boarded at Boston." Katie took the list and looked over the info as well. There was nothing more there that was useful; at least they got a name, that's a start. She pulled out her cell phone from her purse and tried to dial directory assistance for Boston, but for some strange reason she wasn't getting a signal. "I'm afraid you're not going to get any signal out here. We just entered what's called the 'Dead Zone'. From North Dakota to Idaho, no cell phone will work until we're clear of it, and that won't be until sometime early tomorrow morning." She closed up her phone in frustration. "Just great. That doesn't leave us with very many options. Looks like it's now up to us to find this Mr. Yablonski, if he's even still on the train." "Whoa, slow down. 'We're' not doing anything. I'll get search party organized and start going through each and every car. You, young lady, are going back to your seat and to your book." Before Katie could protest, Joseph politely ushered her back to her car. Now he's treating me like I'm a child ... CHAPTER FIVE The skies outside were getting darker as the train sped smoothly along the flat plain fields of North Dakota. Katie looked out the window with a sullen gaze. She kept thinking about poor Mr. Yablonski. So much for a pleasant trip across the beautiful countryside ... What confounded her even more was the word he whispered to her""Orpheus. Since it most likely was his dying word, it had to be of some importance. But what does it mean? It sounds like something out of Greek Mythology. Maybe it's some kind of code word, like in those spy movies ... Whatever was going on, one thing was for certain; something sinister was happening on this train and right under Katie's cute little nose. She felt upset that she was left out on the search party. How could she sit down and enjoy the ride when there was a bonafide mystery to be solved. Katie couldn't take it any longer; she got up off her seat and headed down to where she last saw Peter Yablonski. As Katie continued down the train cars, she saw a well-built blond man and a stunning oriental woman walking towards her. With the walkway narrow as it was, Katie sat on one of the empty seats to allow them to pass by her. It was at that moment that she caught a whiff of something in the air. She wrinkled her nose. It smelled oddly familiar ... Oh my gosh, I had totally forgotten ... the perfume! Katie was positive that was the very same perfume she detected on Mr. Yablonski earlier. In an instant she decided to abandon in helping with the search, and instead investigate this new lead. She discreetly looked back at them and followed them at a safe distance. Katie was a bit confused as to why she hadn't seen them before. Crossing into the next car, she realized why that was; they entered into one of the private cabins. So, they like their privacy. I bet they do ... After they had shut the door, Katie carefully walked towards it. She stopped in front of the cabin and gingerly placed her ear against the door in the hopes of overhearing something that could be useful. Voices can be heard, but it was terribly muffled; that door does do a good job at insuring passengers of their privacy. "Just what do you think you're doing?" Katie was startled all at once by the unknown voice! She spun around and saw one the train conductor's looking at her with a stern expression on his face. "This is a private cabin, miss. Do you have any business here?" Before Katie could answer the door opened and the couple curiously stepped out. "Is there a problem?" the blond man spoke with a slight German accent. "Do you know this girl?" the conductor asked them. The oriental woman approached Katie with a careful gaze in her stare. "No, I've never seen her before, except when we passed by her." Her voice sounded cold and deliberate as she eyed Katie very suspiciously. Katie felt like a panic attack coming on, but kept her composure. She sensed that this woman was dangerous. "I-I'm very sorry, I was looking for the restrooms, and I thought they were around here." "The restrooms are located towards the rear of the train, miss. I'll take you there," the conductor said to Katie then focused his attention back to the couple. "I apologize for the inconvenience." "It's quite alright," the blond-man spoke, "an honest mistake." The two of them then returned back to their cabin. Katie noticed the woman giving her another stare before closing the door behind her. CHAPTER SIX Katie picked at her Salisbury steak gently with her fork. She didn't have much of an appetite as her mind was still too wrapped up in the events of the last few hours. She noticed that creepy couple from the private cabin sitting down to their meal at the other end of the dining car, talking about something ... but what? She was convinced that that couple had something to do with Mr. Yablonski's disappearance ... and very likely his murder; of course there was no clear evidence to support that fact. Joseph had informed Katie that the search party had turned up nothing""no surprise there. Okay, even in the event that he did die of natural causes, and that he happened to be with that oriental woman in some innocent casual setting, why would he be running like if his life depended on it, why would he tell me that cryptic word, and why on earth would he suddenly vanish into thin air? The secret to this mystery definitely rested with those two people, and the answer might be found in their cabin. Katie rose from her seat and proceeded to exit the dining car, keeping a careful watch that the couple didn't notice her leaving. It was fortunate that the private cabins were in the direction she was headed. Of course she needed to be more careful not to get caught by another train conductor like the last time. Katie soon arrived at the cabin car and to her relief it was deserted at the moment. She remembered the number of their cabin and quickly found it. Looking one last time to make sure she was alone, Katie opened the large, wooden door and stepped inside. The room was small but quaint. Two wide seats faced other with a large window situated between them, which at the moment had the shade pulled down. Katie noticed their luggage stored in one of the two overhead compartments. She climbed on the soft seat and picked through the assortment of suitcases and bags until one item caught her interest""a leather case for a laptop computer. Katie carefully pulled it out and sat down to open it. She saw that it was a Dell, very similar to the one that her father owned. After turning it on, the screen for Windows XP flashed on. Then another small window appeared which instructed to enter in a password. Katie thought for a moment, and then it hit her. Could it be that easy?... She typed: O-R-P-H-E-U-S, and pressed 'enter'. The password window disappeared and the main desktop appeared! Katie's heart started pounding ... Bingo! The screen was neatly arranged with folders. She carefully scanned through them and found one that looked promising""it was titled, 'Xmas Surprise'. Clicking on that icon apparently started some kind of program as images and text screens began to flash in and out, and what she read shocked her ... 'Xmas Surprise' was the code name for a foolproof plot to contaminate the drinking water supply for the entire Los Angeles metropolitan area ... ... Estimated number of deaths ... 12 million! Katie didn't realize she was sweating after she finished reading that horrifying report. She knew that she was in way over her head now. I've got to get to Joseph right away and warn him! Suddenly, the sound of the door opening was heard. Katie whirled her head in surprise at the two occupants of the cabin looking down at her menacingly! CHAPTER SEVEN Katie sat perfectly still on the plush seat as the blond man finished binding her ankles together with black shoelace. Her hands were already tied behind her back with more shoelaces, her mouth was gagged as well with a wad of cloth stuffed inside and held securely in place by a gray wool scarf fixed tightly between her teeth. She looked fearfully over to where the oriental woman sat, pointing a small nickel-plated pistol at her. She kept an icy composure on the teen sleuth. Finished with her ankles, the man sat next to his companion. "Allow me to introduce ourselves, my name is Hans, and this fine lovely creature here is my partner, Tomiko," he said cordially and picked up the laptop. "It would appear that you discovered our little plan," he continued saying to their unwilling guest. "I'm sure your little mind is wondering how we discovered you were here so quickly, care to know?" Katie slowly nodded her head 'yes' to his question. He then held up his cell phone. "My phone here is connected with the laptop via wireless connection. If someone should happen to access it, the phone sends out a signal informing us that it's in use. A little security measure I devised, and it looks like in this case it worked like a charm," he smiled devilishly at her. Katie moved her wrists in an effort to test the strength of her bonds. The thin laces pressed firmly against her soft flesh left no room for any slack. "One thing I don't understand is how did she know about us in the first place? We kept a good low profile," Tomiko asked slightly confused. "Think my dear. It was our dear friend, Mr. Yablonksi," Hans replied back, watching Katie's reaction to the mention of that name. "When you tried to kill him with that poisoned drink he managed to get away momentarily. He must have run into her before we found him." He then turned to Katie. "Now we know he told you the password for the plot, but what I want to know is what else he might have told you before he died." "What does it matter anyway, we'll dispose of her just like that fat tub of lard," Tomiko spoke with malice in her voice and proceeded to reach for Katie. Katie cringed at her advance, but Hans gently stopped her. "Before that we need to know first did she tell anyone else about us. We know that all cell phones are presently disabled so making an outgoing call is impossible, so that leaves someone else on this train ... like maybe her parents?" Katie clung onto the hope that if they believe she might have told someone else of their despicable plan, they would be less likely to 'dispose' of her right away. Of course that would only postpone the inevitable, unless she can somehow get free of these terrorists, which at the moment seemed bleak at best. "No, I believe she's traveling alone. I saw her earlier today sitting all by herself reading a book. Come to think of it, she was all friendly with one of the conductors, maybe he knows something," Tomiko said. Katie's face turned pale at the mention of Joseph. Oh, no ... they're going to kill him as well. "Very well, I'll remain here with our lovely guest and keep her company; you go and see if you can find this conductor you saw." Tomiko handed the gun over to Hans and then headed for the door. She stopped briefly and turned to her partner again. "How exactly are you planning on getting rid of them?" "We'll wait until its lights out and simply throw them off the train like Mr. Yablonski," he spoke matter-of-factly. Tomiko smiled wickedly at Katie before exiting the cabin and shutting the door. Katie slumped back in her seat with a defeated look in her eyes as she came to the dreadful realization that this was indeed the end for her. CHAPTER EIGHT Katie fidgeted uneasily in her bound state as the laces were irritating her wrists and ankles. You'd think I'd be used to this by now ... The window shade was pulled up and it was now pitch dark outside. Of course being out in the middle of nowhere, no one would see that she was bound and gagged anyway. She looked outside forebodingly. Even if the fall from the train doesn't kill me first, being out alone in the deserted wilderness with freezing temperatures would certainly do me in the end for sure. The sounds of people were suddenly heard right outside the cabin as dinnertime was most likely over. Katie took a chance and attempted to cry out through her thick gag. "Mmmmmmphhhhh!!!" However, due to the combination of the effectiveness of her gag and the thickness of the door, no one was able to hear her plaintive cries for help. She then heard Hans snicker softly at her futile attempts at being rescued, no doubt enjoying her predicament. Katie returned his cruel remark with a sneer. "I must say it appears that I did a first rate job in tying and gagging you. Taking you off this train is going to be, how you say ... a piece of cake." He laughed again only louder. "You know in all the years I've been with the Intelligence community, I have never had dealt with a child before, what are you some kind of junior spy?" Hans reached into his bag and pulled out a small bag of pretzels. "Well, since you went to all this trouble to find out about us, you might as well know the rest of it," he said and began eating. Even though Katie wished she were anywhere but there, she couldn't help but pay attention to what he was about to say. "Mr. Yablonski, as you had already met briefly, was our contact man. It was he who was responsible for delivering the chemical formula to produce the toxin for our plot. He had worked for the U.S. government for a number of years, inventing all sorts of toxins and poisons that are undetectable and extremely deadly. Our superiors couldn't let someone as dangerous as Mr. Yablonksi left alive, so we had orders to kill him, ironically, with one of his own toxins." He paused to take a sip from a bottle of water. "Upon arriving in Seattle, we are to rendezvous with an extremist terrorist cell, which as we speak are crossing the border from Canada. From there we'll travel down the west coast to Los Angeles where we'll produce the toxin and distribute it into the water supply. The total devastation will make 9/11 look like a simple car bombing, and no one, not even you my sweet, are going to prevent it from happening." Katie felt a frigid chill run down her spine as she still tried to comprehend fully of what she had just heard. Millions of people are going to die, and I can't do anything to stop it ... CHAPTER NINE Katie suddenly awoke as she felt her sneakered feet being moved from the seat, in which she laid on, back to the floor. She saw her captor holding a small pocketknife at her, and looked wide-eyed at him, wondering what he was going to do with that. Hans knelt down and cut the shoelaces that bound her ankles. "Time to go," he stated simply. She was unceremoniously hauled up to her feet, her knees wobbled as the muscles in her legs were still a bit weak. Katie realized she must have dozed off, but didn't know for how long. It was most likely lights out on the train by now, which explained their urgent departure. Darkness suddenly came over her as she felt something being pressed over her eyes and tied in back of her head. A blindfold!... "This is to ensure you that you don't make any sudden moves, like trying to escape," he said from behind her. Katie didn't know which was worse, being gagged or blindfolded. Not able to talk was one thing, but depriving someone of their sight made being held captive that much more unnerving. She then heard the door open, and felt his large hands on her small shoulders, pushing her roughly out of the cabin. Katie groaned at his not-so-gentle touch as she was being led down the train cars one by one to her fate. With her sight gone, her sense of hearing increased dramatically. She listened carefully, but could not detect any other sounds around her. I guess everyone else is sound asleep ... After going through four cars (as Katie kept count), she suddenly heard a familiar voice. "Miss Katie!" The blindfold was removed and Katie saw Joseph standing in front of her with Tomiko right next to him. She looked around at her new dimly-lit surroundings. Judging from the various boxes and crates piled around, they must be in the cargo car. Joseph ran over to Katie as Hans handed the gun to Tomiko. He gently pulled the scarf from her aching lips, and carefully extracted the soaked handkerchief that was lodged deeply in her mouth. Katie coughed as she took in a deep breath. "Are you crazy, she could've choked with that thing in her mouth," he yelled at the two passengers. "What's the meaning of all this, why is she tied up? I was told that this is where Katie would be." He started working on untying her wrists, but found that not to be so easy. "Joseph, these guys were responsible for Mr. Yablonksi's murder. I found out what they're up to, but they got to me first instead," Katie said all at once. "But ... why?" he asked in total confusion. Katie gave Joseph the short-short version of what she was told. He looked like death just walked over him. "How could you? ... " he said in disbelief to the woman pointing the gun at them. She smiled maliciously at him. "It's just business." The sound of the large sliding door roared open, followed immediately by a WHOOSH of stinging cold air. "I wouldn't worry so much about the lives that will be lost, than what will happen to your own!" Hans yelled through the freezing, howling wind. Joseph paused from freeing Katie, and they both stared out ominously at what would be the last precious moments of their lives ... CHAPTER TEN Katie noticed at the rate of speed the train was traveling, plus with her hands still bound behind her back, there would be little chance she would even survive from being thrown out. She saw Tomiko approach, holding the gun high at Joseph. "Step away from her, now!" she commanded. "If you're going to kill us, you might as well shoot us now!" he yelled back at her. She cocked her head slightly and smirked. "Very well ... if you insist." She aimed directly at Joseph's forehead, slowly pulling the trigger ... Just then, a figure emerged from the next car down. "Just what in tarnations is going on here?" Everyone turned around in surprise towards the stranger. Tomiko quickly pointed the pistol at him and fired off a single shot. The stranger fell instantly to the floor, clutching painfully at his shoulder. With Tomiko's attention diverted from her momentarily, Katie quickly spun around, and kicked out with her left leg, striking the gun from her hand. It bounced off the floor and Hans reached out to catch it, but was unsuccessful as it sailed out through the sliding door. She whipped her head at Katie with a look of fury in her narrow brown eyes, and she backhanded her hard across the face, causing Katie to stumble and fall into a pile of boxes. She felt a painful sting from her cheek. She then advanced towards Katie when Joseph suddenly got in front of her and pushed the petite woman forcefully to the other end of the car, knocking her down. Katie then saw Hans rush at Joseph from behind. "Behind you!" she shouted to him. Joseph turned, but was too late to do anything as Hans plowed right into him. Katie felt the laces on her wrists were loosened a bit, and struggled intently on freeing herself. She then noticed Tomiko getting back on her feet and heading towards her again. Squeezing her slender wrist through the thin laces, Katie managed to free her hands! She quickly rolled herself out from where she laid as Tomiko landed a crushing kick into a box where her head was just a moment ago. Katie scrambled back up; she saw Joseph and Hans struggling over at the edge of the sliding door, with Joseph's head sticking dangerously out from the train. She quickly noticed that Tomiko was trying to get her jammed foot out of the box. Over at the other end of the car Katie saw the man that was shot and her eyes twinkled as she spotted something of interest near him. But to get to where that was, Katie had to first get past that deadly woman. As fast as her legs would take her, Katie darted towards the injured man, narrowly avoiding Tomiko's swinging arm as she passed her. She soon stopped at the corner of the train car, reached up to a dangling cord, and pulled it down with all her might. Instantly, a loud screeching noise was heard as everyone was thrown down to the floor by the sudden halt of the train! CHAPTER ELEVEN Katie slowly lifted her head up; her ears still ringed from all the deafening sounds from the last several minutes. Everyone else seemed to be picking themselves up as well. Tomiko saw her and started heading for her, but was quickly stopped by Hans. Katie then witnessed something that she did not see coming; they abruptly left the train car, leaving all three of them alone. After that, Katie heard murmuring sounds next to her and completely forgot about the man that was shot. She knelt beside him, gently propping his head on her lap. Joseph too headed for him with absolute worry on his windblown face. "George, are you all right!?" Joseph exclaimed. "Of course I'm not all right, I've been shot! My shoulder feels like it's on fire." George then tilted his head up to Katie, giving his best attempt at a smile. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance, little lady." Katie looked relieved to see that he appeared to be okay. Fortunately she noticed that his injury wasn't near any vital organs""just a flesh wound. Judging by the clothes he was wearing, she guessed that he worked on the train. "I'm sorry ... George this is Katie. Katie, this is George, our train engineer," Joseph said. Katie's eyes widen with alarm. "You mean the guy who drives the train? Then who was behind the wheel all this time?" "Only me I'm afraid, don't worry though I had it on auto-drive. I noticed the sensor light for the cargo door was blinking, telling me that it was open so I went down to check it out, you know the rest. Just who in the hell were those two fellas anyway?" "It's kind of complicated. Right now we have to get you some help," Joseph spoke, and he and Katie each took one of George's arms, easing him up to his feet. It was then that the distant sounds of screaming were heard. "What was that?" George asked. Katie and Joseph looked at each other with fearful expressions, knowing that it was still not over. They hastily exited the car as quickly as they could. CHAPTER TWELVE While walking through the train, Katie couldn't help but notice as some of the passengers ran past them. The terrified expressions on their faces told her that the situation had now gotten worse. Regardless, they still pressed on to the head of the train where the first-aid kit was located. Upon reaching there, Katie and Joseph stopped cold in their tracks at the sight of the two terrorists standing in front of the door to the engineer car. Katie paid particular attention to the large black gun Hans was holding. "You there!" he shouted to them. "We need this train moving again, now!" "How? The engineer's been shot, and in no condition to do anything," Katie shot back. "If this train doesn't start going, I will proceed to shoot each and every passenger ... " he then aimed the gun at Katie, " ... starting with you my talkative little one." It was like the whole world around her was tuned out as Katie stared numbly at the barrel of the gun right between her eyes. "I'll do it ... " a voice spoke that snapped Katie out of her trancelike state; she recognized it as Joseph's. "I know how to operate this type of train, so I'll take you to where you need to go, just please don't hurt anyone else." Hans thought for a moment, scratching his chin, then moved the gun away from Katie. "Alright, but only you stay on board, the rest must leave the train immediately." "In the middle of nowhere, we'll all freeze to death!" George exclaimed. "Would you prefer then to end your pitiful life right now?" he responded with the gun pointed at him now. "No!!" Joseph shouted. "George, please do as they say." He then slowly nodded his head to Joseph affirmatively. "You have ten minutes then to evacuate everyone," Tomiko spoke plainly. "Okay, but first I need to get the first-aid kit to treat his wound," Joseph said. Not long after, all the passengers stood outside the train shivering in the chilly late November temperatures. Katie looked sorrowfully at Joseph as he stood calmly, staring back at everyone. He then halted his gaze on Katie and gave her a warm smile, reassuring her that everything was going to be all right. Tears ran down her frosty cheeks as she began to smile back at him as well. He then slowly turned and disappeared back into the train. The sounds of sobbing were heard as the train started to move away. Katie couldn't believe that it was ending like this, stranded in the hostile wilderness with no hope of rescue, and to top it all off, the millions more that will surely perish. People began walking down the slight embankment that ran along the tracks, hoping to find in the pitch darkness any kind of shelter from the harsh cold. As the train began to increase speed, Katie spotted the cargo car she was just in earlier ... and the door still wide open! Her adrenaline kicked in as she hurriedly took off for it. Barely running alongside the open door, Katie managed to jump in. "Hey, what are you doing?" She heard a voice call out and saw that it was that conductor from the cabin. "Don't worry, I'll send for help as soon as possible!" she shouted back as the train gained even more speed. Katie then slid the door shut. After that, she then pondered on what her next course of action should be. Her first priority was to help those passengers stranded in the freezing cold. A call from her cell phone to the proper authorities would easily remedy that. However, her phone was in her purse still back at her seat, and there was also the matter of the "Dead Zone" they were still in. She recalled that it wouldn't be until morning when they were through it. She hoped that those people could hold out long enough until then. Then there was the matter of those two crazed terrorists. There was no question that they had to be stopped. However, Katie found herself yawning and realized that she was exhausted. Besides, there really wasn't anything that could be done that couldn't wait until morning anyway, so she crouched down behind some large crates to stay out of sight, and tried to get some much-needed rest for whatever dangers that would lie ahead ... CHAPTER THIRTEEN Katie slowly opened her eyes. The rat-tat-tat sounds of the train gliding along the tracks that had soothed her to sleep now woke her from her slumber. Her eyes focused and saw that she was lying face up on the floor of the car. Sitting herself up, Katie stretched out wide with her arms and twisted her back a little; lying on that hard wood wasn't the most comfortable experience. She then glanced at her watch and gasped at the time""10:12 AM! She instantly got to her feet and cursed at herself for sleeping longer than she wanted to. Making her way back to where her seat was, Katie's senses were on full alert for any signs of trouble that may occur. The sun was shining brightly as Katie finally saw signs of civilization outside the window. We must be getting really close to Seattle now ... A few more cars later, Katie saw her purse right where she left it and quickly fished out her phone. Upon flipping it open, Katie noticed to her dismay that the battery was dead""she forgot to turn it off last night. Just great! Some detective you are. Now how am I going to call for help?... Katie sat there for a moment and came to the conclusion that it was now up to her to stop those two terrorists from carrying out their deadly plot. However, if she stood any chance of overpowering them she would need some kind of weapon to do it. Two against one with a gun involved wasn't very good odds, but Katie had no choice in the manner, millions of lives were at stake here. Looking around the car, Katie noticed some of the other passenger's belongings left behind, and perched up on one of the overhead compartments was a baseball bat! Standing on the seat, she reached up for it and grabbed it. She noticed that it was no ordinary bat for it had all kinds of signatures on it most likely from famous ball players. This was obviously someone's prized possession, so she made a mental note to try and keep it in the same condition as she found it. Holding it firmly in her hands like a batter ready for a pitch, Katie now walked towards the front of the train. Even though inside she was scared beyond words, Katie silently prayed to God to give her the strength and courage to do what was needed. Just as she was about to exit the car, Katie saw through the windows of the doors between cars Tomiko heading in her direction! She quickly hid from her view hoping that she didn't spot her also and waited. Crouching down low next to the door, Katie saw it open and Tomiko casually walking through it, oblivious to her presence. When she was far enough in front of her, Katie quietly rose up with the bat raised high and struck her at the base of the head with a THOCK, knocking her down to the floor. Still keeping her distance, Katie nudged her inert form with the bat to see if she was truly knocked out. Tomiko didn't even budge for she was out for the count. Satisfied, Katie carefully reached over to her neck and felt that her pulse was beating normally. Even though that she probably deserved death for what she was about to do, Katie was no executioner, she would leave that for the authorities to decide. Several minutes later, Katie finished binding Tomiko's booted ankles with some black electrical tape she found in a supply closet. She then rose up and admired her handiwork; Tomiko was seated in that same closet, bound hand & foot, and gagged with a rag stuffed in her mouth held firmly in place by more tape wrapped around her head. Katie smiled, in all the times she was in that very same predicament it actually felt good to be at the giving end for once. She then shut the door and proceeded back towards the head of the train with the bat still in hand. Even though, to Katie's disappointment, Tomiko had no gun on her that she could use, at least the odds were more or less even now as Katie was determined to finish this once and for all ... CHAPTER FOURTEEN The trek through the remaining cars went without incident as Katie suspected that the other one was no doubt keeping an eye on poor Joseph. She thought about him, admiring at how selfless he acted in order to save all the other passengers, a true hero in her book. She wanted to make sure that he would be around to receive the commendation he most deservedly earned. Upon reaching the door to the engineer car, Katie hesitated for a moment. She was prepared for the good possibility that she may not make it out alive, but if it meant stopping him then the sacrifice would be worth it, and she knew her father would be extremely proud of her. She carefully opened the door and quietly stepped inside ... The corridor leading to the control room of the train was rather narrow. Just up ahead, Katie could make out Joseph sitting down at the wheel looking straight out. Hans was standing near him as she could see his arm holding that wicked gun. The train thankfully generated enough noise to muffle her steps as Katie edged closer and closer to her target. Sweat began to bead on her forehead as she now saw Hans with his back to her. This was it; she had only one chance to make it count. Katie raised the bat up high, preparing to strike, when suddenly like warned by a sixt sense; Hans turned around, aiming the gun at her chest! "Well, if it isn't our little friend again. You do have a knack for showing up in the least expected places." Joseph turned his head and also Katie standing there with her mouth opened in astonishment. He too reacted in surprise at her sudden appearance. "Now be as so kind my dear to lower the bat and toss it over behind you," he commanded smoothly. Katie reluctantly did as he instructed. "Just how did you get back on the train? All the doors were locked so you ... " he paused for a moment. "Ah, of course, the door to the cargo car was left open. How careless of me to have overlooked that." He then took a quick look at Joseph to make sure he was still seated. "What have you done with Tomiko, since I assumed you already encountered her?" "Don't worry, she's a little 'tied up' at the moment." Hans gave Katie a really dirty look for she sensed that he was very frustrated for being outfoxed by a mere 'child'. "I would have you take me to her so that she can be freed. However, I need to remain here to ensure that our driver continues to drive the train. So it looks like she will have to suffer for a bit until we reach our destination, besides she could use the rest anyway. So it would appear that I have no further use for you. Now, how would you like it, right between the eyes or through the heart?" he said, chuckling lightly. Katie just stood there silently, glancing over to Joseph with a 'good-bye' in her eyes. "I must admit you are very brave for one so young to except her fate," he said and aimed the gun directly at her face. Just then a blaring noise screamed out. Before Katie could react, Joseph was up in an instant from his seat and rushed the startled terrorist. He managed to move the gun away from Katie as the two of them struggled fiercely to gain control of it. Katie ran over to the back of the car where the bat laid. She grabbed it and began heading back, when all of a sudden; she lost her balance and toppled to the floor as she felt the train accelerating. She managed to pick herself up and entered back into the control room. The noisy sounds of gunshots were heard as the two still fought for it. In the struggle, Hans had moved his body so that his back was facing Katie again, and this time she didn't hesitate as she whacked him hard with the bat. "Aaaaaaaahhhhh!!!" he cried out. Joseph managed to wrestle the gun from his hand, but before he could get a chance to use it, Hans punched him hard in the gut. As Joseph gasped for air Hans then shoved him forcefully to the floor. Katie swung the bat to his head, Hans dodged the swing and before she could swing again he send a hard kick straight to her thigh. The blow made Katie nearly fall over. Hans then knocked Katie down as he ran like lightning out of the engineer car. Joseph, now holding the gun, ran over to the door and discovered that it wouldn't open. It felt as though something was jamming it shut. He desperately tried kicking it down, but still it wouldn't budge. Aiming the gun at the door handle, he fired off one shot. It unexpectedly ricocheted off the strong metal door and into the small confines of the control room. Seeing at how that it didn't work, he put the gun away for it was far too risky to use. After she lifted up herself up, Katie looked out the front window and noticed how dangerously fast the train was now going. She glanced over at the controls and noticed to her horror that it was completely shot up! Joseph eased past her and she observed his disturbed expression, which didn't look good at all. "You still can stop the train, right?" she asked hopefully. After fiddling with some of the controls, Joseph looked defeated. "I can't stop it, the controls have been jammed as a result of the damage. During the struggle I hit the accelerator lever by accident." Katie had a distressing look on her face as she faced this new problem. "Well, can't you call for help?" "I would, but unfortunately our 'friend' destroyed the radio as well. And I can't even get the door open, we're trapped in here!" Katie slowly sank into the chair staring through the window with a hopeless look on her face ... CHAPTER FIFTEEN The situation looked absolutely grim, the two of them stuck on board a runaway train with no hope of escape. Seeing at how fast the train was traveling it was far too dangerous to just simply jump out, so that meant that the terrorists were stuck on board as well. That put Katie's mind somewhat at ease knowing that if they were going to die then they'd take those monsters with them, thus saving southern California from a catastrophe of epic proportions. Based on where they were according to the markers along the tracks, Joseph estimated that they were roughly 100 miles away from Seattle. Now a new concern had hit them; the train plowing through the station, killing hundreds most likely in the process. Hopefully though the controllers at the station would realize that as well and divert the train to a location where it could crash harmlessly. Still refusing to give up hope though, Joseph scrambled around the car, trying to find something to get that door open. Finding a tool chest, he rummaged through it and found something""a welding torch! It would take a bit of time, but Joseph was confident that he could get them out. Katie sat away from the blinding light of the torch as Joseph began cutting a large hole around the door handle. After some time had past, Katie kept looking out through the window watching everything around them whiz by them. They had sped through a small train station with people waiting on the platform, no doubt wondering as to why that train was going so fast. Then something in the distance caught Katie's attention; a small dot in the sky. As the train moved, the dot was getting larger, and a shape began to form of that of a helicopter. "Joseph, there's a helicopter approaching. Maybe they're here to rescue us." "Then let's not keep them waiting, I'm almost done here." A minute later Joseph shut down the torch, and using a fire extinguisher nearby, smashed it into the smoldering hole and breaking it partially through. He then carefully reached in with his hand and dislodged a fire axe that was wedged through the handle on the other side. After that he finally opened the door! The two exited out and headed for the nearest window. After opening it, they stuck their heads out and saw the helicopter getting closer. Katie gazed at it carefully and noticed a series of letters on it indicating that it was a news chopper. She looked puzzled. Seems awfully strange for the news to arrive here so soon ... Suddenly, the train began to tremble as the wheels screeched loudly against the tracks. It was making a curve, but fortunately not too sharp, otherwise the train would derail off the tracks! Katie turned her head towards the rear of the train to check that all the cars were still on the track, when she happened to spot on the roof of one of the cars, the two terrorists standing on it, waving at the oncoming helicopter. "Joseph, they're trying to get off!" she pointed to them. "Not if I can help it," he said and pulled his head back in. The two then made a mad dash for the car the villains were on. Upon reaching it, they spotted a ladder leading up to the ceiling of the car. Each passenger train car had two overhead escape hatches on either end. The one that was open was at the far end, so Joseph reached up and pulled down the ladder to other one. "Now I want you to stay here while I handle this," he said to Katie as he pulled the gun from his belt. "But you're going to need ... " "As I said I want you to stay here and out of harm's way, okay?" he interrupted her. "You know despite what you think I'm not a child. I can take care of myself." "So I've noticed," he said and climbed up the ladder, opening the hatch door, leaving Katie to just sit around and wait. CHAPTER SIXTEEN Katie could not sit still while Joseph attempted to hold off the two villains himself; she had to do something to help. Looking over at the other open hatch door gave her an idea. She hurriedly climbed up the ladder and slowly poked her head out. The freezing wind whipped at her face as she could see the two terrorists standing with their backs to her, their arms raised while Joseph held them with the gun. The helicopter was fastly approaching to her left. Katie noticed the side door opening and a man sitting there holding what looked liked a rifle! Before Katie could do anything the man aimed the rifle and fired off a couple of shots at Joseph. Katie was stunned. Oh my gosh ... their terrorist friends must have somehow hijacked a helicopter, and now they're trying to save them! Fortunately the shots missed Joseph, but the distraction allowed Hans to rush at him. Before Joseph could use his gun Hans seized his arm and Joseph screamed in pain as his wrist got twisted and the gun fell out of his hand. Tomiko stood idly by at the moment. Katie noticed the laptop computer she carried around her shoulder and realized that she had to get it away from her, for without that the terrorists will be unable to execute their lethal plan. Katie carefully climbed out onto the roof and sneaked towards Tomiko. As she approached Tomiko turned around and saw her. Katie leaped foward and tripped up Tomiko by her ankles. She fell face first on the hard metal surface, and in an instant Katie was on top of her trying to open the laptop case. With the two struggles going on, the shooter on the helicopter dared not take another shot for fear of hitting his comrades. Katie managed to unbuckle the leather strap, but before she could open the case, Tomiko elbowed her hard in the chest causing Katie to roll off of her. The Asian woman removed the case from her shoulder and moved towards Katie. Katie stood up and raised her arms in a fighting stance, from the corner of her eyes she saw Hans and Josepth wrestle for control. Tomiko dropped into a fighting stance as she had a cruel look on her face. "You will be sorry for ever having crossed me girl" Before Katie could react the Asian kicked her hard in her gut. Katie gasped for air and replied with a punch aimed at her face. However the Asian reacted fast and dodged the punch. At the same time she gave a swift karate chop to the throat of Katie. Katie held her throat as she coughed and gasped loudly, the precise blow had nearly broke her windpipe. Stepping back the Asian woman moved towards her as she smelled blood, as Katie did her best to catch her breath Tomiko swung a round kick straight to her face. At the last moment Katie dropped low and the kick missed her head by mere inches. Katie swiped her leg low and sweeped the legs of Tomiko. With a suprised yelp Tomiko dropped down and rolled to the edge of the roof. However with cat like speed she leaped back to her feet and avoided falling of the roof. Realizing the lives of thousands were on the line Katie dropped in her fighting stance as the Asian came at her again. Katie avoided a kick aimed at her knee and managed to punch Tomiko hard in her face. The blow made the Asian woman stagger back and Katie aimed another punch straight to her nose. However Tomiko reacted fast, with her arm she blocked her punch and at the same time encircled her arm with hers, then she pushed the head of Katie backwards with her other arm. As Katie her body was forced backwards she was unable to react as Tomiko slammed her knee hard between her legs. Katie screamed loudly and as she doubled over in pain the cruel woman pulled her towards her and threw her to the floor in a perfect hipthrow. Katie landed hard with her back on the metal roof and her wind was knocked out as she saw the Asian woman looking down at her. Unable to move she could not prevent Tomiko from trapping her wrist under her armpit as she locked her arm. Before she realized what was going on Tomiko leaned back and she felt her elbow dislocate with a loud pop, causing Katie to scream in pain. Tomiko placed her knee painfully on her breasts and punched her hard in the face. "Not so tough without a bat, are you not little snooper" Tomiko said with a cruel voice. Another punch made Katie her vision blur. Blood was comming out of her nose and mouth as she was laying stunned on her back. Her arm was in pain and positioned in a awkward angle. Tomiko stood victoriously over Katie and then spat into her face. Katie felt the spit on her face as well as her own blood. Was this the end? was this woman going to kill her. With a sadistic smile Tomiko grabbed Katie by her throat, dragging her towards the edge of the roof. Katie coughed as the slender yet powerful hands tightened around her small neck. "Now, I'm going to finish you once and for all you little bitch!" she hissed angrily at Katie. Katie peered over through the strands of dirty blonde hair gusting in her face and saw that her head was completely over the side of the train now! Tomiko propped herself on her knees and continued pushing gleefully at the helpless Katie to her apparent doom. As Katie's body shifted ever so closer to the edge, her thighs were right under Tomiko's butt, and that gave her an idea. Summoning up all of her strength, Katie gripped tightly with both hands a short metal strip running along the edge of the roof and swung up her legs, pushing really hard with her hips just enough to topple Tomiko over head-first. The petite woman released her grip on Katie as she plummeted over the side of the train, screaming all the way down to her obvious death. Katie quickly scrambled back to catch her breath, her elbow was hurt but not broken. Katie then noticed Hans staring over the side of the train with a look of disbelief on his windblown face at the sudden loss of his longtime partner. He then angrily turned his attention to Katie as she retrieved the laptop from its case, and pointed the newly-acquired gun at her; Joseph was at the moment lying behind him apparently in horrible pain. "Give me that computer!" he bellowed out to her over the raging wind. "What ... this?" Katie said, and casually tossed it over the side. "NOOOOOOO!!!" he screamed out as he watched it sail along, smashing against some rocks below into a million pieces. Hans then looked back at her with blind rage in his cold, blue eyes. "I'm going to enjoy killing you!" he roared, and approached her deliberately. As he walked, Katie suddenly dropped completely flat on her stomach, covering her head with her arms. Hans smiled realizing she was submitting to her fate. Suddenly, he heard a gunshot close by. He looked up and saw the helicopter pulling away from him. The people on board were frantically shouting at him and pointing. Confused, Hans turned to where they were apparently pointing towards, and caught just a glimpse of the arched tunnel colliding with him! CHAPTER SEVENTEEN Katie removed her arms from her head and peered up slowly, she noticed that Hans was no longer standing in front of her. I guess he didn't see that tunnel coming ... As much as Katie wished that they would stand trial for their crimes, she didn't feel the least bit sorry for either of them""it was after all self-defense. Katie saw the end of the tunnel rapidly approaching, and remained where she was until they were through it. Once she was cleared, Katie scrambled over to the lying Joseph. Reaching over to him, Katie shook him urgently. "Joseph, are you okay!?" She was relieved to see that he opened his eyes. "Ohh ... my head feels like it's the bass drum of some rock band." "Come on, we have to get out of here before ... " Katie's words were cut short as she spotted the helicopter in the distance bearing down on them fast. Moving quickly, Katie pulled Joseph up and helped him over to the open hatch door. Still a bit groggy, he managed to grab hold of the ladder and climb down. Katie was right behind him just as the copter open fired, sending shots to where she stood just moments ago. Once inside, Joseph's head began to clear up, but was still a bit weak from the beating he received. "I got to sit down for a second," he said, sitting on one of the seats. Katie could hear the helicopter now directly overhead. Oh, no ... They're planning to come on board ... "Listen, we have to get out of here right now!" she yelled. Joseph too heard the copter and led Katie out of the car. "Where are we going?" she asked, hoping that he had some kind of plan. "Back to the cargo car, we're getting out of here," he spoke with a renewed strength. Behind them in the distance, Katie could hear the sounds of voices and spotted some men climbing down the ladder. After reaching the cargo car at record speed, Joseph went over to the wall where the emergency brake cord was located and opened a compartment. He pulled out what looked like a couple of tools, then went back out and knelt down at the door of the other car right over the heavy clamp that held the two train cars together. Using the tools, he began the laborious process of unhooking the cars. Katie waited anxiously at the opposite end. She peered over Joseph into the next car and could see the other terrorists approaching! "Hurry, they're coming!" she cried out. "I just about got it," he replied, and sure enough the clamp opened as the rest of the train began to pull away slowly from the cargo car. Still on the car that was attached to the train, Joseph leapt across the ever-widening gap and grabbed hold of the other car, however, he lost his grip and began to fall, but Katie grabbed onto his arm tightly and helped him back in. As the space between the cars grew further and further apart, the terrorists finally made it to the end and saw that as well. Katie and Joseph hid back inside as the men opened fire on them with their guns. Fortunately it was short-lived as the distance became too great, which meant that they were now slowing down. They both peeked their heads out and saw the train rapidly moving away. At a switch track up ahead, the signal light was flashing red, and the train was then diverted from the main section of the tracks, heading off to what appeared to be some old warehouses in the distance. The cargo car finally came to a complete stop just as it cleared the switch track, allowing other trains to pass through safely. Katie and Joseph both crumpled to the floor, letting out a big sigh of relief. "I think next time ... I'm going to fly instead," Katie spoke as she breathed heavily. "Yes, maybe I'll change careers as well. I hear that airline travel has become much safer now." Joseph saw a sign outside that read: Welcome to Seattle. "Well, Miss Katie, it looks like I did get you to your destination." She smiled and gave him a nice warm hug. The booming sound of an immense crash was then heard in the distance ... CHAPTER EIGHTEEN The police managed to catch the remaining terrorist that flew the helicopter (since the rest of them perished along with the train), and rescue workers were able to reach all the stranded passengers and transport them to safety. For their help in the War on Terror, Katie and Joseph were awarded the highest commendation given to a civilian by the President himself at the White House! That was by far the biggest thrill in her young life. After the ceremony, Katie managed to speak with the head of the FBI, who was in attendance there, and told him of her ambitions in joining up when she's old enough. The director assured her that as long as she meets all the requirements, a special agent badge would be waiting for her. Her father hugged her, saying that he had never been more proud of her. That meant a lot to her knowing that. Of course Katie had stated on numerous occasions that she wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Joseph. The two had developed a special bond as a result of that experience, and he had told her that if she ever needed anything, to just ask.