The rope burned wrapped around my hands, and the roof’s steel edge dug painfully into my wrists. “Can we hurry this up!” I kicked out again trying to reach the wall, but it remained tantalizingly out of reach.
Preparation Confusion
Ollie leaned against the wall watching as Josephine Maria Ziegler tipped the contents on the floor. “Ya ain’t disproving my point.” So much for her hopes that the woman could manage the rest of the trip in peace. A cog rolled across the length of the strider and bounced off Ollie’s boot.
At the Edge
“Run.” Lula spoke the word softly, expectantly. I glanced sideways. Her eyes were locked ahead and she gave every appearance of being statue still.
Butler’s Example
“I’m certain I don’t recall!” Josephine Maria Ziegler’s eyes widen as she stared at Ollie. No doubt in feigned shock. “I can’t believe you would accuse me of being careless with the health of those in my employ!”
Expression
Josephine sniffed audibly from the corner where she sat primly despite the absolute white knuckled grip she kept on the strider’s basket. Ollie, glanced toward Alessia, careful that Josephine couldn’t see, rolled her eyes, and turned fully to the lady.
Leaving Now
Ollie grabbed the sheriff’s vest pulling him with her as she rolled them out the shop’s door. Wincing at the caterwauling as they struck against legs, she felt only a moments guilt. Not like she knew who was out the door. Besides, the particularly noisy gent dodged quick enough and the midday the crowd spread out around giving them space.
Ring the Bell
The newly risen sun had just begun its scorching rise when Valerie heard the sound. Metal warbling as it was struck, hesitantly at first but with increasing urgency. The ringing filled her with dread as the trains first shrill whistle joined the noise.
Ticket’s Price
Spine stiff, Sofie waited. Marcos plucked the monocular off his face and rubbed at his eye, before plopping the device onto the table with a plink. “A glittering gem is not enough.” He pressed a finger to the top of the stone but didn’t send it skittering back across the table.
Arrivals
Flossie scowled at the crowd milling in the predawn gloom. Their soft murmur was drowned by the roaring train. Closer. She had to get closer before Felix made his appearance. Elbows struck her, shoving her backward.
Silence Please
Alessia slapped her hand over her eyes and a matching sound echoing across the room. Timothy no doubt. Madam Jos Josephine Maria Ziegler prattled on ignoring that thunder clouds held nothing next to the sheriff’s face now. It was as if she didn’t understand the concept of “shut up.”
