Chapter 32 · Last Work Train Out

"Get back!"

Too late. The work car slams into the coal tender and the whole train lurches forward. I'm already moving. My boots hit the platform edge and I jump.

I land hard on the passenger car roof. The metal burns through my gloves. The train's picking up speed—not much, just enough to kill us.

Amy's screaming inside.

I punch through the roof. The tin peels back and I rip it wider, drop through the hole.

Amy's pressed against the far wall, staring at two bodies on the floor. Militia. Throats torn out. The smell hits me and my mouth floods. I bite down till my jaw creaks.

"Amy."

She sees me. Her face does something complicated.

"There's—there's dead people—"

"I know." I cross to her in three steps. The train's rocking, getting faster. "We're leaving. Now."

"I can't—my dad—"

"Your dad's back there. You're here. Come on." I grab her hand. She's shaking so hard I can feel it through both our gloves.

The front door bangs open.

Edith steps through.

Blood on her mouth. Spike hammer in her right hand—