Page 84 of The Damaged Hearts Bargain

“We will, one more light and we’ll be on our way, just be patient.”

“I won’t have time to buy a ticket!”

“You’re getting on the train?” asked Syd.

“Dunno, maybe, I really have no idea.”

“Actually, you can buy a ticket on the train providing that certain circumstances are met. Paragraph 6.1 of the National Rail Conditions of Travel states that if there is no working ticket machine, a closed ticket window, if disabilities mean you are unable to buy a ticket, or if your chosen method of payment is not accepted then you can purchase a ticket from the conductor of your train or at your destination.”

Cal just stared at her.

“What? I like trains,” Syd said.

The light changed and Syd pressed the accelerator, zooming away from the traffic snarl and toward the sign for the station. A minute later, she was pulling up outside.

“I’ll deal with everything here,” she said, without waiting for Cal to say more. “Give me the house keys.”

Cal handed over her keys and leapt out of the van.

???

Lucy’s phone rang and she quickly pulled it out of her pocket.

“What?” she hissed into the receiver.

“It’s me,” caroled George. “And guess what?”

“George, I’m in the quiet carriage.”

“Wait, you’re on the train already?” he said. He sounded worried now.

“Yes, obviously. You bought the ticket. I’m in the quiet carriage and I’m not supposed to be on the phone. Well, I’m not once the train gets started anyway, which is going to happen any minute.”

“Oh, no,” said George. “Um, look out of the window.”

“What? No! What do you need?”

“Just… just look out of the window,” George said. “Where’s your bag?”

“On the luggage rack, where it’s supposed to be.”

“Well, maybe take it down, have it ready, just in case.”

“Just in case of what?” she asked.

“Lucy, why do you have to ask so many questions?”

“George, why do you have to be such a drama queen?”

“I’m not a drama queen, I just have a flair for the dramatic.”

“Which most of us would call being a drama queen.” Lucy shuffled uncomfortably. People were starting to look at her.

“I swear to God, Lucy, look out of that window or I’ll… I’ll let Fabio sleep in your bed while you’re gone. You know how much he likes to pee on a pillow.”

Lucy gritted her teeth and looked out. She saw the platform, emptying out now as the train readied itself to leave. “What am I supposed to be looking for?”

“Just… just look,” George said, sounding like he was on the edge of his seat.

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