Detective Hetfield checked his phone. It lit up when he flipped it open, so it wasn’t out of power. His bars were also full. He hated waiting. He knew he should have stayed with Tina and Clayton at the crime scene, but he wanted more information from Jonas. Namely, did these two men, Phillip and Robert, have anything to do with this investigation? He didn’t want to use the lights, but the traffic was heavy and his patience was getting small. As he slowed at a red light, his phone began to ring. “Hetfield” he said, almost before he’d opened the phone.
“Will, why are we using cell phones?”
“Tina, I just like to be careful when I’m where I’m not supposed to be. Any luck at the crime scene?”
“We’re in the apartment manager’s place. Some clothes and other things are missing, along with any car keys. We found some spots under the bed where it looked like suitcases were. I think he’s on the run. Either that or he decided on a last minute vacation.”
“Let’s not think of alibis for him yet. I’m almost to Minnesota Avenue. I’ll let you know what Jonas has to say. How’s FBI doing?”
“Agent Iron-Horse? He’s been very helpful and polite. He said he’s waiting for what you find out before he hits the morgue. He did a call in on the two names, Robert Fulton and Phillip Anderton.”
“And?”
“Well, that’s also confusing. They have nothing in their files, but they have files. Recently started files.”
***
Old Man B poked his head around the corner of a grain car. “The coast is clear. C’mon you two.” He started walking gingerly across a set of tracks, with Bob and Phil close behind.
“B, how many times have you done this?” Phil asked.
“Enough times. I’ve been from one end of this country to the other in a boxcar. It’s a hell of a view.”
“It’s not exactly…legal, is it?”
“Ah, you young people and a fear of jail. A little jail is good for the soul.”
Bob looked about nervously. “I don’t know, I think my soul is in fine shape.”
“Here we go.” B said. “This one will do just fine.” The boxcar was an old Burlington Northern, and was peppered in rust and graffit. The door was open just a crack, and B opened it just a bit further. “Now, you two get in. I’ll close the door a bit father. With any luck, they won’t latch it before the train leaves. Soon, you two will be on your way to Canton.”
“Canton? That’s as far as we’ll get?” Phil asked.
“Pipe down. Canton, or maybe Dell Rapids. I’m not sure where this train is going. Anyway, don’t open the door all the way until you’re out of town, and if possible get off the train when it’s slowing down, before you hit the railyard. If not, just try and listen to make sure there isn’t anybody outside the train when you disembark.” Bob and Phil looked at each other nervously, as the door rolled open. “Well, are you in or not?”
