The woman held out her hand and Fiona clasped it, uncaring that it was as sweaty as her own fingers.
They were safe for now and that was all that mattered.
Over an hour later the police announced they were free to come out from hiding.
Fiona hugged her new friend. “Thank you.”
“You take care,” the woman whispered.
“You too.”
Fiona waited her turn to exit the market building and cautiously walked outside. Police and EMS vehicles filled the open space. An ambulance raced down the street. Sirens still blasted and watchful officers scanned the crowd. She shivered, holding herself tightly for an instant and looking away.
The unsafe feeling persisted as she scuttled in the direction of the Winnipeg railway station.
Never had an open space seemed so big and wide. Her breathing harsh and uneven again, she sprinted into the station, her packthump-thump-thumpingher back. She paused to study the overhead signs, gulping in her urgency for air, her muscles shaking and screaming at her.
This new adventure kick might be the death of her yet.
New plan. Time to embrace exercise.Running. No, not running.She slowed to a fast walk, her lungs burning as her breath seesawed in and out.Walking.Now that she’d given Robert the heave-ho, she could get a dog. Something cute and fluffy that would offer unconditional love while she’d gain a reason to exercise and companionship in return.
A pet. Something to consider.
Fiona located the board that showed the upcoming departures.
Five minutes before her train left for Churchill. Still shaky, she dragged her body the few steps to a kiosk and ordered a latte.
At least her luggage was in the right place, delivered earlier by the hotel as part of their special butler service. All she needed to do was produce her luggage receipts in Churchill to reclaim her bag. One less thing for her to worry about now when her mind refused to focus.
As she waited for her coffee, legs still shaky, sirens blasted in the distance. An alarm shrieked from the opposite building. Outside, an ambulance raced past.
“Did you hear about the shooting?” the man serving coffee asked. His freckled face shone with curiosity.
She shuddered, recalling the blood. “Yes.”The blood. People falling. The screams.She swallowed, trying to switch off her busy mind.
“My brother works at the fruit stall. He hid behind his produce boxes. He told me the police shut down the entire area and have only just let everyone leave.”
“Were many people hurt? I-I saw several fall…” Fiona clenched her hands to fists, digging her nails into her palms to stop herself from blubbering.She’d been right there, standing by the woman who had fallen first.Cold. She was so cold. Trembling fingers attempted to button her coat. On the fifth try, she fastened one button. Her legs trembled in concert. God, she needed to sit before she fell. She hugged herself, trying to chase away the chill that had sunk deep into her bones.
The man tugged on his ear, his brow furrowed, face pale now. “At least two dead. Several injured by the crush, my brother said. He called to let me know he was okay. He knew I’d be terrified for him once I heard. Terrible, terrible business. A market. What is wrong with society?”
He handed over her coffee, his expression grim.
“Thanks.” Her hand wrapped around the cardboard cup. She sipped the coffee, grateful for the simple luxury and the warmth.
This was an experience she could’ve done without on her first adventure.
* * * * *
Stig edged the cumbersome cat closer to the railway station, hyper-aware of the bystanders who were peering at him and his brother and their vehicle.
Roll up. Roll up. The circus has arrived in town.
Glad of Leif’s suggestion to contact the local authorities and arrange traffic cones to hold a space for his engine and two sleds, he slowed enough for Kirk to leap down and clear the barriers. The big engine rumbled, a throaty, eager purr, the steering wheel vibrating beneath his hands. He and Kirk were keen to get the sleds loaded and the first shipment on the way to Churchill.
With the way clear, Stig accelerated into the space and pulled on the brakes. Once the engine shut down, he grinned at Kirk and excitement leapt between them. This was a big deal. They’d worked hard for the last few months, and now everything was coming to fruition.
Arve and Josef were bringing their other vehicle south to meet the train due in four days while Leif manned the office and attempted to drum up business.
