I eyed the bed that was more consistent with the width of a couch than a bed. It would barely be big enough for me, much less Mr. Built-like-a-fridge.
“Please,” he asked as the train began to jostle.
I still hadn’t gotten used to him with a shaved head and a thin layer of jet-black hair. Granted, I hadn’t gotten used to myself as a brunette either. We’d done what we had to do. And, so far, it was working just like he said.
I stole the blankets that were intended for my bed as Jude lay down first, then guided me down on top of him.
A flood of tension released from his body the moment my head hit his chest.
He was snoring before we left the station.
I stirredas the train slowed and the speakers crackled with an announcement that we were arriving at Fort Madison, Iowa. Jude was smushed against the wall, holding me against his chest as he slept. A pang of discomfort settled low in my bladder. I had been so tired after boarding that using the facilities prior to the train leaving was out of the question. But now, it was inevitable.
I wriggled out of Jude’s arms and stumbled as I found the strength in my legs.Food was going to be necessary too.
I didn’t even have time to reach for the lock on the door before Jude woke in a panic. “What’s the matter?” His eyes were frantic as he wavered between the dead sleep he had been in and the instant fear of me not being with him.
I laid one hand on his chest, and immediately, his racing heart began to slow. “I’m fine. I’m just going to the bathroom.”
He glanced at the window that was covered with a shade. “We’re not moving.”
“We just stopped in Iowa.”
The manic look in his eyes hadn’t left. Jude smoothed his hand over the top of his buzz cut and closed his eyes. “Right. Okay.”
I glanced at the door again. “I really have to pee.”
Jude motioned me out with a flourish of his hand and followed me out into the narrow hall of the car. Thankfully, the line outside the communal bathroom disappeared as we grew near. I slipped in first, going as quickly as possible in what was only slightly bigger than an airplane bathroom, then traded places with Jude so he could go. People bustled around us, settling in as they boarded at the station.
“We probably need to eat something”—Jude cupped my cheek—“but part of me just wants to go back to sleep.”
“I can order room service if you want to go back to the cabin,” I said, thankful that having the roomette afforded us the luxury of not having to go to the dining car unless we wanted multiple courses.
His brows knitted together. “You should stay in the room as much as possible. I can go get us food.”
“Jude.” I squeezed his hand. “Go sleep. You drove us all the way here. I’ll just be a minute.”
He lingered, giving me a doubtful look, but I held my ground. Finally, he relented. “Come right back. Keep your head down.”
“Don’t be memorable. I know,” I teased.
Jude kissed my head, then turned and headed back to our room.
It was then that I realized I had no idea how I was supposed to order room service. We had been so tired during boarding that we completely missed all the announcements and instructions. It was fine, though. After an overnight road trip and sleeping on the equivalent of a high-end cot, I needed to stretch my legs. I’d find an attendant, look around, and then go back to Jude.
I walked the length of two cars, rolling my neck, stretching my arms, and getting the lay of the land before turning to head back to our car to find an attendant. The call for passengers totake their seats as the train prepared to depart was made over the PA system. I’d have to wait to get food, but that was fine. Jude and I had snacks in our bags. Truthfully, as much as I wanted a hot meal, I really wanted Jude for as long as I could hold on to him.
I squeezed to the right as two men shuffled down the walkway. For a second, I didn’t think anything of them. The train was packed. Then, I realized they didn’t have any bags. Not even a backpack. They wore heavy coats even though it was almost seventy degrees outside.
Everything Jude had taught me about clandestine storytelling came back in a torrent.Be forgettable. Look like you belong. Blend in with your surroundings. Don’t hide in camouflage. Hide in plain sight.
I kept walking but chanced a look at the mirror in the top corner of the car just in time to see the men pause and look at my back.
Don’t run. Running is suspicious.
I heard the rhythm of their footsteps change and begin to follow me as I slipped from car to car.
The roomette I shared with Jude came into view and I panicked. If I slipped inside, they might get a peek at Jude. If they worked for Valentine, they would recognize him. What if Jude had locked the door behind him and I was locked out? I’d look guilty as hell if I tried to get into a secured room.
