Page 18 of Railed

"It's crazy! How can I possibly reason with crazy?"

"Doesn't sound like you can."

"Exactly!” I huffed. “But if I don't, by the time he realizes I was right and he's wasting time and money on the island, it'll already be too late for the trains."

"I didn't take you for a quitter," Cassie challenged.

My heart leapt into my throat at that as I forced out a reply. "What? I'm not, but what else can I do? I don't have his money or influence."

"But he doesn't have your drive and determination, or your passion for this island and the trains," Cassie insisted.

I fought to keep my face neutral at the “passion for the trains” comment, but she wasn't wrong about that, or any of the other things she'd said.

Maybe there was something to do. I gathered up my binder with my flyers and petition in it and said, "You're right. I needed that, thank you."

"You've got this!" she encouraged me as I headed out the door. "And don't worry! If today doesn't work, you'll have the whole weekend to brainstorm."

I laughed at that, replying, "So glad you believe in me," as I exited.

Chapter Fourteen

Gauge

Emma

Are you around?

My phone was plugged into the train console, so Emma's message flashed across the screen, making sure I didn't miss it. Unfortunately, I had to disappoint her. I had a few more hours of work before I could go home.

I'm stuck at work. Sorry, what's going on?

Her response wasn’t immediate. In fact, it took long enough that I started to wonder if I should be worried.

Emma

I'm fine, just a weird situation with an ex - was hoping for a rescue

I responded almost as quickly as I thought it.

Are you safe??

Emma

Yes!

Emma

I'm fine, don't worry

Emma

Just could use an excuse to get out of here - he knows where I live so I don't really want to go home

An idea struck, but I wasn't sure if it was a crazy one. I paused a moment before deciding it probably couldn't hurt.

I'm not around yet, but my roommate is. They could come get you and you could hang out with them until I'm off?

Emma