Inhumanity

Chapter 2

A new dawn, another day on snowpiercer. I have my record player blaring out a few of my favourite tunes as I get dressed in my uniform. There's a knock on my door, I sigh and turn the music down, probably my neighbours wanting to tell me off about the noise and lecture me about keeping it quiet. But the knocking persists, I open the door to find Melanie standing there. I step aside and let her in, she looks at the messy room and sighs "you need to tidy up at some point" she takes a seat, I roll my eyes "you haven't come here to lecture me on my messy room" I mumble. She shakes her head "that detective, I need you to stay with him for a while. I want you to be my eyes and ears, make sure there's nothing he's not telling us" she says. I cross my arms "thought you had brakemen for that sort of work, I on the other hand have a job" I state. She leans back "brakemen till is also escorting him but I just want you to help out, we can't afford any screw ups" she says. I keep quiet "I've already notified Mary that you won't be in today so it's either sit here and do nothing or help out with this investigation" she says. My lips curl up in a sneer, she knows that I'd rather clean toilets than do nothing, stuck between a rock and a hard place, brings back many unpleasant memories. Reluctantly I nod "alright, I'll help out with this investigation"

I make my way down the train to the brakemen main office, I stop halfway there to press my hand on the wall. It's going to be a rough day, I can feel it. The train is shaking more than usual, probably nearing some mountainous area. I find the office and knock on the door, Roche opens the door and glares at me "great you're late" he says harshly, I shrug "hey don't blame me I had an unexpected 25 minute walk that I was expected to do in 20, what was I supposed to do?" I answer. I brush past him and two pairs of eyes stare at me, Roche is not exactly welcoming "try running" he snaps. He points to me "this is eve, Melanie has assigned her to help with this investigation. Apparently she's smart though I am yet to see some proof of that" he leaves the office probably marching off to bite someone else's head off. I smirk softly "he's always like that". I knew Roche from before snowpeircer, worked on mr Wilford's security team, though it was only a few times and we never spoke or interacted with each other. I don't think he really remembers me. Till pushes past me and opens the door "well if you want want him to be nice to you try to arrive on time" she says. The tailie looks at me "you're the teacher from yesterday" he says. I smile "teacher assistant, surprised you remember" I state. I hold my hand out "nice to finally talk to you..." I trail off awkwardly realising I don't have his name. He tilts his head looking me up and down with a weary expression "Andre Layton" He stands up and follows till out, leaving me to bring up the rear, I doubt he'll try to escape, he'll only get so far. He's not stupid, he wants to gather valuable information before he's forced back to where he comes from. A jackboot hurries past me, he shoves the tailie against the wall "watch it tailie" He sneers. Andre doesn't look too concerned, he smirks "could just ask nicely". Till glares at him "you people killed their friends, I don't think you realise how unpopular you are" She says. He doesn't care "yeah well they killed 14 of mine"

He freezes and stares behind me, I glance behind and realise he's seen a few people from the tail been brought up for sanitation "Layton come on" till hurries him along. We enter third class, there's music blasting and the noise of everything jumbled together "Tailie cop coming through!" Till shouts. People glance at him in disgust "Rat eater, keep moving." Someone shouts. He glances round nervously like a gladiator stuck in the arena with a lion, he then notices a baby, resting in its mother's arms. He stares is wonder at the small creature "You ready to detect, Detective?" Till says lightheartedly. We go over to the noodle bar where the guy who found the body is sat, probably having a peaceful lunch

"Tunnelman Jakes Carter" Till announces, the guy scowls and shakes his head in disbelief "Come on." He sighs. She climbs up onto a stool, leaning in the bar "He's the guy who found the body" she says to Layton. I shake my head "bad luck" I comment. He glances to me "tell me about it. I'm working a double. This is my lunch break." He holds up his cup of noodles. Till grins "Great. I'll join you. Hey, small for me. He's good. Eve you want some?" She ask. I shake my head "not hungry"