Sonic's and Emily's Wedding

Chapter Ninety-Nine: DAW: Facing Emotions (3/11)

Later that day, Henry and the red coaches arrived at Crovan's Gate where Rheneas was waiting with the old coaches.

"Hello Henry, Sean, Mick, Harry and Randolph," greeted Rheneas. "How are you all today?"

"Not too good, I'm afraid," admitted Henry. "You and the other Skarloey engines and coaches didn't happen to see a big ochre colored diesel race by Crovan's Gate yesterday, did you?"

"Sir Handel and Peter Sam saw him flash by the station earlier," explained Rheneas. "For some reason, they felt a chill when they saw the silhouette of the diesel's driver."

"I wonder why that could be?" asked Ruth.

"Well, Oliver got a massive fright when he saw the diesel at Knapford," Mick explained. "Henry told us on the way up." He explained to Rheneas and the old coaches about Cockade's involvement with trying to get Oliver scrapped.

"Oh, poor Oliver," gasped Lucy. "I hope he's getting through this trauma okay."

"Sophia Hodges has gone to see him," said Sean. "I believe his therapy session is happening as we speak."

"Well, that's good to hear," said Beatrice.

"Douglas has also been a massive help," added Randolph. "I believe he was soothing his feelings during the indignation meeting last night, from what you said, Henry."

"If I didn't know any better," chuckled Henry, "I'd swear something magic was going on between those two."

"What do you mean, 'magic'?" huffed Agnes.

"Pipe down, Agnes," ordered Rheneas. "They've got more than enough trouble with that bully. The last thing they need is you making things worse."

Bust my buffers, how did I forget Agnes was on the train? Henry thought to himself. This was probably not the best time to bring that up.

Harry cleared his throat. "Anyway, we also heard a discussion at Knapford about some information about Tasha."

"One of the former Tidmouth, Wellsworth and Suddery engines?" asked Rheneas. "Oh yes, Skarloey, Proteus and I met her a few times when she came down here."

"But the best ones to ask would be the Mid Sodor trio," said Beatrice. "They saw her all the time. Well, them and Edward, but he's out of the question."

"They are unfortunately not within your range of seeing them at the moment," said Rheneas. "I'll ask one of them when I get a chance later. Thanks, Henry, coaches."

"Our pleasure, Rheneas," smiled Henry. Before long, the guard blew his whistle, and the engines parted ways.

Down at Vicarstown, Gordon had taken the express and he was getting topped up with coal and water for his return journey.