2. Takeover. Project Xx

No 4 McGhee

McGhee was convinced, convinced that whoever was responsible for the killings and taking out the support teams must be receiving inside information. It had to be a rat-releasing vital details; to defeat a whole protection squad without taking casualties themselves, they must have inside knowledge. McGhee knew he was on the hit list and decided it was time to ditch the large security team and keep moving; he thought he had the perfect solution: flee Meganta and head into the highlands.

The highlands were an area of outstanding natural beauty, with mountains, trees, and streams, which went on for hectares and hectares. The unspoilt countryside was home to one of the world's longest, most picturesque train rides, a popular tourist attraction. During the three-day journey, the train would only stop once, reducing the risk for McGhee. After it left Meganta, it travelled through the suburbs before hitting the beautiful countryside and heading into and around the highlands. McGhee thought his plan was flawless, maybe even perfect. He was hiding in plain sight on a sleeper train packed full of witnesses and tourists, and he was sure it would make an assassination attempt quite tricky.

Mixing in with the hustle and bustle of tourists at Meganta Central, McGhee stepped into the carriage of the historic steam train. He thought that by booking five cabins in different carriages, he could confidently eliminate any potential threats to his life. He intended to change his appearance daily, not dress in fancy designer suits like usual. To further blend in, his bodyguard was instructed to tone down his normal responses and instead portray the role of an old friend or business associate. McGhee assured himself that it was the perfect plan. The driving wheels of the train began to turn slowly as the mighty steam engine started to move forward, filling the station with steam. After dropping off their luggage, McGhee sat in the restaurant carriage, keen to sample the delights on the menu. If McGhee was worried, his persona now certainly gave a different impression.

For such an old historic steam engine, the ride in the carriages was incredibly smooth; McGhee was impressed; his usual method of transport was either luxury SUVs or sports cars. It didn't take long for the train to leave the suburbs and into the beauty of the countryside; for a moment, McGhee almost forgot that he was a man with a target on his back. Whilst his bodyguard attempted to fit in, he couldn't stop scanning people and treating everyone as a potential target.

The afternoon soon turned into the evening, and McGhee retired to his room. This train was famous for its picturesque scenery and smoothness, so McGhee and the many tourists had no trouble getting to sleep.

During the early hours, the smooth, repetitive sound of the train tracks was disturbed by raised voices and the train slowing with a gentle screeching of brakes. McGhee's bodyguard cocked his weapon and slowly opened the door, just enough to peer through the slight gap,

"I can see train staff," he said as he continued to look through the gap.

"Find out what's going on" ordered McGhee.

McGhee had a gold-plated Uzi loaded and ready. He released the safety catch as his bodyguard stepped outside the door. Within a few minutes, he came back in.

"They've lost some carriages", he reported.

"What do you mean?" quizzed McGhee.

"Three carriages have disconnected. The train guy says it's rare but can happen if a coupling is worn.

"So it's not suspicious? What do I pay you for?? He said it's rare! He mentioned it in his first words he spoke to you!" McGhee was concerned this was the start of the attempt on his life.

The train had now come to a standstill.

"Get out there!" growled McGhee.

The bodyguard left the cabin and headed to the train's rear, where the recent decoupling had occurred. McGhee wedged a chair against the door and moved to the corner of his cabin-uzi in hand.