Splintered

Chapter Forty-Two: Derailroaded

Backup generator lighting was the only source of illumination in the sudden darkness. The candles were gone, flung somewhere across the car. The cassette player lay belly-up near a pile of shattered plates, broken glass, and what was left of the prairie berry pie.

Floral breath washed over Hazel's face, tangling in her disheveled hair. The scent was candied roses with a hint of copper. A bruising grip drew her closer. Her cheek brushed the fine material of Snow's shirt.

The two of them were sprawled on the ground.

"Are you alright?" he asked, straightening the vest that had half-slid from his shoulder.

Her body ached, but it was also singing with a fresh rush of pain-numbing adrenaline.

"No permanent damage. You?"

Snow tilted his head, propping himself up on an elbow as he peered down at her. It was then that the double doors burst open. Leo rushed in, rifle first, scanning the darkness.

"Senator?" He called, "Marlowe?"

Hazel carefully peeled herself away from Snow just as Leo rounded the table.

His steps quickened as he spotted them in a heap on the floor.

Snow grasped Hazel's arm to help her to her feet. Once she was steady, she untangled from him.

"Senato-" Leo started.

"Check her," Snow demanded, as he backed away, frowning at the pie. He then bent with utter disappointment and scooped up the tape player and tucked it away into his vest.

"Marlowe?" Leo lowered his weapon, sliding closer as he scrutinized her from head to toe.

"I'm alright," she murmured, brushing down her hair, though it made little difference. "Physically, anyway."

Leo met her eyes, and they softened at the edges. "We saw the news."

More dead. Because of her. Now this? Whatever was even happening was her fault, too. No doubt at Gaul's decree.

"This is all my fault," Hazel whispered.

Sable stormed in, flashlight slicing through the dark, rifle raised. Indira and Festus stumbled close behind, followed by the two avoxes.

"Senator Snow?" Sable surged forward.

"Here," Snow called.

"You injured?" Sable asked.

"We're alright," Snow scowled again at the destroyed dishes and pie.

"We need to barricade everyone in the kitchen car." Sable barked, pointing to the silvery metal door on the far wall.

Bellona set to work shuttering the windows of the cabin, her boots crunching through the remnants of glass and ceramic.

Festus and Indira were at Hazel's side in a moment. Indira grasped at Hazel's arm, pulling her close.

"Pytash, explain to me what's happening," Snow commanded, briefly scanning the room and the dead television.

"Can't be sure, but the engine car reported a possible track obstruction before the comms went out. Then the power. I sent half the Peacekeepers to the engine car. And the other half to try to flag down the Victory Tour train behind us."

"Where are we?" Festus asked, peaking out a window.

"Somewhere between the southern border of District Two and the boundaries of Five," Sable's gaze fell to the middle distance as he shoved Festus away and closed the blinds again.