The Enchantments: Book 3 - The Key of Sorcen

Chapter 20: In the News

The afternoon was bright and a bit chilly when the train pulled into the station. Crowds of curious onlookers who had heard about the mishap with the caboose lined the tracks hoping to see a glimpse of the devastation that rocked the train.

Marlanda peered out from one of the side windows of the cabin and followed the faces of many members of the press as the train came to a stop.

"There must be at least fifty reporters and cameramen outside." She said as she adjusted her eyes to the many flashbulbs going off.

"Maybe we can get out the back way and avoid them all." He said looking out the window behind her.

"We better, we've drawn enough attention to ourselves for one lifetime. When the other passengers start to disembark we'll slip out the other side of the train to avoid the horde of reporters." Marlanda stated.

The train let out a long sigh as the whistle blew to inform passengers it was all right to leave the train. Marlanda and Shawn waited for a few minutes for the horde of reporters to harass the other passengers before they would step from the cabins.

Shawn followed by Marlanda headed towards the front trying to avoid the crowd that was filling up the exits to get out. Many had seen the photographers and their flashbulbs and wanted to be part of the may lay even though many had no idea why they were there. They rushed out into the swarms of reporters telling them wild versions of what they thought had happened even though the two who knew everything were now sneaking out the back way.

Shawn helped her down from the top step and onto the platform away from all the commotion on the far side of the train.

"If we hurry we can make it out before anyone knows we're gone," Shawn said.

"What about the police, they'll want to ask us questions about the caboose crash?" She asked.

"We'll go to the station after the commotion has died down and told them what we know."

"You mean tell them everything?" She asked curiously.

"Everything they'll believe." He said.

She nodded and followed him down the backside of the platform. They approached the last car of the train thinking they would be clear when a person came out of nowhere knocking Shawn hard to the ground.

"Oh jeez, I'm really sorry!" The young man said apologetically.

Shawn sat up on his haunches and stared at the blond hair boy angrily. "You really should watch where you're going."

The tanned faced person reached over to the side and picked up his hat as he placed it on his straight flyaway blonde hair Shawn and Marlanda gasped.

"You're a reporter?" Marlanda asked.

The young man smiled slightly, "I'm more of a cub reporter, this is my first major story and I'm late." He hesitated for a second. "Has the train disembarked?"

"Yes a few minutes ago, you just missed them," Marlanda said.

"SHOOT!" He yelled. "My editor's gonna kill me."

Marlanda looked down at the young man who was now slowly knocking his fist upon the top of his skull.

"What's your name?" She asked.

The young man lifted his head, his hat drifting over to one side, "I'm sorry, my name's Graham Zimmer, but you can call me 'Crazy'."

"Crazy? How the heck did you get stuck with that nickname?" Shawn asked with a laugh.