The Problem Professor by D.S. Lang

Author:D.S. Lang
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: D.S. Lang
Published: 2024-08-18T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

When Mrs. O’Brien and Mr. Sayers returned, he placed her bags on the extra bed. “It’s a good idea for all of you to stick together,” the conductor said. His attention riveted on Doro. “Keeping passengers safe is my top priority.”

The veiled warning was not lost on Doro, who gathered her composure before responding. “That’s good to know.”

Although Sayers looked as if he wanted to issue another warning, he nodded. “More rain is coming, but it shouldn’t delay the repair crew’s arrival.”

“Are they coming from Colorado Springs or Dodge City?” Gramma Rose asked.

“I’m not sure, ma’am,” he replied. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I want to check on—uh—the professor and grab some food.”

After the door closed behind Sayers, Rose gestured to the seat beside her. “Make yourself comfortable, Mrs. O’Brien. Do you enjoy whist?”

“I do,” the other woman replied.

Before her grandmother asked the two girls to join the game, Doro suggested a walk through the train. Her friend readily agreed. As soon as they left the compartment, Doro paused. “We’re lucky Mrs. O’Brien joined us. Although I don’t mind playing whist occasionally, I don’t want to spend all afternoon doing it.”

“Me, either,” Aggie said with a grin. “Your grandmother looked like she wanted to issue another warning, but thought better of it. Probably because she didn’t want Mrs. O’Brien more upset.”

“Probably so,” Doro agreed. “The dining car, with its small kitchen, is the only one ahead of us. Then, there are only three more cars after this one: the regular compartment, the crew sleeping car, and the caboose, so we could amble along and see what’s happening. Mr. Sayers was headed the opposite way, so we should have a little time.”

A grin tugged at the corner of Aggie’s mouth. “To ask questions.”

“If we cross paths with people, I’m sure we’ll chat.” Doro could not keep a lilt of humor from her voice. Aggie knew her well. A walk was never just a walk when a crime had occurred.

“I’m sure we will,” Aggie agreed with a trace of asperity.

The friends went through the rest of their car without seeing anyone. When they exited, both looked out the gangway window. Rain made it impossible to see very far. “Mr. Sayers didn’t think the repairmen would be delayed, but I wonder if that’s wishful thinking.”

“Even if they arrive in a timely manner, they can’t replace the coupler in this downpour,” Aggie observed.

“No, they can’t. But let’s go on, so we don’t run into Sayers while we’re out-and-about.”

The next carriage also contained compartments. As they passed the doors, the two friends heard voices but nothing related to the murder. Since the sleeper car for crew members followed, they moved along quietly. The waiters had planned to get much needed rest, so the friends continued to the caboose, which was empty.

“I don’t think we should snoop in there,” Aggie said as soon as Doro opened the door. “It’s private. The sign says so.”

Doro rolled her eyes. “The men are a few cars away and outside, so this is our best chance to see if there’s any evidence here.

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