Charles was watching Metube on his phone. He checked the time. It was 2 am. They rode the train at 9 pm. 7 hours were left before they would have reached the Haber Port.
He thought, "Why are they so late? I gotta check it out." He put his phone aside and stood up. He went out of the compartment.
He found Stacy. Morgan was on the bed. Not to mention, his soul was still missing, but that was not a thing to be worried about.
Slowly, hours passed in silence and the train reached the station. Everyone got off the train. The train was covered by cops carrying rifles.
The three of them got off at last. Charles began talking with some officers he seemed to have known. Morgan looked at the TV. Some reporters were broadcasting the news of this train.
The reporter said, "The train was forced to halt by the Railway Traffic System (RTS). The train was investigated, the passengers were evacuated out of the train, and the culprits were caught.
The driver, however, was not found. Detective Charlson, the one who became famous by collecting evidence against the current king of Marelith, was called for further investigation.
The natives of this kingdom didn't like his presence at all, specifically because he is rumoured to be an indirect revel who acted using the power of law.
Some rumours even say that all the evidence he presented was false. He is blamed as a fraud detective.
We've also found out that three Interpol officers were inside the train and were responsible for stopping the potential threat."
Many reporters reached them at once and blocked their way completely. They poured them with questions and accusations.
"Sir, tell us what exactly happened inside the train."
"Was someone killed?"
"Why is the driver's compartment destroyed?"
"Had there been some big fight?"
"What weapons were used?"
"Which gang was involved?"
"Why is the driver missing?"
"Weren't the three of you supposed to protect everyone inside the train? Does that mean you've ditched your duty?"
"What is the meaning of all of this?"
Some of the cops blocked the way of the reporters and made a way for the three of them.
The three of them were able to get out of the station. But what waited for them outside was a huge crowd of reporters who jammed the traffic and left no room for them to escape.
Charles asked one of the cops, "Why is there so much fuss about this incident? It is not something which gets these many reporters to go crazy."
"We don't know the reason. But, we've sent investigators to clarify this matter. Maybe, someone is hyping up the reporters."
A large, bulky man wearing a vest and shorts pushed through the crowd and made a way for Charles for him.
He said, "Charles! Get here!"
"Lucas, I'm coming."
The three of them went towards Lucas. Lucas led them inside his car. He drove the car and also enjoyed a good old chat with Charles.
They have known each other since childhood. They separated ways when Lucas went to join the Navy, and Charles went to join the army.
They were neighbours and used to play together a lot. They are still good friends. Lucas drove to his house. Reporters couldn't follow him because he drove the car too fast.
He parked the car inside the basement of the house. They entered his house. Lucas said, "Guys, just chill out on the sofa. I'll get you guys some drink."
He went inside the kitchen and brought three cups. One cup had beer on it and the other two had orange juice. Charles took the cup of beer and drank it in one go.
Morgan said, "Don't you have a beer for me?"
Lucas replied with a faint laugh, "A kid like you should not be drinking."
"I'm not a kid, old man. I'm 25."
"Oh, I didn't know. But still, you do look like a kid of 16. Get yourself a beard or something. You'll look mature."
"I like your suggestion but a beard ain't a thing for me. I'd look a lot worse than now. Believe me, I've tried it."
Stacy finished the drink and asked, "Mind if I call you Lucas?"
"Why would I? That's my name."
"So, Lucas, do you, by any chance, know a girl named Cony? The last time I heard from her, she was in Haber Port."
"Cony, umm, reminds me of something. Let me think, this name is familiar."
"What does her name remind you of?"
"I know two people with this name. One of her has the surname Dillard. Whom are you talking about?"
"Cony Dillard. Do you know her?"
"Of course. She is a nice lass. She got herself caught by cops and I interrogated her. She was left with a fine. But when she told me about her past, I was down to tears. She told me about her quest to find her dad."
"Do you know her whereabouts?"
"Not quite. But, I can give you a rough estimate."
"What is it?"
"She must be somewhere within Marelith, Marerith and Lekton."
"It's too vague. But, are you sure she's not out of the range you gave me?"
"Not sure but that must be it because she told me that she is going to stay in that range for a while."
"And when did she tell you that?"
"A week ago."
"Thanks for the info. I don't think it was helpful but still, it's okay."
Charles slept on the chair. Lucas carried him and said to the two of them, "This guy never changes. Be sure to not betray him. A lot happened and he now carries a deep hatred against Glen."
Morgan said, "I've heard that name."
Stacy said, "He did say that he was on a mission to kill Glen. Why does he bear so much hatred against him?"
Lucas said, "Well, there's a long story of it. Better not ask anyone of Charles's friends about it. That includes me. And never talk with Charles about that matter. Never. You might be one of his targets."
Morgan said, "That's scary. But he seems to be a chill person to me."
"He's chill about anything until it connects with Glen. Don't judge him by his personality. He can get a lot dangerous."
Lucas pulled his sweatpants up, revealing a scar so big that it covered his entire right leg.
He said, "This is what he did to me in a split second when I pressed him on this matter."
To be Continued...