I Know What's Wrong with this Train

Hardcastle solves another mystery in a missing scene from "Something's Going On On this Train."

Note: To the best of my knowledge and belief, this story is fair use of copyrighted material, as there is no commercial use and no loss of potential market or value of the original material will occur.

The train had plenty of unoccupied compartments, but there was no question about Hardcastle and McCormick sharing. After the killings and the attack on Mark, culminating with him being tossed off the train, the two men were quietly determined to keep a close eye on each other.

Despite obvious fatigue, McCormick had difficulty getting to sleep. Hardcastle heard from his lower bunk McCormick's restless thrashing and grumbling. Finally Mark reversed his entire position to face in the opposite direction, with his head toward the window in the compartment.

Hardcastle was tempted to aim a kick where the mattress above him sagged down at its lowest point. He was on the verge of demanding to know what the hell was going on and snapping at McCormick to settle down. He didn't seem to have any problems the previous night. He was in the top bunk-hadn't he slept in other places like this before? That was where Hardcastle had seen him in prison, when making that offer of a partnership.

Damn. That was it. Prison. The cramped compartment, bunk beds, and little ventilation all heightened the anxiety about an unknown killer in their midst, reminding the kid of prison. No wonder he was having trouble sleeping. He had turned toward the window as a way to cling to the outside world. The compartment must have seemed like a prison cell.

Ah, kiddo, I'm sorry you have to relive that. Hardcastle made a show of getting up grumbling. "Stuffy air in here. Guy can't grab any shuteye through all of this." He moved to the window, ignoring the head that was raised to watch him suspiciously. McCormick had pulled in his legs and curled himself into a protective ball. Hardcastle cracked open the window a fraction and returned to his bunk. "That's better. I need my rest before my close-up tomorrow."

The open window increased both the noise of the train and the flow of fresh air, sweeping away the stuffiness and sense of confinement. Hardcastle heard a sigh, and the rustling of the mattress as legs were stretched and shifted and McCormick relaxed. The anxiety that Hardcastle had sensed evaporated.

Feeling better now, huh kiddo? You would never have admitted there was a problem, would you? S'okay, whenever I see the signs, I'll handle it.

Hardcastle listened to the quieter sounds above him and settled down himself. He intended to have a good night's rest before faking the eternal version.