Thankfully, Alex had chosen to travel by night train. That mode had its complications, but it was far less risky than flying. I knew the exact date and departure time, yet I couldn’t book a ticket — safety precautions forbade it. Purchasing one would have required registering in my name, which I couldn’t risk. Buying on board, even if seats were available, was equally problematic. Beyond wanting to remain incognito, I also intended to fare-dodge in case border control was tracking passenger numbers.
Her sudden decision to head to Tolosa surprised me. Intrusive, feverishly jealous thoughts crowded my mind: the persistent fear that she was going to see another man who lived there.
But who could blame me for feeling that way?
Alex was breathtakingly beautiful and sharp as a tack. She rarely left home except to visit family, so her abrupt choice to travel alone to the south of Gaul raised questions.
My suspicions intensified on the day she left.
The weather was foul, as it so often was in northern Gaul at that time of year. It had rained all day and continued pouring into the night — the hour of her departure. Anyone planning a trip abroad would normally check the expected weather at the destination. Tolosa might be the perfect summer getaway, but visiting in winter seemed pointless. I was eager to discover what had drawn her to that southern city.
The train was already at the platform when we arrived. I kept a safe distance so Alex wouldn’t spot me, but I never let her out of sight.
She had booked a one-week stay, so her luggage was light: just a red carry-on suitcase and her handbag.
Seeing her in green suede high heels, a dark blue dress beneath a pink topper coat, sent a jolt through me. In my fantasies she always wore her police uniform, but this elegant, polished look made me ache for her even more.
I nearly gave myself away when she struggled to haul her suitcase up the steps. I was right behind her and had to fight the urge to help, letting two other passengers pass in front of me instead.
Her compartment was halfway down the corridor. I waited until the shuffling passengers vanished behind their doors, ensuring no one would notice the woman in the pink coat travelling with a man.
My sudden appearance startled her. She was stowing her carry-on under one of the benches when I stepped in. She jumped, backed away. I closed the door behind me, dropped my suitcase to the floor, grabbed her by the waist, and pulled her close.
“You have no idea how much I missed you!” I hissed through clenched teeth.
I hugged her tightly, pressing desperate kisses to her neck and face.
At first, she was too stunned to react, and I could have sworn her eyes lit with joy. The moment didn’t last. Her body soon tensed as she pushed against me.
“Smith? Why are you here? How did you find me?”
She sounded irritated, but I knew she was glad to see me.
“I followed you from work to your house. I watched you for days until I learned you were going to Tolosa,” I admitted plainly.
“You did what?! You were stalking me, Smith!”
It thrilled me to watch the merry sparkle in her eyes darken into fury, as though she might leap at me.
“Yes, I did – and I’m sorry. But I couldn’t help it. I didn’t dare visit you in hospital and after your discharge I couldn’t bring myself to face you. I was convinced you hated me for what happened.”
The guilt I had carried for weeks surged back, sharp, and fresh, as I met her gaze. I turned away so she wouldn’t see how much it hurt.
“You’re not to blame, Smith. In the end, it was my idea – and I insisted on doing it.” After a brief pause, she added, “But you could at least have let me know you were safe. I only realised our plan had worked when I saw the news. Thank you for the flowers, though.” She gave a faint smile and turned her attention to wedging the carry-on under the bench.
“So, why are you here?” she asked.
“I’m going with you to Tolosa!” I replied brightly.
“Oh, you have a seat in this carriage, too?” she asked, unruffled.
“Honestly, I was hoping you would be kind enough to let me share yours for the journey,” I said shamelessly.
“What happens when the attendant comes to check tickets?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.
“Don’t worry, I’ll think of something. And I promise I won’t cause you any trouble.”
“Fine, you can stay. But behave yourself – or I’ll report you and they’ll throw you off at the next stop!”
I knew precisely what she meant by behave. Sharing the compartment with me was risky for her precisely because I might not obey that rule. Still, I played along. Alex wouldn’t betray me, but she would make me regret it if I crossed the line.
“It’s odd you agreed so easily. The officer I know would have tossed me out the window if I suggested locking ourselves in a small space like this. You must remember what happened last time,” I couldn’t resist pointing out.
I searched her face for hesitation, confusion — anything to betray her real feelings. Instead, I found only cool composure.
She sat on the bench and gestured for me to take the opposite side. From her bag she produced a thermos flask and sandwiches, setting them on the table.
“I’ve brought something for the journey. It’s not much, but the trip takes seven hours – I thought you would like it.” She spoke without looking at me, unpacking the sandwiches as calmly as if she were making breakfast at home, “You’re right, I would have thrown you out – but not in this case. I’m suspected of colluding with a criminal from Albion who exposed corruption in the Shortridge police. They have no proof, but they’re watching me closely. If I report you to the attendant, they’ll call the police. It won’t take long for them to connect you to me, and then I’ll be in serious trouble.”
Hearing that, I realised every precaution I had taken to shield her from her superiors and colleagues had failed. They suspected something. The arrest of the corrupt officers hadn’t ended our problems.
“What happened?” I asked.
“One day after I returned from hospital, my boss came to see me and asked for a private word. He told me outright he didn’t believe you had tried to kill me. The stab vest gave that away. He thinks I know more than I’m saying and that I’m protecting you. I talked my way out of it, but he made it clear he no longer trusts me.” She unscrewed the thermos cap as she spoke.
