The train entered a tunnel. Absolute darkness for three seconds.
"GO. Before I change my mind."
Passengers panicked, standing, shouting. The Sparrow disappeared in the chaos. Kenji moved forward, heart hammering.
He scrambled for it. A polished leather shoe stepped on it.
Car Five. The dining car. The scent of stale coffee and regret.
Kenji wanted to argue, to save the boy. But the boy shoved him.
"Mr. Saito," the old man said. "I believe that's mine."
"Occupied," he whispered.
The doors opened. Kenji ran. He didn't look back. He leaped onto the platform, the briefcase heavy on his wrist, and disappeared into the river of commuters.
