Tranter and Toubec waited on the platform for the 0600 InterRail to accept lower-level passengers. Bridges to the upper level were thronged with crew and military personnel, but the lower level remained devoid of life.
‘It’s only us wanting to board the lower level, for God’s sake,’ Toubec growled under her breath. ‘Can't they just let us board?’ Tranter gave her a scowling glance that told her to keep her thoughts to herself.
The clouds had lost their pink sheen and gathered to mask the sky, and a tenacious wind was beginning to whistle through the station.
Tranter pulled the lapels of his coat high, ducking his head to shelter from the cold, when he saw Lieutenant Colonel Noriah step on to the platform.
‘Noriah’s behind you,’ Tranter said, covering his mouth and coughing.
Toubec hooked her hair behind her ear and looked up at the crowded bridge as Noriah focused on them and strode forward.
‘Tranter? Toubec?’ He nodded curtly. ‘You’re leaving us, I understand?’
‘Of course we are,’ Tranter scowled. ‘There’s not a hope in hell that you’re ever going to let us across the border. We’re all wasting time and resources pretending you’re even debating it.’
Noriah bared the faintest smirk as he fished a cigarette from his breast pocket and masked his lighter with a cupped hand. He drew deeply, the smoke whipped away by the wind.
‘You know there’s no other way across the border?’
‘Is there something you would like to say to us, lieutenant?’ Toubec said, unfolding her arms and picking up her bag as the door of the InterRail hissed open and the interior lights flickered on.
‘You know there’s no way across, don’t you?’ Noriah emphasised, gazing at Tranter, and all he could hear was the name Stumm. Was that why the military had denied them access and any help whatever? For the death of one of their own?
‘Good day, Noriah,’ Tranter said, picking up his bag and stepping slowly on to the InterRail. ‘I’m sure we’ll meet again, and when we do, you’re going to give me anything I ask for.’
It was lame, and everyone in earshot knew it. Noriah bared his teeth like a hyena, and returned his cap, shielding his penetrating eyes. Tranter knew he would return to the barracks and share his embarrassing threat with anyone who cared to listen, and his face began to burn as Toubec looked up at him quizzically from her seat.
‘“You’re going to give me anything I ask for?”’
‘It was supposed to be a distraction,’ he lied, ‘he’s thinking what a nothing I am right now instead of wondering what we’re planning.’
She raised a brow, unconvinced, but took her notebook from her bag and began writing.
‘What are you up to?’ He asked, changing the subject.
‘Just thinking about that antibody. Making notes. Nothing, really.’
He sat back in his seat as the carriage hummed to life and eased from the station. After a few minutes Toubec looked up from her notebook. ‘So. Where are we going to get off?’
‘Were heading straight back to Birmingham.’ he said, leaning forward. ‘You saw the look on Noriah’s face, he didn’t believe a word of it. I imagine there’s someone travelling back with us to make sure we don’t make an early exit.’
‘And when we get back to Birmingham?’ She said, lowering her voice.
‘I’ve got an idea but I’m going to keep it close to my chest, if you don’t mind? Just until I’ve arranged some things.’
Toubec nodded and returned to her notebook, though her attention was drawn ever increasingly to the landscape beyond the window until she were captivated entirely.