Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3 Janie held her breath as the policemen closed in. She imagined a tiny jail cell, crawling with rats. Murderers all around her. She braced herself—this was the end! But the policemen rushed right by her. Janie stared in shock as they surrounded Hammer.

"You're under arrest for the robbery of Drake's Jewelry!" one of the policemen barked, snapping handcuffs onto Hammer's wrists. Janie stood with a small crowd, hoping nobody could hear her heart pounding. She knew what she was supposed to do—wait until the police were gone and then go directly back to Aunt Barbara's apartment. Malvo would send instructions for what Janie should do next.

Toot! Toot! The train whistle blared—the Seattle train had arrived. People were heading out to the platform. She gripped her overnight bag, ready to leave the station. But then a shocking idea popped into Janie's mind: I should still get onto the train. Here was her chance to escape this rotten life. Because at this moment, Malvo had no idea that

Hammer had been arrested. And he probably wouldn't find out until sometime tomorrow. Aunt Barbara wasn't expecting Janie home for two days. Janie's mind spun faster. She could meet up with Malvo's man in Seattle just like she was supposed to. But instead of bringing the money back to Spokane, she'd use it to get away. She could go anywhere. She could go to Boston and find Dash. Janie imagined a door opening. But then it slammed shut. Don't be a fool, she scolded herself. Malvo would catch her for sure. Bloody thoughts flashed through her mind. Fists. Blades. Cracking bones. She squeezed her eyes to block them out. Which is why she didn't notice that someone had come up next to her. "That was amazing!" a voice chimed. Janie's eyes popped open. A boy was grinning at her. He seemed to be about her age. She quickly

looked him up and down. His hair was neatly combed. His coat was fine wool. His boots were brand-new. Rich kid. He stepped closer to Janie. "Did you see how the police ran in here? How they arrested that creep? I've never seen anything like it!" The kid was so excited—you'd think they were at the circus. He grinned at her. "My name is Frederick McBride," he said. "Are you taking the train to Seattle?" Janie started to shake her head. But then a voice whispered to her, like a soft gust of wind. I think I can. Her body tensed. Who said that? She glanced around, but nobody else was near them. I think I can. I think I can.

Those words, they were in her mind. And they were getting louder. I think I can. The silly train story! Why was she thinking about that now? And why was she nodding her head? "Yes," she blurted out. "I'm going to Seattle." What? No! She couldn't do that! Just then a tall man strode up to them. "Frederick, I see you've made yourself a friend," he said, smiling at Janie from under his neatly trimmed gray mustache. Friend? "Papa," Frederick said. "This is… I'm sorry, what did you say your name was?" "Janie." No! She'd said her name! What was wrong with her? She must be under some kind of spell! "Papa," said Frederick. "Janie is going to Seattle too." "Very nice, very nice," the man said, peering around. "And where is your family?"