Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6 This is it, Janie thought. Frederick knew it was her! She expected him to leap to his feet and point at Janie. "It's you!" he'd shout. But Frederick just sat there. And Mr. McBride let out a little chuckle. "I think someone's been reading a few too many mystery stories," he said, giving Frederick's arm a gentle pat.

"You have a wonderful imagination," Miss Wade said kindly. Janie exhaled; she hadn't realized she'd been holding her breath. Mr. Anderson appeared. "I've made down your beds for you all," he said. "You can come whenever you're ready." Janie kept the fake smile glued to her face as they walked back to the sleeper car. The beds were all set up. Long green curtains hung in front of each bed, so people could sleep without anyone watching them. The little girl, Violet, skipped through the aisle in her flowered nightgown and slippers. "Nighty! Night! Janie!" Violet shrieked, spinning around and skipping back to her bed. How had she learned Janie's name? "She definitely likes you," Frederick laughed. "She's adorable!" Janie gushed, as she groaned inside.

Finally, Janie climbed into her bed and closed the curtains. Frederick was right; it really did seem to be her own private room. And what a bed! There were two fluffy pillows, soft sheets that smelled like flowers, and a thick wool blanket. It was nothing like where Janie slept at Aunt Barbara's, on a lumpy mattress with just a raggedy quilt to keep her from shivering to death. She settled herself back, sighing softly with relief. She rubbed her aching cheeks. Who knew fake-smiling could hurt so much? What a relief to be alone, to go back to being her regular self. She'd made it through the evening. Like Miss Wade had said, they'd be in Seattle soon. Janie would lose Mr. McBride and Frederick in the Seattle station. Then she'd find Malvo's goon in the alley, get the money, and buy herself a ticket for a train heading east. Excitement shimmered inside her. By tomorrow night she'd be free. She took off her boots and shrugged off her coat. She checked that the diamond jewels were

safe in the hidden pocket, folded the coat, and put it under her pillows. Usually, Janie stayed up all night when she rode a train. But soon she was snuggled under the sweet-smelling sheets, cozy under the thick blanket. The train swayed gently back and forth. The sound of the train was like a song. Chuggachuggachugga. Chuggachuggachugga. Chuggachuggachugga. She tried to keep her eyes open, but she'd soon drifted into a sound sleep. The next thing she knew, it was morning. She sat up and looked around. Where was she? The train! She'd slept through the entire night! She thrust her hand under her pillows. Her coat was there—the jewels were safe. But wait… Something was wrong. The train was silent. And they weren't moving. Were they already in Seattle?

No. Mr. Anderson would have made sure they were all awake. She peeled back the shade that covered the window next to her bed. Snow poured down in thick sheets. It was impossible to see where they were. Voices sounded from the other side of her curtains. "Where are we?" "Why have we stopped?" A man's voice rose up. "There's been an avalanche!"