I adore that exasperated look. He sighed.

“Is there a point in this line of questioning?”

“The more I know about my kidnapper, the easier it’ll be to escape.”

“I did not kidnap you.”

“What else do you call it when you drug a woman and whisk her away against her will?”

“I thought we were calling a truce.”

I chuckled.

“Fine, fine. We’re a couple of normal people, stuck in the same train car, and on a very long trip. Most people talk at least a little. And asking each other questions is generally a good way to get the conversation started.”

“I find talking to people without a practical reason to be a pointless activity.”

I believe it, I thought.

“Humor me. I’m bored.” He looked unconvinced and I smiled cheekily. “And the more bored I get, the more creative I get at being annoying.”

He huffed.

“I have a sister and no lovers.”

I waited, but he didn’t say anymore.

“Alright. At this point you either elaborate on that or you ask me a question.”

“There is nothing left to elaborate on and I’m not curious about you at all.”

Ouch.

I laughed and shook my head.

Why am I stuck with this guy? Why couldn’t I get stuck with Abel? At least he’s willing to have a conversation.

Oh, because despite Mr Abel being married, Miller is jealous. And won’t let the guy be alone with a woman for very long.

My smile turned into a mischievous smirk.

“Fine. If you won’t ask about me, I’ll give you the third degree. What’s your relationship with Mr Abel?”

“He’s my work partner.”

“How’d you meet?”

Pause. Ooh! There was a story here! I scooted closer and propped myself on my knees.

“There’s nothing to tell.”

“Right. Then give me the bare bones. Did you meet at work? When you were assigned to each other as partners? Or somewhere else?”

His face muscles twitched and I got excited.

“Somewhere else. You met outside of work.”

“This is irrelevant”

“Focus, Mr. Miller, we’re having a conversation. It’s not about relevance.”

“Agent Miller.”

I rolled my eyes. If I wasn’t so happy about how annoyed he was getting, I’d be irritated, too.

“Agent Miller. Either you answer the question or I’ll just keep bugging you. For the rest of the trip if I have to.”

He sighed. The big baby was acting like I was digging a bullet out of his arm.

“I was a trainee on another case. Abel had been kidnapped and we rescued him. That’s it.”

My eyebrows shot up. He was the worst storyteller but what a juicy story!

“Kidnapped? Kidnapped like you’re kidnapping me or something else?”

“I’m not-” He sighed, finally tired of arguing. “I can’t explain all the details. It was a political move, and the kidnappers intended to return him to his family in… unpleasant ways. Fortunately, Abel had been training for such situations, otherwise he would’ve been dead before we arrived.”

“How did he survive? Did he fight off the bad guys?”

“He got himself free of his restraints and locked himself in a room until help arrived.”

“So, how did he go from kidnap victim to hex whatever agent?”

Miller’s expression became darker.

“The buffoon became interested in another trainee that was also on that case and entered training to pursue her.”

My eyebrows shot up as I looked him over. Another trainee? Was it really a her? Was that an accurate statement or smokescreen to the truth?

I couldn’t leave it there. The curiosity was killing me.

“Who was the other trainee? How long was he interested? Did they date?”

His expression soured even more.

“That part is not my story to tell. Ask me something else.”

I pouted. Fine, I’ll just have to ask Mr Abel later.

“How long have you been partners?”

“Since he completed his training three years ago.”

I grinned and sat back.

“See. That wasn’t so bad.”

He grunted in total disagreement.

As fun as sending Agent Miller over the edge was, it was also tiring. After a few more questions, I picked up my guitar again and kept playing.

Aware of Agent Miller watching me. And disappointed that Mr Abel didn’t return until well after we ate his offering.

Excitement zinged through me as the train pulled into Amourville station. And huzzah! The platform was busier than the last stop!

This was my chance! I just had to get lost in the crowd and find a door. Or a place to hide would probably be better. So I didn’t leave my key behind for weirdo Miller to find.

I geared up with my stuff and meekly followed Mr Abel off the train. Unfortunately, with Agent Miller following behind. I could feel his eyes burning a hole in the back of my head.

“Did you enjoy the ride, Miss Aka?”

“Mostly. It was little boring but I can deal. How was the endless patrolling?”

Mr Abel gave me a ‘save me’ look and sighed dramatically. “My feet hurt but my soul is renewed. I’ll be going home soon.”

“That’s right, you have a wife waiting for you,” I said. As though I’d forgotten. “I bet she’ll be glad to see you.”

For some reason his expression turned a little sad. But he immediately perked back up.

“Of course! May I take your bag?”

Uh, no, that wouldn’t fit my plans at all. I smiled and held onto the strap tighter.

“Thanks, but I’ll carry it. Where are we going now?”

“We need to get you processed as- That is, we need to get you officially noticed as being under our protection. But it might be better to wait until morning. Hansel?” Abel half turned to look over his shoulder. “A hotel or my residence?”

Agent Miller turned his attention briefly to Mr Abel.

And I booked it!

The same way I would run from a troll. Without the distraction bombs.

I just pretended the crowded platform was filled with trees, bushes and whatnot instead of moving people. I mean, some plants in the forest moved, too, so it wasn’t too far out of my experience.

Threading my way through the crowd, I scanned for an escape route.

There! 9 o’clock to the left, there was a gate out onto a busy street.

“Sorry!” I called when I knocked over a trolley of luggage.

Almost there, almost there-!

Something grabbed my arm in a vice grip and I fell forward, dragging the other person down with me. For a moment, we were a tangle of luggage and limbs as we struggled to stand up.

All the while, fingers bit into my arm.

“Miss Aka,” said Agent Miller through gritted teeth.

I shot him a cheeky smile and silently wailed my disappointment.

“It was worth a try.”

***

Hansel

One more night. Just one more night.

Hansel sat across from the infuriating woman. Forced to lean forward on his knees because he’d handcuffed her to him.

She, of course, didn’t seem worried at all.

She hummed and looked out the coach window. Oohing and ahhing over every little thing.

He bounced a fist lightly against his forehead.

One more night and he can hand her off to someone else to watch.

The coach pulled up in front of Abel’s house and she craned to look. Almost pulling Hansel off his seat when she yanked her arm up.

“Wow! Is this a hotel?! It’s huge!”

No, it’s the residence of a prince. Who isn’t wise enough not to flaunt his wealth while in disguise.

Hansel didn’t bother answering aloud. He just grunted and got off the coach. Which he had to do awkwardly because of the cuffs.

She chattered with Abel all the way to the front door, which was opened by a properly wizened old butler. The man bowed them in.

“Welcome home, young masters. Was it a fruitful trip?”

Hansel shot Aka a scathing look. She smiled back.

“It was,” said Abel cheerfully. “I’m sorry I wasn’t able to give you warning, but could you have someone prepare the guest room next to Master Miller’s?”

“Of course.”

“Excellent! Our luggage is still on the coach. Oh, and, uh, is the Mistress home?”

“I just sent a maid up to fetch her, my lord.”

“Splendid! Have Cook send up a light supper and tell Gretal we’re in the blue parlour.”

Once inside the parlour, Hansel undid the cuffs. Giving Aka a glare that said ‘I’m watching you.’ She smiled, rubbed her wrist, and wandered around the room. Looking at everything.

“Don’t touch,” he told her gruffly.

“Why?” Blatantly to infuriate him, she poked a little statue of a nymph above the fireplace. “Are you afraid I’d steal something?”

“No. You’re filthy.”

Her mouth fell open and Abel choked. Whether he was laughing or horrified, Hansel wasn’t sure.

“This is my home, Miss Aka. You may touch whatever you like.”

Aka shot Hansel a smug grin and picked up the statue to look at it more closely.

One more night. Just one more…

The door banged open.

“Hansel!”

Gretal came rushing across the room, skirts flying. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him on the cheek.

For the first time in days, he felt himself relax as he hugged her back.

“You’re home! How was your trip? Did things go well? Tell me everything!”

“What about me?”

Abel looked like a sad little puppy as he waited for Gretal to turn a disdainful look on him. Still hugging Hansel around the neck.