“Seems like I was just here.”
In Scott’s mind time had passed quickly from the day he stood here bound westward for San Francisco and The Enchantress to now; boarding the train heading east with the final destination Philadelphia. Murdoch had driven them to Stockton, wished them safe travels and again insisted on the promise to write from each of their layovers. An extra warm hug was saved for Kinsey.
As the three travelers boarded the train Scott glanced back over his shoulder to catch sight of his father one more time. Murdoch, with a content expression, waved and nodded to his oldest. Scott returned the sentiment and climbed aboard. They made the right decision. The fact that Kinsey knew Murdoch was the author of the letter to Melbourne would always remain the cousins’ secret.
The brothers located their private sleeping cabin and Scott was pleased to discover Kinsey’s was located next door, which should save him some legwork tracking her down.
Scott admired the train’s interior craftsmanship. The Union Pacific Transcontinental has certainly outdone itself. Each beautifully appointed cabin had plush velvet seats that converted into snug sleeping berths.
“Flip a coin for the bottom bunk Boston?”
“No need Johnny. The younger brother always takes the upper berth.”
“That some kind of ‘traveling train’ rule?”
“No. It’s some kind of ‘end of discussion’ rule.”
A blur appeared at the door. “I’m checking out the dining car.” And then it was gone.
“Kinsey?” Why did he think there would be little legwork involved on a train?
The train’s décor was only surpassed by the menu selections for the evening meal. Scott relented and let his cousin have a glass of the complimentary champagne in celebration of the start of their adventure.
“I believe I could get use to this. Half-pint, I’m glad you talked me into going.”
“Don’t get to use to it, brother. Not every night is going to be this sophisticated.”
“Not every night this sophisticated? Well then…let me make sure I hold out my pinky while I drink my champagne!”
Kinsey giggled and held out her pinky finger too. Scott rolled his eyes, assumed proper pinky placement and smiled. The champagne was obviously influencing their overwhelming grasp of high society.
“Kinsey, the letter I asked you to write to your grandfather…did you take it to the telegraph office before we boarded the train?”
And that’s when Johnny spotted it…just for a second…but he was certain she did it. Kinsey looked up and to the right. During the poker game he discovered this was her “tell” when she was about to bluff.
“I was afraid there wasn’t enough time to go to the telegraph office so I gave the letter to Murdoch and he said he would mail it.”
Johnny looked out the train’s window at the darkening landscape speeding by.
She just lied to Scott.
As he got to know his brother better, Johnny discovered Scott made an effort to be reasonable and understanding over most bad choices a person could make from time to time. However, the bad choice of lying wasn’t one of them. Johnny lied to his older brother once and only once.
Johnny watched Kinsey laugh and sip on her champagne. Well…maybe it was his imagination. Or maybe it was just a small white lie she told and she plans to mail the letter when they reached Salt Lake. Johnny was sure that was the case. If she told Scott she had forgotten she no doubt thought the upbeat mood would be broken. Johnny understood that. All right...one white lie. Not so bad.
Kinsey raised her glass. “A toast to happy travels!” Three champagne flutes festively clinked to confirm.