The Insane Train by Sheldon Russell Read Free Book Online Page A

makes me feel?” he said, striking the match on the track.
    â€œDid you talk to Division?” Seth asked.
    â€œYou don’t really talk to Eddie Preston,” Hook said.
    â€œWhat did he say?” Seth asked. “Or is it a national secret?”
    Hook looked out from under his brows. “I can still run you in, you know?”
    â€œIs hanging with a yard dog illegal? Probably ought to be,” Seth said.
    â€œEddie’s getting political heat, if you got to know, from the California governor, or the Barstow mayor, or the mayor’s cousin. Who the hell knows? They’re running scared that those inmates out to Baldwin’s going to cost them a vote. Crazy folks got less rights than criminals like yourself.”
    â€œBut we got yard dogs to contend with,” Seth said. “And you bastards carry firearms.”
    At the supply shed, Hook popped the pickup hood, took out the oil dipstick, and dripped a little oil onto the joint of his prosthesis.
    â€œMaybe it’s time you took it in for an oil change,” Seth said.
    â€œDamn thing freezes up once in a while. Other than that, she’s just like new.”
    Dropping the hood, Hook said, “Division needs to come up with a special train. They can’t put inmates on the Chief. All those celebrities out of Los Angeles might not like the competition. And then there’s soldiers and equipment. There’s no trains left for moving mental patients halfway across the country. It’s going to be hell making up a special on this short notice.
    â€œTo make matters worse, Baldwin figures the employees out there aren’t going to pack up and move for a job no one wants in the first place. I figure he’s right.”
    â€œWhat are they going to do?”
    â€œAnother fire like that last one, and they aren’t going to have to do anything except hire another dozer to push over their problems.”
    â€œThat’s an army answer,” Seth said. “No answer at all.”
    â€œLook, I’m just a yard dog. I got half the country bumming my trains, like you for instance, and Division’s got me out here dealing with an insane asylum. As far as I’m concerned, Baldwin could turn the whole bunch loose. I figure no one would ever know the difference.”
    Seth got inside the pickup and waited for Hook to get in. Starting the engine, Seth said, “Which comes first, being a jerk or being a yard dog?”
    Hook looked over at him and grinned. “Get me out to Baldwin before I change my mind and run you in.”
    In the Baldwin parking lot, Seth waited for Hook to get out.
    â€œWait here for me,” Hook said.
    â€œAll the same to you, I think I’ll go on back.”
    Hook smiled. “Be here about three and don’t let anything happen to this truck. The disciplinary board’s after my ass as it is.”
    â€œI was thinking to strip her down and sell her for junk,” Seth said, pulling out.
    After checking in with security, Hook made his way to Baldwin’s office, where he found the receptionist with her head in the files.
    â€œOh,” she said, pulling down her skirt. “May I help you?”
    â€œHook Runyon, Santa Fe Railroad,” he said. “Doctor Baldwin, please.”
    â€œOne moment, Mr. Runyon. I’ll see if he’s available.”
    When she came out, she left Baldwin’s door open and directed Hook in.
    â€œThe doctor has an appointment in thirty minutes,” she said, as he passed by her.
    Baldwin rose to greet him. His hair had not been combed, and his clothes were rumpled.
    â€œMr. Runyon,” he said, drawing his fingers through his hair. “Have a seat. Forgive my appearance. Things have been a little hectic around here.”
    â€œThanks,” Hook said.
    â€œExcuse me for one moment, please,” he said, stepping out.
    Hook took in the doctor’s office: a few volumes on his book shelf, medical books by