The Woman on the Train: Part 3
Fiction: Continuing Series
This is Part 3 of my continuing series on “The Woman on the Train”. Again I have to thank
for supplying the real-life incident for which I developed this fiction story.If you need to refresh yourself on the story, here are links to each part:
I approached Stephanie and said, “Hey, thanks for letting me join your group.”
“Hey, no problem. I figured you’d need someone who knew what they were doing. I’ve been doing my research for a long time. How about I bring you up to speed during lunch?”
“Sure.”
We strolled down the hallways. I had no idea where we were going. As we rounded the last corner, there was a giant food court. There were several restaurants inside the college. If you wanted burgers, shakes or specialty salads, there was a restaurant for you.
“Here we are,” she said pointing to the restaurant name.
It was one I was familiar with. I didn’t realize they had restaurants over here.
“I hope you don’t mind this place,” she said.
“No. This is fine. It reminds me of the United States.”
“Yes it does. I’m from the United States. New York to be exact.”
“Me too. I’m from Florida,” I lied.
“Let’s order.”
We stepped up to the cashier. The young woman, not even twenty-one, took our order and we received a number to put on our table. We got our drinks at the self-serve drink machine.
Stephanie picked the table. It was away from the other students. There were a plethora of tables. Each table had four chairs. The tables were square and brown. Napkins were in small metal boxes on the tables.
“So, what brings you to the university?” she asked me.
“I’ve always had an interest in going overseas to explore,” I said.
“Don’t get me wrong but aren’t you a little over the age of going to college.”
“Ha. I’m five years removed from going to college. But I got into a subject matter that I ended up not being interested in, once I got in the job.”
“What was it?”
“Computer Programming,” I lied.
“Hmm, that seems like it would be a lucrative job, big pay.”
“Not when you’re starting out, the pay that is. Plus you’re sitting at a desk all day figuring out how to write computer programs. Boring! ”
“How come you picked law?”
“I had a family member who needed an attorney to represent them. It was for an accident. I became interested and thought I would look into it.”
“There are several disciplines to study. I’m studying for the criminal law aspect. So you’re going for criminal law too?”
“Yes. I thought it sounded more interesting than constantly working with people who have been injured.”
“Me too. I don’t like criminals.”
Just then, a woman brought our lunch. We both got a chicken sandwich and fries.
“So is this your first year in university?” I ask.
“Yes,” she says while crunching down on her chicken.
“You said you were from Florida, whereabouts?” she asked.
“I’m from the east coast.”
“Where?”
“Melbourne.”
“Oh, I know that,” she said.
“You do?” I said perplexed.
“Yeah, my father and I went on a cruise out of the Port there.”
“Oh, Port Canaveral.”
“Yeah, we flew into the Melbourne airport.”
“Wow, small world.”
She laughed.
“We had a great time on the cruise. We hadn’t done anything like that in a long time.”
“Your Mom didn’t go with you?”
She suddenly turned sad.
“Hey, I’m sorry if I said something wrong.”
“No, it’s fine. She passed away a few years ago.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“All I have left is my father. I don’t have any siblings.”
I didn’t know what to say. In fact, I didn’t say anything. I was wishing I hadn’t brought up the matter in the first place.
We continued to eat our meal and then she said, “So I thought maybe we could discuss my research back at my dorm room.”
“Oh. I thought we were going to do that now.”
“I don’t want anyone to hear us discussing it,” she said with a determined look.
She almost looked scared when she told me. I knew why. I wished that I could tell her I knew but I couldn’t.
The rest of the day we enjoyed the same classes together. She was shocked that I was in her classes but she knew since I was taking the same coursework that I would probably end up in her classes. It was great cover.
After our last class, we walked out together.
“So do you want to meet me at my dorm room later?” she asked.
I really didn’t want to see her go. I had fun with her all day. But I had to remember why I was here.
“Okay. Are you going directly there?”
She looked bemused.
“Yes, of course.”
“Do you want me to bring some dinner?”
“Really?”
“Yeah. What would interest you?”
“You don’t have much experience with women do you?”
“Now why would you say that?”
“I don’t know. Where are you staying?”
“I’m at a local hotel until I can find something more permanent.”
“Well, why don’t I come to you and we can have some dinner before we come back to my dorm?”
“Okay.”
I gave her the directions and she told me should be there at 6 pm.
She smiled and left down the hallway. I didn’t want her to go. I had to remember not to get too attached to her. But when you spend your whole day with someone as nice as her and delightfully beautiful, it’s hard to not get attached.
I didn’t see the guy who was watching her. I decided to follow her at a safe distance to make sure he wasn’t following her. As I made my way down the hallway, I didn’t see him. Then I heard something.
“Hey, are you following me?”
I turned around to find Stephanie.
I laughed, “No, I’m trying to find my way out of the building.”
“It’s that way,” she pointed with her finger.
“Okay. Thanks. I’ll see you later.”
That was close. I knew she probably bought my story. I didn’t need things to unravel.
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As I approached my hotel room door, I was cautious. I looked around to make sure no one was watching me. I looked around the outside of the door. Everything appeared fine. As I opened the door, nothing looked disheveled.
I grabbed my gun and took it out. I put it beside my leg as I approached the bathroom door. It was clear. I checked the closet next. It was clear.
I could relax, for now.
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END PART 3
Conclusion
Getting more interesting, isn’t it? Each week I wish I could reveal the whole thing but then you’d be reading for hours.
Thank you for reading.
Until next time, happy reading!
-Matt
This story becomes more intriguing with every turn, Matt!