The first train whistles echoed across London before sunrise.
King's Cross Station was already awake.
Porters hurried along the platforms pushing wooden trolleys stacked with luggage. Steam drifted beneath the great iron roof as passengers rushed between departures, each too occupied with their own journey to notice two detectives quietly entering through the eastern entrance.
Arthur deliberately avoided the main ticket hall.
He wanted as few people as possible to remember seeing him.
Collins caught up beside him.
"You still think someone overheard us last night?"
Arthur didn't answer immediately.
His eyes swept across the station.
Passengers.
Porters.
Railway guards.
A newspaper vendor.
Nothing appeared unusual.
"Whether they did or not..."
"...we proceed as though they did."
Collins nodded.
That had always been Arthur's way.
Hope for nothing.
Prepare for everything.
---
The Left Luggage Office occupied a quiet corner near the rear of the station.
