Train station, Interior, 8:00
The train horn whistles. The attendants make sure everyone is sat down as the train slowly speeds up. "UGH I can't believe we don't have a compartment this time!" Darcy whines as she throws her head back to rest against the seat. She is sitting next to the window and Aaron is sitting next to her.
Waking up early, the stress of arriving on time, this unusual odor she can't tell what exactly it's coming from, everyone bumping into Aaron and passing by without apologizing… her brain is about to explode.
"Miss Palmer, something isn't right here. What if the killer doesn't return to Philadelphia?" He finally speaks. For the past few hours, he's been analyzing her theories on the case. Darcy's head turns towards him, eyebrow crooked. "Or what if they aren't in this carriage?" Aaron looks panicked, he bites the nail of his thumb.
Darcy giggles, shaking head and sits up. "Trust me, son. Has my six sense ever disappoint us?" She makes an egotistical gesture and he takes a deep breath. "Just wait for everyone to settle down and we'll split up for clues." He nods, feeling a little calmer.
"I'm starting to feel suspicious towards everyone already." Aaron glances at every single passenger. His eyes widen and he points at a woman. "Even her!" They both look terrified.
The attendant comes with a service trolley. She looks nice and has a big smile but her suit is covered in red liquid. "Anything you need?" She drawls then grins, head tilted, and pupils shrink.
Darcy could swear she heard haunted souls screaming. She shakily raises her index finger. "Can I have a cup of coffee?" Aaron comes back to senses and shuts his mouth, nodding as an agreement that he want the same thing.
Hallway, Diego and Sophie's compartment
It's better for them to be inconspicuous as much as possible. Especially now that Diego's picture is on the newspaper and everyone could recognize him and of course he would be top suspect of stealing the…
He suddenly let go of newspapers to touch his chest, feeling the bump in the hidden pocket of his coat. And takes a deep breath in relief.
…Stump.
He continues reading and feels someone step in. "How do I look?" It's Sophie's voice, opening her mouth for the 100th time for the past hour she's been awake. He folds the newspaper, looking up. She is wearing all-star shoes, blue jeans, pink and white stripes t shirt, neon bracelets, striped glasses and a curly wig.
Diego looks unimpressed, he blinks unevenly in confusion, not knowing what to say. I know I told her to search for a disguise but this is just…uhm… "Too obvious." He blurts out, looking back at the papers. "Throw the glasses and bracelets away."
Sophie's face drops, putting the glasses up on top of head. "but I can't. These are gifts from my friends." Her eyes become glassy in a blink and pouts. Oops, he should've been more careful with his words.
Diego slams the papers on his lap, irritated. "friends?!" She slouches in fear, and stutters to make a sentence. "There's a group of scout girls around my age on this train." Diego notices her anxiety and his tone softens. "I told you to not reveal your name to strangers."
"I didn't." She waves her hand in the air, as if saying everything's alright. Then places her hands under her chin. "And I said I'm on a trip with my dad." A cute smile forms on her face.
Diego blinks at her, newspaper in hand. What dad? Wait! Is she talking about me?? He raises the newspaper to hide his blush. "O-ok but don't do that again." He clears thorat. "And take those lame things off."
Sophie's eyes become glassy again, he could feel that behind the papers. He sighs, putting them away. "The wig suits you." She moves to hug him but she is stopped by a hand held in front of him, it presses against her cheek.
"Someone might know me on this train I need fake names." He rests his elbow on the couch, crossing his legs and brings fingertips together.
They think for a while. Sophie's humming sound not letting Diego focus. "Can I be Cinderella?" She jabs a finger. "Not for you; for me." She blinks. "Can you be Cinderella?" He shoots a glare. "NO!"
"Hmmm…" She presses her index finger on her cheek, thinking. "How about, boss? Or… eagle?" She holds a hand up, thinking.
"Or something Mexican? Can you name a dessert?" she shrugs and makes a duck face. Diego stares blankly at the front wall making a dumbass face. Her voice saying 'Boss' ringing in his ears. "I think boss suits you better because of the charisma…"
He suddenly faces her, smiling wide like a happy bunny. Even rainbow forming on top of his head. "Aren't you hungry? Here…" He shoves hand in his pocket, takes out some cash and offers her. His fist full of dollars. "Get anything you want."
Sophie hesitates. Is he alright? She slowly moves her hand forward. Wouldn't he regret that? He grabs her hand, crumpling bills to fit in her palm and closes it. "You still have the gun I gave you?" She nods.
He gave her his revolver because no one would suspect a 14 year-old ((white)) girl who hops instead of walking and has an American accent. Diego feels a little guilty for using her but; that's a part of training right?
"Keep it close, where you have access, but don't carry it everywhere."