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follow Rex’s lead.”
    Right. Keep my music on. Follow Rex’s lead.
    Why did it feel as if this was bound to be a disaster?
    As I stood up, Rex moved to grab my bag. I yanked it away from him.
    “I wasn’t trying to steal your stuff,” he said, narrowing his eyes in my direction. I realized then that he was only trying to carry it for me.
    “Oh,” I mumbled awkwardly. “No worries. I got it.” I lugged the strap over my shoulder uncomfortably, waiting for him to move out of the way.
    He sighed, shaking his head. Then he nodded towards Abby and said, “The dog has to be crated. She goes into cargo.”
    “What? Why?”
    “Not my policy, babe. It’s Amtrak’s policy. Unless she’s a service animal, she goes into cargo.”
    “Fine,” I agreed, grudgingly. “But stop calling me babe. My name’s Estelle. Or Essie, if you prefer.”
    He suddenly grabbed my arm, startling me. My eyes widened and I tried to pull away. Abby growled lowly. Ferociously.
    “I want to get on this train without you, Lola or Gabe finding out its destination. How do I accomplish that?”
    My voice sounded without my permission. “Have us board after seven fifty-two. We’ll miss the announcements. If we keep our heads down, we’ll miss the signs.”
    He let me go abruptly. I’d been struggling against him and fell back when he finally released me, losing my balance. I almost tumbled to the ground, but Rex caught me just in time.
    “Sorry,” he apologized. “Precautionary measure.”
    “Why don’t you try warning me next time?” I snapped, pushing him away.
    “The people who are tracking you won’t give you any warning. Consider it a lesson. Maybe next time you’ll move faster.”
    It took me a moment to find my voice. I couldn’t believe he just said that.
    “I don’t need any damned lessons from you,” I yelled angrily. “You’re not my teacher, you jackass!”
    “Hey guys,” Lola pleaded. “Let’s just get to the train, okay?”
    I was furious. That bastard abused me. Just like my mother and sister. And here I’d been trying to get away from them, just to be abused by someone else. What was the point?
    “If he does that again, I’m done. I’ll leave. Find my own way to run and hide.”
    Rex snorted. “Like you’d get very far.”
    “He won’t do that again,” Lola promised quickly. She turned to Rex now. “Isn’t that right, Rex?” She’d angrily ground out the question through clenched teeth.
    Rex shrugged. Lola stared him down, waiting for his answer. She was losing patience.
    “Okay, okay ,” he finally agreed, grumbling the words.
    He walked away, calling over his shoulder for us to keep up. Clearly, he was not the remorseful type.
    “Sorry about him,” Gabe offered an apology for his brother. His expression seemed to hold a sweet sincerity. “Want me to beat him up for you?”
    “No, it’s okay,” I said, but smiling a little at the thought.
    “Probably for the best. It always comes to a draw between us anyway. I’m faster, but he’s broader. His punches feel like bricks smashing into your face and body.”
    I laughed. “How many times have you felt these bricks before?”
    “Loads, unfortunately,” he admitted. “I can beat him as long as I move quickly, but if Rex gets in a few blows, I’m down for the count.”
    “I’m guessing you two have had your fair share of brotherly brawls?”
    “There’s nothing brotherly about them. He doesn’t fight fairly. And now it seems he’s lost his social skills as well.”
    “I can’t imagine him ever having them,” I muttered. I tugged Abby’s leash to let her know it was time to go.
    “Oh, he did once. He was a magnificent king.”
    “King?” I asked, astounded by the news.
    “Yes,” he replied. He stared off into space, absorbed by his old memories. “They called him Noble Stefan in that life. He was willing to fight for what he believed in. No matter the risk, he fought bravely. In those days, he was loved and revered by our