Nick could see the intensity of their stares. It was a look that spoke of first strikes against intruders. These kids had a communal instinct for self-preservation that left no room for compassion.

“If they want a fight, they’ll get one,” said Johnnie-O.

Charlie looked at him, worried, and Nick gripped Charlie’s shoulder to ease his mind, leaving behind a brown handprint. Johnnie-O might think with his fists, but Nick knew better than to provoke a fight here. More and more kids flooded the street around them. Then, when it seemed that every Afterlight in Atlanta had come out of hiding, Nick said, “Stop the train.”

Charlie turned to him, and Nick swore that his afterglow grew a little pale. “You’re kidding, right?”

“Dead serious.”

Charlie gripped the brake lever, but made no move to stop the train, for his fear would not allow it. “But look— they’re keeping out of our way. If we just keep moving, we’ll make it through, doncha think?”

“Who says I want to make it through?”

Charlie shook his head, as if trying to shake off the thought. “You can’t be thinking of giving them all coins! There’s not enough in the world!”

But that wasn’t true; the bucket was never empty. Still, it wouldn’t be a good idea to start making kids disappear. The mob would get confused and frightened. The mob would attack. Nick, however, had another reason for making a pit stop here.

“Trust me,” Nick said, although he wasn’t really sure he trusted himself. Still, Charlie sighed and pulled on the brake. The steam engine came to a wheezing, shuddering halt.

“Now what?” asked Johnnie-O.

Nick reached for the door. “I’ll be right back.”

Johnnie-O stepped in front of him. “I’m going with you.”

“No … . Your hands might scare them.”

Johnnie-O smirked. “And your face won’t?”

He had a point. “Okay,” said Nick, “but you’ve got to lose that scowl. I want you to smile like an idiot. Can you do that?”

Johnnie-O took a deep breath and smiled like the best of idiots. He did it so well, it was scary. Probably scary enough for the kids outside to throw bricks. So Nick pulled Johnnie-O aside and whispered to him. “Actually, I’m more worried about Charlie panicking. It might be a good idea to keep an eye on him.”

The grin left Johnnie-O’s face, and he nodded, accepting this new security detail. “On second thought,” he said loudly, “maybe I’ll stay here and keep my buddy Charlie company.”

Charlie seemed relieved to know he wasn’t being left alone.