Lou’s head cleared rapidly. He rolled over onto his side, gagging and coughing. Then, with Cap’s help, he sat up and looked around. In every direction were crumpled-up parachutes. There were dead bodies, too—a row of them, being dragged away from the train and lined up by soldiers in black greasepaint. Lou recognized Chester’s man, Dolph, as two soldiers set his body down next to the others. He was bloodied, and it appeared he had been shot many times. The landscape was complete and total carnage.

To Lou’s left was the grain car. Its hatch was open, and the contents of the bin had been emptied out onto the ground.

“Chester?”

“The medics took him, too. I’m no expert on dead, but he sure looked it to me.

A soldier approached, his face also blackened. “Lieutenant Brad Taylor, United States Army, Second Ranger Battalion. Are either of you Dr. Lou Welcome?”

“I am,” Lou responded weakly.

“Do you need your oxygen mask, sir?”

“If I have trouble breathing, I’ll put it back on.”

“Very well. I’m glad you’re okay, sir. I have been instructed to tell you that President and Mrs. Mallory send their regards.”

Chapter 53

CHAPTER 53

Millie Neuland unlocked the front door of her restaurant and motioned for Lou to come inside. She had on what he had come to believe was her standard uniform—a light blue gingham dress and frilly half apron. Her broad smile upon seeing him rivaled the brightness of the midmorning sun.

“Dr. Lou!” she said, wrapping him in her arms. “What a pleasant surprise. I’m so glad to see you. Are you all right? Your face looks a little bruised.”

“I’m fine, Millie. Fine.”

“Wonderful.”

Behind Millie, across the vast restaurant, Lou could see half a dozen cooks and an equal number of waitstaff, all getting ready for what was sure to be another busy day.

Everybody eats at Millie’s, he was thinking.

“Business as usual,” he said.

“Business as usual,” Millie echoed. “Come in, come in.”

Millie seized Lou tightly by the arm and guided him into the expansive foyer.

“So, what brings you out here so early?” she said. “You know you don’t have to beat the crowd to get served first.”

Lou grinned. “If the truth be known,” he said, “I came here to talk to you. Is there a private place we can sit down?”

“Why, of course, dear. My office is on the second floor.” She gestured to a staircase off the right side of the foyer and undid a velvet rope so they could ascend.