The Mystic's Heist

The Mystic's Heist

Crown jewels, a runaway train, romance, friendships, and laughter fuel this journey.

She couldn’t remember how she had gotten here, and each breath felt as though she had an elephant sitting upon her chest. “Was she dreaming?” is what kept running through her thoughts as she slowly aroused from what seemed to be a dense black haze. She was faintly aware of the slight rocking back and forth of the roomette, as she began to open her eyes, the glare from the oil lamp sparked a pounding in her head that rattled every bone. She groaned, low and deep in her throat, and it sounded as painful, hazy, and guttural to her ears and she felt. Trying to raise herself up on one elbow, the waves of nausea hit her like she had spent months sailing the Atlantic Ocean with her father. She resigned to her back again. This time she allowed her head to settle a few minutes and let her eyes adjust to the glimmering light filling the room. Her stomach seemed to protest every adjustment as it came, yet she was determined to find out what happened to her, where she was at, and why she felt so wretched. Willow laid there for what seemed like hours but she instinctively knew it could have only been five or ten minutes at the most. Again, very slowly, and with great intention, she rose to her right elbow. The nausea was there, utterly ruining her mood. And the pounding in her head began to quiet to a distant thump. She could she was in a roomette, and the bed she laid on was soft down, with handmade quilts, and feather stuffed pillows. A side table, a desk, and a dresser adorned the room, and just at the end of the bed, she saw the dry sink, customary to train travels. Willow, groaned again as she made her way to a sitting position, each movement threatening the upheaval of her stomach. She tried to think of when the last time she had been ill enough to vomit, and her mind seemed to be nothing but blackness, and as she sat taking in the roomette' s contents, she noted she couldn’t even remember where she had been this morning. Just outside Roomette 22, they watched as she struggled to regain consciousness. Each one, peering in and then looking at each other, wondering if they had given her too much laudanum. Willow had slept for hours, and they were already at a critical point in the journey.

Willow began slowly testing her will to stand, each attempt simultaneously tested her feminine sensibilities and her sheer determination to find out what was going on. As she fought to stave off the revolt of her stomach, the quickening thump in her temples, and the sway in her hips. “Oh drat!”, she exclaimed as she steadied herself beside the bed, again she was being tested of her will to survive. She straightened, and closed her eyes and took a very slow, steadying breath, hoping, and praying when she opened her eyes again, she would be less dizzy.

Raven, and Rogue continued to watch, slightly irritated and amused as she opened her eyes and started toward the end of the bed. She again had to stop and steady herself, and Raven, said to Rogue more as a question to himself, “Did we give her too much laudanum?”. Rogue, whispered in reply, “Lord, I don’t think so, but the ways she’s acting, it’s questionable.” Raven turned to look through the small window in the sliding door, and Rogue did too. They both continued to watch as she, poured a small amount of water in a glass, and in the basin. She sipped the water slowly, savoring the cool wetness on her lips. After a few small drinks, she began to wet the cloth, and wipe her brow, her neck, and under her hair. She noticed in the small looking glass, that her eyes had purple circles under them. Willow was a natural beauty, who rarely used cosmetics to enhance her features, but after putting her face dry, she pulled from the top draw a small pink canister with a white lid which contained her Pearl Powder. Lightly she dusted her face with the pink cotton cloth inside the container and replaced the powder back in her medicine chest in the top drawer. Once she felt decently clad and of sensible wits, she was determined to find a porter. She turned toward the door and saw two men instantly disappear. Willow instantly regretted her hasty movements as she tried to pursue the gentlemen. Quiet reluctantly she slowed her pace to a painstaking saunter. Her mood was quickly becoming sour as she walked toward the Dining Car, or at least she hoped she was headed in the right direction.

Raven and Rogue saw her turn toward the door, each one making rapid eye contact and then with amazing speed raced toward the Gentleman’s Car. Raven took the seat closet to the window, quickly summoning the bartender. Rogue opted for an armchair in the back of the car that faced the entry in which she would come, should she come looking for them. He wasn’t even sure she had seen them, although in his gut he knew that was a lie. He requested a Cuban cigar from the porter and then asked for a whiskey.

They both waited patiently, for her entrance. Raven was sipping a bourbon and reading a newspaper when she entered. He thought to himself, you must admire her wit and determination. Rogue on the other hand had engaged in a hand of poker and was raking in the pot as she entered. He looked up, intrigued by her intent searching, and flashed the brightest smile. Raven was already moving toward her, when she spotted Rogue and brandished a blushed smile tilting her head down toward her hands. When Willow looked up again Raven was beside her, and he quietly asked “Are you alright miss, you seem a little of kilter and lost?” Willow nodded at Raven, although she was aware that this man was the other in the hallway, along with the one now moving toward her. She was not exactly sure how or why they both were so interested in her condition. Willow, thinking quick on her feet, stated to them both as she nodded acknowledgement of Rogue's presence, “I seem to have forgotten you two gentlemen names, but I am beginning to recall an earlier meeting with you both, along with my employer.” Rogue looked over at Raven, and said “see she is alright, a woman of her persuasion is strong in their abilities.” Raven simply kept looking at Willow, and then asked her if she would like a drink. Willow replied, “Yes please, a glass of Red Wine". They all moved over to the seating area where Raven had been reading the newspaper, he moved the paper to the side of the table and allowed her to sit down first, Rogue sat across from them. Willow continued to question the two men’s role in her state of health and in her lack of memory as to why she was on this train and where it was headed. Raven called the porter over and requested a glass of Red, whiskey refill and bourbon for Rogue. Once the drinks had been brought Rogue was the first to speak. He asked her if she understood her mission, and she began to shake her head in agreement, only because she did not want to give too much of an indication that she was not quiet in her senses. Raven watched as Willow and Rogue exchanged lighthearted conversation, noting that she seemed to be trying to piece things together as she perused the room. He noticed she sipped her wine much slower than the previous evening, noted she had pearl powder slightly caked at the corner of her eyes, and that she was stunning in her beauty. Rogue continued the lighthearted banter, asking Willow if she knew how to play Chess, and if she had ever gambled. Raven just sat back observing Willow. He was concerned, she didn’t seem to recognize who they were, and he wandered if she truly was all right, if the laudanum had had ill effects on her memory.

As Willow carried on chatting with Rogue, she was struggling to put all the pieces of the mystery together. She had noted on the newspaper a titled article about rare jewels being transported for a museum. She had noted that Raven, was quiet and covertly observing her. She was aware that the other gentlemen in the room did not seem to be bothered by her presence, and that the porter smiled with joy when bringing her the wine. Willow didn’t even know who the men were, or why they knew her, and she was quiet inquisitive as to what the mission entailed. Once she finished here glass of wine, she looked at Raven and Rogue and bid them good night. They both looked at her with confusion on their face. Rogue suggested they walk her back to her roomette. And she politely agreed for fear she would not be able to find it alone.

Willow bid the two gentlemen good night, pulled the curtain closed on the window of the door, and latched to lock. Once inside the room, she removed her boots, and began undoing her buttons to her dress. She very much hated the corset and was in as dire need to breathe fully. Once she was naked, she stood in the middle of the room looking around for any signs of something she might remember. Then she thought about the powder canister in the top draw, along with the medicine chest. She walked over to the dry sink, pulled open the top drawer, and reached inside to pull out a black leather satchel. Inside it were several documents. The first document was a letter stating that her employer Mr. Omar McLeod was requesting her presence at the Grand Ball of Lady Quinn Aldridge of Boston on the 22^nd of October to celebrate the matrimony of his son James and Aryana Aldridge. To be there promptly at six ‘o’clock pm. It excluded details of the wedding ceremony and the ball. The second document was a contract for her next heist. And the details of this Heist and what was expected of her, and the payment that would be rendered. The third document enclosed was a layout of the B&O railroad route from Boston to Hannibal, Missouri. It also includes the trains layout, the precise location of the two safes allotted for passengers’ storage, and the safe allotted for the monies to utilize for restocking of supplies at each stop, the times of arrival at each stop, approximate time to reload any supplies, number of passengers expected on the trip she was to be on, and the expected arrival in Hannibal. The last document is the one that rendered her memory intact, for it was details of the heist. But where was her ticket? She was on the train called the Mystic, it traveled from Boston Massachusetts to Hannibal, Missouri and then down to St. Louis, Missouri where it would then be turned around to head back to Boston. Each trip was five weeks in length. And the train would stop at major points to reload coal, dried goods, groceries, liquor and wines, cigars, cigarettes, and water supplies. This document also supplied her with the two gentlemen names and the answer to why she felt so awful tonight. After regaining her bearings, she quickly washed up, put on her night gown, and blew out the flame on the oil lamp.

She slept fitfully, tossing and turn as the effects of the laudanum, and wine reaped havoc on her dreams. As the sun began to peak into the window, she quickly dressed in her maroon riding skirt, and a crisp white blouse. She placed the black lace up boots on her feet, quickly pulled her hair up in a coiffed of silken blonde curls, and peered into the looking glass, her eyes were wide almond shaped, bright and merry in their appearance, her cheeks were full, and her lips soft and dusky pink. She smiled at little at her own meanderings, she was thinking she wasn’t plain, but she also wasn’t an exotic beauty. She rather liked her frame, she was small in stature and full of breast, her hips were tantalizing at least that’s what she had been told previously, on more than one occasion. She was her, and no one could be her, that was what was of the most importance. She was from the South and had been deemed all her life a Southern Belle, her voice was smooth and sultry, yet calming in its effect. Willow realized she had been using in the looking glass, and quickly grabbed her black purse. She walked out the door and making a quick right she went to the dining room. There she smiled wryly at both her gentlemen accomplices. They stood and Rogue offered her the chair closet to him. She was much calmer he noted, seemingly in good spirits, and so very gorgeous. He loved her witty intelligence, and her stealthy unassuming presence, she felt like danger personified. Raven greater her with a warm, wholehearted smile, and a welcoming “good morning.” They both reclaimed their seats and Raven poured a cup of coffee. Rogue place one sugar, and a dash of milk into her cup. She began the conversation with an affirmation of Ravens thoughts. Willow said in-between sips of coffee, you two must have put enough laudanum in my tea yesterday at lunch for four people, I truly was desperate at the table last night while we were having our evening nightcap. Rogue laughed, such a hearty, warm and deep bellow. Raven whispered, “ I knew it” as he leaned in to negate any eaves dropping. Willow smacked his shoulder with a devilish grin, and asked him “ If you knew I was not in a coherent state then why did you not come to my rescue?” He stammered just for a brief second, and chuckled. Simply stating, “Well Willow, you are such an amazing actress, that I was second guessing my own instincts.” The three of them were caught in their laughter as the waitress came to ask what they would like for their breakfast. Rogue placed his order, the Raven, and Willow was last, as she requested a biscuit with her eggs and sausage, she noted that the chest marked Museum of Natural History was being carried by two of the engineers to the safety of the safe that would house them for the remainder of the trip. This sage was located just behind the sleeping cars. It was closets to the luggage cars and was below the train in a stronghold box mounted to the bottom of the train car. She carried on in conversation with Rogue and Raven, discussing the evenings plans, any upcoming travel plans and other menial topics that were broached. The other passengers drifted into the dining room as the sun began to broach the day. It was precisely eight o clock am, and the trio began implementing their plan.

Willow headed toward the luggage cars, there she needed to access the stronghold box, to take possession of the rare stones. In the Luggage car she had a small satchel in her large trunk. Inside the satchel was one pair of men’s riding breeches, and one small leather pouch tied with a leather band. The smallest pouch container the tools need to keep herself bound to the bottom of the car, and to undo the lock that held the contents of the stronghold box. Raven proceeded to the engineer’s quarters, as he would be just getting ready to leave his roomette. Once he reached the roomette, the engineer, Mr. Hartegan smiled and bid him a fond good morning. Raven being the cleverest, knew exactly how to engage the Mr. Hartegan in conversation that would keep him occupied for hours. Raven began asking Mr. Hartegan, Jason the engineer corrected. How he thought the future of railroads would be expanded. Jason loved to talk everything trains and beyond. As Raven tirelessly perused the topic, engage Jason, Rogue was also ahead of schedule in his required task. Rogue was often labeled the rebel, misfit, the troublemaker. So for his part in this heist, he simple had to be himself. The Mystic slowly came to a stop, just a scheduled. She was at her last destined stop before reaching Hannibal where she would turn south. This was the most opportune time to acquire the jewels. It was rumored that Queen Victoria had allowed the Museum of Natural History permission to display some of her more exotic jewels. The Victorian Rose Tiara, the Infamous Yellow Topaz and White Diamond Rose Brooch, the Emerald Waterfall Necklace, and last but most importantly, The Crown of the heist. This was the rarest of the jewels, it was a 45-carat blue diamond, often referred to as the Heart of The Ocean. And Rogue oversaw distracting the guards that had accompanied the jewels on their trip to the United States of America.

Mr. Hartegan, was carrying on about how eventually there would be a Transcontinental Railroad System, and that trains would eventually expand their abilities, to include double-decker trains, and maybe even be able to generate their own water for consumption by passengers, Raven had thoroughly enticed him with the musing of possibilities. Rogue had befriended the guards throughout the excursion from Boston to Springfield, IL. Promising them to show them all the best sites, and to take them to the best Opera House in Illinois. He had friends in Springfield and promised to provide them with the best English inspired cuisine. The four guards had completely forgotten about the detail of the jewels.

Meanwhile, Willow was at work on the strongholds lock. She had slipped undetected under the car or the train, strapped herself to the iron undercarriage, and began working ferociously to free the box of its restraint. She only had one hour to recover the jewels, return to her roomette unincumbered, and dress for her lunch with Raven at the Springfield Inn. And at the one-half hour mark, the engineers helpers would start at the front of the Mystic to inspect and repair any possible damage received during her arduous trip West.

Sweat dripped from Willow’s brow, it was quickly coming up on that half hour mark, she was strained and tired, thirsty and starting to panic as she heard the lock click signaling the release of the mechanism. She could hear the engineers’ mates laughing and walking to the car just before her. She could see their feet as the progressed from the farthest point of the car toward her. Arms trembling, mouth drier than fresh cotton, and a heaviness in her chest, she untied the leather satchel, placed the jewels inside it very carefully, and retied it so that none of the jewels would slip out. She began working quickly to free herself of the bonds that held her to the undercarriage. With each passing second the two men’s voices grew louder as they projected their findings back and forth to each other. She could see the rock around the tracks on the ground scatter and jump as the took each step, and she was fighting a knot that didn’t seem to want to be undone. Willows hands were trembling, muscles aching, and sweat in her eyes, she finally loosed herself from the bindings. Very carefully she lowered her body to the ground and inched her way to the junction of the luggage car, and the supply car. Holding her breath, she silently climbed back into the luggage car, placed the jewels inside her corset, and changed into her riding skirt. Quickly and quietly, she made her way to her roomette. Once inside, she locked the door, and breathed a low guttural sigh.

Rogue returned to the train station, guards endow, and bid them goodbye. He rapidly made his way to his and Raven roomette, changed into his riding clothes and freshened his face. His crisp white shirt was loose and only buttoned to the top of his sternum, baring his dark chest hair. Speeding over to the cafeteria at the Springfield Inn, he could wait to see her smile. His pace was near a run when he spotted an old friend. Kenneth was six years the younger, and spotted Rogue instantly as he rounded the corner to come onto Main St. He yelled out to Rogue, and they laughed and walked over to each other meeting just west of the inn, they grasped each other in a brotherly hug, clasped one another on the back and began conversing about their time apart.

Raven had got to the cafeteria first, secured a table for four. It was always the same when they were in Springfield. As he sat down, Willow walked in, she searched the busy room, and spotted Raven. He was too handsome, she smiled. His chestnut hair, full cheeks, and slender waist was the picture of masculinity. Those deep chocolate brown eyes, and rich warm voice was calling out to her, she pulled herself together, as she walked over to him, and let him help her to be seated. He laughed at her and said, “Are you alright, I called your name three times before you started to walk over here?” And she laughed too, stating that she had been in a daydream for a second. They heard the bells on the door, and saw Rogue and Kenneth come into the cafeteria. Raven signaled for them to join them, and Willow smiled wryly at the group. They all laughed heartily. Kenneth was in Springfield by Willows request, and unbeknownst to Rogue and Raven, he would be transporting the jewels back to Mr. McLeod. Mr. McLeod was set to meet Kenneth at dawn the next morning just west of a small town outside of Des Moines, Iowa. McLeod would then travel on to Chicago to sell the jewels and return with each of their payments.

They enjoyed each other’s company and laughed as they conversed about all the happenings in each other’s lives. Lunch was served, and Rogue couldn’t help but comment on how good it was to be back in the Midwest. How he loved the tenderloins, and the biscuits. And how the countryside was “God’s country". Everyone began to relax and prepare for the rest of the trip. Kenneth headed north and west, Raven, Rogue, and Willow returned to the train, their tickets were for Hannibal, Missouri.

Once the three of them were back aboard The Mystic, they returned to their rooms, and freshened up for dinner. Willow dressed in her navy-blue cotton dress; she loved this outfit. It was her favorite dress, quarter sleeved, with a white lace trim. She always loved wearing it. It had a full bustle and was tapered at her waist. She had sapphire combs she would wear in her hair. Rogue dressed in buckskin breeches, a black silk shirt, and black riding boots. He was tall with broad shoulders, eyes that are warm like embers from a fire. He dark brown hair, and the verge of black and well-tanned skin. Raven wore black breeches, black silken shirt, and black riding boots as well. They both were more handsome than either could realize.

After dinner they had their custom nightly drinks. Rogue partaking in a Cuban, Raven having as whiskey. And Willow sipped a glass of bourbon. It was a stronger drink tonight, as was common practice. It was her responsibility to evaluate the effectiveness of a heists plan, and this one had rattled her a bit more than she liked. And to be quite honest she generally preferred a stronger drink. They laughed, and chatted with the other passengers, played a few rounds of poker, and then listened to a lively song from the record player. Each dancing about as the liquor began to take it hold. And suddenly Willow felt the need to separate herself from both Rogue and Raven. She bid them good night and turned to go to her roomette. As she was undressing, she looked out the cars window, and recognized that they were fast approaching the most dangerous part of the journey. In this area between Quincy and Hannibal, there were very deep ravines and hairpin turns. She let out a deep sigh, and again dawned her night gown. She crawled into bed and fell fast to sleep.

Raven and Rogue sensed a difference in Willow. They sensed a longing to be free of her criminal activity. Sensed that she was ready to be the explorer she had always talked about. And they looked at each other and sat down. On hushed breath Rogue asked Raven if he had sensed the change in Willow, and with a lazy nod, Raven affirmed his own thoughts as well as Rogues. They both finished their drinks and headed to their shared room.

Rogue awoke with a start, surely he thought to himself there is no way it can be morning already. He opened one eye, and when he saw it was pitch dark, he knew that something was wrong. Quickly he awoke Raven, stated that the train was speeding to fast for this area. Raven jumped to his feet and placed his robe on. Raven and Rogue then ran to the engine room, and Jason the engineer was yelling at his mates to damp the engine, instructing them to prepare for possible impact. He was yelling that they were coming up on a hairpin turn that took them to the beginning of the bridge that crosses the Mississippi River into Missouri. That if he could get the train slowed down, they all would certainly die from a derailment into the bridge after colliding with the bridge.

Willow was running up the hallway toward the engine room when Rogue and Raven appeared, they quickly explained that the train was speeding out of control, and had no signs of slowing to a pace that would be acceptable to navigate the upcoming turn and traverse the bridge.

Willow quickly pushed past the both of them and into the engine room, once inside she asked Jason if he had applied the brakes. He stayed that the brakes had failed and no there was no way to stop the train. He told her she need to get somewhere where she could brace for impact and pray. Willow ran from the engine room and thinking as she ran down the hall, trying her best to recall a story she had heard from a traveler in Albany. Her mind was full of panic, sheer disbelief.

Willow returned to were Raven and Rogue were standing just outside of the Observatory Car, and she said, “Do you all know where we are in our trip?” Both nodded an affirmative yes. She then said just after the turn in 700ft or so, there is a rail switch so that the train can go south to St. Louis, they both looked at her in awe and bewilderment. Shaking their heads yes again, she began to lay out a plan. She told Rogue to go to the front of the caboose and wait for her, she then told Raven to grab anything that was metal and approximately seven foot in length. She told him to check the supply room first, and the look for the shovels used to fill the engine with coal and meet her back there. She ran and grabbed her riding breeches, and her white shirt, tossed them on very quickly, and ran back to the engine room. She instructed Jason, the engineer, and his two helpmates to start shoveling hot coals from inside the engine, through them out onto the rock. She told them to get as much out as they can until the see Raven, then give him the shovels. She left in a blurred hurry and ran to the front of the caboose. She then told Rogue, we are going to flip that switch, but I am not entirely sure that what I have planned is going to work. He yelled back to her, and said “Well at least you have a plan!”. She asked him to go out as far as he could on the side of the train. Then she waited for Raven. When she heard him yell for the shovels, she met him there just at the front of the caboose. She explained very quickly for him to get to the side of the train beside Rogue. She grabbed the two shovels and the large stick of rail he had found. It was about five feet long and six inches wide by four inches thick. She then got right beside them and was removing her shirt. She bound the shovel to the rail with her shirt and said “Get Ready, we have one hundred feet until the switch comes up, we are moving very fast and we only get one shot. Raven, you hold onto Rogue around his waist so he can lean out over this railing. Rogue, take this rail piece and shovel, when we come to the switch, hit it as hard as you can forward. After that we have another hundred feet before the train switches to the south bound railway.” They both looked at her and then each other and yelled their agreeable. The switch appeared, and Raven was holding onto Rogue around the waste, Rogue got into a baseball hitters like stance. She held her breath, Rogue counted out loud, “One, Two, Three, and hit the switch as hard as he could, the lever bounced forward with the momentum of the train, and a loud, thunderous clash of metal rang out into the cool night air. and Rogues hit, had locked it into place and Raven pulled Rogue back toward the rail on the caboose….they all breathed a sigh. As they moved back around to the front the caboose, Willow ran the engine room, she asked Jason, if he was able to get all the coal out of the engine? He said he was able to remove about seventy percent of it and that he had dampened the engine all the way down. Now, all they could do was wait. About five minutes later they felt the train hit the southbound rail and again breathed a long sigh. This was just what they needed, the southbound tracks were straight for three miles and they slowed to a complete stop. Willow thanked Jason for his help in dampening the engine and for removing as much of the coal and embers as possible. And again she turned to Raven and Rogue, and smiled triumphantly, and laughed as they just stared in incredulousness.

Jason reversed the train and began to back up to the point where the train switched its direction, as he backed up slowly, he thought to himself, I need to check these passengers tickets. He made the turn, crossed over the bridge in a creeping fashion and again they were just about to their destination.

Raven suggested that Rogue and Willow meet him in the dining room and that he would have the kitchen cooks put on coffee, Willow looked at him and said “Yes, coffee sounds great.” And Rogue grunted his agreement. Raven had coffee ready and poured in the cups for them when Willow had entered the dining room. She had gone to her roomette, and grabbed a pink cotton button up shirt, and then headed for the dining car, Rogue headed straight there, and when she entered, they both looked at her with confusion and intrigue written on their faces. Willow sat down and picked up her coffee, took a quick sip and looked up and they both were staring at her. She said, “this is the last heist for me.” Just then the train began to slow down again, and she could see that they were arriving in Hannibal. She would not soon forget this, Heist. And she didn’t think her accomplices would either. Jason comes into the dining car, and Thanks all three of them for the rapid and brave thinking and actions taken to slow the train down and get it stopped. He looked at each of them and said, “By the way, I do not recall checking you all's tickets.” Willow had a quick flash of memory, there in the leather satchel, everything but a ticket. And she thought to herself, “How did I get on this train?” Rogue, turned to Raven, and peered at him but for a brief moment. It was then that Willow recalled the events that brought her aboard The Mystic. And she peered at the two gentlemen in front of her with frustration, awe, and anger dancing across her features.