Side Tracked
Chapter 1 - Where the hell are we?
John the Conductor
I wake up with a problem, the train is not moving. Now I know it has not reached Trinidad, but I think I felt it slow down for La Junta. We were not scheduled to stop there, but it still was a small town, so we slowed down from the high speed run of 55 miles per hour to 20, or so, for each of the 3 towns between Dodge City, Kansas and Trinidad, Colorado.
Climbing over Vic while not trying to wake her, I got out of the bunk bed.
"Is 2 times not enough for you, John?" I hear sleepily from the bed.
Leaning down, I kiss her and say, "Go back to sleep, I have to check on something. Maybe when I get back, we can try for number 3 then. I think I'm up for it, and I know you have never turned down a good customer. "
"Oh, John, get on with you. You have never been able to get it up 3 times in a single day, in all the years I've known you."
Leaning in for another kiss, I say, "There's always a first time, my love." and reach for my clothes. Out of the vest pocket, I pull out the Railroad supplied watch and check the time. 3 a.m., we should be crossing the Purgatory River and reaching Trinidad by 3:30 a.m. for a water stop, in preparation for Raton Pass.
Pulling on my uniform, I put the watch back into the pocket designed specifically for it and step out onto the back deck. The night is dark, with no lights visible in any direction. The stars shine down, like diamonds in the sky, with the train an island of light. The main headlight aimed southwest, off in the front of the train, and the red lantern on the back of the caboose aimed north east. Making sure that there is enough kerosene in the red lantern, I turn and jump down onto the gravel and walk next to the tracks, forward toward the locomotive.
I pass three boxcars, the crew car, and climb into the cold kitchen. The chef opens his door. "Is there a problem, John?"
"I'm checking now. Maybe you should start the stove and make some coffee. If we are stuck here long, we will need both to keep warm."
"Sure thing, I think I kicked the dishwasher and porter awake, also. They can serve."
As I hear that, I turn and enter the dining car, which also includes the bar. I find a group of 3 men playing cards with one of Vic's girls hanging around the big winner, at least by the chips in front of him.
"I know, we have stopped, I'm on my way to find out why." I say to hold off the enviable questions.
"Think you could get someone to make some coffee. It'll warm me up if we stay parked here long." One of the gamblers says.
"Already taken care, the Chef is getting some started."
I then head out the other end door and enter the first Pullman rail car. Going through the door, I check the coal stove to make sure it is still warming, as this is the 3rd class section. The passengers are spread out on the seats, asleep. A few are snuggled together for warmth, while others are under large wool blankets or buffalo robes. The overhead whale oil lamps are turned down dim, as the passengers try to sleep.
One of Vic's working girls opens her eyes and asks, "Are we there?"
"No, just stopped for a bit, go back to sleep, my dear." I answer and then head on down to the door to the next car. It is the 2nd class car, with bunk beds set up on eitherup either side to sleep in. As I walk down the aisle, between them, a head or two pops out. I tell them, "we've stopped, I don't know why yet, I'll let you know when I do. I suggest you go back to sleep."
One of the male heads pulls back, and I think I hear a giggle in the single width bunk bed. Ignoring the sounds, probably another one of Vic's girls, getting a little on the side, I head toward the 1st class cabins.
Another door, another platform, and another door, I'm in the car with a hallway down one side and doors on the other side for the individual cabins. As I walk down the aisle, a head pops out and says, "Hay, you. Why are we stopped, I have to get to Santa Fe this morning, "
