Chapter 93: Lifeless
If ever there was a moment of peace, it didn’t last long. Smoke screens would erupt again as if refusing to accept the normal air. Players were forced to leave the compartments and stand at the areas in between, soaking up the fresh air. William and Noor told everyone that they encountered a masked man and that he was likely the killer.
A masked killer running among them? Bad idea. Really bad idea. They really should have thought that through because that caused the players to split further apart. Panic became wildfire. Every little action was deemed a threat. Asher Trent in particular was keen on hurling accusations with the football player Mica taking the brunt of it. Lala was screaming. Dariush was yelling at everyone to calm down. Templar armour could be heard bashing against the walls and tables.
Two men didn’t seem all that fazed, however. Kazi and Booker seemed to navigate their way through the thick smoke, their voices steady and footsteps steady. As if reading each other’s minds, they opened windows and let the train breathe. What might have been an hour of heavy smoke was reduced to twenty minutes.
William and Noor were among the first to return to the dining compartment. The trial area was in shambles, chairs and tables flipped over and not a soul in sight. Everybody was gone, except for Kazi and Booker, who were putting everything in place.
"Oh, hey guys. You’re here." Kazi saluted William as he reflipped the chairs to their feet. It was cool and casual and done with the flick of the wrist. "We are just about done."
Booker, who focused on the tables and evidence, was already done. Fast, quick, and lazier in his form, William suspected Booker was nearly as strong as himself.
"About time." Booker took a seat and kicked his legs up. "Come on, gather everybody together again."
"And what are you doing?" Noor asked.
"Napping." Booker yawned. "I did the heavy lifting. All the tables and evidence are reset. I’m not doing any more."
Noor huffed, said under her breath, "I have to find Lala anyway," and went back out. Her voice sounded for just an instant when the door opened.
With Booker having closed his eyes, the conversation was left to William and Kazi. Clearing his throat, the young teen asked, "Say...did you figure something out?"