Train to Redemption

The man in the black uniform spied them the moment they boarded his train. The way the smaller one clung to the larger made it clear they were more than friends. What he had in mind was harder with two, but once he spotted the tattoo on the big kids hands, Baylor knew he was the one.

He watched them pick a seat, settling on the shadowed side of the train car. The heat from the setting sun radiated upon the windowpane. It would remain like that for another twenty minutes, before finally setting below the prairie horizon.

Hardy tossed their single bag of luggage on the top rack, letting Ryan take the window seat. Chuckling to himself while he watched his friend take in the expanse of the land.

“Is it what you thought it would look like?” Hardy asks.

Ryan shakes his head. “Wasn’t sure what to expect, not this. These eyes have only seen concrete buildings.”

“Nervous?”

“About what, the train ride to nowhere or meeting your family?”

With a gentle voice belying his size Hardy whispers. “ I’m nervous.”

Ryan stares at his friend for a while before replying. “You sure it’s ok that I tag along? It’s been a while since you’ve seen them.”

“Over two years since they saw me." Hardy goes silent.

Ryan knew that look. Placing Hardys chin in his hand he guides his face towards him. “They transferred you three thousand miles away from your family. It wasn’t easy for them to…”

Hardy interjected. “I don’t blame them. They almost lost the farm because of me.”

“Because they love you, I don’t even know where my parents are.”

“You have me.” Hardy sighs. “It’s four years since I’ve been back to Redemption.”

“Redemption, that’s one crazy ass name for a town. Although, it is fitting given our history.”

Hardy laughs, squeezing Ryans hand he says. “I couldn’t have done this without you.”

When Hardy became silent once more, Ryan leans his head against the window. Whether it was nerves or exhaustion from the last two days traveling, Ryan was asleep before his eyes were fully closed. He never felt the jerk as the large beast began its over night journey to Redemption.

The final glow from the day disappeared two hours ago. The car was quiet as the passengers relaxed for the night. Baylor approached the two young men. Pleased to see the small one asleep, there was a sharpness to his look that he would normally veer away from. Yet the promise of reigning in the big kid was overwhelming.

Baylor spoke. “Excuse me, we need to have a look at your boarding ticket.”

Glancing at the train conductor Hardy inquires. “Why? We showed them before we got on.”

Baylor give his best grin. “So, you did. However, we received a complaint.”

Sitting straight Hardy asks. “What does this have to do with me?”

“Sir, if you’ll just come with me I’m sure we can have this sorted out in no time.”

Hardy’s deep voice echoes within the confined space. “I’m not moving. What ever the reason, it has nothing to do with me?”

Before he answers, a firm voice breaks in. “What’s going on?”

Staring at Ryan, Baylor pauses, then reaching up retrieves their bag, and in a firm voice says. “Follow me.”

The boys scramble out of their seat and start yelling. Catching up with the man, Hardy grabs him and spins him around. "Give me my fucking bag ."

In a calm voice the conductor replies. "I need to speak to you in private.”

“About what?”

Thrusting his chin towards Hardy’s hand . “Your tattoo.”

On impulse Hardy tucks his hand under his jacket sleeve. His heartbeats so rapid he feels the pulse pounding in his temples. Instinct tells him to smash this fucker in the face. Caution reminds him he is on a train with nowhere to run.

Caution won, that and Ryan holding his arm,

Hardy notices those still awake kept their noses glued to their phones, ignoring the world around them. Him yelling at a conductor didn't even register. Has that much changed since he’s been away?

The conductor smiled. "Follow me please."

They continue till they were near the back of the train. The man in black opens a door to a stateroom and motions for them to enter. Inside is an elderly lady sitting in the corner and what appears to be a security guard across from her. The Guard stands as they enter, motioning for the two to sit.

Ryan asks. “What is this?”

“Please sit and we will explain.” Replies Baylor, while closing the door.

Ryan sighs at the intimidation attempt. The two professionals remain standing while he and Hardy are placed in a submissive position.

Setting their bag next to the lady, Baylor says. “We received a complaint about a stolen tablet.”

Hardy remains silent, glaring into space. Ryan asks. “What does this have to do with us?”

Gesturing to the lady across from them. “This woman was in her sleeping bunk, when someone reached through the curtain.”

“And?”

Pointing to Hardy he replies. “She noticed a tattoo on the hand, like yours.”

“Bullshit, I never left my seat.” Says Hardy.

“Really?”

“I went to the washroom. But that was it.”

With his back to them, Baylor unzips their bag. Turns, holding an I-pad in his hand.

“That’s mine.” Cries the woman. “Arrest him.”

Handing the item to the security guard. “Please escort this kind lady back to her bunk. Thank you madam, we apologize for any inconvenience. Rest assured we will manage this from here.”

Hardy’s voice quivers as he speaks. “I didn’t take anything. I’m not going back… there’s a mistake.”

Ryan interjects. “Don’t say anything, wait until we get off.”

“When you get off the police will be waiting for you. I’m guessing you’re on parole. You know what happens next.”

“No.” Turning to Ryan. “My family…I can’t put them through this again.”

In a kind voice Baylor says. “I don’t know what you did kid, and I don’t care.“

”It was an accident…”

“Hardy, no.. “ Ryan cautions.

Baylor continues. “I’m simply telling you the world doesn’t forgive.”

”One punch. It wasn’t even hard.”

”Hardy, stop….”

“I was only eighteen…”

Inside Baylor smiles, outwardly he shakes his head in agreement. “I understand kid.”

Sitting straight, Hardy leans forward. “I never stole a thing in my life.”

Kneeling in a conspiratorial way Baylor whispers. “It’s ok kid I get it.”

“Get what?” Asks Ryan.

Baylor pulls up his sleeve revealing a similar tattoo. “Kingston right? I’ve been there. I know what you've been through, and more importantly I know how tough it's gonna get."

The steady vibration and constant hum as steel wheels roll along is the only sound as the three take in the situation.

Baylor speaks. “You know what stinks?”

“Your breath?” Quips Ryan.

Ignoring the remark Baylor pushes on. “No matter how hard you try and forget, others won’t let you. You get less pay, they make you work harder, they will abuse you and spit you out because to them you are trash.”

Staring at the stained carpet beneath his feet Hardy shakes his head. “You don’t know that.”

“Yes I do, so does your friend. Deep down you know it too. But I can fix this.”

“How?”

“Hardy don’t listen to him.”

Baylor pushes on. “When I got out, it was rough. I tried, honestly. People didn’t care, they only saw a criminal. Until I met Jonah, He helped me get back on my feet. He got me this job.”

“Who’s Jonah?” Hardy and Ryan ask.

“A friend. He will help you, both of you.”

This was a lot to absorb. Baylor could see the conflict spinning in their heads. This was the delicate part of his job. The final push, not to hard yet firm enough that they can not say no.

“Look, you need time to think. This train goes all the way to Vancouver, where Jonah is. Meet him and decide then.”

Hardy says. “Our tickets only go to Redemption.”

Baylor smiles. “Don’t worry, you can stay hidden here. I’ll bring you food, drink, anything you need. No one will know.”

Ryan grips Hardy’s hand. “Don’t agree to anything.” Turning to Baylor he asks. “What business is Jonah in?”

Shrugging Baylor replies. “Many things. Nothing happens in Vancouver without Jonah knowing.”

Hardy blurts. “I won’t sell drugs.”

Baylor laughs. “My friend, with your size, you won’t be dealing. Jonah has a need for people of your stature. You’ll be important, an integral part of the company.”

“What do you get out of this?” Asks Ryan.

No longer ignoring the small kid, he snaps. “I’m trying to help you.”

“You’re not very good at it.” Ryan snaps back.

Sighing Baylor replies. “I need to know if you’re in, or do I call the cops.”

With that final warning he leaves. The silence smothers them like a heavy fog, nothing is clear. The dream of a new life was turning into another nightmare.

Hardy mumbles. “I didn’t steal it Ryan, I swear. Oh Christ, I don’t know what to do.”

Ryan jumps up. “Are you serious? You have a family waiting for you.”

Shaking his head. “I don’t even know if they will be there. They never responded when I wrote I was coming home.”

“How were they supposed to respond, you moved around while waiting for me to get out.” Ryan gently sat Hardy down. “I’m going to get us something to eat.”

Closing the door Ryan leans against the outside wall. The vibration calming, the monotonous hum brings clarity. Taking a deep breath, he knows what has to be done. He spies Baylor through the glass window, having a smoke with the security guard in the final car. Sliding the door, he steps inside. The windows were open filling the area with the cool night air. Laughter halted as they saw who entered.

The wind whips his hair about his face, the scent of smoke lingering like memories of his childhood. Glancing at the security guard Ryan calls out.

“Go do your rounds, Baylor and I need to talk.”

“Fuck you, ya little shit…”

Baylor cut his buddy off. “Hank, it’s ok.”

Now alone, the two stare at each other, like boxers in a ring eyeing their opponent.

Until Ryan smiles. “Let’s get right to it. Hardy’s a big kid, who made a mistake. He isn’t cut out for our world. Let him go.”

Baylor calculated his odds of winning with the cards he held. “I don’t know what to tell you. The lady wants the kid arrested.”

Walking towards Baylor, Ryan grew in stature. “Bullshit.”

“Bullshit?”

“Yeah, that old lady is in on it. I’ve seen better acting on an afternoon soap opera.”

Silence.

Ryan continues. “How about we let this play out. I’m guessing there won’t be any cops, because that would expose your little recruitment ring you have going.”

Baylor watches his hand crumble, knowing the bluff is over. Before he responds the little guy adds a twist.

Hardy sat unmoving, his thoughts running rampant as he felt himself spiralling out of control. He didn’t see any way out. He was tired of disappointing his family. Just as he made up his mind about going to Vancouver the door slid open.

Ryan strolls in. “We’re pulling into Redemption.”

“I’m not getting off.”

“Yes you are.”

“What about the police.”

Ryan sees the innocence in Hardy and whispers. “There are no cops waiting.”

“But…”

“It’s time you live the life you lost.”

Something about how he said that line makes Hardy pause. ”You’re not coming, are you?”

“No.”

“What about us?” Hardy knew the answer.

“We were brought together out of want, not need.”

“Not true, I need you.”

“We needed each other. Now you need to start over without me.”

“We’re supposed to start over together, here in Redemption.”

Shaking his head Ryan says. “Redemptions not for people like me.”

“Ryan I…”

Cutting him off. “I know.”

Hardy shoulders droop at the realization. “I’m scared.”

“Why?”

“When I step off this train, will I be alone?”

Suddenly a smile stretches across Ryans face as he glances outside. Nodding his chin towards the window.

“There’s your answer.”

Hardy peers into the hazy light of dawn. Where illusion and reality greet the day. There, a group of people gather upon the platform with flowers and welcome home signs in their hands. Anticipating smiles and nervous feet shuffle in the cool morning mist.

Hardy’s eyes blur as he chokes out. “What about you?”

“Don’t worry about me, I’m a survivor.”

Gripping Hardy’s face Ryan reaches up and kisses his friend. Then turns and walks away. For the first time in forever, he feels at peace.

One day he’ll find a Redemption of his own.