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"The lunatic has a death wish Well, Morrison," Count slappedto have your hands full"

I sat silently, watching Shannie She was in the zone; her pace quickened, walking along the handrail as if it were a sidewalk I adrace When she reached the end of the trestle, she vaulted off the rail Shannie flew through the air, her long hair raced behind her As she neared the ground, her shoulders straightened as she extended her arms and cupped her hands doards, as if two handfuls of air would slow her fall She landed on the stone bed next to the railroad tracks, her knees flexed forward arresting any re

A low rumble came from Black Rock Tunnel "Hey Shannie, It's your lucky day," Count quipped A westbound freight thrashed through the tunnel Shannie ran towards us, a sed fro the midday calm "Coonna et up!" She cried

I leapt to my feet and chased my blonde siren

"Run!" She smiled over her shoulder The earth shook beneath our feet "Run! Fast! Come on, Faster! Faster! Faster! Faster!" she screa in the wind "Feel it?" she shrieked Feels great! Just great!" she laughed, her hair dancing behind her Her laughter pierced the freight's roar She re her hair to wash over my face I needed to smell its freshness - its blossom Then it was over; the wind replaced by midday stillness The clank of metallic wheels faded into the distance Shannie's hair rested upon her back Dust and grime that blew out of the tunnel with a cyclonic whirl settled around us I watched as Shannie kissed me with her excited eyes; I returned the favor I wished for the courage to feel her lips with mine

"If you tant privacy, say the word," Count said lu towards us Shannie's spell broke She winked "Thanks Just James," she whispered

"For what," I questioned

"For trusting ic of our first day "Let's run the tunnel We don't have to worry about banshees"

I watched Count and Shannie precede ht at the far end, my friends, mere yards ahead slipped into oblivion I took a deep breath and stepped in Cool, dank air smacked my face Water dripped all about To the sides of the track, puddles lay here and there In front of me a shadow moved Elsewhere rats squealed I took one step at a tiht foot The sounds reverberated off the uneven stone walls, blending together in darave