The Christmas Train by David Baldacci
the plan,” said Kristobal. “I had no idea who she was until she told me her name.”
“I’m a man who has this insatiable need to surprise people,” replied Max.
“What part were you playing, Max?” Lelia asked.
Misty said, “Why, Max Powers, of course.”
Max smiled. “Like Olivier and Hamlet, it’s my greatest role.”
“You were right, by the way, sir: He asked me about the booking dates and then, as you predicted, he went to Regina.”
“He’s a world-class reporter, Kristobal; he wouldn’t take your word for it. That’s why I had Regina in on it.”
“And you did all this for Eleanor?” asked Misty. “And she doesn’t know about any of it?”
Max nodded. “Not a thing. Eleanor is the daughter I never had. I’d do anything for her. As long as I’ve known her, she hasn’t been truly happy. I knew there was something in her past. Now, she never told me his name, but I did some snooping and found out that Tom Langdon was the big loose end in her life. She couldn’t go forward until she knew it was either over or they were finally going to get married. So I’ve been tracking the guy for about six months. When he booked this trip it was a perfect opportunity for me, because I really wanted to do a train film.”
“And the wedding?” asked Misty.
“What better way to make people who should have gotten married rethink what might have been than to put them in a wedding together? So Julie is from the same sort of place Eleanor is from, and Tom reads Steve the riot act after he starts to waver on his decision. That was a good twist, because it may as well have been Tom saying all the things he was feeling. Of course, that was all planned. Every time Tom and Eleanor had a blowup, we had a plan ready.”
Kristobal said wearily, “And they had lots of blowups. It was draining, keeping up with them the whole trip.”
“You did good, Kristobal. And I’m not cutting your pay. Happy Holidays.”
“That’s a lot of details you covered, Max,” said Misty.
“I’m a director, sweetie. My whole life is details.”
“Uh, sir, you didn’t somehow order up the avalanche, did you?” Kristobal wanted to know.
“Hey, even I’m not that good.”
There was a rap on the window.
“Must be the luggage,” said Max. He rolled the window down. Tom leaned in and looked at them all.
Max said nervously, “Hey there, Tom. Just giving the newlyweds a ride to their honeymoon palace.”
“I’m sure,” said Tom. He handed Steve his wallet. “You dropped it in the shower. Your driver’s license and SAG card are in there. Figured you’d need them.”
“Tom,” said Max, “I can explain.”
Tom held up a hand. “I only have one thing to say to you.”
Max drew back. “What’s that?”
“Thank you.” Tom shook hands with Max and then looked around at everyone. “Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays,” he said.
He walked away from the limo and found Eleanor, who was with their bags and watching him curiously.
“Who was in the limo?” she asked when he reached her.
Tom turned and glanced back at the car pulling off. He looked back at Eleanor.
“Santa Claus,” he answered.
“Santa Claus? Right. We’re a little old to believe in Santa Claus.”
He put his arm around her as they walked off. “Well, around Christmas, it can be a good thing to believe in magic. You never know, your wish just might come true.”
acknowledgments
To Michelle, for always telling me what is wrong and right with the words.
To Larry, Maureen, and Jamie, for taking the time to read the pages and giving me your thoughts. Your support and excitement for all my projects is very important to me.
To Rick Horgan, the new member of the team, for doing a very thoughtful editing job. Your comments made the book much better. Thanks, Rick. Here’s to many more!
To the Warner Books staff, who continue to put so much energy and dedication into each of my books.
To Tina Andreadis, for being the world’s best publicist, and also a great friend.
To Aaron Priest; as always, your counsel was wise.
To Maria Reft at Pan Macmillan for all your insights and comments on the manuscript.
To Lisa Erbach Vance and Lucy Childs, for keeping all the ducks in a row.
To Deborah Hocutt and Lynette Collin, for keeping the “enterprise” sailing smoothly. And to Daniel Hocutt, for your website wizardry.
To the staff of Amtrak’s Capitol Limited and the Southwest Chief, for all their help. And a special thanks to Lee Jones, Beverly Steward, Monique Bailey, and Keith Williams of the Capitol Limited. I’ll never forget riding the rails with you late at night and listening to some great stories.
To the Amtrak staff who helped me understand the intricacies of trains, including Danny Stewart, Jimma Aboye, Christopher Streeter, David Villenuve, Brian Perry, Vincent Teel, Judith Martin, Edward Kidwell, Deborjha Blackwell, Brian Rosenwald, and Douglas W. Adams. You all were great!
A very special thanks to Clifford Black, Amtrak’s director of public programs, for answering mountains of questions and giving me a behind-the-scenes peek. Cliff, you’re a gentleman and a scholar.
And to David Lesser of Amtrak’s ARRIVE magazine, for his support and enthusiasm for this project.