CHAPTER 59 — THE CRYING SIGNAL
The cry came from the speakers.
Every time it sounded, Olivia’s contractions became stronger.
Sarah shot the nearest speaker.
The sound continued through the walls.
“The signal is using the rail system,” Daniel said.
Mason and Cole searched for the power controls.
Claire stayed beside Rose.
“Look at me.”
Rose’s pupils were dilated.
“I can feel the baby again.”
“What is it saying?”
“It is afraid.”
Olivia grabbed Rose’s arm.
“Then tell my child I’m here.”
Rose pressed her hand against Olivia’s stomach.
The crying signal stopped.
The station lights went dark.
For several seconds, no one moved.
Then a soft vibration traveled through the rails.
C-Two knelt and placed her ear against the ground.
“Something is coming.”
A maintenance train emerged from the tunnel.
It carried no driver.
The doors opened.
Inside were dozens of infant cribs.
All were empty except one.
Mr. Buttons lay inside it.
Lily held her own rabbit.
“There are two.”
Claire picked up the second toy.
A recording played from inside.
Lily’s voice said, “Mommy, follow the blue lights.”
“That isn’t me,” Lily whispered.
Blue lights appeared inside the train.
Sarah examined the wheels.
“This line leads directly to Saint Orison.”
Mason checked the tunnel behind them.
Gray Tide guards were approaching.
They had no other route.
Everyone boarded.
Rose sat as far from Olivia as possible.
Claire opened the rabbit’s seam.
Inside was a handwritten note.
YOU ALREADY DELIVERED THE ANCHOR ONCE.
Claire showed it to Margaret.
“What does this mean?”
Margaret’s face drained of color.
She looked at Olivia.
Then at Rose.
“I remember a delivery room.”
Rose stood.
“Whose delivery?”
Margaret’s voice shook.
“Yours.”
“You said Gray Tide took me at birth.”
“They did.”
Margaret looked at Olivia’s accelerating pregnancy.
“But you were not the only baby born that night.”
May you like
The train began moving.
“Rose had a twin.”
