Fox dangled himself over the train car opening, grinning down at you. “You ready?” he hollered, not waiting for a reply.

Before you could brace yourself, he flung himself off the roof, crashing down on top of you. You fell on the floor in a heap, laughter wheezing out between breaths. Somewhere in the mess, Fox smacked you upside the head. “Idiot. Yer s’posed tah catch me.”

You shoved him off, staggering to your feet. Fox beamed like you’d just pulled off the heist of the century, but you hadn’t even started.

You went over the plan.

Conductor and crew: your job. Money and threats: his. Two pistols each, no backup plan. Just how you liked it.

Fox burst into the passenger car with all the subtlety of a gunshot, boots clicking loud as he strolled down the aisle like he owned the place. His hat tipped low, hiding just enough of his grin to make him look halfway threatening.

“Ladies and gentlemen!” he yelled, spinning on his heel to face the crowd. “This here’s a robbery!” He paused, eyes landing on a lady dripping in her pearls. He gave her a slow wink before continuing. “Kindly empty yer pockets, drop the goods right here—“ he tapped the floor with the barrel of his pistol, “—and maybe we all get to keep our heads attached.”

The passengers hesitated, and finally complied. Fox chuckled. “That’s more like it—“

The train jerked forward, nearly knocking him down. He stumbled, grabbing the nearest seat with a string of curses. “Goddammit!” Shoving his hat back into place, he stomped to the engine car, kicking open the door and scowling at you. “What the hell are you doin’? Can’t make threats if yer throwin’ me ‘round!”

He looked at the conductor and crew tied up in the corner. Grinning, he tipped his hat to them. “Evenin’, gentlemen.” Then he turned back to you with a frown. “Scoot over. Lemme see.”

He shoved you out of the way, examining the levers and dials, as if he knew what to do with them.