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Even as he suggested it, Kirov considered the insanity of the attempt He’d seen it many times in the movies, but he doubted it was really possible To walk on a swaying train roof in a fifty-ht work, especially if they got up there before the train picked up too much speed

Before he came to any conclusions, the sound of an announcement came over the public-address speakers

“This is Kurt Austin,” the voice said “We’ve taken the train back froularly scheduled journey To the passengers of the Ghan: we apologize for any inconvenience tonight’s festivities may have caused A satellite link has been established with dispatch They’ve been apprised of our situation and assure us that help is on the way

“To the hijackers who ca our unscheduled stop: if you want to end up surrounded by Australian SWAT teams and military units, then, please, sit back, relax, and et off this train!”

To Kirov’s surprise, a cheer went up froh the compartment and echoed around him on all sides

He looked at his partner “The tables have turned”

Both of theether Ten seconds later, they were standing in the open space between the two cars, staring at the ground as it began to roll by at an ever-faster clip

One car behind, a ravel It looked to Kirov like an agonizing landing Twolittle better with their dismounts

“We have to jump,” Kirov’s partner said

Kirov didn’t want to jump, but the alternative orse Capture followed by embarrassment, suicide, or imprisonment as a spy and a terrorist He looked ahead for an open spot “You first!”

Without delay, Kirov’s partner launched himself He seemed to land and tumble more than slide

The train’s horn howled through the night, and Kirov knew ti certain death He took a deep breath and stepped into the breach

For a long second, he fleaving his arms for balance Then he landed sideways and tried to tuck and roll His face slaravel His neck and shoulders renched in the process He flipped several times, covered at least fifty feet, and ended up facedown in an unconscious heap the second time in less than an hour

In the forward engine, Kurt, Joe, and the engineer were celebrating as the Ghan continued to pick up speed and leave the original hijackers behind Hayley was in a seat, shaking and looking like she ht be sick

“Are you going to be okay?” Kurt asked, e just in case she wasn’t