Watch, Wait, Take

Chapter 7. The drunken truck driver

I find my seat and settle on the coach, I have a long day of traveling to do, I need to be comfortable. I am sat next to the window, with an empty seat next to me. I spread out and stair out of the window daydreaming. I feel my eyes getting heavier and hevier, struggeling to stay awake, I give in to the fatigue and let my eyes close.

With a bump I open my eyes, the coach had driven at speed through a pothole. Rubbing my forehead, which had slammed against the window I was leaning on, I glance around at the other passengers, only the seat next to me remained empty. The ticket I was sold was supposed to be the last one; perhaps the owner of the ticket had changed their mind or was late and missed the bus.

Yawning and stretching I reposition myself and take a few sneaky bites of smuggled food, not knowing if it is OK to eat on the coach and not wanting to get caught, in case it isn’t.

I then settle myself down to try and get a few more hours. I sit up puzzled, we have stopped and we have been since the potholes. I look down the length of the coach and see the doors open and a man bounds off, the rest of the passengers get out their seats, gather their belongings and follow the man. 

How long have I been asleep! Surely not the whole 4hours? I quickly get up gathering my things in a big heap I depart the coach as fast as possible; I stand at the side and organise me belongings before joining he queue for the luggage.

I look around at my surroundings; the next part of my journey will be starting in one hour fifty, by train. I see the train station opposite where I will embark on the next part of my journey. Moving up in the line, I focus on the bounding bus driver, he looks familiar, but I can't remember why. I try to focus on his face, but still nothing. It is only when he speaks to me, I remember.

Josie, the drunken truck driver.... it’s him!

I grab my case pull over too the side. I rummage in my bag to find my purse and grab the card Detective Avon gave me. In my pay as you go phone I punched in the number. He answered on the first ring.

"Avon"

"Its Annie Evans. I just got of a coach, the driver was the man I saw following Josie, the one I described. I can't stay on long I need to catch my train"

"Where are you? What’s the coach company called, and licence plate of the bus?"

I gave Avon the details, then hung up. I needed to get moving. I have one hour fifty before my train journey. I spot a small cafe near by and decide, lunch sounds like a good idea about now.

Bacon, lettuce, tomato club sandwich, chips and a diet coke hit the spot, I sat sipping a jet-black coffee after my lunch, in the sunshine, breathing deeply, letting the sun warm my skin. In the distance was a wail of police sirens. Wrenching me back to reality. Signing, I stood grabbing my luggage; I head towards the train station.