Chapter 2 – 300 km/h and No Brakes
All Aboard the Fastest Spanish Train Chapter 2 – 300 km/h and No Brakes The AVE’s doors hissed shut like a snake warning its prey. The train purred to life and, with a gentle lurch, began to glide out of Madrid. Inside, everything gleamed — polished floors, futuristic lighting, and the faint aroma of espresso that made even Ye Olde Large Lad pause mid-churro. Tourists snapped photos, businessmen tapped away on tablets, and in the first-class carriage, a grand piano played itself, because Spain does not do subtle. Sgt. Salty strolled down the aisle like he was on holiday, but his eyes scanned for trouble. He spotted Whining Cole in carriage three, sitting rigid, his cuffed briefcase resting on his lap like a sacred relic. Two rows back, Susan leaned against the window, pretending to read a travel magazine while subtly snapping Cole’s photo on her phone. Winky, however, had other plans. “I’ve hacked into the train’s security system,” he whispered into his earpiece. “Already?...