Even though the night before an attempted murder took place, the dining car looked spotless. Just as pristine as the first day it was on the rails. However, emotions were running high and everyone on the train to Paris could not forget what had almost happened. 

Laura sat deep in thought, almost letting her tea get cold. Her aunt just prattled along to Captain Haddock, who seemed to be quite occupied with studying the moving scenery outside. Laura took a small sip of her tea. It would be two more days before they got to Paris. Two more days on the same train as a possible killer. Two more days with Charles and his assumptions, and two days to spend time with William. 

Since the events from last night, her aunt has told her at least 3 times how she wanted to change their plans and go to a party in Italy for a grand performance for the highest of society. Laura herself didn't want to go back just yet, and really Italy wasn't her home. Her and parents moved to England when she was just 7 years old. Laura sighed and her heart ached when she thought about her parents, and ever since they passed, she hadn't felt at home anywhere anymore. She shook head to clear her thoughts, and a waiter collected their dishes. 

Tintin came over and Snowy was close behind him. Laura smiled and Snowy went right over to her, his little tail wagged happily.

Captain Haddock straightened up, "Tintin! How are things?"

Tintin sighed and said, "Well, I'd like your help. I need to ask Mr. Finch more questions and if you could just come a observe him, maybe we can see if he's telling the truth or not." 

Captain Haddock eagerly stood, feeling ten times lighter, "Of course lad, let's be on our way then."

"Goodbye, for now, Captain Harrock!" Bianca called and waved after him. 

Laura cringed and stood, "I think I'm going back to the compartment,"

Her aunt nodded and had was applying powder to her nose, "Alright, dear."

Laura began to walk back and was still deep in thought when she knocked into someone's shoulder. 

"Oh, I'm sorry I-" Laura began and then smiled, "Oh it's you, William."

He grinned back, "It's quite alright. Are you busy?"

She felt the butterflies in her stomach, "No, not at all."

William looked down and took her hand in his, "Come on, follow me."

Laura glanced back at her aunt but she luckily wasn't paying attention. William and Laura passed many people and went farther back to the back of the train. Laura was secretly thankful that they hadn't run into Charles. 

William turned towards her and when he had, he almost tripped. They were still holding hands and Laura was pulled towards him. 

Laura steadied him and laughingly asked, "Are you alright?" 

William smiled, "Yes, I'm fine. My foot got caught on a loose board." 

Their eyes met and William couldn't help but notice the light blush that rose to her cheeks, "I- well, Laura I was hoping to speak with you."

"You were?" she asked and couldn't help but notice how close they were to each other.

He glanced at the door and then brought her farther back into the train car, behind a wall of luggage. William sighed and ran a hand through his hair, "Laura I-" he chuckled, "I'm really not good at this-"

Laura took his other hand in hers, surprising herself a little at her confidence. She felt the butterflies in her stomach stir up again, "William," she looked up and met his gaze, "It's just me, you can tell me anything."

For a moment, she could see the nerves she was feeling, in his expression, "Laura, we haven't known one another for very long, but I have feelings for you. You are so special to me, the more we get to know one another- I just feel so right with you."

"Oh, William.." she smiled, "I have felt exactly the same about you."

He closed the space between them and they shared a tender kiss. Laura pulled back and gasped. William looked at her surprised, "What's wrong?"

She laughed and touched her lips, "Well, that was my first kiss."

He smiled and walked over, wrapping his arms around her, "Do you want to try it again?"

She nodded and their kiss was small at first, and then it deepened. She could feel her heart rate rising and William's strong arms held her so lovingly. Their kiss expressed everything they hadn't said. Suddenly, the train car door opened at the opposite end. William and Laura stopped and he put a finger to his lips. He held her close to him and they were luckily hidden behind the wall of luggage. 

Heavy footsteps stopped just before they reached the last wall of luggage. Laura found herself trying to slow her breathing as they quietly listened. 

"I thought it looked quite well don't you?" there was the sound of pacing footsteps and another sitting down. 

William took in a sharp breath, and Laura could feel him get tense. 

"Yes, darling. You definitely looked close to death." a woman replied with a sigh, "Let's just hope that journalist doesn't discover the truth."

"No, no. I believe it will all work out. We just have to keep up the facade until we get the station. Of course, our business will get all the attention once Mr. Tintin prints my near-death experience in the paper." 

Laura had to keep herself from making any noise. She pulled back and William had the same shock in his expression, that she herself felt. 

"I am very happy at the turn of events. I just hate that we must use Tintin. He is trying very hard to bring me justice," The two heartily laughed at this thought, "Let's get back before we're missed."

Once the footsteps faded and the door closed, Laura and William finally were able to speak.

William stared around the train car full of luggage and ran his hands through his hair, "I- Mr. Finch is faking it all?"

Laura quickly went to the door the two people had just left, and William called after her. She stopped when she looked through the small window. She saw the backs of Mr. Finch and his wife walking past all the compartments. 

"I can't believe it. William- We have to find Tintin, he's looking for Mr. Finch right now to ask more questions," she said as her mind raced. 

He looked out the hallway, "Alright, let's go."

~~~~~~~~~~~

Tintin sighed and continued with his questions. Captain Haddock noticed the circles under his eyes. He could tell the stress this case was to Tintin. Mr. Finch laid on his massive bed and his wife sat near him. Captain Haddock couldn't help but think for a moment about how he wished his compartment had a bed like that instead of the small one he had.

"Mr. Finch, you are sure you have no idea who could've done this?" 

At that moment, there was a knock on the door. Tintin opened it and was surprised to see William and Laura. 

"We need to talk, it's urgent." William insisted.

They came out and no one else was around and William quickly told them everything they had heard. Tintin couldn't believe his ears and Captain Haddock couldn't help but question, "Wait, what were you two doing in the baggage car anyway?"

Laura immediately blushed and William cleared his throat, "that doesn't matter, we need to go back in and tell Mr. Finch his little plan failed."

Tintin was quiet and clearly not at all happy with Mr. Finch, "I agree we need to expose his plan, but I have a better idea." 

He quickly discussed a plan and they all went back to their own compartments ready for the dinner that night.

Hello! I apologize for it taking so long for this chapter. It's really crazy what has gone on in the world since I last wrote! I hope everyone is well and I hope to write and update this story soon. Best wishes.