The eight-foot drop ended with a jarring shock through Julian Vance’s boot heels.
Clang!
Julian landed on the wet aluminum roof ribs of Coach #404. He bent his knees deep, his canvas coat whipping in the cold draft of the rotating bay.
Elena Rostova lunged across the slick metal roof. She caught him by his collar before he could skid toward the edge.
“I have you, Julian!” Elena shouted over the groaning turntable gears.
“Keep your center low!” she warned. “The roof is slick with diesel scum!”
“Good catch, Elena,” Julian said, finding his footing on the ribbed plating. “How’s the coach holding?”
“Chocks are in place,” Elena reported, pointing down the side of the bus. “Wheel-Chock #04 is wedged tight against the front left dual tire.”
