The 15.47 to Sheffield!

It was a cold January afternoon and two male figures stood on a railway bridge. After a few seconds the lack of conversation got the better of Tony,

“Its bloody cold today friend can only be 1 degree over or freezing?”

The slightly older man Winston replied,

“I think you’re right I can hardly feel my feet”

Tony pulled a leather bound note book from his pocket and began scribbling something down with a tiny pencil. Winston said,

“Ah the quintessential train spotter”

Tony replied,

“Not really I’m a writer and this bridge is so atmospheric. I just had to scribble down a few ideas. Oh and a close friend of mine is on the 15.47 to Sheffield. I promised to give her a wave. We will probably meet up for a drink at the station, and then if I’m lucky chum, who knows!”

Winston gave the weakest of smiles at the implied sexual overtones. Winston said,

“Its late today the 15.47 according to my calculations. The LNER is awful on time keeping these days”

Tony wrinkled his brow and said,

“Umm you mean Virgin Trains surely?”

Winston became slightly annoyed and said,

 “No the London and North Eastern Railway’s I get the train everyday friend”

Tony noticed the silk ruffled shirt sleeves and the high waste-band dress britches and said,

“Are you a fan of Lawrence Llewellyn Bowen? Or are you part of the re-enactment society that helps out on old steam trains?”

Winston replied,

“Fan of whom, Lawrence Bowen? Never heard of him friend. I think I can hear the train coming listen?”

Tony screwed up his hands over his ears and pointed himself down the direction of the train line,

“Wow you must have great hearing I can just about make out something pal”

Winston put on his top hat. Then pulled out a tiny silver snuff box and placed some tobacco very neatly on the back of his right hand and inhaled the tobacco in one strong sniff!

The 15.47 which in reality was now the 15.53 thundered out of the freezing mist some ways down the track. Winston said,

“Nice to meet you friend I hope your lady friend turns up and you get what you want? You can tell me tomorrow!”

Tony looked confused and said,

“Tomorrow? No I’ll not be here tomorrow I’m working pal”

Winston did up his top button of his silk shirt and hooked the clasp together on his black cape. Winston then climbed upon a sign that said ‘Upper Valley Railway Bridge, No1633349’ standing on tip toe Winston crossed himself and jumped off the bridge straight towards the speeding passenger train!

Tony screamed out,

“No you bloody fool!”

Winston fell vertically down and his body melded into the speeding train which just for a split second appeared to be a steam locomotive! Tony covered his eyes in disbelief and he heard ever so faintly,

“See you tomorrow friend you wont be at work and nor will I. Don’t you remember you‘re accident!”

The End

Lord Banks