The Relic Keeper (34 page)

“I’ve read your case notes, Lyal,” Warwick hissed, moving his face away. “I know your history and your problems with violence as a child. Mathew, if you succeed in shooting me, you’ll be just like your father was.”

Mathew’s eyes narrowed as tried to keep hold of the weapon. He could now feel his blood pounding in his head, and the noise echoed in his ears. He felt his legs start to shake, and was aware that his aim was lowering. The rain was stopping, but the water felt cool on his skin, and his vision became blurred. Numbness worked along his left arm as it failed him and fell to his side. His chest hurt, and a strange sense of confusion overcame him. He could hear sounds, but wasn’t able to process what they were. He was not even aware that the gun had dropped as his right arm fell, and he dropped to his knees and then the floor.

Warwick moved towards the fallen gun, but Philip tackled him and brought him to the ground. Philip picked the Lugar up and aimed it at Warwick.

“Move and I’ll kill you,” shouted Rei at Warwick, moving the hand gun between him and Malik, as he lay supine in the rain.

Philip felt the comforting weight of the gun in his hand. The trigger felt strangely inviting. Warwick looked up at him from the floor. Philip aimed the gun between Warwick’s eyes, and kept it there, wondering if the weapon would even still fire. He looked across to Mathew, who was sliding to the ground. “Go,” he said.

Warwick raised an eyebrow. “Pardon?”

“Go. Take him,” he motioned to Malik, “and just go. Now!”

Warwick scrambled to his feet and scampered away, leaving Malik still clutching his wounded leg.

“This isn’t over,” said Warwick.

“No, this is over,” replied Philip. He looked over at Mathew. “I think this is definitely over.”

He hurried across to where Rei had joined Mathew.

“Mathew, what’s happening? Are you hurt?”

“No, not really,” he panted.

Philip knelt beside him. “Alright, pal. We’re going to get you away now to a hospital. A proper one. Just hang on, it’ll all be ok.”

“It’s alright,” said Jessica. “There’s nothing to be afraid of.” She bent down and placed a kiss on his forehead.

“It’s ok,” said Mathew. “I’m not afraid, but I’m really cold.” The pain seemed to be subsiding, even in his leg and chest. He looked around in the quiet night. The rain had stopped and through a gap in the clouds he could see the ancient stars. He glanced across at Philip and Rei and watched as they moved close to one another. Then he looked into the eyes of his little girl. “I’m not afraid anymore.” His breathing was irregular and difficult.

“Jessie?”

“It’s ok dad, you don’t need to say anything.”

“Sorry. You know…”

He put his head back.

And in the darkness, he felt

Nothing,

any longer

no sound

no light

no darkness

no temperature

no feeling

no time

nothing

∞

@neildanderson