Kings of the Night Read online

  Chapter 6.

  Now this is really something.

  Pressed, pristine, soft, white and it fits me perfectly. Just my size. Name badge and everything. Will have to get used to that. Now, let’s see. Ah yes, here we are. One week pathway plan for Paris, John. Executed: April 7. Right, best get busy.

  I look over at the bed, the helpless man lying there, inert, eyes closed and I smile. Whoever you are, thank you. I owe you one.

  (Yes you do)

  His eyes spring open suddenly and we’re staring at each other and in that moment, I know, he knows, and you can see the fear in them, and of course I’m sure he’s shouting but of course who knows because he can’t speak, he can’t move, and that’s because he’s dying. Sorry, John, I would be humane about this but I have this procedure to follow.

  “Mark? Are you listening?”

  Suddenly I realize that the voice is aimed at me. Going to have to sort that one out, too. Another on the list. I look up at Jane’s beautiful eyes.

  She looks worried. “You know, I think I saw something in his eyes” she starts. “Are you sure you….”

  “Yes, yes, I checked this morning” I stammer quickly, hoping I’ve said the right thing.

  “Okay…” she looks a bit dubious.

  “I think it’s just the light reflecting in his eyes. I saw the same earlier, but then I decided it was just that. Just the light…. No” I said hurriedly, “we should definitely get on. Where’s the switch?”

  “What?”

  “Erm… nothing”

  “Are you all right?” asked Jane, “you look a bit, well…different”

  “Yes, yes of course, I’m fine. Sorry” (calm yourself down John), “sorry, I just feel a bit, well, I don’t know. This poor guy, you know, like you said, he had a hard time, a hard life, and he fought bravely, only to….”

  “I didn’t say that about him. I said he’s a bit of a loser”

  “Well, yes, but loser, winner, you know, there’s a small difference, and clearly he had a lot going on, and I just feel a bit….”

  “Mark, Mark, Mark” her voice was softer, “golden rule number one, don’t let any emotion get the better of you.” She looked at me. Wow, your eyes are beautiful, maybe I can ask her out for a drink? Why didn’t I think of that, what a good idea, defuse the tension.

  “I…” I start.

  She puts her hand up. “Look, I know you’re learning, I know you’ll find it tough. I’ll let this one go, I’ll carry out the procedure for you, but please, watch me and make sure you learn and pick it up.”

  God, that was lucky, and maybe we can compare notes over a drink.

  “Just do me a favour, Mark, please…”

  “Yes?”

  “If you’re going to get emotional, don’t waste yourself on losers like this”