by Pat Herbert
“Sophie, is it really you?” She looked lovelier than he remembered, more mature perhaps, but all the better for it. Then he saw the wedding ring on her finger.
“Yes, it’s really me. I think a lot about you. I really loved you, you know.”
“Then why did you leave me like that?”
“I promise, Bernard, one day you’ll find out. One day we’ll meet again – oh, not for many years, but one day. Then I’ll tell you everything.”
Suddenly Diabol was back and Sophie had gone. Bernard was in tears. “How could you do that to me?” he cried. “How could you be so cruel?”
“Well, I’m not exactly on the side of the angels, you know,” he pointed out, jerking his elbows. “Now, to the real reason I’m here.”
“I’m not interested in the reason, real or otherwise. You’ve completely upset me. I can’t think straight. Go away.” Bernard wiped his eyes furiously with his hanky and blew his nose noisily, but Diabol stayed where he was, looking at him quizzically.
“Feeling better?” he asked eventually, as Bernard sat quietly, red-eyed, beside him.
“Not really. Look, tell me what you want, then go.”
“Okay. I’ve been given one last escorting job to do and I think you can help me. I need to get this man down below as soon as possible. He’s a special case and needs making an example of. The fire and brimstone treatment will be awaiting him with a vengeance. They’re really looking forward to it as they haven’t had someone so wicked to deal with for a long time. It’ll be no picnic for him, I can assure you.”
“You enjoy being cruel, don’t you? Anyway, what makes you think I can help you find this man for you? I don’t know anyone deserving fire and brimstone. God, it’s not Robbie is it?”
Diabol consulted his clipboard. “Robbie? No, it’s nobody called Robbie. His name is Baldur, Baldur Hanssen. He lives in Bergen in Norway. I understand you know him?”
“I’ve never met him,” said Bernard, suddenly perking up. He felt himself grinning inwardly. “But I know the name.”
“Well, do you know where I can find him?”
“If it’s the Baldur Hanssen I think you mean, and it’s by no means certain, knowing you.” He paused, grinning outwardly now.
Baldur looked hurt. “Go on, if it is? I’m sure I’ve got the name right this time.”
“Very well, then,” said Bernard, still grinning. “Then I think I can help you.”
