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
The Relic Keeper Page 35
