Читать книгу Stand By Me - S.D. Robertson - Страница 11

When the man returned to the room, the lapel of his black jacket bore a pressed metal badge, which stated that his name was Will.

Of course. How had he forgotten that?

‘Here you are,’ Will said, handing over a large white mug of tea. ‘Sorry I took a while. It’s hot, so be careful.’

‘Thank you.’

‘Sugar?’ Will asked, opening his palm to reveal some sachets.

‘No, thanks.’

Will, who hadn’t brought a drink for himself, seemed happy to watch him sip the tea in silence. Meanwhile, he scrutinised him with his blue eyes, occasionally running a hand through his thick grey hair. Only when the mug was half empty did Will ask him if he felt more clearheaded.

‘Yes.’ The tea really seemed to have helped. He’d even stopped tapping his fingers and bouncing his leg up and down.

‘Good. You’ve probably got a few questions.’

And of course he did, starting with where he was and how he’d got there.

It was a huge amount to take in, even though some of it was as he’d suspected or remembered. It was devastating and yet also strangely calming. For if the worst thing imaginable had already happened, what else was there to fear?

The last thing he expected was to be presented with a proposal. His unique circumstances and the transitory nature of his current position meant he could help with something, Will explained at length.

‘Is this for real?’ he asked eventually, still absorbing the details. It involved a person who meant a great deal to him – who he’d love nothing more than to help – and an incredible, impossible chance to return to the world he’d thought lost forever only moments ago.

Will responded with a solemn nod. ‘Yes, and so you know, it’s a rare privilege that you’re being offered here. But it will only be for a short time – probably a matter of days.’

‘What do I have to do? How does it work exactly? How would I even get there?’

‘Give me the word and I’ll take care of the details.’

‘It’s that straightforward?’

‘From your perspective, yes. The situation you’d face there is … complex, but we’d provide you with all the necessary information.’

A wave of nervous excitement washed over him. His bouncing leg started up again, vibrating the remaining tea in his mug, as he gave Will his answer. ‘I’m in.’