The Final Winter: An Apocalyptic Horror Novel(72)

Harry nodded and smiled, looking around the brightly-lit bar and feeling more hope than he had since Toby was born. “Well, Lucas,” he said, “if you didn’t fill me in on what was happening then I wouldn’t have had a clue. I certainly wouldn’t have made the deal I did. If you hadn’t turned up we’d all be in Hell, so…thank you. For a Devil you’re sure not what I expected…Lucas?”

The Prince of Hell had departed, disappearing without Harry or anybody else noticing. Harry hoped Lucas had stayed long enough to hear him say thanks.

At the end of the bar, Harry noticed Old Graham sitting alone, drinking by himself. Harry smiled, finding it ironic that he was so happy to see the old codger. Harry made his way over to Old Graham who looked up as he approached.

“Hey, Harry,” he said.

Harry sat on the stool next to the old man. “Hey, Graham. You’re into History and all that aren’t you? Weren’t you in the army?”


Old Graham beamed proudly. “That I was, ten long years. In the Signals I was. Hit the Falklands a full hour before the SAS did. Yet they get all the glory.”

“Brilliant,” said Harry. “I wanted to learn more about the past, and about brave men like you. I was thinking about going to the Imperial War museum at the weekend. Would you like to come with me and be my guide?”

For a moment, Harry thought the old man was going to fall off his stool. Then he gathered himself together and nodded enthusiastically. “You know I haven’t been out of this bloody town in eight years. I would love to come, Harry. Thank you, I mean it.”

Harry patted him on the back. “Good. We’ll have to make a regular thing of it. Right now though, I’ve got to go, so I’ll come by tomorrow night to see you. You’ll be here right?”

Old Graham laughed. “Does the Devil have horns?”

Harry raised an eyebrow. “I think you’d be surprised.”

Old Graham obviously didn’t understand and Harry was glad about that. Knowledge of the night’s previous run of events was a burden he was more than happy to shoulder alone. He walked over to the centre of the bar where he had been speaking to Lucas before he disappeared. Back to Hell or wherever. On the other side of the wooden surface was someone he wanted to talk to very much.

Steph spun around and smiled when she saw him. Harry couldn’t forgive himself for ever ignoring how beautiful she was. He would make up for it though.

“Harry,” she said to him. “Another drink?”

Harry shook his head. “No thanks, I’ve given up.”

Steph looked at him in bewilderment. “What since five minutes ago?”

Harry nodded and grinned. “It seems like longer, but yes I have. Time to start living my life in better ways.”

Steph seemed genuinely happy. “Good for you, Harry.” Then suddenly her expression flipped upside down and she seemed very sad. “Does that mean you won’t be coming in here anymore?”

“Maybe,” said Harry. “Which is why I wanted to know if you’d come to dinner with me on your next night off.”

Steph’s face lit up. “I’d love to. I’m free Thursday night.”

Harry reached out and took Steph’s hand. She seemed embarrassed but he could tell that she also liked the feel of the two of them touching. “Then it’s a date. You can tell me all about this pet grooming business you’re going to set up.”

Steph was surprised. “How did you know about that?”

“I don’t know,” said Harry, “but I want to learn all about it, and all about you. Right now I have to go, so I’ll be back tomorrow night to arrange with you.”

Harry left Steph in a fluster behind the bar and moved towards the exit. Damien was lay across the coach, enjoying the fire. As Harry got closer Damien noticed him staring. The boy stood up.

“The f*ck you looking at?”

Harry smiled. Finally he could see through Damien’s hardman disguise and see the lost boy beneath it. “Hey, Damien. I just wanted to ask you something.”

“What?”

“Well, I used to have a successful business, but I sold it. I was thinking of starting up again, though, so I need a partner – someone young and smart. Guess I’m looking for an apprentice, but I don’t have a son. I used to but he died. His name was Toby.”

Damien’s eyes flickered back and forth, as if he expected a sneaky attack to come at any moment.

Harry continued. “I know you’re a busy guy, but I don’t think you enjoy selling drugs. You’re better than that and I’d really like to help you be successful in a less dangerous way. I need a man like you. I think we can make a lot of good honest money together.”

For a while it seemed like Damien was going to strike out and hit him. Harry wondered for a moment if he’d misjudged the boy and was relieved when his demeanour finally softened. “You serious?” he said.

“Very!” Harry went for a handshake. “Deal?”

Damien smiled and shook Harry’s hand. “Yeah, deal.”

“Great, I’ll speak to you about it soon.” Harry walked away, but Damien stopped him.

“Harry?”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks. You know, for the opportunity and everything. Most people just think I’m a thug.”