Jack of Ravens

25

Back at the apartment, Gabe was beyond consoling. Church left him to Niamh’s ministrations while he consulted with Tom.

‘You did your best,’ Tom said.

‘It’s not over,’ Church responded defiantly.

‘If they have the Extinction Shears, it really is. Existence will be remade in the image of the Void for all time. No ebb and flow of hope against despair, no Blue Fire to hold back the dark. We will live in the best of all possible worlds, and the best of all worlds will be the worst imaginable.’ Tom sat on the edge of the bed, staring into the middle distance.

‘The Libertarian wasn’t planning to use them straight away. Now that the Enemy has them, they can take their time. And if the Shears are as powerful as everybody says, they can’t afford to rush into using them blindly.’

‘So what are you saying — that you’re going to parachute into Vietnam?’ If I have to.’

‘I can help.’ Gabe was at the door, his cheeks flushed.

I know how you must be feeling,’ Church began, but the likelihood is that Marcy isn’t alive.’

‘You don’t know that. You never turned away when the odds were against you. You’re not doing it now. You’ve taught me a lesson there — blame yourself. I’m not going to give up on Marcy until I know for sure she’s dead.’

‘All right. What do you suggest?’

‘I got an offer from Life magazine to do some work for them. They need photographers in the war zone. Tim Page, Errol Flynn’s son, a few others — they’re doing good work, but there aren’t enough of them. Nobody wants to risk their neck.’

‘You can get accreditation for me?’ Church said.

‘As a writer, maybe. If you’re ready to take the risk.’

‘Ten thousand Americans have already died there this year,’ Church said. ‘The chances of getting out alive aren’t good.’

Tom nodded. ‘Then it’s a suicide mission. Can I have your Frank Sinatra records?’