How does he know these things?

“Mission success.”

Shard smiled softly, as if capping a certainty. Max returned the smile – thinking, hoping, it was over. But Shard continued –

“You will live to be an old man.

“Very old….

“You will live to be eighty-three years old.

“And when you die it is very quick.”

This was incredible. What with every jumped-up state in the world brandishing a nuclear arsenal, the planet fast running out of oil and in the words of his mate McLaughlin, “the whole joint pretty much burnt to the shithouse!” Max had been unable to imagine even reaching middle, let alone old age. Now, suddenly, if he believed this old man – not only would he somehow survive, but more importantly, so would the world!

Everything might be possible… if you believe this old man.

12.8

Shard paused for a moment to survey the extent of the carnage he had wrought in Max’s mind. He only had one more card to play and wanted to be certain that Max was in no state to resist.

12.9

Max relaxed a little – certain by now he’d heard it all. It had been an odd experience but the net result – old age, quick death, overall mission success – was pretty good.

But it was not over. When the old man leant toward him the chill in his spine told Max that worse was yet to come. He felt the breath in his ear as the old man whispered –

“You will witness God…

“I am a holy man.”

Max was completely engrossed, and could only watch helplessly as the old man turned and hurried away.

Do something! Don’t just let him go!

Not now, not…after that!

But he was riveted to the spot. Ringing his mind like a slipping clutch were the words –

“You will witness God.

“I am a holy man.”