They all drank in silence, reflecting on Max’s tale. While he had been speaking, the last few moving figures had vanished. The three of them sat alone in the vast building’s only island of light.


Leroy was first to speak. “I guess that just leaves my story. My crime was I waited too long. My ex-wife died last year and custody of our little boy passed to me. Social services looked me over; I convinced them I could stay dry. At first, I did. Then, I found out my ex had left everything in escrow, in Bobby’s name. The only way his inheritance could pass to me would be if he died a natural death. When he got sick, I kept putting off taking him to A and E, thinking he was getting a little better. Meningitis, they said, when I finally got him there, and there was nothing they could do. Three years old. I’m going to carry that guilt for the rest of my days, no matter how far I run.”

A quiet cough. “Madam, gentlemen. It is time. Please come this way.” The suited man bowed from the neck as they all stood.

They followed him through the dark, deserted airport, down a flight of stairs, through several corridors, until they came to gate M13. The aircraft on the ramp was an old Constellation. Paean Airways - Max had never heard of them.

“Sir, what about my return reservation?” Dolores asked.

“This arrangement is strictly one-way, madam,” replied the suited man.

They appeared to be the only passengers. Their guide saw them safely aboard and took his leave.

Tuesday 21 December 00:00UTC