Page 106 of A Night with Damien Spur

But the Voice was getting jumpy.

I need to talk to you, Damien. You should be getting on with your screenplay, but it’s difficult with Sophie always being here. Best thing, why don’t you send her shopping?

‘She hates leaving me. Worries that I’ll do something terrible.’

Go on, speak to her. Tell her that you fancy some edamame beans. And she could also buy you some orange pekoe tea!the Voice said.

It was Sunday afternoon. The Voice knew that the supermarkets closed early, but there was a rather smart delicatessen in World’s End that stocked unusual items. It stayed open till 6 p.m.

At least, the Voice said,we’llhave an hour by ourselves.

‘Sophie,’ Damien shouted from his bed. ‘Can you come here, please?’

‘Edamame beans?’ she said, wide-eyed at his request.

‘Yes, please. And the tea.’

‘Well, I’ll try. Not sure about the beans, though.’

‘Thank you so much, Sophie,’ Damien said. ‘I really appreciate you looking after me. I’m sure you’ll be able to get the tea, but if there’s a problem with the edamame you could geta portion from the Japanese restaurant in Parsons Green.’

‘I see. Okay!’ she said brightly. ‘Are you sure you’ll be all right?’

‘Of course, Sophie. I enjoy my own company.’

***

‘Who am I?’ When he was at last alone with the Voice, Damien looked at his reflection in the bathroom mirror. The face stared back with glassy fish eyes, ash-grey skin, a tight white mouth.

Look, you miserable fucker, pull yourself together, said the Voice.

‘Can’t,’ Damien said. ‘I’m gone, likeWriting in the Sand, washed away.’

No, you’re not. The cold water woke you up when you tried to top yourself, the Voice said.Not worth dying for a woman who doesn’t love you.

‘You’re right. I need to fight my monsters, clear that witch Elizabeth out of my head,’ Damien said.

The phone rang.

‘Guess who?’ Elizabeth crooned.

Would you believe it?said the Voice. She’s bloody psychic. You say her name and – bang– she’s ready to torment you all over again. Now, Damien, don’t get sucked in.

‘Why are you calling me?’ he said.

‘Claudia told me that you tried to kill yourself,’ she said.

What’s it to you?the Voice whispered in his head.Go on, say it, say it.

But the words didn’t come.

‘Damien… are you there?’ Elizabeth said.

‘Not all there.’ He watched the man in the mirror shake his head. ‘But I’m going to say something that you should hear. I just have to wait for good advice.’

‘Who’s there with you?’

‘A friend who makes sure that I’m okay. My minder.’

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