Judgement and Wrath (39 page)

She held out her hand and I slipped her mother’s crucifix into her palm. It was looped on a silver chain.

Marianne studied the chain.

‘This isn’t mine.’

‘Souvenir for you,’ I said.

It was elegant and expensive. An antique piece of jewellery. It had once held the weight of a book containing thirty-six legions of spirits. The weight of the cross would easily balance that out.

Marianne looped it round her neck and lifted the cross between her fingers. She kissed it, and I saw the fear recede. Then she stood on tiptoes and pressed her lips to my cheek.

‘Thanks, Joe.’

All the gratitude I required. She turned away and re-entered Bradley’s room. I leaned against the wall next to the door. I could hear her humming something under her breath, the same song she’d been humming in the garden on Baker Island. Only this time it didn’t sound so sad.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND THANKS

There are so many people I am grateful to this time that I’m sure to miss some of them out, but you know who you are, so thank you.

Special thanks go to Jim H, Richard G, Col B, Mark T, Stu H, all of whom have kept my creative juices bubbling in different ways.

As ever, huge thanks to Luigi and Alison Bonomi and all the team at LBA, without whom Joe Hunter wouldn’t be the same. Also to George Lucas at Inkwell Management, and to everyone at ILA, who champion my books throughout the world.

To Sue Fletcher, Swati and Eleni at Hodder and Stoughton, and to David Highfill, Gabe and Sharyn at William Morrow and Company, thank you for all your invaluable editorial advice and support.

Thanks also to Jacky and Val Hilton.

Matt Hilton