Brentford 01 The Antipope by Robert Rankin

Author:Robert Rankin [Rankin, Robert]
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Robert Rankin
Published: 2010-05-29T13:15:45.957000+00:00

'I agree,' said Omally. 'But we had better have one or two more of these before we go.'

17

When Neville called time at ten thirty the two men stumbled forth into the street in their accustomed manner. They had spoken greatly during that evening and there had been much speculation and much putting together of two and two. If the Messiah to the Church of the Second Coming was the man in the portrait and the man in the

184 portrait was none other than the dreaded Dark One himself, then he was obviously gaining a very firm foothold hereabouts.

As Omally pushed Marchant forward and Pooley slouched at his side, hands in pockets, the two men began to feel wretchedly vulnerable beneath the moon's unholy light.

'You can almost come to terms with it during the day,' said Pooley. 'But at night, that is another matter.'

'I can feel it,' said John. 'The streets seem no longer familiar, all is now foreign.'

'I know.' If Marchant knew, he was not letting on, but out of sheer badness he developed an irritating squeak which put the two men in mind of the now sea-going wheelbarrow, and added to their gloom and despondency. This lad is heading for the breaker's yard,' said Omally suddenly. Marchant ceased his rear-wheel loquaciousness. A welcoming glow showed from the Professor's open French windows when presently they arrived. From within came the sound of crackling pages being turned upon the laden desk.

'Professor,' called Jim, tapping upon the pane.

'Come in Jim,' came the cheery reply. 'And bring Omally with you.'

The two men looked at one another, shrugged and entered the room. Pooley's eyes travelled past the old Professor and settled upon the spot where the bean creatures had been housed. 'Where are they?'

'They have grown somewhat, Jim,' said the Professor. 'I have been forced to lodge them in larger and more secure quarters.' He rang his bell and Gammon appeared as if by magic, bearing a bottle of scotch upon a silver salver.

'Now then,' the Professor said, after what he felt to be a respectable pause, adequate for the settling into armchairs and the tasting of scotch, 'I take it you have something to tell me. I take it further that you have confided all in Mr

185 Omally?' Pooley hung his head. 'It is all for the best, I suppose, it was inevitable that you should. So, now that you know, what are your thoughts on the matter, Omally?'

Omally, caught somewhat off guard, was hard pressed for a reply, so he combined a shrug, a twitch and a brief but scholarly grin to signify that he had not yet drawn upon his considerable funds of intellect in order to deal fully with the situation.

The Professor, however, read it otherwise. 'You are at a loss,' said he.

'I am,' said John.

'So,' the Professor continued, 'what brings you here?'

Omally looked towards Jim Pooley for support. Jim shrugged. 'You'd better tell him the lot,' said he.

Omally set about the retelling of his day's experiences. When the Irishman had finished the Professor rose to his feet.

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