Thats not important. Whats important is that I can help you. I can help you like Ive helped so many others.

Is this some religious bullshit?

They couldnt suppress their laughter. No. But I suppose you could say Ive been sent. At least, thats how I feel. Paul, I can help you. If you let me, I can help.

Another pause and then, Did Harry put you up to this? Seriously, who is this?

Again, as the last word came to an end, they could hear that little inflection of hope in Paul Vances voice.

Youll find out later, Im sure, they answered. The important thing right now is that I know you. Paul Vance, forty-eight years of age. Your marriage is in shambles, you hate your job, and you tried to kill yourself four months ago.

How do you kn

It doesnt matter for now, Paul. You need someone, right? Someone to help you? Someone to be there for you. Would you meet with me?

No. I dont know how you know all of this about me, but I could call the cops. I could…this is a crime.

It was like a blueprint. Every other time, this conversation had gone down this same path, taking these same exact turns. And because of that, they knew what came next. They knew it was almost done now.

You could do that, yes. Absolutely. But that would heap just one more thing on you and really…do you want that? You need a break. You need someone that will listen. I do that and I do it well.

Are you some sort of doctor? Paul Vance asked.

No. I can be better than a doctor. Meet me, Paul. Meet me and you can find out who I am, how I know these things about you, and how I can help. Really, dont you deserve someone that will actually listen? Someone that will care? I know how alone you feel and I know how that can eat away at someone.

It was hard to be sure, but they thought Paul might actually be crying on the other end of the phone. And in that sound of breaking, they knew what came next. It just took a while for the person on the other end to finally get there. With Paul Vance, the silence went on for another fifteen seconds or so.

Yes. Ill meet you. But if this is some sort of trick, Ill

No trick, Paul. You have my word on that. Youll see.

Where do I need to meet you?

They gripped the phone, and now it was like that sixth or seventh beer going down, the real buzz just beginning. And with that feeling rushing through them, they told Paul Vance where and when to meet.

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX