98

And Milton is so bored of Young Levant, wasting energy on the father that walked out on him. And sick of his agoraphobia. And the guilt around the neglect of his canine companion, Ergo, that he takes a couple of sessions to insidiously implant the seed of an idea in his inferior mind that will eventually lead him to become the Man in the Light.

Another person of choice.

The 233rd.

Rossi took two of the Nobodies. Erickson took the other.

That’s all nine of them.

Artaud was responsible for none.

99

Old Levant inhales. He counts. One, two, three. And exhales.

Just as he was taught all those years ago when the blackouts first began.

It isn’t helping. He has to get out of the flat.

‘Come on, boy.’ The old man taps his fat thigh and Ergo comes bounding towards him. ‘We’re going out.’ He clips the chain onto Ergo’s collar, rubs his back affectionately and they leave.

This is no aimless walk with his new companion; the old man knows exactly where he is going, though he hasn’t visited for many years.

You wouldn’t know it was there. It’s tucked away on the South Bank. Behind the National Theatre. The road is quiet. People jog along the river a hundred yards away but they don’t know what’s here.

There’s a barrier on the left that remains open. A signpost says that the speed limit is 10MpH, and the speed bumps reinforce that. Turn right at the bottom of the road and park outside the first set of doors. Or walk, with your dog, and tie him to one of the lampposts.

London is out of sight.

The brass plaque is etched with the word ERMA, just the same as it was when Old Levant was sent here after seeing his partner electrocuted. Beneath that, four brass buzzers. Each with a name beside them.

Erickson. Told the Lovers to step up to the edge. And one of the Nobodies. The Poet, too.

Rossi. Took on two Nobodies. The Ungrateful one.

Milton. Made the Doctor jump. And Young Levant.

Artaud.

In that order.

The Old Man hits the buzzer.

‘Hello, I’m looking for Dr Artaud.’

‘Speaking.’

‘You probably won’t remember me. It has been a long while but you helped me through a difficult time when I was working for the police.’

Artaud has helped many detectives and constables over the years. But he doesn’t forget anybody.

‘Your name?’

‘Levant.’

The doctor buzzes him in.

100

ESCALATION

Ohio, June 1979. Steven Mark Hicks was hitchhiking his way to a concert. He was eventually picked up but decided to stop off with the driver for some drinks. Several hours of alcohol and music later, Hicks was ready to leave. They’d had a great time. The man who had offered the lift did not want Hicks to leave.

So he stopped it from happening.