Page 187 of Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt

‘You just screwed it up and stuffed it in my mouth...’

‘You were LYING to save your sad skin. Youknewabout the diamond! Don’t tell me you didn’t! You wanted it for yourself. So you waited until she was vulnerable and you...’ Kreeg wavered, and his eyes filled with tears.

I spoke coolly but firmly. ‘I knew nothing of the diamond until that night, as I ran from the house when you tried to kill me. But what does it matter now? You will never accept my word. Please, I beg of you, extract the revenge you have always dreamt of.’

Kreeg had begun to breathe heavily. Maintaining eye contact, he reached into his pocket with his spare hand and produced a pill. He swallowed it without water, and winced. ‘I’m sure you have heard of my diagnosis. It has been reported in the news.’

I nodded. ‘I have. I was sorry to learn about it. Cancer is the cruellest of illnesses.’

He shrugged. ‘The cancer is nothing compared to what you took from me that day.’

I sighed. ‘I took nothing from you, I swear. But if you mean to say how cruel it is to never know the love of a mother, then you are right.’

Kreeg jeered. ‘Excellent point, Atlas. You didn’t just killmymother. You killed your own, years before!’

His words caused me visceral pain. ‘I know,’ I said. ‘I have thought of it often, and wished that the universe had taken me and not her on the day I was born.’

He leant back in his chair a little, clearly enjoying my pain. ‘Ironically, you would not be alive without my mother. She delivered you.’

‘I know. She told me many times, and I hope that I was able to repay her by acting as a dutiful child, particularly after my father left.’

Kreeg held my gaze. ‘This letter you speak of. The one from my mother. It is a shame you don’t still have it, Atlas.’

‘I do.’

‘What?’

‘I have held on to it for dear life. Would you like to read it?’ Kreeg nodded slowly. ‘May I reach into my pocket?’

‘Slowly.’

I cautiously retrieved the letter from my trousers and placed it on the table. ‘There you are. Still battered and covered in teeth marks from that awful day.’

Kreeg peered down at the envelope. ‘It is addressed to Gustav Melin.’

‘Your mother’s cousin.’ I nodded.

‘You open it, Atlas. If you think I’m putting this gun down, you are mistaken.’

‘As you wish.’ I took the envelope and gently removed the ancient piece of paper from within, before sliding it back across to Kreeg. He observed the contents.

Dear Gustav,

I hope you and Alyona are as well as can be. I regret that I have not been in touch as often as I would have liked. Things have been hard since Cronus died.

As you know, the Red Army are monitoring us very closely. For this reason, I wonder whether I might ask a favour of you?

If you are reading this, then young Atlas is standing before you. He is a trusted messenger, and carries upon his person a package of immeasurable value.

Gustav, you are the only family I have left. I must ask you to keep the package safe until tensions have eased, and we are no longer under such scrutiny.

I would ask you not to unwrap the package, but if you do, then I know it will be tempting to sell the item for yourself. Please, Gustav, however tempted you may be, remember that I have two starving boys in my care. When I am able, I will sell the item, and reward you with a handsome commission.

I must ask this of you for I have made a mistake. I informed a Bolshevik soldier about its existence. I am worried that he will come for it.

Please confirm with Atlas that you are a willing recipient, and he will transfer the package.

Thank you, Gustav. I believe you will prove yourself a loyal cousin.