The Last Word Read Free Page B

They began with vodka, oysters and tiger prawns, but as with all of Rob’s sprawling meals, it was some time before they even reached the base camp of the first course. Hours later, staggering out into the quiet, grand city, and feeling as if he’d swallowed someone’s head, Harry said, ‘Who would have any idea that the financial system has collapsed?’
    Rob embraced Harry and said, ‘My man, never mind that – I see difficulties ahead for you. This project could be a nightmare, but never forget how fortunate you are to have such a great subject to explore. Now your real work begins.’ Dashing at lithe Alice, almost knocking her off her high heels and then holding her unnecessarily tight, Rob said, ‘Do not worry, you divine thing. The love of your life will triumph. By the end you will admire him even more.’
    ‘You’re a clever man, Rob,’ she said. ‘But you haven’t convinced me.’ She had already emphasised that Harry, though he had passed thirty, was still a little naïve; Mamoon could eat his soul alive, leaving him humiliated and empty. ‘Surely it might cause him permanent damage, psychologically. Didn’t you say that Mamoon’s wife even called Harry her son? What sort of woman would say that to a stranger?’
    Rob was giggling and said he’d be sure to oversee everything. He had dedicated his life to problematical writers – they were always the most talented – and Harry only had to phone him. Anyhow, Mamoon was lonely, but couldn’t admit it. He would more than welcome Harry’s company; he loved to discuss literature and ideas. It would be an education for Harry. He would emerge with a new sophistication.
    In the taxi Alice put her arm around Harry and kissed him on the side of the head. ‘I know you so well, and you’ll feel guilty, simplifying everything, putting the emphasis here or there according to your interest. Or the interest of Rob, more like, whom you’re bullied by.’
    ‘Am I?’
    ‘See how you listen to his every spitting insane word, and even do that doggy nod when he stops talking? Surely you’ll have to write stuff about Mamoon that he won’t like?’
    ‘I hope so. I’ve said to Rob it’ll be my book. He agreed. He called me an artist.’
    ‘When?’
    ‘Just before he put his face down on the table.’
    ‘What if Mamoon and his wife take revenge on you? Rob was telling me at dinner that the old bird’s capable of mad furies. I read that she tossed a computer at a journalist’s head for asking Mamoon if he’d sold out to become a pseudo-gentleman.’
    ‘The British Empire wasn’t won with that attitude. Alice, why aren’t you backing me? What would you like me to do?’
    ‘Truly? I wish you would be a teacher in an ordinary school.’
    ‘With us living in a comfortable semi in suburbia?’
    ‘Why not?’
    ‘You wouldn’t last five minutes on that money.’
    ‘We’d be different people, with fewer shoes.’
    He said, ‘My love, you know very well that I’ve got to get my life off the ground. Even my dad said I still resemble a student. In my family, it’s always a good idea to be a man.’
    ‘What does that really mean, Harry?’
    ‘To be amusing and articulate company. To play sport, to be successful in the world – top of the heap. This book is my debt to Dad. Besides, Rob will take care of me. He’s recommended cunning and silence, and has some other advice up his sleeve.’
    She turned away. ‘You don’t care what I say.’
    ‘Listen. Something important happened on the train. Rob slammed the contract down in front of me and insisted I sign it.’
    ‘And you did?’
    ‘It was my moment of decision. Now I’m excited. Please, will you visit me there in the country? I’m sure they won’t object. They’ll adore you as I do, I’m sure.’
    ‘I don’t think so.’
    ‘Why not?’
    ‘Too intimidating. I won’t have any idea what to say if he asks me about the long-term effect of the Iranian revolution. I’ll just have to occupy