Page 171 of Inbetweeners
As they neared the shore, Nix’s heart began to pump a little harder. Was that who he thought it was sitting at one of the tables? But that…didn’t make sense.
“I’ll get out and pull up the dingy so you don’t get your feet wet,” Emmett said.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
As soon as the dinghy grounded, Emmett took off his shoes and stepped into the water. He pulled the craft further up the beach and put on his shoes.
Once Emmett turned, he was going to see who was sitting at one of the tables. Nix wondered whether to warn him. Emmett reached out for Nix and grabbed his hand to pull him onto the sand. They’d only taken two steps towards the restaurant before Emmett stopped walking.
“What the hell?” Emmett muttered.
Tar, in black jeans and black T-shirt, sat watching them.
Emmett turned to face Nix. “This can’t be Heaven. Oh fuck, of course it isn’t. I can swear. Actual swear-swear. I’ve been fucking swearing since I landed in the fucking sea. So where the hell are we?”
“Somewhere where we have to pay to eat. We better join him, then he can pay.”
Nix and Emmett headed for Tar, and sat down.
“We’re not in Heaven, then?” Emmett asked.
“Close. Greece,” Tar said. “Have you had a perfect day?”
“Yes, but it’s not over yet. The sun hasn’t set,” Emmett said quickly.
Three beers arrived on the table and Tar nodded his thanks to the waiter. When the man had gone, Tar took a swallow from the bottle, then put it down. “You did your job well.”
“I don’t ever want to have to do that again,” Emmett whispered. “Stick a knife in the chest of someone I love? Let alone stick it in my own chest.”
“But you did what you had to do.” Tar looked between them. “I wasn’t allowed to interfere, but there was never a need. What happened was what needed to happen.”
“That’s a bit enigmatic,” Emmett said.
“That’s angels for you.”
“Why us?” Nix asked.
“Neither of you fit in. Emmett was unhappy in Heaven. You should never have been sent to Hell. Whoever was making decisions that day didn’t look hard enough at your life. Though I said mistakes aren’t made, this time one was. I was told that correcting it only became a possibility when rumours started of what Vin was up to. You both retained a greater essence of the people you’d been than most usually do after they die. And of course, you discovered how your lives were intertwined.”
Nix sighed. Emmett squeezed his fingers.
“So we’re back on Earth,” Nix said.
Tar nodded. “I have a proposition for you.”
Nix took a swig of beer.
“How would you like to work for me?” Tar asked.
“As opposed to not working for you?” Nix raised his eyebrows.
“Simple choice.” Tar shrugged.
“Does it involve dying over and over?” Emmett asked.
“Not if you’re careful.”
