Nineteen Eighty-Three (Red Riding, #4)

by David Peace

Alderman steps forward. The barrel touches Marsh’s forehead. Alderman pulls the trigger – CLICK – Nothing happens. ‘Fuck,’ says Alderman. He turns away. He fiddles with the pistol. Marsh is staring straight ahead. ‘I’ve fixed it,’ says Alderman. ‘It’ll be all right this time.’ He points the pistol again – Marsh staring straight back into him. Alderman pulls the trigger – BANG – Marsh falls to the floor. I think he’s dead. Marsh opens his eyes. He looks up from the floor. He sees the smoking gun in Alderman’s hand. He sees the shreds of black material coming out of the barrel. He sees them floating down to the floor, over him – He sees us all laughing. George Marsh smiles.