“The light caught his face and in that moment he looked angelic. The deep, soulful eyes, the d

“The light caught his face and in that moment he looked angelic. The deep, soulful eyes, the delicate chin, the generous mouth, all illuminated as a beatific icon. Thornhill commanded him to hold the pose and sketched quickly. Sheppard’s eyes widened slightly, gazing beyond, and he glowed with the obscure charm that only the truly famous possess. Thus transfigured he lifted his manacled wrists and muscular hands, and gestured with long, elegant fingers. One hand gently clasped the edge of the table, the other pointed away, as if giving some sign of benediction.”

Jake Arnott, The Fatal Tree