Chapter 38 Alex
Alex
Should I tell you my name? My real name.
Right now? Gosh, it’s tempting. Do you know, Miles, I came so close to revealing myself to you last night.
You see, I can hardly wait a second longer before I get to see that look in your eyes when you realise you haven’t got away with anything.
I confess, it’s becoming difficult to keep my emotions in check. But I must, just for a little longer.
In case it isn’t obvious, I’m right here in this forest. I like this place. It couldn’t be better, actually. The weather leaves a little to be desired, but I suppose you can’t have everything.
I keep thinking about what exactly has brought you here, Miles. Is it a need for isolation? A love of the great outdoors? A random pin in a map?
No, it’s something else. Fate has brought us here, I’m sure of it.
Perhaps fate is the wrong word, but nevertheless I feel it happening: these powerful, balancing forces moving to create equilibrium; immortal, unseen hands moving us carefully around like pieces on a chess board.
I’m one or two moves away. One or two moves. And then that’s it, Miles. Checkmate.
You don’t realise this, but under the cover of this forest, I’ve been able to take a good look at you.
In light of everything that’s happened, you’re not behaving at all as I expected.
I’m coming to the conclusion that you’re playing a part.
You’re acting. How perfect. You’ve embodied a role.
If that is indeed what’s happening, you are a slightly better actor than I gave you credit for.
When I look at you, I’m trying to fathom what, if anything, is genuine in your facial expressions. The only thing I know for sure that isn’t faked is the perturbed look you get when you’re trying to figure out who I am. Who is following you? You’d love to know, wouldn’t you?
What if I was to give you a clue? What if I was to tell you that I’m not the man you followed out of the bar the other night? Would that help?
That I, too, am an actor? No, I couldn’t do that – it would be too much of a giveaway. You’d know instantly who I am.
I’m a good actor, you know. A far superior actor to you, Miles. I’m certain of that, even if I am destined never to get the sort of success you are capable of.
What I’ve learned about our industry, Miles, is that talent will only get you so far.
Your personal background is far more important.
Anyone in any doubt about that should look up their favourite British actor and find out what school they went to, how their family came into possession of their generational wealth.
No, I would never be able to hit the heights that you could reach. But that doesn’t mean I don’t know what I’m doing. I’m able and prepared. You’ll discover that very soon. And when you do, you’ll have witnessed the performance of a lifetime.