Step. Step. Step.
That feeling of paranoia had been sinking in all day now. For every step he took he thought he heard another. Every time he turned he could have sworn a shadow flickered. Earlier that evening, after a long day of one bad audition after another, he’d been concerned; then he’d spoken to his little brother.
‘Lay low.’ He said. 'Can’t have you ruining things.’ He said.
Why was it, whenever his brother had some big job it was Richard who had to step back; Richard had to blend in, had to turn invisible? There was nothing he could do about it, Jim had no problem pointing that out; the phone conversation ended with the actor needing some air.
The paranoia meant nothing now. It wasn’t paranoia anymore, it was a fact. He was being followed. Jim’s orders to ensure he behaved, he figured. Still, Richard couldn’t say he was too pleased with the idea of being tailed… His brother wasn’t known for employing the most… reputable of gentleman.
What if it was one of those murderers? Or child molesters? Oh god, or a parent murdering child molester who kidnapped people and sold them for ransom in order to pay off their pornography debt? He wouldn’t be surprised if Jim hired someone like that to do his dirty work.
The sudden thought did spark a sudden impulse of fear through Richard, his step quickening as he moved down the long street. He was suddenly aware of how dark it was getting and just how far the distance was between him and his flat.
Richard took a sharp turn down an alleyway, quick to press himself back against the cool brick inlet of the building he was next to. He held his breath and peered around the building to the alley entrance, trying to see if a figure would emerge.
