-1Concerning A Murder
Epilogue
Morton Rainey sat on his porch, looking out at the lake and trees in the distance. The sound of the screen door cut into his thoughts and he turned as Alexander Wright handed him a glass of lemonade. He took it and watched Alex sit on the edge of the porch, sipping his lemonade.
"How was your day, Mort?" Alex asked, a casual tone in his voice.
"I wrote more," Mort responded, sipping his drink carefully. "I've been working hard on your… well, Alex's… story. Oh, Dave Newsome called and invited me for Thanksgiving dinner. He feels sorry for me, I suppose. I declined."
Alex nodded, ignoring the Thanksgiving comment. "It's a good story. I'm glad it's finally getting finished."
"Yeah."
They sat quietly, watching the sunset a while. Mort sighed and turned back to Alex. "How often do you do this?"
"Do what?" Alex's eyes never left the sun.
"How often do you live with psychotic murderers?"
"As often as I can, Morton. It's my life. I spend my time finding people like you. People who create other selves are perfect vessels, like yourself."
"Did… I really create the self you're occupying now?" Mort shifted in his seat.
"You created me, yes. Just as you created my last form. Seeing as you were no longer as affected by Mr. Shooter, I had to reopen old wounds and bring out someone who'd strike to your heart. You and I, Morton, are not finished yet."
"Can you… be anything else? Not… this kid?"
Alex turned and smiled, closing his eyes and leaning his head back a bit. "Oh, I can make my own image, but it's not nearly as effective, for you. I've done it before, though. To a man in Beijing, I was once a loyal dog with the ability to read his thoughts. A German businessman believed his dead brother to have been reborn." Alex opened his eyes and stared at Mort. Where once sat gray, sad eyes, now rested black eyes with red pupils, dark and menacing.
"So, you take on a form that you know the victim will recognize and accept?"
"Please, don't say victim…" Alex's head snapped around at that comment. "There are no victims. They bring on their own problems. And, would you prefer me to look like some red beast with horns and a tail, because I must say I find that form you humans have created for me to be quite offensive and lacking in flattery."
Mort sighed and leaned back. "So, I'm trapped with you? I have no possible saving grace?"
"You never had that chance in the first place… You were always mine, Morton. We made that deal a long time ago. Now, be quiet, watch the sky, and let me enjoy my lemonade." The boy fell silent and Morton Rainey stared on in silence, lost in his thoughts and fears. Never again could he make himself believe he was no murderer. His constant companion reminded him of that every day.
I created that conversation about the man in Beijing a while ago while listening to Banana Phone, and now you know the inspiration for this story. Someday, I'll patch it up, make it better. I don't like the way it ended, but I am glad it ended. Thanks for reading, please keep reading my stuff, and keep reviewing.