The Artist and the Actor – 15

 

 

Colin said the same thing to Shane minutes later when he let him into the house.

 

"Or a copycat," Shane replied as he followed Colin into the living room. He took a moment to look around, noting the changes to the room since he'd last been there. There was nothing major, a different painting above the fireplace, a new armchair sitting catty-corner to the sofa. He waited for Colin to settle on the sofa before taking the chair, suspecting that was as close as Colin would want him to be.

 

"Why would someone copy Kenny's murder?" Colin asked. "Hell, who'd even know about it after all this time?"

 

"You're asking me?" Shane replied with a brief smile.

 

"No, the wall," Colin spat out angrily. He sucked in a breath and apologized. "This has thrown me for a loop. It's horrible enough that it happened at all, but on the anniversary of Kenny's death? Did the killer know?"

 

"I'm sure the police will ask him when they catch him," Shane said.

 

"If they do. Kenny's killer is still running free." Colin stared at him. Shane had the feeling he didn't see him, but was remembering the day ten years previously when he'd learned of his brother's murder.

  

"Maybe you should talk to the detective?" Shane suggested cautiously, not certain how Colin would respond.

 

"And tell him what?"

 

"Colin, come on. Don't be stupid. About your brother."

 

Angrily, Colin replied, "What the hell good would that do? And don't call me stupid, asshole."

 

Shane grimaced. "Sorry. I know this is screwing with your head, but think about it. Maybe this is only a copycat murder, but what if it isn't? What if there've been others like it that you never heard about? Before you protest, it's possible. They never did find a motive for Kenny's murder, you said. If it was random…"

 

Colin snorted derisively. "You're saying there's a serial killer on the loose who only strikes once every ten years?"

 

"Were you listening to me?" Shane shot back. "Maybe there've been other killings like these two, but not in the area. If you talk to the detective, because he probably doesn't know about Kenny, he could find out."

   

"I suppose," Colin replied doubtfully. He went quiet and Shane hoped he was at least considering the idea. Then he looked at Shane, asking, "Why are you here? Don't you have a rehearsal or something to keep you busy?"

 

"And out of your hair," Shane retorted dryly. "We do run-throughs tomorrow and Wednesday to get used to the stage and the auditorium, then a full dress Thursday." He started to reach for Colin's hand then thought better of it. "Like I said when I called, I didn't think you should be alone right now."