Read Online Merely Players by J. M. Gregson - Free Book Online

stress and anxiety were constant facts of life. ‘I still use them to relax at work. I’ve given them up altogether at home.’
    â€˜How is Keith?’ Adam was pleased with himself for remembering the name of Morley’s partner.
    â€˜He’s doing fine. He sold a painting last week. That always cheers him up. But this week he’s painting the lounge, so I expect him to be in a foul mood when I get back. I think I’d better pick up a bottle of gin on the way home.’
    Adam was grateful for the clues. He remembered now; Keith had a part-time job as an art gallery curator, but aspirations to be a full-time professional artist. He said conventionally, ‘It can’t be easy, trying to sell serious art when you’re not a big name.’
    â€˜It isn’t. But we get by. And we’re happy with each other.’ Dean wanted to tell people about that, but no one ever asked you, the way they asked heterosexuals about their liaisons. He wanted to tell everyone that at forty-seven he had discovered the most important love of his life, but no one gave you the chance to do that. There was a pause before he said, ‘You’re doing well. New series lined up, and more to come after that if you want it. You’ve come a long way from that lad playing a motorcycle courier with two lines.’
    He hadn’t intended to mention that, but the temptation to harp back to the help he had offered in Cassidy’s early days had been irresistible. Adam gave a little frown before he smiled his recognition of those far-off times. Dean glanced towards the door, wondering how long this privacy would last. It wasn’t easy to get Adam on his own, these days. He didn’t want to ring him up. He needed to drop his question into a more casual situation: a situation like this, in fact. ‘I’m looking forward to being your regular foil in the next series. Be like old times, eh?’
    â€˜Regular foil?’ Adam knew what Dean meant, but he wanted time to think. It was part of that power which leading actors had, making people spell out the things they didn’t want to.
    Dean took a deep breath and strove to keep it light. ‘The criminal mastermind who’s worthy of Alec Dawson’s mettle. The villain whose machinations seem to have every chance of success, until they meet the energy and intellect of Alec.’ He was trying to treat the role upon which his whole future rested as if it were a curious trifle.
    Adam frowned again, for a little longer this time. ‘It seems to have been accepted that that’s the way we’ll go. But as I understand it, the role hasn’t been cast yet.’
    â€˜But it’s as a result of my performance in this series that a permanent opponent for you is envisaged. There is surely an understanding that the part should be mine. I think both the producer and the director envisage that.’
    â€˜Really? Well, in that case, you’ve nothing to worry about, have you?’ He gave his old comrade a bland smile, then glanced at his Rolex.
    It was that gesture which filled Dean Morley with a sudden horror. He knew that he should leave it now. Pleading with stars was like pleading with departing lovers; it emerged only as a sign of weakness. But he couldn’t help himself. ‘It’s important to us, this, Adam. Keith doesn’t earn a lot. This part could mean security for us.’
    A moderately successful actor, begging him to secure the future of a couple of puffs. Adam Cassidy enjoyed the feeling of power in that dismissive phrase, though he knew that in an hour or two he would despise himself for it. ‘Then I hope it all works out for you, of course.’
    â€˜You can put in a word for me, Adam. You know the way it works. If the star’s happy with a support player, his opinion counts. And you’re a big star now. Perhaps even bigger than you realize.’ Dean despised himself for the shameless