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Back The Double Save as PDF
Chapters (63)
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  63. Acknowledgements

‘As a former student of philosophy,’ Gessen said, ‘I was just as fascinated by the metaphorical aspect of a parasitic twin as by the medical side.’ He stood and poked the fire. ‘What I’m trying to say is that it’s not unusual to feel there’s another being inside you, or a presence dogging your steps, even when you’re alone.’

As Vidor turned to gaze at the fire, a ripple of life crossed his features.

‘That’s what I would like to explore with you today,’ Gessen said, pressing on. ‘The feeling that you’re accompanied by another. It might help to explore who this being is, and what he might want from you.’

Gessen paused, afraid of spooking his skittish patient. They’d make no progress if the door was slammed shut.

‘I have felt, at times, another presence,’ Vidor said, shifting his gaze to the window. ‘As you say, it’s not uncommon, and a well-known neurological phenomenon. Probably a disturbance in the temporal lobe.’

Gessen bit into an almond biscuit and brushed the crumbs from his lap. ‘Tell me about this other person. Does he talk to you, or leave you a message of some kind?’

‘You mean like a note?’

Gessen suppressed a smile. If Vidor was playing this for laughs, he wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of acknowledging his joke.

‘Not necessarily. I was thinking more in the vein of strange disturbances. Like a ghostly figure at your side in times of distress, or finding things rearranged in your home, such as your books or papers.’

A spark flickered in Vidor’s eyes. ‘The tins,’ he murmured. ‘I’d forgotten about that.’ He shook his head and smiled. ‘I do the weekly shopping myself – don’t look so surprised, and when I get home, I put the tins in a precise order, usually by type, with the labels facing front. But on a few occasions, I’ve opened the cupboards to find them all mixed up. I just assumed it was my housekeeper doing a bit of rearranging.’ He fiddled with a button on his shirt. ‘Obsessive compulsions. Or temporary amnesia. Is that what I have?’

‘What do you think?’

Perspiration shone on Vidor’s brow. Gessen cautioned himself to tread carefully. He nodded at the chessboard. ‘Shall we have a game? You can be white.’

After Vidor made his opening salvo, Gessen picked up his bishop and made a move that was sure to be fatal, but it was important to let Vidor win this one.

They played in silence for several minutes, with Vidor keenly focused on the board. Gessen waited until Vidor had put his king into check before he leaned forward and tossed out the question he’d been waiting to ask for days.

‘Tell me something,’ he said, catching Vidor’s eye. ‘Does the name Malik Sayid mean anything to you?’

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