In an instant, Alex sees an opportunity. The anger slips to cleverness instead.

He whips his head around as if angry, then makes a face at Neil, smiling to show all is fine. "This kid's been a thorn in my side since we got here."

Play along, Neil Park. This kid doesn't know you personally--and he doesn't like Alex. Let Alex be the bad cop, and Neil be the good-- And show Drew Marion that the Lone Wanderer is still the fair protector that Washington hero worships or something.