The Guard and His Twin

The Guard and His Twin

Mystery Novel Summary:  Elliott Thomas Whiffleplume is a restless security guard working at the corporate headquarters of Cobblehaus Train & Drain Company.  Due to an accident, Elliott had to give up his job as a police officer.  He had settled for a job as a security guard and always felt he was missing all the action by not dealing with criminals wandering the streets. 

One day, he came across a mysterious character who gave him a chance to take on a role that he had dreamt of and the town was never the same since then.  Neither was Elliott's life once he had caught up to who the shadowy killer was and left with only two options to avoid being killed.


Chapter 1
An Interesting Day at Work

It is another day here in the small town of Balarkton with a population of about ten thousand and gradually still growing.  As I clean myself up for the morning before going into work, I had received a call from my co-worker, Kip.  His car would not work and he needed a ride.  It was not any trouble at all since he lives a few blocks North of me.

We are both security guards at the headquarters of Cobblehaus Train & Drain Company.  They are manufacturers of model trains and also supply drain supplies to businesses.  Kip has been working for them since he was 20 and he will be turning 40 in a few months.  I had only been there for a few years.  It was the next best job for me after the accident that got the best of my leg one day chasing down a robber.  I did not want to give up my badge as a police officer, but there were very few options. 

It is not as exciting as a job, but it is a decent one in a quiet town.  The company had been around since 1864 and is approaching their 70th birthday next year.  It is one of the pride and joy of the town since they have offered steady jobs for a good fraction of the town. 

"Good morning to you, Elliott."

"Morning, Kip.  Hop in.  Ready for work?"

"Yes.  Ready as I can be.  Another day at Cobblehaus."

"You ever get bored patrolling the quiet halls of the office building, Kip?"

"Well it is not the most exciting job.  I like it quiet.  It is a steady job with decent pay and good benefits.  Nobody to always watch over your shoulders or tell you what to do all the time.  You do not have to be in a hurry unless there is something wrong and everyone that works here is friendly.  It keeps a roof over my head and food on the table.  What more could I ask for?"

"Nothing to complain about if you look at it that way."

"I know you want a bit more excitement.  You want to hunt down the criminals and lock them up."

"Yes.  You know me well enough.  I hate the thieves that rob without a conscience and murderers on the loose to cause harm and bring fear to others."

"We are not always able to be there for everyone.  Look at it this way, we keep this place free of injustice.  When ever someone yells for help, we will be running to their rescue.  We had our share of chasing the mice before."

"Yes, we sure did.  Makes me feel good that we can do something to protect the public."

"Well you have done your part and will continue to do so.  Do not feel as if you are missing out on anything.  I am sure there are others on the force that will take their jobs seriously and do justice for this area."

"Yes, I suppose.  Here we are again.  Ready to clock in and patrol the eight floors?"

"Yes, I am.  This time you are patrolling the factory first."

"No problem, Kip.  I will head over there to meet the other fellows."

The headquarters is composed of the office building and the factory on the same property.  A few others, Kip and I do the patrolling through out the day.  Kip and I would take turns on who patrols the factory first since it can be a maze to walk around the many workers, equipment and confusing hall ways.  It is also more noisy too which makes it more difficult to detect if anything is out of place.

We do not usually get to read the morning papers till lunch time and our breaks in between the day.  Even though the news or topics are not on the front page, I could not help to see the injustice that happens everyday.  The robberies, the random acts of aggression on the streets, the suicides, homicides, accidents and affairs that happen all too often are senseless.  Sometimes I wish that I could do something about the matter. 

A few hours has passed and my stomach was grumbling.  It is definitely time for lunch with Kip. 

"Anything exciting during your stroll today, Elliott?"

"No.  How about you?"

"You could hear a pin drop in the office building.  It is a wonderful sound."

"Sigh.  Another robbery yesterday."

"It is not the best of times, Elliott.  We are lucky to keep our jobs.  I agree it is not the best way to survive, but that is what people feel they have to resort to when they have very little means to stay alive."

"The mayor should implement more programs to help the poor."

"It is easier said than done.  You know very well that if the program does not help the town save money or gain profit then they are less likely to get involved.  These politicians always spend our tax dollars in the wrong departments and then they tell us they are in debt."

"They let the robbers go after a few years behind bars.  What good is that?"

"I understand.  Not all of them come out to be a better person.  Do not dwell on this too much, Elliott.  Enjoy your lunch and relax."

Sometimes I wish that I could follow these criminals and throw them behind bars for good.  It would make this town safer to live in.  I do not see any reason why a few bad apples should have so many people live in fear and worry about everything they do on a daily basis. 

After lunch, I had made my way from the first to the eighth floor of the building.  I was patrolling as I usually do and did not see anything unusual.  Although I did meet a new security guard.  He had hair white as snow, but his face was ageless.  There was a sparkle in his eyes and has a deep, but comforting voice.  He said it was his first day there and we had a casual conversation.  Our surnames are printed on the name tags.

"Hello, Mr. Whiffleplume."

"Hello.  You can call me Elliott.  You are Mr. Dremaker."

"Yes.  I have heard you used to be a police officer."

"Yes, I was."

"You seem a bit restless compared to the other guards.  Not as relaxed for some reason."

"You have a good eye.  I do not feel that I am doing justice working here.  It would be great if I could arrest the criminals on the streets and bring justice to this town."

"Do you think that it would actually be better if you could put an end to these scoundrels?"

"Yes, I would.  The streets would be more safe with less criminals running loose.  I wish that I could have the final say on these people without a conscience."

"You would do things differently if you were the judge?"

"Yes."

"I have a medallion you can wear.  As long as you have it on you, anyone you see that you think deserves a stiff sentence will be taken care of.  Be careful what you wish for, Elliott."

The medallion was about three inches in circumference and had an interesting design and symbols on it.  In the center was a small, square gem that is most likely an Amethyst with a deep purple on top and a light white underneath.  The silver necklace has a twisted rope design that is thick enough to hold the weight of the medallion well, but not too thick that it would stand out if I had it under my shirt. 

After looking at it, I was about to ask him more about the medallion.  Unfortunately, he was not any where in sight.  I had walked every where and asked the others if they had seen this man, but nobody saw him.  Kip had even asked the office managers if they had hired a new guard and there was not any record of such. 

Kip had a baffled expression and asked me if I was sure that I saw this man.  I had told him that I did or I would not have the medallion. 

"I will not be able to use my car for a week.  Could you give me a ride to and from work for a few days, Elliott?"

"Yes.  I would be glad to help you out, Kip."

"Great.  Thanks a lot, buddy.  I will buy you a few drinks after work."

"Sounds good to me.  I look forward to it."

Then we had parted ways and went on to patrol the rest of the building until it was time to clock out for the day.  The whole time, I could not help to think about the stranger and what the medallion could do.  I wonder if I can meet him again. 


Chapter 2
Incident at Heylowe Hiccup Tavern

After work, Kip and I had our drinks at the Heylowe Hiccup Tavern.  We were sitting in the corner observing the crowd and sharing a basket of fried root chips.  It was any root vegetable available for the day which varies from a variety of potatoes and carrots too. 

"Thanks for the beer, Kip."

"No need to thank me.  It is the least I can do for helping me out while the car is in for repairs."

"I wonder if I will meet that stranger again."

"I am sure he will show up if he feels a need to find you.  He had a good idea of who he was looking for since he seem to know a few things about you.  Nobody at work has ever seen this character you speak of."

"The gem is glowing.  I wonder why."

Then I have noticed a couple next to the wall having an argument.  The woman is blaming the man with a beard about a hunting trip that did not turn out well.  She is accusing him of not saving a cousin and he keeps telling her it was an accident.  But I sense that it was not an accident.

I was looking at the man's face more and more.  There were images that flashed through my mind as if I was there to witness what had happened.  They were hunting wild boars.  The cousin had slipped and the rifle was a few inches away from him when suddenly a boar came out of the bushes charging at him.  He could not grab the rifle in time and was calling for help, but the man with the beard only pretended not to hear him.  By the time he had showed up, the man was already dead.

From what the woman was saying, the man was jealous of the cousin over a few things.  It was probably the loss of being the head of the hunting board association that became the final straw.  The man was full of jealousy and could not handle losing to someone over and over again.  I could feel how jealous he is.  His words to her are opposite of what he feels inside. 

How civilized are people?

It does not matter how far humans have come in history, there is alway a lack of being civilized.  People would do almost anything for something minor. 

Is it that important that he has the seat or title that he would let someone die to take over?

How petty are people to do the most despicable things to one another all for something that is temporary? 

Most titles are temporary.  Even if it is a title that can be taken to the grave, what good is it after that?

What does the benefits of those titles do for the individual that is worth taking the blood of others?

My blood is boiling to think this man would come to such a low all for titles he wants so much that he would let someone die in cold blood.  He is a murderer that wanders the streets while many are led to believe the fault is on the deceased and the blame is on the wild beast.  The idea of knowing what the real story is and not being able to do anything about it makes me sick inside. 

Every time the gem glows, I could feel a small vibration.  After stepping out of the place, the vibration had stopped.  Although there was not any more vibration from the medallion, I could feel my body tingling a bit.  It would not stop until I was in bed. 

It was difficult to let go of what had happened at the tavern.  If I was able to, I would arrest the man right then and there.  Unfortunately, I do not have any evidence that would hold up in court.  If only I could do something about the matter. 

As I lay in my bed thinking about the images that had flashed through my mind, the medallion was still on me and it was feeling heavy on my chest.  My eyes were feeling as heavy as the medallion as if it is trying to pull me into a deep sleep.

[ Dreaming... ]

It is night time and there is a light on at a particular house on a street that I am not familiar with.

Why am I even out at this time?

Why is that house drawing my attention?

There is someone on the street walking into the house. 

How can he open the door when it is locked?

It does not look right.  I wonder who has the light on in this house.  I see there is someone in another room.  They are probably roommates.  If only I can get a closer look at the room with the light on.  It is the man with the beard that I saw at the tavern. 

He has turned off the light to go to sleep.  His roommate is already asleep.  I can see that strange character that came in without a key approaching him.  The light is out so I could not see who it is.  The stranger is choking that man to death.  I am witnessing a murder and yet I can not do anything about it.  I seem to be stuck watching everything that is happening, but unable to move or make a sound. 

Who could that be?

Is he someone familiar with the man and know what he did was not an accident?

Maybe he had offended someone.  It is possible knowing how jealous and petty the man is.

All I saw was a shadow figure with something glowing around his neck.  As if he was wearing a pendant of some sort.

[ Alarm clock rings... ]

Is it morning already?

This is one of those days that I feel less than refreshed.  If only I can sleep for another hour or two.  Maybe I will catch up on my sleep later by going to bed earlier.  Time to make some breakfast before I pick up Kip.

"Good morning, Elliott."

"Morning, Kip."

"You look a bit tired, Elliott."

"I am.  Did not sleep very well I guess."

"You should go to bed earlier next time."

"I will.  Yaaawwn."

I was yawning the whole morning wishing that I could sleep.  By lunch time, we were sitting at our usual table to read the daily papers while eating and sipping tea.  Then I saw something on the corner page that I could not believe.  The man with the beard was found dead.

The title for the article stated, "Mysterious Death of Board Member."

Nobody could figure out why he had died so suddenly and who the murderer is.  It was a given that someone did kill him, but it was unclear how it was possible that anyone was in the house aside from the roommate.  It was not possible for the roommate to do such a thing since he was too sick and weak to apply pressure to the victim. 

They had asked others if they had seen anyone coming by, but none saw anything.  Even the police officer that drove through the area did not see anyone.  The next door neighbors did not see anything either.  It was most unusual that anyone could have pulled such a stunt and not be seen at all.  As if it was a shadow that came out of the dark and then vanished.

I did not share anything about my nightmare with Kip.  Part of me wants to tell him, but I did not. 

Is it possible that this was the doing of the medallion I have on?


Chapter 3
The Killer Shadow Strikes Again and Again

The rest of the week, the gem would glow any time I am near someone who is guilty of a serious crime.  I would know who because the images run through my mind every time I focus in on someone's face.  It is as if I am an unseen bird to witness the crimes. 

Every night when I am in bed, the medallion feels heavier and so do my eyes.  Then I drift off into sleep and see the shadowy figure commit the crime over and over again.  The daily papers mentions the unsolved crimes to confirm what I saw in my sleep is real.  Nobody could figure out anything since there are not any finger prints or clues left behind. 

I was close to talking to a detective today, but I did not knowing there was not any evidence to show for and neither did I want to be wrongly accussed either.  Instead of driving down Burknack Street that led to the police station, I had made a turn to Dosgart that would lead to the grocery store a few blocks down.  There was a police car parked on the side and an officer sitting behind the wheel eating his lunch that was up ahead and the images started to flash through my mind faster and faster as I came closer and closer.  Instead of driving to the store, I had parked to the side of the street to find out what was going on.

To think that one of the officers had done something to let a criminal loose.  He has abused his title as a law enforcer and is not worthy of wearing the badge.  On the force for a few years and already he has let a few criminals walk free sooner than they should.  He should be ashamed of himself.  There is not anything I could do because there is not any evidence to support that he has helped the criminals and there is a higher ranked officer helping him out too.  They put the public at risk all for money. 

I better go to the store since parking on the side will make him wonder.  As I shop for my groceries, I could not help to wonder how there is a chain reaction due to his actions.  He let one go then it means a few others are set free in some way.  Criminals do not work alone and they can easily spread the word of which officer would help them or not.  The idea he puts many lives at risk all for extra cash infuriates me. 

Why do so many join the elite forces and stray away from honor?

The titles are to be earned and respected, but there is good reason for some to lose respect when these people of titles lose their honor and integrity.  Justice has to be served or the world would be chaotic and imbalanced. 

After a few nights of seeing the shadowy figure, I know when I am sleeping because I am able to follow this character without a face.  Every night, I try to get close enough to look at the face, but have been unsuccessful.  My guess tonight is that officer I had seen earlier would be the next victim and I will be reading about it the next day.

[ Dreaming...]

This is interesting.  There is some light in the room this time.  It appears as if I am in an office.  The officer I saw earlier had came in to do his paper work.  I can see what he is filling out is false.  He has written lines of lies.  Someone came by to tell him to lock up when he finishes his work.  Everyone in that part of the building has left and it is only him in the office alone. 

If only I can change what he has written.  He should be behind bars with the rest of those scoundrels he helps walk free. 

Not long afterwards, I see a shadowy figure show up at the door.  He came in without knocking and stood in front of the desk.

The officer stood up and asked, "Who are you?

What are you doing here?

Did someone send you to see me?"

The shadowy figure wore a black trench coat and hat.  He stood there and looked straight at the officer without any expression and said, "I am here to make sure justice is served since you do not."

"You dare threaten me?"

"I am here for justice.  You have worn your badge long enough.  It is time for you to meet your end."

The officer was trying to push the stranger to the ground, but instead his neck was held tightly and his feet were dangling in the air.  He was trying desperately to break free, but could not.  It is similar to dangling from a noose, but with more pressure applied.  Less than a minute later, the officer's eyes were closed and his body dropped to the floor. 

The stranger had put the officer back in his chair and written out all the criminals the officer had worked with and who had helped him within the same department.  As he was writing, I could see his face more closely.  I could not believe my eyes.  It was me with a light beard and a symbol on the back of the hand.  The same symbol that is on the medallion.

After writing out what the officer had done, he went to look for the higher ranked officer that was on the same boat with him.  It turns out that he is at home ready to go to bed.  Chills ran through my back knowing that once the light is out, that killer will strike again.  Sure enough, when the lights were off, the killer did his deed.  Except this time, I had felt sick to my stomach knowing he looks exactly the same as me.  Same except that I do not have a beard.

I was sure that this was enough for the night.  The two officers that were responsible for putting the public at risk are brought to their final breath.  But that was only the beginning of the night.  He had went to look for the criminals that were let loose.  From the pubs to the homes and streets, he would follow them till they are alone.  His finger prints are never left behind and nobody ever sees him at any given time for there to be a lead on him.

Not counting the two officers, he had killed five others that have a long, criminal record.  If he is chasing convicts then this can be a never ending project.  Part of me wishes he does not kill so many in a single night.  The longer he is out roaming and killing, the more likely I wake up tired.  As if I am the one that did all the traveling physically and it leaves me less than productive in the day.

When the morning came and it was time for me to wake up, I would lay in my bed thinking about what had happened.  It is difficult to digest the idea that I am the one who is doing all this killing.

Is it really me or someone else?

There is not anything else that motivates this killer than to put an end to the people who are bad role models and can harm the public.  He could be doing anything he wants, but that is all he does.  There is not a break to have a drink, see someone to smile with or anything else. 

Kip had noticed that I have not been looking my usual self lately.  He wonders why I am not sleeping well and what has been stressing me to this level.  I could not tell him the truth.  Not until I have a better understanding of what is going on and be able to control it.


Chapter 4
Accepting the Duties in Silence

At first it was one victim a night and it gradually increased to two or three more in addition to the average of the week.  After a few months, it was beginning to be a bit too much.  I was on the verge of telling Kip everything, but again I did not.  Part of me felt that it was controllable, but was not fully sure.  I did not know how Kip would react.  To avoid any unwanted issues, I would tell him nothing about what has been going on ever since I had the medallion.

"Hello, Elliott."

"Hello, Kip.  Are you having your usual sandwich for lunch today?"

"No.  Mrs. Hopskitton has come to drop off a shepherd's pie for me.  She has made two in case one is not enough.  Would you like some?"

"No, thank you.  It is tempting, but I should stick to my sandwich."

"Are you alright, Elliott?"

"Yes, I am fine.  I am as fit as ever.  Everything is the same."

"Do you go out more often lately?"

"No.  I stay home and read.  It is quiet and I can relax better."

"You seem more tense then relaxed to me.  If there is anything I can do for you, just ask.  I will be glad to help you if I can."

"Thank you, Kip.  There is not anything you can help me with.  I am fine.  If it makes you feel better, we can go to the grocery store together each week."

"I might do that.  Mmm...  Mrs. Hopskitton makes a delicious pie.  I would not mind her bringing me lunch each day."

"Maybe she will if you play your cards right."

"Well I do not want to rush into anything.  We have only been dating for seven months.  I love her cooking.  It makes me feel all warm inside."

"Nice to know someone is making you smile, Kip."

"I am a simple guy.  Nothing fancy.  A home cooked meal and a good beer is enough to make me happy."

"Can I ask you a question, Kip?"

"Sure.  What is it?"

"If you had the ability to prevent people from getting hurt even though they are not in any immediate danger, would you continue to do such or not bother with it in any way?"

"That is an unusual question.  If I could prevent people from getting hurt then of course I would do what I can.  My job here is to protect people.  I would do the same on or off the clock."

"You would continue to protect people at all cost?"

"Well I would do what I can.  If it is too risky then I would ask for help.  No reason for me to get hurt so badly that I could not help others."

"What I mean is if you are able to stop someone from doing any more harm and you only had one option that is most effective or not at all, would you go with that only option?"

"If there are not any other options and this will prevent a lot of unfortunate events in the future then I suppose I would go with that one option.  Everything is situational.  It all depends on what we are facing at that moment.  There is not one solution for every scenario."

"I understand what you are saying, Kip.  You wish that you are drinking beer instead of tea with that pie, eh Kip?"

"Yes.  You have read my mind.  Hahaha...  But we are at work and we must stay alert at all times while we are here even if we are on our break."

"Yes.  Indeed we have to be alert and ready for the unexpected.  My sandwich would be more enjoyable if it was warm."

As we were eating our lunch, I know that Kip wonders why I would ask such questions.  In due time, he will find out.  He knows not to push on the issue and gives me the chance to come around to share on my own time. 

I have come to accept what happens when I am asleep every night.  It is my duty to put a stop to all the criminals from doing more harm to others.  They deserve to die for what they have done to others.  All of them are guilty of ruining the lives of many.  I am only trying to bring justice to my town.

Balarkton, there is a new sheriff in town and nobody will meet him.  Rest assure that I will bring justice when the city officials do not.  Not a single murderer will get away from me when they bring tragedy to my area.  Anyone who helps them will join in their demise soon enough if I have anything to do with it.

Tonight, I will catch up on all the ones in jail that should be in the gallows.  They think that by cooperating with corrupt city officials and lawyers that they can walk free in a few years.  I will not give them that chance.  These blood thirsty lawyers will lose their clients and the city officials will be missing their pawns very soon.

I am doing the public a favor by getting rid of these cold blooded murderers that are not remorseful, unapologetic and will continue to do the crime if they can without blinking an eye.  Maybe I would spare them if they are sentenced for life in prison, but since they are given such a light sentence, then I need to step in to see that justice is served.

Some of the city officials are fortunate that I do not take them out too.  I could not take them all out or it would cause too much chaos in the area.  They can not make sense of all the mysterious deaths, but they throw it all in a pile with the rest of the deaths that happen often enough.  The only reasons why the city officials have not made it their top priority to figure out these mysterious deaths has to do with the fact that all of them are low profile, not a single group has made a fuss about it and these deaths do not cause them any harm.  It does not jeopardize their positions so they do not feel a need to be alarmed.

If only I can pick the right people to take their roles seriously.  Even if I have the right ones in the seat, the problem is that they are surrounded by hungry sharks manipulating them left and right.  I can only take down so many sharks in a single night.  It is not an easy job, but I must do this for the sake of the public.  I would do this full time if I could make a living out of it.  But I must work in silence and do what I can without letting anyone know. 

I wish that there is a way for me to regain my energy, but I do not see a way around this situation.  Justice does not stop to take breaks.  Even if I want to take a break, it does not seem that I am able to take one at any time.  I end up following that darker twin of mine in my sleep and witness him do his deeds one at a time.  They all fall in front of him without fail.  I would leave my job as a security guard if only I have a way to pay my bills.  I need to find that Mr. Dremaker some how.


Chapter 5
There is Another Way to Gain Income

Before going to sleep again, I had called for Mr. Dremaker to come out and show himself.  Nothing was happening and soon my heavy eyes would drift off again.  I was in an empty room and there he was standing in front of me.  Instead of the security guard uniform, he had on a night robe and wearing slippers.  He sat in a leather chair smoking his pipe looking very calm and refined.

"You have called for me, Elliott?"

"Yes.  I want to know if there is a way that I can take down these rapscallions of society and still be able to make a living."

"I do not believe there is a way to do that, Elliott.  This is something you do on will.  If you want to take a break then you will have to let go of your anger against these pests of society.  Nobody expects you to do this and sooner or later, these rats will get their pay back.  You are only trying to take matters into your own hands without giving the greater forces a chance to let justice be served."

"I am doing the town a big favor by ridding these rats.  My conscience is clear and I am doing a good job of bringing justice to my area."

"You can tell yourself anything you want to hear, Elliott.  There is a great price for taking this role.  Eventually, you will have to come to acknowledge if the price is worth it or not.

I do have a bit of advice for you in case you need it one day.  You do not want to be the target of your darker twin.  If he kills you then he continues to kill without end.  If you kill him then both of you shall die.  The only way for you to live and for your darker twin to die is if you can let go of the feelings you have on how criminals shall be dealt with.  The laws of the universe will take its course.  As much as it angers you to stand to the side and watch the injustice, you need to let the greater forces do the work."

"You want me to turn the other cheek?"

"It is more than that, Elliott.  You also have to let go of the anger and negative emotions you have towards these rats.  The more anger you have towards them, the more you will find yourself constantly chasing after them.  Your body will grow tired and if it collapses before you are able to let go of this quest to hunt for the dark smudges of society then your darker twin will win."

"I can not die in either scenarios.  But I find it difficult to let go of the chance to bring justice to the public."

"The ultimate challenge is for you to face yourself, Elliott.  The number one person on the list you should be after is you or your darker twin to be exact.  He is a creation of your own negative emotions.  Your fears only make him stronger.  The way to counteract his existence is not an easy task, but it is a possible one.

Do what you will, Elliott.  You can not be the hero all the time.  There has to be other things in life that is more important than hunting down these dark smudges that blur the laws and rules of society.  If you value your sleep then you will know what to do."

In a blink of an eye, he was gone.  I find myself in a dark alley with a street lamp at the end.  Why would I be here?

The sound of someone running was coming from the side of me.  There were also two policemen running pass me from the other side.  I could see my twin standing to the side waiting for that one to run closer and closer to him.  His face was covered with a bandana and was holding a linen bag.  He must have stolen something.  A thief in the night that has done his final deed and will not see the light of day.

My twin came out to stop the thief in his tracks.  The guy had pulled out a dagger, but my twin was quick to kick him in the stomach and then knocked the knife out of his hand.  He then grabs the thief's neck and raises him up into the air until the guy was as dead as a door nail.  I could feel the heart beat stop all of a sudden as I did with all the others he had choked to death.

I do not see reason to stop my twin from doing what he should.  If he is my Frankenstein then so be it.  I have control over him and he is not harming the innocent.  He is a hero in the shadow that is much needed in a town full of corruption.  There is not any reason for me to halt his existence when he is doing good for society.

If only I can rest more.  It feels as if I am closing my eyes for a few minutes to wake up and find the sun shining when it was the moon a moment ago.  Justice never sleeps and I definitely lack a great deal of sleep.

I have tried drinking more coffee and eating anything that I could to boost my energy, but it does not seem to help much.  Kip has noticed me drinking more coffee than usual and wonders why I am still so tired. 

"Are you alright, buddy?"

"Yes, I am fine."

"You seem to be on edge lately."

"It must be the coffee jitters."

"It looks to me that you need to take some time off from work.  Maybe that will do you some good.  A trip to the doctor would not hurt either."

"I am fine, Kip.  You do not have to worry about me.  Everything is the same.  I can walk, talk and do my job fine."

"If you say so.  Do not hesitate to ask for help.  I do not want to see you in a bad situation.  My ears are always open if you need me."

"Thank you, Kip.  I appreciate your kind gesture, but I am fine."

I did not see reason to visit a doctor since he would probably tell me to rest more.  If the company thinks I am unable to do my work well enough then I will be out of a job.  It is best I say nothing and hope that my body will keep up with this undocumented night job that I take very seriously.

There has to be a way around this.  I wonder if I can take the money from these corrupt, city officials and donate most of it to the people who need it most.

I look at my bed thinking how much I miss resting on it.  Maybe tonight will be better when I am not chasing these criminals. 

It is off I go the moment I lay my head to rest on the pillow.  It appears that I am in an office.  My twin has turned on a small, desk lamp to look around.  I can see the name on the door.  It is the chief of security at our rival company.  Why am I here?

As soon as my twin found the package, a rush of images came to me.  The chief has accepted a bribe from one of the clients.  His job is to find out inside information of a specific company that is of interest to this client.  Let me see what he was given to break his code of ethics.

Foot steps were coming closer to the door before my twin had a chance to open the package.  It was the chief.  He had come to put his package in a safe place.  Before he hid it in a hidden panel in a thick, metal safe, he was counting the money.  I could not believe my eyes.  The chief was given a grand to give insight for a client. 

When the chief had left thinking his money was safely hidden, my twin was quick to open the panel and open the safe.  He knew the combination and took the package out along with a few other items.  It appears that the chief has been doing this for quite some time.  All this must be bribes of some sort.  My twin took a few items and two grand before closing the safe and setting everything back the way it was to appear as if nobody was there.

From there, he would go to several places and place the money in a safe place where the ones who need them would be able to find it.  It was in an envelope with the words, "From your secret guardian," on it.  At the end of the round, he had put two hundred pounds on a night stand.  I could not see where I was so I had assumed it was one of the less fortunate to match the theme for the night.

Morning comes too soon and I am up again to start my day.  Before I was out of my bed, I have noticed two hundred pounds on my night stand.  My twin has given me a way to pay my bills.  This is great, but I could not quit my job.  Kip would be suspicious as to how I can pay for my living.

Maybe I can talk to the manager about working part time.  This will help me greatly.  At least I hope this will help me rest better.

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