The Wishmonger, New Fiction for steemit, Episode 19, Links to previous episodes

The man in black, who looked like his father, whispered in Roger’s ear, “If you think I care whose kid you are, you’re wrong. Now, you tell that old meddler to stay out of my way, that means away from the fountain too, do you understand?”

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Roger rubbed his raw neck as he watched the limousine drive away. His father sat at the table drinking a cup of coffee. “A twin brother? What else don’t I know?” the boy demanded.

James stood up and began to pace. He didn’t think he could do this sitting down. “Yes, ironically enough I have an evil twin. Now you know my deep dark secret, happy?”

“But that doesn’t explain anything! Who is he? What is he doing here? And why were you keeping him a secret?” a million other questions burst in Roger’s mind but they would have to wait.

Roger’s father let out a deep sigh, “He is my brother, the owner of Wishful first bank and trust and all around power broker. I’m not really sure why he’s stayed here all these years, but he’s never up to any good. And last but not least, I’m keeping him a secret for personal reasons, satisfied?”

“I guess I’ll have to be,” Roger fumed.

When Joey heard the story of Roger's encounter with the man in black, he whistled, “Whoa, that is tough.”

The two boys sat beneath a tree on the town hall green watching the Sunday afternoon strollers pass by.

“That’s not all, I think I was followed,” Roger said, pointing. Sitting on a trolley stop bench, half hidden by a newspaper was a young man. He was dressed in a cheap thrift store imitation of the man in black, right down to the cheesy shades.

“Who is he kidding? Watch this!” And before Roger could respond Joey was in his chair and halfway to the stranger. Those wheelchair Olympics really paid off. The cheap suit looked panicked and hid behind his newspaper. Joey rolled right up to him and pulled the paper down, “What are you staring at? Never seen a guy in a wheelchair before? Take those stupid glasses off when I’m talking to you! I can’t see your eyes.”

Roger nearly laughed out loud when the would be secret agent pulled the glasses off, “I’m sorry,” He stammered, “Some guy said he’d pay me twenty bucks to put on the suit and follow that kid -he pointed at Roger- And tell him where he went.”

Joey had to bite his lip to keep from laughing, “Guy in a big black limo?” the spy nodded, “next time, make him pay you double. And ask him for a new suit. It’s embarrassing being followed around town by a Goodwill reject. Now get out of here, and don’t let me catch you again!”

The boys laughed until their sides hurt watching their stalker streaking down main-street like a scared rabbit.

Roger checked his watch. It was nearing two o’clock when the library would open for the weekly meeting of the local Audubon society. Joey had suggested they walk in with the other bird watchers and wait for a chance to sneak upstairs to begin their search.