AUTHOR'S NOTE: Finally, here is an update for all of you patient readers--sorry it took so long! I hope to get another chapter up before the semester starts. Also, thank you to Amanda for proof-reading this chapter.

TO PAST REVIEWERS: Thank you! I cannot express how much I really appreciate your reviews! Additionally, thank you to those who have e-mailed me in search of any artwork pretaining to this story. To see some of my character artwork relating to this story (among other artwork), please visit this link: http/bloodyban. Jake Mallard is © me. Jacob Mallard and Gail Mallard appear courtesy of and are © Amanda Rohrssen. J. Gander Hooter and Professor Waddlemeyer are © Disney.

To brush up on Jacob Mallard's life story, read The Sins of the Father by Darkwing Psycho.

CHAPTER 13

The screeching of the car's tires echoed in the vast openness of the indoor SHUSH track. I could smell the burning rubber before the car sped forward from the power of the 1972 Aston Martin's V8 engine. My fingers were wrapped loosely around the leather steering wheel while I maneuvered effortlessly yet impressively around the set obstacle course. My foot pumped on the gas pedal with every sharp turn and my right hand fluently worked the shift.

Director Hooter and Professor Waddlemeyer stood safely on the track's sidelines, watching me swerve between obstacles and rounding corners without a single error. I pressed my foot down on the gas pedal to gain more speed. I could hear the engine accelerate and the end of the track was growing nearer and nearer. The space between me and the far wall was growing smaller. With only seconds to spare, I slammed my foot on the brake and sharply turned the steering wheel. The car spun 180 degrees. Now facing the opposite direction, I eased my foot from the break and pressed it down on the gas once again.

The car zoomed forward and I eyed the simulated targets approaching on my left. I freed my left hand from the steering wheel to pull the handgun from the holster inside my jacket. As the targets came closer and closer, I steadied the car's course with my right hand and leaned my upper body out of the window. With the gun in my left hand, I aimed and fired at the targets as they zipped by. All of the shots fired hit each target dead-center--except one. I let out a defeated growl and pulled myself back inside the car.

After rounding one final lap, the car slowed to an easy stop in front of the director and professor. I calmly opened the door and stepped out with the smug stature of a professional. A small audience of lower ranking SHUSH agents had gathered on the sidelines to watch, mesmerized with interest. Of course, ninety percent of them were women. I eagerly soaked up the attention as I strut proudly toward J. Gander.

"I've been wondering why my female agents seem to be continuously distracted," J. Gander accused once I had joined them.

I suavely brushed my fingers through the spiky feathers atop my head, knowing that I was still being watched by my 'fans.' "I can't help it if the ladies find me simply irresistible, sir."

"Perhaps being a little less vain and spending under an hour primping in the morning will prove to be a good start in fixing that problem," Professor Waddleymeyer chimed in cynically.

My charming smile quickly fell into a resentful scowl. Professor Waddlemeyer and I had never been on very good terms with one another. I opened my bill to retort, but J. Gander promptly cut me off to prevent a confrontation. "Jake, your skills are nothing short of impeccable. I feel more confident in sending you back to the parallel universe to scout this SHUSH that you reported."

"Explain this to me once more, 'Chief Agent,'" Professor Waddlemeyer interrupted daringly. "You say this 'other world' is exactly the same as our own?"

"No, 'Professor.' Everything is not exactly the same," I began to correct off-handedly as I retrieved a fresh clip for my 9mm. "The city is the same in general appearance. Same buildings, same people. But it is different in the sense of personality."

"You mean the people?"

"I mean everything." I clicked the magazine into the butt of the gun and continued. "What is good here is evil there and vice-versa. The scum of our city have been transformed into model citizens in this 'opposite' city.Our organizations with the goals to harm the people contrast with those there that are meant to protect. Get it?"

Professor Waddlemeyer nodded, but I could see the begrudging sneer he was trying to hide. He had not been keen on the idea of another person receiving attention for something that his invention was responsible for, especially if that someone was me.

"If we've unlocked the technological secrets to pass into this opposite universe, then it is very possible that those on the other side of the continuum could do the same and stumble upon us," J. Gander pointed out with concern in his voice. He tilted his head upward to look up at me demandingly. "This is a mission of the most importance, Jake. Get into that SHUSH facility. I don't care how, just do it. And gather all of the imperative information and statistics needed for a full breech. We must take them out before they discover us."

I remained silent and unmoving. J. Gander gave me a deadly smile that warned me not to protest. "Do you think you can handle it, Chief Agent Mallard?"

I took several seconds to contemplate what he was asking of me. No, demanding of me. Finally, I gave him my answer. I cocked the gun in my hand and lifted it into the air. I aimed effortlessly to the right and pulled the trigger, the gunshot ringing inside the facility. The bullet ripped through the head of the single target I had missed. I turned back to J. Gander with a twisted grin.

"Consider it done, sir."

The following day, I was in what would become more commonly referred to as 'The Normalverse' in years to come. Once again, I was sent on the mission solo--and I preferred it that way. Having other agents under my command would mean a uniform plan of execution. J. Gander wanted me to find SHUSH's weak points to enable a breeched attack. But little did J. Gander know that I had plans of my own. No longer would I follow his command and be subjected to his authority.

I would not be returning to the SHUSH that had kept me a prisoner for nearly five years.

Across the street from SHUSH was the St. Canard First National Bank. I sat in the driver's seat of the Aston Martin in the bank's parking lot with a pair of binoculars and a perfect view of the agency's entrance. Before leaving for the Normalverse, I had insisted on bringing my vehicle of choice, just in case the need for a quick and skilled escape became necessary. I held the binoculars to my eyes, watching every citizen and agent who stepped through those doors. I was waiting for one agent in particular to make his appearance.

Hours passed. My eyes were beginning to feel dry and weary from keeping a sharp lookout for my target. I began to feel anxious at the thought of the subject not being at SHUSH at all that day. I took a quick glance at the gold Rolex on my left wrist. A little after five 'o clock. If he was anything like me, he would be walking out of those doors right about---

The front doors of SHUSH swung open. Three suited figures strolled out and descended the stairs to the sidewalk. Even from a distance, I recognized the one in the middle. I quickly retrieved the binoculars and held them up to my eyes for an affirmative I.D. Bingo. For the first time, I was able to get a good look at my identical opposite. Great physical shape, handsome--those were apparent similarities. But the feathers atop his head were fashionably slicked back and he lacked my thick, dark eyebrows. The feathers of his cheeks were smoother and he had a more leveled chin. I let out a scoff. They were minor differences that no one would notice. I was able to sneak into SHUSH days earlier under his identity, and I had no doubt I could do it again.

The three agents came to a stop at the bottom of the wide-stretched stairs and began their concluding chat of a day's work. I groaned impatiently as I waited for them to finish. Finally, they visibly bid one another farewell with a wave and each went in opposite directions. I tossed the binoculars into the back seat and grinned as I watched Jacob Mallard disappear into SHUSH's east employee parking lot. A few minutes passed until I saw a classyJaguar roll out of the lot with him behind the wheel. At least we shared a classy sense of style.

I waited until his car disappeared around a corner before stepping out of my own car. I quickly gained a confident poise and crossed the street to SHUSH. As soon as I ascended the stairs and stepped inside the building, I knew there was no turning back. The ironic thing was that I didn't want to turn back. Without a second thought, I began to make my way toward Agent Jacob Mallard's office, which I had visited a couple of days earlier. My plan was working perfectly. I didn't receive even one suspicious glance from any agent I passed. Instead, they smiled warmly or nodded. Such a change from the scowl or sneer the agents back home would give in passing.

"Ah, Jacob!"

I recognized the voice but the tone was different. I spun around and looked down to see the familiar director of SHUSH. But this small man was warm and welcoming, unlike the sinister dictator I knew.

"Back again so soon?" J. Gander continued and gave a light chuckle. "I know you love your work, Jacob. But for goodness sake, go home and give yourself a well-deserved break!"

My act did not falter for the slightest second. "Well, you know how forgetful I am, John. I left my blasted keys in the office again." I distinctly remembered Jacob and J. Gander conversing on a first-name basis and silently congratulated myself for paying attention to the crucial details. "But I'll see you tomorrow. Bright and early."

The goose nodded and continued on his way, but not before calling over his shoulder, "Say hello to the wife and kids for me."

A sinister smile spread across my bill. "I will..."

A few minutes later, I pushed open the door of Jacob Mallard's office. Once again, the disarrayed condition of the room made me cringe in disgust. I stepped over the clutter and carelessly discarded crumpled pieces of paper to the desk. Reaching into my jacket, I removed a folder that had the word 'CONFIDENTIAL' stamped on its front. Inside was a false mission statement I had assembled before leaving for the Normalverse. The statement was an urgent command for Agent Jacob Mallard to investigate a possible area which FOWL was using as a test site for bio-hazardous toxins. I purposely assigned him to a desolate area just on the other side of the Canadian border. He was instructed to begin his investigation at precisely 1600 hours the following day. Also included in the folder was a government agent clearance card to pass into the country. It was emphasized that the 'mission' was top secret and not to be spoken about to anyone until it was completed. The statement was signed by Director John Gander Hooter. Over the years, I had acquired the talent of flawlessly forging Director Hooter's signature.

I swept my arm across the top of the desk to clear it of the clutter and placed the folder in the center of the desk. Satisfied that my plan would be successful, I sat back in the chair carelessly. Once again, my eyes fell upon the framed photograph of Gail, Jacob's wife, sitting on top of the desk. I reached out and snatched it up in my hands for a closer look. But instead of feeling the heartache and loneliness, I smiled devilishly. I traced my finger over her face and shook my head.

"It's such a shame, isn't it?"

That evening, I had purchased a hotel room at the St. Canard Plaza Hotel. I refused to settle for anything less than classy, even if I was planning an assassination. The ticking clock that was hanging on the wall read 11:10 p.m. The window curtains were shamelessly left open, allowing the bright lights of the city to bighten the room. The only other source of light was a small bedside lamp. I sat in a designer easy chair in one corner of the room beside the window, polishing my silver 9mm while the notes of a Mozart symphony played over the radio.

If I were sane, I wouldn't have been preparing myself to murder a man who had never done anything to me. A man who, in reality, was me. But he wasn't like me. While Jacob Mallard had aperfectly successful career, a loving family, and impressive abilities, I was a mallard who had lost everything. I had lost my life, my sanity, and wasreduced to living under an organization's command as their obedient soldier. While Jacob Mallard's happiness was obvious, so was my misery. He had everything that had been taken away from me, and I was blinded by a jealous rage against this man.

Yet, Jacob Mallard and Jake Mallard were one in the same, right down to their fingerprints. So why was I the mallard that cruel fate chose? Why me and not him? What factor led me to be the one to fall? This is an unanswered question I would continue to ask myself. I still do. But if I had to fall, then I was going to make sure that Jacob did, too.

I turned my head to gaze out the window that overlooked many of the city's skyscrapers--the city that would become my new home. Many murderers prepare themselves to perform their wicked deeds by drinking or obtaining an illegal high from their drug of choice. It's a method used to numb their conscience and prevent any second thoughts that may hold them back. But not I.

I no longer had a conscience.

The following afternoon, at precisely 3:45 p.m., I was about a mile into the woods near the Thunderbird Falls. The area was just over the Canadian border.The only people who frequented the area were the typical nature and outdoor enthusiasts, so I was confident that I had no reason to worry about someone stumbling unexpectedly into my plan.

I was twenty feet above the ground, crouched on the thick branch of a deciduous tree and well hidden by its green foliage. In my hands was a sleek 7.62 x 51mm sniper rifle. Based on German models, it had been one of my personal favorites when Mallard Enterprises was supplying them to the government and it was one of the most deadly on the market. I kept my ears open for even the slightest sound and my eyes peeled for any movement. From my hidden position, I could see several hundred feet in every direction. Now all I had to do was wait. I knew he would come. After all, we were the same person. I knew how he would think.

I checked my watch, which read 3:57. Any minute now. I just had to wait patiently, no matter how numb my arms became or how cramped my knees began to feel.

Suddenly, there was the faint sound of a twig snapping, but I heard it. My head perked up and my eyes immediately scanned my line of sight. A swift movement on the ground to my right caught my attention. In a flash, my rifle was steadied under my arm and aimed at the large, fluttering bush from which I knew he would emerge. My finger wrapped securely around the trigger and...

A squirrel quickly scampered out from the base of the bush. I blinked and gave a disappointed grunt before lowering my weapon. Maybe he wouldn't show up. Maybe he brought the matter to J. Gander and had discovered it was all a hoax. Jacob Mallard certainly wasn't an incompetent agent.

The squirrel on the ground below gave a surprised squeak as a polished black shoe nearly came down on its tail. It scampered away just as Agent Jacob Mallard stepped out from the brush into the small clearing. I silently inhaled and held my breath and my eyes locked on my target thirty feet in front of me. He looked utterly puzzled. I watched his every move as he looked around and scratched his head. He began to mutter indistinctly and began to wander searchingly around the small perimeter while I switched on the rifle's silencer.

Jacob began to search the base of every tree, every rock, and every bush for anything that would indicate that FOWL had been using the area as a testing site. I had to smirk quietly to myself. My double's thorough antics were admirable, but would be wasted. I steadied the rifle and held the aiming scope up to my eyes.

"This can't be right," Jacob concluded to himself with a confident shake of his head. "I knew I should have clarified the location with John beforehand."

He reached inside of his jacket and retrieved his hand-held radio. Just as he placed his thumb on the transmission button and opened his mouth to speak, the radio exploded into several pieces. Jacob let out a startled yelp and jumped back while I silently congratulated myself on such a flawless shot.

Jacob threw what was left of his radio to the ground and immediately retrieved his handgun from the holster beneath his jacket. He gripped the gun tightly in both hands, now on complete alert. His head snapped in every direction in search for his attacker. I struggled to suppress a wicked chuckle as I watched and waited for the right opportunity to strike, just like a predator stalking its prey.

Then I saw it. And I took it.

My finger squeezed the trigger. The bullet silently shot downward, determined to hit its mark. But Jacob had been trained well and managed to pick up the slightest sound of the discharge. Instinctively, he moved. It was a move we would both come to regret for the rest of our lives. My shot, which would have pierced the center of his torso, ripped into the lower thigh of his left leg. He threw his head back and let out a shrill cry of pain before involuntarily collapsing to his knees. The pain must have been unbearable because he soon fell onto his side, groaning.

I poised the rifle over my shoulder and began to stealthily climb my way down the tree. I jumped the last five feet, landing not far from where Jacob lay. I calmly approached where he had fallen. He must have heard my footsteps because he attempted to crawl away with whatever strength he could muster. The adrenaline flowing through his veins and his determined mindset to survive kept him fighting, which impressed me. He even moved to retrieve his fallen weapon from the ground. But before he could lift his gun, my foot came down, crushing his hand. Jacob attempted to keep in a howl of pain but failed. The agonizing wail sent a chill of delight up my spin. Tiredly, he panted for breath and weakly lifted his head to face his assassin. When his eyes locked with mine, I heard an audible gasp of shock. He stared at me with confusion and disbelief. Before he could utter a word, I thrust a closed fist forward and struck him in the side of the face. His head lolled to the side, unconscious.

I couldn't help but sneer in disgust as I crouched down beside him. "And you call yourself a SHUSH agent. You wouldn't last two days where I'm from, pal," I seethed to his unmoving form. I pulled back his unopened jacket and began to rummage through the inside pockets. When I found what I was looking for, I withdrew a designer billfold. Inside was Jacob's badge with his name and SHUSH identification number engraved on its front.

Suddenly, I heard voices--distant voices that were coming closer and closer. I turned my head and held my breath to listen.

"I think I heard it come from this direction!"

I began to curse aloud to myself. Quickly, I pocketed Jacob's ID and badge before jumping to my feet. I sprang into the thick brush seconds before a pair of young hikers stepped into the clearing. The woman of the pair gasped and covered her mouth in shock. Her boyfriend quickly approached Jacob's body and immediately checked for a pulse.

"Oh, my goodness. Is he alright, James?" she asked.

"He's got a pulse, so he's still alive." James gently turned Jacob onto his back and spotted his injuries. "He's been shot. Beth, take my pack. We'll have to take him back to the car and get him to a hospital."

Beth obediently relinquished James of his pack so he was able to hoist Jacob onto his back as gently as possible. I watched from the brush as they began to retreat in the direction leading back to the road. But as they disappeared, I heard the tail end of their conversation.

"Which hospital? We're at least twenty minutes away from the city. He may not last that long."

"There's a small emergency clinic about two miles north of here just outside of the military base. We can be there in five minutes once we get back to the car."

Once they had disappeared from sight, I stepped out into the clearing. My eyes narrowed and I let out a low growl. Jacob may have gotten away this time. But I now knew where he was going. And I would finish the job.