MASK OF DECEPTION

The New York sky glittered past the penthouse office floor-to- ceiling windows of Harding Businesses. James Harding stood erect with his silver hair precisely coiffered as he stared out over the city he hoped to picture. Loaded with vibrant reporters and glittering cameras, he headed to face the room. James started, his deep voice capturing attention, "Today, I stand before you not just as a businessman but also as a citizen worried for the future of our great city."

That is the reason I am announcing my US Senate nomination. The room radiated love and camera streaks grew stronger. From the sidelines, James' son Alex praised, his emerald eyes scanning the crowd. He wore a perfectly cut suit, every inch reflecting child and efficient COO. James continued his speech, outlining his vision for a safer, sans drug New York, and Alex's thoughts wandered. He considered the other outfit he would wear tonight when he turned into another person entirely in his storage room. "The medication pandemic is destroying our networks," James said fervuously. "As your senator, I swear to end this threat from our streets!"

Alex let out a sigh.

Want his father had known the truth. Father and son withdrew to James' private room following the Q&A session. "That worked out favorably, wouldn't you say?" Pouring two glasses of scotch, James asked. Alex said, "Totally, Father," sipping the drink. "You take care of this." James shook his son's shoulder. "I couldn't have done this without Alex.

Your assistance is quite useful. Alex grinned as he drove the guilt out of his reach. Father, constantly. I will act in the required way to help you to win." Alex left his sleeping girlfriend Sarah behind as he snuck out of his luxury apartment as evening fell. He headed toward an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town, throwing off his fancy suit for unremarkable dark clothing. Inside he met a bunch of stern men. One among them nodded politely and answered, "Ghost."

Now totally suited as "The Ghost," the mysterious drug lord, Alex walked to the head of the table. He asked, "Report." Alex's mind flew while his lieutenants reported back on their activities. Under his direction was the exact illegal behavior his father had pledged to stop. He still felt the difference. Sarah Harding slumped over her workspace in a crowded police area across town, surrounded by blurry reconnaissance pictures and case papers. Her blonde hair was tied up in a haphazard ponytail and black rings lined her eyes. "Again, Harding, burning the midnight oil?" her friend, criminal agent Mike Rodriguez, questioned as he dropped a fresh espresso right in front of her. Sarah looked heavenward, thankfully. "Apologize, Mike.

I feel as though I am approaching something important. On her computer window, she pointed to a fuzzy picture. "This is the closest we have seen thus far with an obvious chance for "The Phantom." Should we be able to only identify him, we will fully disclose this whole scenario." Leaching in, Mike stared at the picture. "It still seems somewhat confused.

How could you be sure this is even his?" Looking determined through her blue eyes, Sarah "Call that gut. Though he has been three steps ahead of us for years, this man is getting more bold. At last he will make a mistake. Alex texted Sarah saying, "Working late again?" while she was talking. You miss me. Keep in mind dinner with Father tomorrow night. Sarah grinned, writing out a quick answer before returning to work. She didn't know the man she was hunting and the man she loved were the same man.