Fan Fiction: First-Hand Accounts
The Life of an Agent

  New York City - April 1931

  Late at night, an unbelievably thick fog drifted around a young, physically fit man of about twenty-five as he stood peering over a bridge in the middle of Manhattan. The thick, black mist circled him, simultaneously comforting and hypnotizing him as if telling him to end his life. Harry Vincent, a down on his luck, broken-hearted soul, had finally had enough. His life had taken a turn for the worse after recently moving to New York from his parents' house back in the Midwest. His hopes of finding a job in finance and starting a new life with his girlfriend had fallen apart. Penniless and unable to find a job, the pitiable man had received a distressing letter from his girlfriend just two days ago. The letter had informed him that she had fallen in love and married another man. He had not seen her in nearly four months. He didn't want to think about losing her, but it seemed she was already gone. He was also tired of surviving on the pity of a few so-called friends that he had made in the city, even if they were the only things keeping him from homelessness. He saw no reason to continue such a dismal life.

  Harry stared into the deep, inviting abyss below the bridge, lost in his thoughts, until they were broken by the sound of oncoming traffic. He whipped his head to the side as he noticed bright lights emerging through the haze and swiftly approaching the bridge. He quickly clung to the bridge's concrete railing as a convoy of vehicles sped by and disappeared into the bleak night.

  What was he waiting for? One leap off the bridge and it would all be over. Harry was ready. He wanted to die.

  And so, with a foolish impulse, Harry lifted himself onto the rail guard of the bridge. But just as he was about to dive into the thick, black nothingness, something pulled him backward, forcing him to fall hard onto the firmness of the bridge. Harry whipped his head back and forth in confusion and fright, quickly rising to his feet to find who or what had intervened. At first it seemed as if he had lost all sense of reality. Every muscle in his body ached from stress. The man needed sleep as he hadn't slept in three days. He only wished that it would be a permanent sleep, because nothing else he tried to do with his life had worked.

  As Harry looked into the void that was the fog, he could see something in the distance. Not able to tell what it was, he rushed with curiosity towards the object to get a closer look. Soon, Harry realized just what was appearing before him. It was a tall figure, a man, or some sort of being covered in a black cloak, whose features were masked by a broad-brimmed slouch hat. It looked as if death might have appeared to finally relieve Harry of his troubled life.

  Too timid to speak, Harry simply stood in fear. Finally, breaking the silence, the stranger, spoke in a bizarre, penetrating voice.

  "What is your name, young man?"

  "Harry Vincent," Harry responded hurriedly and in a nervous tone.

  "Why did you attempt death by your own hand?" the stranger spoke again, this time moving closer to Harry.

  "Desperation… Despair. My life just went bad I guess. Who are you? Why did you save me?"

  "You were saved because it is unacceptable for someone so young to take his own life," the stranger proclaimed, shifting his hat so that Harry could finally see his piercing eyes and a face that was partially covered by a crimson scarf.

  "Really?" Harry exclaimed in anger. "And what do you know of it? I'm alone. I have no job and no friends. I have no reason to live."

  The mysterious stranger did not reply to Harry's self pity. He simply stared at the young man intensely.

  "You have nothing to say? Who are you? What do you want from me?" Harry continued.

  "Your life!" the stranger spoke with great energy in his voice. "I saved you and wish to mold you and teach you. All that I require is full obedience."

  "Obedience to who? You? I don't even know you. Is this some kind of pact with the devil?" Harry declared.

  "Surely not. You still have free will," the stranger declared. "Should we return to the bridge so you can have your miserable fate or will you join me?"

  Harry thought for a moment, glancing over the bridge. "You know, you may be onto something. What have I got to lose?"

  "Indeed!" the stranger agreed as he placed his gloved hand on Harry's shoulder. "This is my promise to you, Harry Vincent: life, with enjoyment, with danger and excitement. A life with money and above all, with honor. You will become one of my agents. You will be the first of many: an agent of The Shadow. Do you accept my terms?"

  "So that's what you call yourself," Harry responded. "I guess I have no choice. A chance to really live a good life with money and excitement? You bet! There's nothing else for me anyway."

  "Good. But obedience must always come first."

  "Like I said, what have I got to lose?" Harry offered.

  "It is settled then, Harry Vincent. Your life is mine. I will contact you when you are needed."

  "But how do I know what to look for?" Harry questioned.

  "You'll know. In the meantime, you will stay in one of the finest suites at the Metrolite Hotel."

  "The Metrolite? But that's a ritzy joint."

  "Does it not suit you?" The Shadow inquired.

  "Oh it suits me, fine, I just —."

  "Good. One last thing… You must never speak of me or acknowledge my existence to anyone. Is that understood?"

  "You're the boss!" Harry exclaimed with a smile.

  With those words, the mysterious black-cloaked form offered an outstretched hand to Harry Vincent. Harry reacted by shaking the gloved hand of The Shadow.

  "Welcome to my world," The Shadow offered before turning and seemingly floating away, disappearing in the fog.

  Harry couldn't believe what he was offered. It was certainly a better alternative than death. However, the man he had just encountered was strange. Harry certainly had a few questions but quickly put them to rest. It was better that he just start living life. It seemed that from now on Harry could look upon his future with security and purpose.