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

  New York City - April 1931

  The 4th police precinct on the lower end of the Manhattan district was unusually empty for an afternoon. Inspector Joe Cardona, a tall and broad man, dressed in a dark brown business suit, fedora and matching overcoat, was walking through the precinct's massive halls toward his office. The place was quiet but he suddenly saw a strange looking, unkempt, long haired man of broad stature moving down the foyer in his direction, pushing a cart of cleaning supplies. The odd-looking man was a regular at the precinct, serving only as a part-time janitor to the place.

  "Afternoon Fritz," Cardona called out to the janitor.

  "Hey Joe," the janitor acknowledged with a murmur, approaching the seasoned detective.

  "How's life treating you this morning?"

  "Well," the janitor moaned. "How's the cops and robbers game, old boy?"

  "Oh, I'm on my toes as always. You know what kinds of weirdos lurk around these parts," Cardona declared with a laugh.

  "I can imagine," Fritz offered. "You know it's funny… I hear you boys are havin' quite the trouble with some vigilante out there doin' your jobs for you. Killin' all the bad guys like in the Old West."

  "Well that's just a rumor. I can't talk about it now. Say, I gotta get into my office. I'm supposed to meet Commissioner Weston in half an hour," Cardona announced, looking at his brass wristwatch.

  "All right Joe, be seein' ya'," Fritz waved as Cardona quickly entered his office and shut the door. Fritz immediately gripped his cart full of chemicals and supplies and slithered like a mysterious serpent down the hall and out of sight.

  Cardona quickly opened the door to his office and turned on the light. He moved to his desk, sat down, and began writing a police report on a fresh piece of paper. While he was working intently , he was startled by a tremendous crash behind him. Cardona shot up from his desk and turned around, pulling a large revolver from his jacket.

  An ominous shape stood before him, having just crashed through an air vent in the office ceiling. Cardona looked on in amazement, aiming his gun quickly at the tall, threatening black-cloaked form of The Shadow. Just as quickly menacing figure drew two oversized .45 automatic pistols at the detective.

  "Drop the piece, Inspector," The Shadow exclaimed, as he moved intently around the table, keeping his guns trained on his quarry.

  "The Shadow. It's really you! We've been after you for sometime now," Cardona said in fear and surprise.

  "Drop the gun and we'll talk."

  Both intimidated and curious, Cardona complied with his foe's request, gently placing his gun on the table. "How did you get into this place? This is a police station and you're a wanted criminal."

  "Never mind that now, Cardona. I've come to strike a deal."

  "I don't make deals with crooks, Shadow."

  "I need an inside man. Someone to keep his ear to the ground on police matters," The Shadow enlightened, finally putting away his weapons.

  "Don't be ridiculous. I'm not gonna be a spy for you. Why, you've only been in operation for a few months and already the papers are calling you a menace."

  "I understand your reluctance, Cardona. But, you've seen me work. Justice is my only goal. Search your feelings, you know this to be true."

  Cardona thought for a moment about this proposal. "Now that you mention it, I always did have a feeling that you were one of the good guys. Supposing I believed you. What would you have me do?"

  "You would function as one of my agents and keep me informed of police matters all across the city. I could use you to keep me in the know of all crime related activities. You could also work to keep police involvement into my affairs at a minimum."

  "Is this some sort of bribe, Shadow?"

  "Absolutely not, Inspector. It is your choice. If you refuse, I will have to carry out my crusade against crime without you."

  "But why me? There are plenty of other cops in the city."

  "But you're a good one. Smart and well connected," The Shadow complimented.

  "All right, Shadow. I'll meet you half way. I won't work for you, but I'll work with you. I guess I can keep my ear to the ground, but only because I believe you are sincere. I may not trust you, yet, but you have my cooperation because I believe in the law."

  "Fair enough," The Shadow agreed.

  "Now, you better get out of here. The Commissioner of the police is meeting me here in a few minutes. If he sees you in here he'll seal this place up so tight, even you won't be able to escape."

  "Thank you for your confidence, Cardona. Watch for my sign."

  With that, The Shadow quickly opened the office door and retreated into the hall. Cardona followed and as he looked into the hall, suddenly realized The Shadow was nowhere to be found.