Tug-of-War

Tug-of-War: A Murderous Short Story (5,110 words) When therapist Marlana accepts a difficult case from her mentor, Dr. Whitney, she's faced with what appears to be a dual personality. Robert is the client, but it's his stage persona, Carol, who appears in her office, complete with the wide Carol Channing grin and white suit with matching handbag and accessories. Robert has been accused of murder; he was found at the fresh murder scene in the alley behind the stage shortly after his show. The psychiatric institute Dr. Whitney recently joined was hired to determine if Robert can understand trial proceedings and whether or not he is a dual personality. Marlana knows Dr. Whitney's colleagues distrust her methods, saying she's only a therapist, but she has always successfully made break-throughs when needed. She fears that Dr. Whitney may lose himself at the institute, which has a street reputation for being more interested in the money from these court cases than in determining the true nature of the defendant's mental status. Marlana struggles with her own feelings about this case. Is Robert a dual personality or just close to becoming one. What if, in helping Robert/Carol, she discovers that one of them is the murderer? At the same time, if she isn't successful, one or the other will likely be imprisoned for life. As Marlana helps Robert delve deeper into his memory, he reveals his goal: "I want my life back." She knows now that she must forge ahead, regardless of the outcome, and help Robert regain himself and his memories.