Ep 5: The Witch Hunt, the Barbershop, and the Mystery Twin

The next day, Michael stood at the counter in Sidewalk Tramp, nursing a cup of strong coffee, still mystified by the previous day’s events. Toby, energized from his ‘spy mission’, came striding into the store early. He was already planning his next move.

“Morning Michael…” and without another breath, “I’m telling you, we need to get back up to Bernie’s apartment. There’s something weird going on, and we haven’t even scratched the surface. I bet there’s more to it.” Toby said, bouncing on his heels like a detective itching for the next clue. “I forgot to tell you—get this—I found a note taped to his door. It’s cryptic as hell.”

Michael raised an eyebrow. “What does it say?”

Toby pulled out a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket and read aloud in his best ‘spooky’ voice: “‘Gone, but not for long. Keep an eye on the night.’” He paused for effect, looking pleased with himself.

Michael rolled his eyes. “So, basically Bernie’s gone off somewhere, and you’re making it sound like we’re in a detective novel.”

But Toby wasn’t done. “No, no, there’s something more to this. The neighbor said they heard weird noises—like a thud and some shuffling—just before Bernie disappeared with his suitcase. This is serious, Michael.”

Michael gave a half-hearted nod, though the effect of yesterday’s muffins were still buzzing in his head. “Okay, good. Investigate some more. But keep it low-key. We’ve got a busy day ahead—and Franny’s still parading those perfume invites around like they’re tickets to a royal wedding.”

Determined to uncover the mystery behind Bernie’s disappearance, Toby grabbed his jacket and headed out into Trotter’s Alley. He retraced his steps back to Bernie’s apartment, determined to find more clues. There was still uncollected mail sitting outside the door, and Toby couldn’t shake the feeling that Bernie had vanished in a hurry.

Toby’s pulse quickened. What the hell was going on?

Back at Sidewalk Tramp, Michael was sorting through some new stock when Sebastian sauntered in, looking even more laid-back than usual. His smile was wide, almost too wide, as he leaned against the counter.

“Just wanted to remind you boys about tomorrow tonight,” Sebastian said with a playful wink. “The barbershop’s gonna be buzzing with fresh faces. Could get... interesting.”

Michael glanced up from the box of watches he was unpacking. “Is this about the ‘busy night’ you mentioned yesterday? You’re not running some underground event, are you?”

Sebastian grinned. “Oh, nothing you can’t handle, I’m sure. Be sure to stop by later if you’re curious.” He gave another cheeky wink before rushing off, leaving Michael staring after him.

“Okay,” Michael muttered, rubbing his temples. “I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m starting to think everyone in Trotter’s Alley has lost it.”

Later that afternoon, as Michael was helping a charming fellow with a pair of sunglasses, Margo wandered into the store, her hands full of fresh muffins again.

“Margo, I told you to stop bringing those ‘special’ muffins in here,” Michael said, though the smile on his face betrayed his half-hearted scolding.

“Don’t worry, love, these ones are completely legal,” setting the tray down on the counter.

As they started chatting, Luca came into the store, looking curious. “Michael! What were you doing over at the old record store earlier?”

Michael frowned. “I wasn’t down near the record place at all today.”

Luca blinked, confused. “But I saw you... you were acting... weird. Muttering something about ‘the night’ and... I don’t know, it seemed very strange.”

Michael froze, exchanging a glance with Toby. “You... saw me?”

“Well, I certainly thought it was you,” Luca said, scratching his head.

Before Michael could respond, Luca hurried off, leaving Michael with a lingering sense of unease. Margo raised an eyebrow. “You’ve got a twin brother you haven’t told me about? I thought I saw you over there earlier too, but you were wearing leather pants and high heels. I thought it was one of ‘those days’ in the shop today!”

Michael rolled his eyes. “I don’t have a twin. Well… at least, I think I don’t.” 

Ep 6 next Friday!