The doorbell rang. Ava got up from her sofa and walked across the living room to open the door. In front of her appeared a familiar-faced brunet, his cloudy blue eyes staring straight into hers.

"James? Aren't you supposed to be at work?" she asked.
"Supposed to be, but my boss gave me a day off to relax," he replied casually. "Besides, Ava, you won't mind if your boyfriend hangs around here, right?"
"I don't mind."

She let him in. Ava poured two glasses of lemonade and gave one to James. She sat next to him as she sipped her drink slowly. They spent a few minutes drinking and chatting. He asked her why she wasn't at the office building at that time of day until she reminded him that she was a teleworker, and that she had been one for almost a year. How could he forget? After awhile Ava got up from her seat and placed her half-filled glass on the table.

"I have to work now. Make yourself at home, but don't make any noise," she told him.
"Okay then," he said.

Ava ambled towards her home office. The room was small, windowless and cluttered with folders and documents. Most people wouldn't want to work in such a dull work space, but Ava preferred it: the dullness made her less distracted when she worked. She began scanning files and opened her email account. A long list appeared in her inbox. She checked the top most email. It was from James.

From: James Cartwright
To: Ava Giles
Subject: My Twin

Do you remember my twin brother, Jacob? Avoid him. Last week we argued about our inheritance and I saw him buying brucine two days ago. I think he wants to poison someone... could be me or you. Keep watch.

Love,
James

Ava felt a chill run down her spine when she read it. Was the man she let into her house James or Jacob? Last time she checked she couldn't find any physical difference between the two. But wait... James never forgot anything. Ava logged out of her email account and fixed her desk as neatly as she could. She snatched her bag and hurried out of the room. Jacob stood next to the hallway, leaning relaxedly on the wall.

"Where are you going, Ava? Don't you have to work?" he inquired.
"I'm done with most of the work. I just need to get some groceries," she replied. She was almost at the door when he blocked her way.
"Would you like a glass of lemonade before going? It's good to stay hydrated," he said, holding the glass close to her mouth. She almost took a sip before she remembered what James told her... brucine.
"No thanks. I'm good," she said.

Ava closed the door behind her and walked towards the grocery store. She looked back. Jacob was following her, though he wasn't close behind. She walked a little faster. She entered the grocery store and grabbed a small basket. She looked behind her again. Jacob was coming closer. She went straight towards the aisles. The main exit was on the right, while the smaller one was on the left. She walked towards the left, trying to remain hidden between the tall shelves. At last she reached the escape door. She placed her empty basket on a counter and walked through the exit. She looked back one last time. Jacob wasn't there.

She ran towards James' house. A block away Ava saw a small house that was newly-painted. She fumbled for the key in her bag and grasped it in her hand. When she reached the door and tried to use the key, she was shocked: the door was unlocked. James always locked his door. She went inside. The living room was a complete mess: the sofa was overturned; the tables were flipped; shattered glass sprinkled the floor; and a trail of red drizzled the ground. Ava saw a shattered jug and broken glasses which contained traces of liquid. Poison. Right next to the shards she saw him.

James had died. A deep, bloody cut traced his neck and his shirt was drenched in blood. Jacob didn't poison him; he stabbed him to death. Kneeling next to the corpse she wept bitterly. She looked out the window. A dark figure loomed. She ran upstairs and hid in the closet. When she was well-hidden, she called the police.

"Hello? This is Ava Giles. My boyfriend was murdered, by his brother I think. The white house at the corner of 13th Willows Street and 4th Olive Avenue," she said briskly.

Ava heard footsteps. She ended her call and waited. She felt her limps trembling and her heart stopping. She peeked through the space between the closet doors. He wasn't there, yet.

"Ava? I know you're here. Come out, come out, wherever you are," he called out.

Standing still, she felt like holding her breath. He was coming closer, continuously calling to her. She saw his shadow as it crept upstairs and into the room. A used knife gleamed in his hand. He slowly reached for the closet door as Ava held her breath, her body paralyzed.

"Drop your weapon!" a voice shouted. Two policemen appeared and Jacob immediately froze. Ava breathed a sigh of relief. Help had arrived. She came out of the closet and watched as they arrested him and took him away.

The double's trouble had ended.