"But I abhor violence, Julia," said Donald. He and a co-worker were in the park having lunch. Julia worked in the cube next to him and was one of the few people he felt he could talk to without feeling as if he was intruding into their lives.

"Yes, but they are only dreams, Donnie," she said, wiping a dark strand of hair from her mouth.  "If it bothers you that much, maybe your should see someone about it."

"You mean a shrink?" he asked, before taking a half-hearted bite out his sandwich. He glanced around briefly, embarrassed that anyone might hear. There were several people nearby, but none of them seemed to be paying attention to them.

"Sure," she said with a smile "lots of people use them. It's not like it used to be, there's no stigma anymore."

"I'm a junior accountant, I won't get very far if they think I'm crazy," he said.

"Look, even we have problems. Just because our job is boring and leeches all the fun from our lives doesn't mean there's no stress."

Donald laughed briefly, then leaned in closer. "There's something else. I think I've been walking in my sleep."

"What?"

"Last Tuesday. I was getting dressed and when I picked up my shoes they were muddy."

"Perhaps you just walked through a puddle on the way home."

"I . . ." just then his Blackberry squawked. The tone indicated it was an email message. He sighed at Julia, and snatched the device from his belt and keyed in his unlock code.

He assumed it was the office, but became puzzled when he realized it was from his bank.

"That's odd..." he said.

"What is it?" asked Julia, cocking her head to the side.

"It's an overdraft notice from my bank. That's impossible."

"Why?" she smiled sweetly "because you're an accountant?"

"Well, frankly -- yes. I had over three hundred dollars in there."

"No you wouldn't have made that sort of an error," she said slowly. Donald was rapidly tapping keys.

"Oh Christ!" he exclaimed "Here it is. A three-hundred and forty dollar ATM withdrawal -- last week".

"Well, that explains it then," Julia countered with a smile.

"No, it doesn't. I didn't make this withdrawal."

*     *     * 

The gruff man folded and put away a small parabolic microphone. He was about a hundred yards from the couple he had under surveillance, sitting near some bushes which served to conceal him from the casual observer. A brief cell phone exchange later and he was walking toward Donald and Julia.

As he approached the two, they were talking animately. Something about identity theft and calling the police. He wasn't concerned about that, he had a message to deliver.

When he was close enough he stumbled, catching himself on the park bench where they were seated. They looked alarmed, but concerned. Then he saw the flicker of recognition when Donald looked into his eyes. The gruff man held his gaze.

"Sorry, I was busy thinking about my trip to Luxembourg and stumbled over my own feet."

It appeared a light had been turned off in Donald's eyes and the moment of recognition passed.

"Don't worry about it," said Julia, and she smiled to show she meant it.

"No," said Donald slowly, "there's no problem."

The gruff man brushed off his knees and walked away.