The Night Phantom

Journal Entry - One

December 18, 1861

I will always remember this day, I learned that I should never judge someone too quickly, because the person I met turned out to be my closest mate. It all started with blaring of the bloody alarm clock that jarred me out of my peaceful sleep, which caused me to jolt up and smash the off button as hard as I possibly could. An exasperated groan escaped my lips as I hugged my pillow against my chest, holding it as if I would a partner, though that was out of question due to my excruciating work hours and dangers my job could provoke if I had a family.
Even though my work as a Detective could be quite risky, I still enjoyed it. The murders are my favourite and because of that, some people call me insane, but you see, it's my work that happens to keep me sane. I remember my first murder case vividly, there was this man named William Palmer, he was known as the "Prince of Poisoners." As you could probably interpret, he poisoned his victims. The case was challenging, but Palmer was eventually caught and sentenced to death. Enough about that... for now, let's go back to my day.
After a little while longer, the alarm went off again since I set it up to do that. I opened my eyes, blinking a few times to adjust to streaks of light penetrating from the window. I let go of my pillow that somehow ended up in my arms while I was asleep and sat up. I rubbed my eyes and glanced around the room for my glasses, soon finding them on the nightstand beside my bed. After putting them back on, I stood up and stretched my arms above my head while letting out a sleepy yawn. For me, waking up can be really harsh, especially since I feel that my dreams are better than reality. The saddest part of it is, though, eventually even the memory of my dream will fade - if I'm even lucky enough to remember it that is. Then I'm left with this lonely feeling of detachment, left to explore in the empty void of emotions, the only proof that I've ever had the dream to begin with.
I changed into my usual attire, which consisted of an undershirt, waistcoat, loose necktie, and a frock coat over those, along with a pair of trouser of course. After making myself presentable, I walked outside. Trudging along the pavement at a sedate pace, my mind focused on the gentle footsteps that seemed to echo throughout the desolate morning street. I had a way of walking that made me seem perpetually in a hurry. My steps weren't long but they were rapid, like a speed-walker without that odd twisting motion they make. The air is a frozen lace on my skin, delicate and cold, like winter waves on sand. I nuzzled my head into my chest as an attempt to escape the unpleasant wind and then slipped quickly into the doors of the police station. Some people smiled at me, others waved respectfully, but I wasn't really close to anyone there. I walked to my desk and sat down, just starting to feel the room's warmth embrace me. Once I sat down, I recalled that yesterday I was told that I was getting a partner to work with me. A quiet groan escaped my lips since I was used to being alone, but there was no point in complaining. I already had a bad feeling about this partner, he was already late to work.
I started looking through files from my last case to refresh my memory about it, then started writing my report. I hated writing reports! "Hm... maybe I can make the rookie do the reports from now on," I thought. My thoughts were disturbed by the sound of someone opening the squeaky door, but I didn't look up yet. Shortly after, I could hear someone breathing heavily as if they had been running, then there was a loud thud. I jerked my head up from my paper and saw a young man on the ground. The man stood up and started walking towards me, embarrassed. His cheeks were as red as scarlet, I couldn't help but feel bad for him.
"My a-apologies for being late, sir... I'm your new part-" the man stuttered, not able to finish speaking. "I know who you are," I interrupted him and pointed to the desk across from mine. "William," the rookie said. "Erm.. that's my name," he told me awkwardly before sitting at his desk. "Philip," I replied simply and shook his hand, that was the start of our friendship.