Outskirts Press, INC.

Two Men Torn Asunder

Because of a genetic mutation, Joshua is able to live an extraordinarily long life. He wanders through time and civilizations, ending up in a bar in Portland, Oregon, where he encounters clinical psychologist Robert Call. Robert observes a severely depressed and taciturn man, but his professional instincts and empathetic nature draw him to the mysterious patron, and after several attempts, he finally succeeds in sustaining a reluctant conversation. The interlocutor drops several hints of his longevity, suggesting that he is as old as an ancient coin drawn from his pocket and spun lazily on the bar. Intrigued, Robert convinces Joshua to visit his office, where the wanderer narrates an amazing story that closely parallels the ministry and passion of Christ.

But during his long life, Joshua has created a separate persona—one that has evolved as antisocial, aggressive, and misogynistic. Robert becomes acquainted with both personalities, setting up a moral dilemma: Should he alert law enforcement to the dangers of the aggressive one, or seek the truth of the story told by the docile Joshua?