My work brother James

Richard has created his work brother, James, who calls him on the phone often.  All though James is imaginary, he has many requests and opinions.  For example:

Mommy:  Richard, please put your clothes on.  We need to leave for the grocery store soon.
Richard:  My work brother, James, called and said that I can wear my pajamas to the store.
Mommy:  Richard, PLEASE put your clothes on.  We don't wear our jammies to the store.
Richard:  My work brother, James, said that you said the wrong words, and we CAN wear our jammies to the store.

This quickly downward spiraled into a time-out-- for Richard and James both.  Mommy had to "call" James and put him in time out via the phone.