Doc Faustus & the Frankenstein Factory

Chapter 1
“The Shimmering Shadows of Terror”

       The lightning flash outlined the climber for a split second. Then it slithered back into the cloak of darkness. Again the blast of light showed his progress.
       Skittering a zig zag pattern as it climbed, the thing looked more like a salamander than a man. Covered in green paint everywhere but the flashing red eyes it continued up the skyscraper in the torrential downpour.
       After reaching the 40th story of the 90 story building, it stopped on a ledge. It scanned the ground beneath it, then looked upward towards its destination.
       At that moment the lightning struck. The thing stood, arms outstretched, and welcomed the electricity. It nearly glowed in the dark from the power. Then the darkness fell again, along with tons of rain.
       With the next flash from above, the thing was gone.
       It had already climbed another three floors, and was climbing, with bleeding fingers grasping the stones and pulling itself up.
       Moments passed and the thing reached the penthouse.
       It didn’t stop, but dashed in its lizard like movement to the roof. There the wind was twice what it had been on the lower floors.
       It seems surprised not to find guards on the roof. Then it moved to the stair that led down.
       Inside was guiet. The only sound was the splashing of water and other liquids that came from its feet.
       It moved into the hallway and the décor turned from cement to antique rugs from legendary lands. The walls were covered with paintings that would amaze any museum that might have them bequeathed to them.
       The shambling thing crashed through a door, and stood before Doc Faustus and Dr. Thursday, who were discussing their progress in polio research. Faustus was on his feet in an instant, but not fast enough.
       “Stay away from Cedar City” the thing hissed, “It will be your death. And the death of any who join you there!”
The thing’s finger pointed at the Doctor, then it looked back at Faustus.
       “Stay away!”
       With that the thing collapsed into a heap.
       Before either man could reach it, the heap resembled nothing that had ever lived. It disintegrated before their eyes.
       “Flaming Bullfrogs!” Doctor Thursday said, as he always did at these moments.
       Doc Faustus said nothing, but took his magnifying glass from the table. He quickly inspected the tattered remains of the intruder.
       “Get the rest of the Secret Six,” Doc mumbled.
       “Cedar City?” Thursday intoned, with an expectant smile.
       “Of course,” said Doc and was then lost in thought.
©2005 C. Wayne Owens