Fan Fiction: Crossovers
In the Midst of Shadows
by Greg Daulton

  The next morning, as Lenore Case walked into the Daily Sentinel, Mike Axford stood waiting for her at her desk.

  "Mornin', Casey," Axford declared.

  "Morning, Mike. You're sure here early," the secretary acknowledged.

  "Just pickin' somethin' up for the crime beat. Say, Reid wants to see you in his office."

  "Thanks, Mike, I'll go in there in a moment."

  "Right, well bye, Casey," Mike offered with a final smile as he walked to the elevator.

  "Bye, Mike," Casey smiled as she approached Reid's office.

  As she knocked on the office door, it suddenly opened. Casey looked at her boss and saw a look of cold anger in his eyes. At that moment, she realized something was wrong.

  "You wanted to see me?"

  "Get in here!" Reid howled with urgency.

  As she stepped in the office, Reid promptly ordered her to shut the door.

  "What is it? What's wrong?" Casey asked, slightly worried as she closed the door and took a seat across from her boss.

  "Casey, last night was inexcusable. How did you get yourself into that situation? Where were you?"

  "I was at dinner with Henry," Casey informed innocently.

  "Henry, the detective? So it's Henry now?"

  "You are jealous," Casey accused.

  "What?" Reid saw that she was missing the point. "No, Casey, I just want to make sure you're okay. For crying out loud, Kato and I had to bail you out."

  "I'm fine Boss, stop worrying," Casey said.

  "You're only fine because I saved you. I'll have Kato watch over you tonight," Reid informed.

  "That won't be necessary," Casey argued.

  "I'm not giving you a choice. I need you safe while I put an end to this crazed jewel thief. He only kidnapped you because you work for the paper. He was going to use you as a bargaining chip to keep the paper quiet."

  "Well, if I'm to be kept in safety with Kato, what are you going to do?"

  "I have an idea. I'm going to give them what they want. I'm going to turn myself into this racket."

  "Are you mad?" Casey uttered with slight laughter. "If you're not going in as the Green Hornet and Kato is going to watch me, how will you stop them?"

  "I've got a friend, at least I think he's a friend. One thing I am sure of is that he believes in justice and believes in doing what is right."

  "Who is he? Why haven't you mentioned him before?"

  "He's another masked vigilante. He calls himself The Shadow," Reid informed.

  "The Shadow? Wow, and does he parade around as a criminal like you?

  "No."

  "Well, where did he come from?"

  "I'm not certain but he may be new in town, or from out of town. He mentioned something about the Hornet being a legend in this town."

  "Well, it certainly sounds like he's from out of town. Are you going to arrange a meeting with him?"

  "I won't have to. He knows where to find the Green Hornet. He's been visiting the garage quite frequently lately. I don't think there will be a problem," Reid said, just as Gunnigan barged in the office.

  "Sorry to bother you, Boss, but a Mr. Arnaud is here to see you."

  "Henry!" Casey uttered with delight, immediately looking in a mirror on the office wall, trying desperately to fix her hair.

  "Yes, Gunnigan, show him in," Reid ordered, slightly sneering toward Casey.

  Moments later, the familiarly odd mustached, plain suited detective entered the room.

  "Ah, Mr. Arnaud," Reid said as the man walked up behind Casey.

  "Hello, Darling," Arnaud greeted Casey in a bright chipper tone. "I'm glad to see your well, especially after last night."

  "Henry, is that all you can say? I was kidnapped by a band of racketeers and all you can say is your glad to see me? You didn't even try to contact me at all."

  "Well, darling I don't know what to say," Arnaud uttered, placing his hands in his jacket pockets.

  "Just take me to lunch and we'll call it even," Casey smiled.

  "Honey, you've got yourself a deal," the detective agreed excitedly.

  "That's enough Casey," Britt Reid butted in. "Mr. Arnaud, your obviously here for a reason. Can I help you?"

  Suddenly Casey realized that the men were going to talk business and hastily left Reid's office to return to work. Arnaud took a seat adjacent to Reid's desk.

  "Now that there aren't anymore distractions," Britt started, "what can I do for you."

  "Well, Mr. Reid, I apologize for dropping by unannounced like this. I'm aware that as a newspaperman you hear things. Now, just because you've signed some document that says you can't print any stories about these jewel thieves, that doesn't mean you don't know anything. So to be frank, I'm here to find out what you know."

  Britt Reid thought about what he was hearing. Finally, looking sternly at the man that had just entered his office, he spoke. "Mr. Arnaud, I appreciate your concern for this issue, but my concerns lie in the latest stories. This jewel racket has been old news for sometime. I wish I could help you, but… Oh listen to me, now who's being frank? The bottom line is I have no information for you."

  "Well, that's a shame," Arnaud spoke as he rose up out of the chair. I know you're a busy man and I want to thank you for your time. I won't bother you again."

  "That's fine," Reid offered. "I'm always happy to help inquisitive minds, Mr. Arnaud. Goodbye."

  "Goodbye, Mr. Reid, and thank you again," the detective finally offered before walking out of the office.