Fan Fiction: Short Stories

The Mystery of the Mad Doctor
by Greg Daulton

  The Mad Doctor was finished. The Mayor had officially returned to office. It was now days later, around eight o'clock, as Lamont Cranston walked into Manhattan's City Hall with Margo Lane in tow. As soon as they stepped into the building, Commissioner Weston headed toward them.

  "Good morning Mr. Cranston," the Commissioner half-shouted from across the lobby.

  "Morning sir. You know Miss Lane," Cranston offered.

  "Ah yes hello," the Commissioner greeted her.

  "Hi Mr. Weston," Margo replied.

  "I'd like to congratulate your department on getting the Mayor back sir. I must admit, I never would have guessed the Mayor was even missing. The police forces of New York did the right thing though. This city would have flooded into chaos, had we known the Mayor was indisposed."

  "Oh thank you Lamont. As policemen, it is our job to keep the peace you know."

  "Oh yes, of course," Cranston agreed.

  "If you'll excuse me Lamont, the proceedings are about to start. It's going to be broadcasted on the radio you know. Good day Miss Lane," the Commissioner offered, smiling and hurrying away.

  As the Commissioner entered the crowded meeting room, a large mob of people from all over the city occupied the hall behind them, waiting to enter the proceedings. Cranston and Margo Lane entered and casually sat in the back of the spacious room. The crowd began to move into the meeting room with great hustle and bustle. As soon as everyone was seated and quiet, the Mayor stood up from an elongated table, at the front of the room, to begin his speech. People from various newspapers and radio stations crowded the front of the room, in hopes of getting the best news coverage of this meeting.

  "Good day, ladies and gentlemen. For those of you tuning in at home, this is your Mayor. We are broadcasting at City Hall to explain a recent turn of events that has occurred. I regret to inform you all of something that you as New Yorkers as well as the city government have been unaware of, at least up to now. Close to two weeks ago I had been abducted from my home. The culprit was a gang that the New York police had been after for a long time. At present they are all presumed dead. The ringleader issued a ransom note, but nothing was ever paid, simply because our boys didn't know where to send the ransom to. I am aware that the police overstepped their power by not alerting city officials, but under the circumstances, I feel they did the right thing. The last thing this city needs is panic. I am currently continuing my duties as your Mayor. I appreciate all of your support. Thank you fellow New Yorkers for your time and attention."

  Immediately after the Mayor's speech, he got up to leave the room, but was bombarded by the press. A cop quickly dismissed the spectators. The crowd moved furiously out into the lobby.

  Lamont Cranston and Margo Lane were some of the first to leave. As they moved down the massive flight of steps exiting City Hall, a bright yellow taxicab that appeared brand-new rolled up to collect them.

  "Once again, the police are getting the credit you deserve Lamont," Margo Lane whispered.

  "Justice is the credit Margo. And justice was firmly served in this case," Lamont argued with his companion.

  "Yes, thanks to The Shadow," Margo uttered as they arrived at the cab.

  As they entered the freshly polished taxi, it zoomed down Main Street en route to The Shadow's Sanctum, for The Shadow's work was never done.