The Ghost November 2017 Issue: Shadow of Death

Its the Ghost meets the Shadow!

The Ghost November Issue 2017

Shadow of Death

By Daniel Rodriguez

Ghost: I hear voices. They tell me to do things…

Shadow: Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of…

Announcer: Whoa, and who is this?

Ghost: I was in the middle of my intro monologue, who is there?

Shadow: The Shadow knows. (Laughs)

Announcer: Can it be? The Shadow? Here?

Ghost: And who is the Shadow?

Announcer: Ladies and Gentlemen, Blue Coal in conjunction with Lunasense bring you an epic encounter of paranormal proportions. Tonight, Rick Hart, private eye, and protector of the two worldswill have an other worldly ecounter of his own with the master of other men’s minds, The Shadow. What will happen when these two crime fighters meet? Find out in tonights special episode of The Ghost. Shadow of Death.

Music: Theme Song

Fade out.

Girl: Fancy a fun night out?

Girl 2: No. I just think we need to call it a night. 

Girl: You afraid of those stories?

Girl 2: Those stories? Yes. I am scared of those stories, you hear what they say.

Girl: The good ol boogie man will come for ya. 

Girl 2: He isn’t some boogie man, he is one of the worst serial killers of our time.

Girl: They say that about every serial killer. They love to give’em names too. I don’t know why. It romanticises them. Makes them sound like super villians. Jack the Ripper had a cape and a suit with a cane. The man had a whole costume and a secret identity that no one knew. But come on, lets admit it, he was a fat piece of trash, probably balding, and ugly as dog dirt and had a very basic name. He had no alter ego, no nothing. He wasn’t Jack, he was Stuart Madison or some stupid basic sounding name like that. When he met his maker God probably just called him Stewie. Stewie, you been a real bad boy.

Girl 2: But what about Midnight?

Girl: Midnight is as dumb a media name as we can get, plus I believe the police have their best men looking into this…

Girl 2: You trust the police? Eh?

Girl: I am just saying I want to get my drink on, my boy love on, and I don’t need to fear a serial killer just because they gave him a name…

Pause

Girl: Fine, go home. Ugh, its getting cold out here.

Fx; Walking up.

Girl: Whose there? Just some boy with a hat. What a laugh. Excuse me sir, do you know what time it is?

Midnight: Hello.

Girl: Ey! I asked you the time. 

Midnight: About 11:58.

Girl: You believe this, you think there be another one coming up?

Midnight: Another what?

Girl: And what you wearing that mask for?

Midnight: Oh this mask? I hear that some people are able to identify their attackers, if the stories are to be believed.

Girl: Believed?

Midnight: You see I am a big fan of this cities super sititions, you know, like The Ghost.

Girl: You ain’t from around here, eh?

Midnight: No I am not.

Girl: Funny you coming from a party to dress like that.

Midnight: Party starts soon.

Girl: Where at?

Midnight: Whereever the clock strikes best maam.

Girl: A polite one eh? I like it.

Midnight: And there it is?

Girl: There what is?

Midnight: The time. 

Girl: The time?

Midnight: It is precisely, Midnight.

FX: KSHINK!

Girl: What are you doing!?

Midnight: They did say that ladies should be in doors around this time. I would say that would have been the safetest bet for all of this but to be told. I would find some other means regardless. This however, quiet deserted streets with women who are alone and not in any state to really apply self defense… 

Girl: UGH!!!!

Midnight: By the way, nice to meet you maam. I will be the last person you ever meet but I want you to know that it is a privelege, it really is.

Girl: Who are…you?

Midnight: My name, they call me Midnight.

FX: Dramatic Music

Fade out.

Malina: Rick, are you ready?

Rick: Yes sister. 

Malina: I mean are you seriously ready?

Rick: What part of yes do you not understand?

Malina: Just cause you might call yourself a super hero and an expert private eye doesn’t mean you have much common sense. Now Rick, are you ready?

Rick: You are driving me crazy woman. 

Malina: You are the one in the room talking to yourself. If people were here they would think you crazy.

Rick: But I am not.

Malina: No, you are just talking to a ghost of your sister, that is perfectly naturaly. Oh by the way random passerby, this man can talk to ghosts, you can keep moving as if nothing happened.

Rick: Will you quit mocking me. And no, no one is around, I am completely safe to talk to whoever I want. 

FX: knock on door.

Mason: Rick!

Rick: Private Detective Mason, what is up?

Mason: You ready?

Rick: Will everyone stop asking me if I am ready. Of course I am ready. I am ready as that metior that killed the dinosaurs. 

FX: Door opens.

Mason: It is not every day that we both get invited to speak at police functions.

Rick: I think you are more qualified than I am to have your own panel. I am sorry but lets be honest, you get higher paying clients than I do and I think on the list of who is who of private detectives in this town, you probably are more successful and more well known.

Mason: Aw shucks.

Rick: But you are also one step behind me as always when we go toe to toe in cases.

Mason: It is an honor that they want to have you answer questions about starting up a private detective business.

Rick: Most of it is just creeper stalking. 

Mason: But don’t you want to hear Abe Winslow speak?

Rick: Ah yes! The prodigy. 

Mason: Your up an hour after, plenty of time to come check him out.

FX: Walking.

Rick: And what brings you into the Winslow fan club?

Mason: Been solving cases at the age of fifteen. That is really comic book quality stuff.

Rick: You mean its not realistic.

Mason: Exactly. This kid is the real deal.

Rick: He is only nineteen now.

Mason: And still an expert detective, he has solved so many cases and has taken high profile leads over seasoned veterans.

Rick: What you think made him make his way here?

Mason: That I do not know.

Abe: Everyone and Welcome. As you know, I am Abe Winslow. And I am here to talk to you about the rise in crime. I want to first thank the Chief of Police in the city for letting me come in and I just want all of you to know that I have an eye out for the highest case going on.

Reporter: Midnight sir?

Abe: I can confirm I am taking lead in the Midnight case. As you all know, the killings started seven months ago and every weekend, on the nose of midnight, a young girl was found murdered. Often these would be people from the streets or women with questionable…

Reporter 2: Do you think this someone is trying to imitate Jack the Ripper or…

Abe: No. The police have given him the name Midnight for one reason and one reason alone, time of death is almost always confirmed to be Around midnight, and it has never, not once, been confirmed to be any minute or hour ahead or behind. We believe that what this killer does, is his MO is that at midnight, one murder must take place, one a week, without fail. If you do the math, you will know just how many victims he has killed. 

Reporter: And are you close in catching him?

Abe: The killer, he likes to stay close to the north east, but just one month ago, he moved here. Now why?

Reporter: Why?

Abe: This city. As amazing as it is, has had one constant deterent in crime, or atleast that is what we would like to think am I right?

Rick: Excuse me. And what do you think this would be?

Abe: Why The Ghost of course. 

Rick: The Ghost?

Abe: You must be Rick Hart, am I right?

Rick: You know me?

Abe: I was going to attend your lecture in an hour, so let us chat then. But yes, The Ghost. Like the Shadow, many people compare these two beings or myths as deterents against further crime. But if you look at this graphs, you will see in the end, it does not. Criminals often are thinned out if you will at a faster pace but you may notice how the numbers sometimes rise regardless, almost without rhyme or reason despite socio and economic problems. 

Reporter: And what doest this have to attribute to Midnight?

Abe: The worst case scenario. Studies have found that with the rise of some great figures to stand forth, so to rise the bold to challenge them. 

Background Noises: Café sounds

Margot: Lamont, what are we doing here? You said we were going to have a nice vacation away from criminals and mobsters but I can’t help but feeling like there is a reason we are here and it isn’t to relax. 

Lamont: Well Margot, as you know there is a serial killer out there.

Margot: You had been obsessing over him in the past, but why the sudden interest now. The killings stopped.

Lamont: The killings in our city stopped yes, but if you read the papers they have continued on here.

Margot: You mean to tell me you are going to try and find Midnight here?

Lamont: That is exactly what I intend to do.

Margot: But can’t you have faith in the local police? You cannot just jump in at every injustice especially one so outside of your way.

Lamont: Margot, it is not outside of our way. I will further say we are being lured here by a great villain.

Margot: Then why are we here?

Lamont: I did not tell you Margot but, I have a dopple ganger. 

Margot: A double ganger?

Lamont: A dopple and yes, and he is here!

Margot: Lamont, what are you talking about?

Lamont: Someone impersonated The Shadow, claimed he was after Midnight, and then said, he would follow him to this very city to stop him.

Margot: But you never did such thing!?

Lamont: Exactly, now I do not know whom did this, or why. But I have a feeling the answer will come to light.

Margot: But what about the urban legend here?

Lamont: You mean The Ghost? A cheesy triffle of a name.

Margot: A being who can talk to the dead.

Lamont: A being who claims he can talk to the dead. Doesn’t mean he can and doesn’t mean he is real. 

Margot: But don’t you believe in ghosts?

Lamont: Ghosts? I do not think so. Oh, I am not saying they arent real. Just that I never had really much of an experience with one. However I do believe in the power of a soul. Perhaps if a soul is strong enough, and it doesn’t find a passage to the next world, then perhaps he or she may become what we could equate a ghost. But I do not find myself wanting to completely invest a lifestyle on that notion. 

Margot: So you are thinking if it is not in front of you, it cannot be?

Lamont: I am not saying that, who is the Shadow but a voice that the enemy cannot see? 

Margot: But a lifestyle..hmm.. I wonder. You know Lamont, if there are no such things as ghosts, a picky wonder that a famous rumor in this town is dedicated to the proof of such. 

Lamont: A wonder indeed. By the way Margot, I have my first lead in the case.

Margot: Oh? And what is it?

Lamont: Rather, I will be meeting with two very interested parties of this so called Ghost and Midnight.

Margot: Who?

Lamont: The Chief of police, and a fast rising star detective named Abe Winslow. No doubt you heard of him.

Margot: As the Shadow?

Lamont: No no. Just keeping up apearences as a man about town with a stange fascination with the talented people of this city.

Chief: So Mr. Winslow, how great for you to join us.

Abe: When the chief said he wanted to meet me for dinner, there was no way I could say no. After all, we will be working very hard together.

Det. Thomas: You can call me Detective Thomas. 

Abe: Ah, I have heard good things from you.

Det. Thomas: Nothing higher than what you must hear about yourself.

Abe: The constant praise does get a bit old and wooden for my taste, but that is just me.

Det. Thomas: They call you the ultimate detective, solving your first crimes when you were what, fourteen?

Abe: Fifteen.

Det. Thomas: A real prodigy.

Chief: Stop fawning over the man and sit down.

FX: Door opens.

Lamont: I hope I am not too late.

Chief: Lamont Cranston. I didn’t think you would show. 

Lamont: I been doing a lot of traveling and thought I would set up a temporary shop here in your nice town.

Chief: I am glad you could join us.

Abe: Mr. Winslow, it is nice to meet you.

Lamont: And I am Lamont Cranston, I pleasure. I heard about you, and saw you were going to speak today at a convetion. I told myself, right there, that is a smart man. That is a man with a lot of potential. He is going to go places.

Abe: You are making me sound like a politician.

Lamont: The world is going to be your oyster and I have no doubt you will be very successful. 

Det. Thomas: You could say he is successful now.

Lamont: Yes. That you can. But anyways, I heard there was to be fun festive beverages and good food?

Chief: Yes of course, sit yourself down Mr. Cranston. 

Det. Thomas: You sound like you know Mr. Cranston…

Lamont: Just Lamont will do. 

Chief: Actually yes, he was kind enough to foot the housing for me when I went to visit. He said he wouldn’t hear of me staying at a subpar hotel. He is a great man. And where is Ms. Lane?

Lamont: She couldn’t make it tonight, jet lag you see.

Chief: Well that is a shame.

Det. Thomas: So, you must have some theories on who this Midnight is.

Abe: Well yes, yes I do. Though not specific people, but I think I know the type and I got leads on where we should be looking?

Det. Thomas: So do you plan on heading this investigation?

Abe: I don’t want to head anything. I have enough faith in this cities detective work that I don’t want to lead them astray with my bad ideas as well intentioned as they may be. 

Chief: If Abe was Rick Hart, you would be foaming at the mouth for him to mind his own business.

Det. Thomas: Well yeah, but that’s because Rick couldn’t hack it as a real cop. That is why he dropped out and became a private detective. You sir, however, I would welcome any insight into who we are dealing with.

Lamont: All this talk, who is this midnight?

Abe: He is a killer who strikes at mignight. That is where he got his monicker. 

Lamont: At midnight?

Abe: At first we were thinking around that time, like 11:30 to 12:30, but the more bodies we found the more we realized with different levels of riggamortis setting in, that the time of death was extremely punctual. 

Lamont: Sounds horrible. Not one I think I would like to enjoy this beverage over.

Abe: Another thing, he tends to be very showy. A cocky one he is.

Det. Thomas: He sends letters to the media to publicise. They are to be read at…you guess it, midnight.

Lamont: Sounds a bit foolish.

Abe: No more foolish than this Shadow we are dealing with.

Lamont: What about the Shadow?

Chief: You remember the Shadow, he was in the paper when I was in town two years back for busting up that gang ring.

Lamont: But what does midnight have to do with The Shadow?

Abe: First set of killings was in his neck of the woods. First victim was Chelsea Porters. Not to mention that, the Shadow has vowed to catch Midnight. I really don’t think the killer has much of a chance if the Shadow is on the case but then again, is not the Shadow really just a myth. Has anyone actually actively seen him?

Lamont: No papers have any guess work on his features. I guess you could say he is a myth but many people can swear they have seen his handiwork, some spoken to him.

Abe: And you could say the same with The Ghost.

FX: Door opens.

Rick: Hello.

Abe: Speaking of The Ghost.

Rick: Huh?

Lamont: You mean to tell me The Ghost is real?

Chief: Yes. I have seen him.

Det. Thomas: I have been punched in the stomach by him.

Rick: And you told me he apologized for that.

Det. Thomas: He apologized before he hit me. That smug…

Rick: So why is the topic once again the Ghost?

Abe: Mr. Hart, it is a pleasure to actually have that sitdown with you.

Rick: It is?

Abe: Now, you have told me, as I have confirmed through other sources, that you might be one of the closest people to work with The Ghost?

Rick: How so?

Abe: Well, approximately a good chunk of your workload often has you cross him. Am I right? I am sorry, I misuse my words. What I mean is, your two sets of work often coincide.

Rick: I guess. My work often coincides with the police and the police perhaps more than I coincide with The Ghost.

Abe: But not completely. Often I have heard the Ghost investigates cases the police are completely unaware of. In that sense, they do not have any connection to him. But I heard that you are friends, no?

Rick: I am not going to say me and the Ghost are friends, but we have been aquaintences once or twice. What are you getting at?

Abe: I am just saying even the two of you have been spotted together and I am aware the crime fighting community does keep a close net together, but I would say that it would be generally agreed that if someone has the closest connection would be you or detective Thomas. 

Det. Thomas: Me?

Abe: You are physically seen the most interaction wise with The Ghost. Rick and the chief, and a detective calle Mason… something, are often more than not in the vicinity of the sightings. 

Lamont: You didn’t tell me you were best friends with the local legend.

Chief: I cannot say that I am. 

Rick: You are after the Ghost, arent you?

Abe: No. Not after the Ghost. But I think our serial killer is.

Lamont: Midnight, is after the Ghost, but weren’t you talking something about the Shadow?

Abe: I received this letter today gentlemen. I trust you are all good men of good standing. Can you vouche for this Mr. Cranston, Chief?

Chief: I can.

Abe: It is an act of war, brought to our office only two hours ago. Midnight, he is a cocky fellow. Yes. Indeed he is. We are to read this on tonights broadcast at midnight, we do what he says, and no one will die tonight. 

Rick: I can’t read it.

Det. Thomas: It says, in one week…he will out the identities of both the Shadow, and the Ghost.

Dramatic Music.

Fade out.

Rick: (sighs) It is almost midnight. Our city is being gripped by the terror of a serial killer and I got nothing to do but wai…

Shadow: Mr. Hart.

Rick: Hello?

Shadow: Mr. Hart.

Rick: Whose there? I am not seeing clients. I am getting ready to go home.

Shadow: You cannot see me but I know you can hear me Mr. Hart.

Rick: I said who is there. If this is a burglar, I am well trained in self defense.

Shadow: Yes, you are confused, your mind is befuddled. That makes you easy prey.

Rick: Prey for what? Show yourself now.

Shadow: I cannot do that because I am no where, but I am everywhere.

Rick: I am not in the mood for games Mr. Voice Man.

Shadow: You know of me.

Rick: I know of a meal that isn’t sitting well and would like to use the rest room, now tell me who you are and what you want before I call the cops.

Shadow: You know me as the Shadow.

Rick: Wait, what?

Shadow: I am in your mind. I am in your head. I can cantrol what you see and what you don’t.

Rick: So, you are real.

Shadow: Yes. Yes. I am real.

Rick: And what do you want.

Shadow: I followed you because I heard a rumor that you know about The Ghost. 

Rick: And what would I know?

Shadow: You are a brilliant detective, the smartest to come out of the academy in over a decade. Your case work as a cop was unparalleled. But then you quit. 

Rick: Are we debating my memories here?

Shadow: You like to pretend you are a fool.

Rick: No I don’t.

Malina: Rick!

Rick: Not now.

Shadow: Yes, you keep them all fooled but, I need your help.

Malina: Rick, whats wrong.

Rick: I said not now.

Shadow: You will not help me?

Rick: Help….

Malina: You want me to help you?

Shadow: You must help me, you must lead me to The Ghost. 

Malina: No…way… that man in the mask, what is he doing to you?

Rick: Just cause you have hypnotized me, and are messing with my mind, doesn’t mean you can control me. 

Malina: You can’t see him because your…

Shadow: You will lead me to The Ghost.

Rick: I just need a guide.

Shadow: A guide for what?

Malina: The man in the mask, he is standing two feet to your 11 oclock.

Shadow: Why are you smiling? Rick Hart, you are useless to your power. You cannot see me. You cannot touch me, and soon, you will do exactly as I say.

Malina: Two steps forward…good Rick. He hasn’t noticed your on to him. 

Shadow: You seem to be fighting it, but you cannot win.

Malina: His jaw, it is about three feet now at nine oclock, he has stopped moving.

Shadow: I told you..

Malina: Fire when ready.

FX: Punch!

Shadow: Ugh! 

Shadow Laughs

Rick: Whats so funny.

Shadow: You were lucky… but that wont…

Rick: You were saying. Looks like I found your shoulder, I think you have a nerve right here between your shoulder and neck…

Malina: Rick watchout!

Rick: Agh!

FX: Flump

Rick: Did you just throw me.

Shadow: It wasn’t luck…you know where I am.

Rick: I cheated.

Shadow: Of course you cheated, you cant be a normal man…Rick Hart, you must be The Ghost.

Rick: I don’t know what you are talking about.

Shadow: People say you were together on a handful of occasions, how not suprising that a man would need to employ a double here or there. Or simply feign an alibi. 

Rick: Shadow, I do not know why you came in here to assault me.

Shadow: I never hurt you, that fist against my jaw however…

Rick: I do not know why you are here or why you have come.

Shadow: The Ghost, you are the Ghost, which makes me wonder, if all I have heard of you is true, why have you, yourself, not gone out to stop Midnight.

Rick: Simple, I have no clients. And a private detective on this case, I would rather leave it to local authorities.

Shadow: But the man is challenging you, he is threatening you. 

Rick: Let him. Ill help the police in any way I can, but right now, I got bills to pay.

Shadow: And if someone else dies?

Rick: I can’t save the world, one mystery at a time. Just because some yahoo in a mask is going around doesn’t mean I have to stop all my other and sometimes equally important work just to chase after someone cause they want my attention. And what of you? Where were you? 

Shadow: I am here, and I am going to find him. 

Rick: Then why do you need me?

Shadow: The Ghost was going to be my lead, And yet, I feel you are hiding something from me. Very well, I shall leave you alone but the one calling himself Midnight must be stopped, and we both know that you are just an idle by. 

Rick: And what do you know of me. 

Shadow: Your thoughts are sometimes louder than mine. You are angry, you want to scream, but…I think you should turn on the radio.

FX: Flick

Radio: It’s twelve o’three and we have just received a call in on a potential victim…if only…if only we aired that message in time…

Rick: They missed the deadline?

Shadow: So it would seem.

Radio Announcer: Another poor girl was just found dead in an allyway outside of Stevies bar….

Fade out.

Malina: Rick….Rick….

Rick: I don’t want to wake up.

Malina: But Rick, we have to.

Rick: Why?

Victim: Hello?

Rick: And who are you?

Victim: My name…it doesn’t matter, I believe I was murdered by the man known as Midnight. I need you to stop him.

Dramatic Music.

Fade out.

Fade in.

Linda: Ah, thank you Ms. Lane.

Margot: Oh please Linda, you can call me Margot. It seems to be what everyone calls me.

Linda: Thank you for coming in, I am sorry Mr. Hart is busy though.

Margot: I just figured with my friend Lamont in town driving everyone crazy like he always does that maybe you might want to take a break while the cats away so to speak.

Linda: So you and Mr. Cranston, how long have you all been friends?

Margot: Well, I can’t really say the day and or year but it feels like he has been an inseparable part of my life for along time.

Linda: I would say I know how you feel.

Margot: Rick doesn’t take you out?

Linda: On occasion, yes. But I don’t feel like its out more like anything more than a friend. Its just “hey, Im thinking of food, do you want to come and get some of said food with me?”

Margot: Dear gosh, does he really talk like that?

Linda: No, but he is a bit of a stupid oaf in my book, not my words for the record.

Margot: Don’t worry, I am not taking any notes down. Oh by the way, I was wondering if you wanted to go shopping with me in a few moments, there is this fancy coat I think you would look deadly in. 

Linda: Me in a coat?

Margot: Femme fatale all over it!

Linda: The private eye and the femme fatale, it has a nice ring to it.

Margot: Then get yourself ready and lets have a girls day out!

Linda: Okay, let me just powder my nose, you never know when guys will come cat calling.

Margot: Hurry up.

FX: Running off

Margot: Shes gone. Good, now I just have to get inside Rick’s office and…

FX: Door opening and closing.

Margot: Not in here.

FX: Door opening and closing.

Margot: Not in here either. Lamont was sure that if Rick had any files on Midnight or proof of him being The Ghost, they would be in here somewhere. 

Linda: Almost ready.

Margot: Take your time! Oh, I do hate doing this to the poor girl, she really does seem like she needs some friends in her life. 

Linda: Okay!

Margot: Darn. Nothing here. It was as if he knew someone would come looking.

Linda: You ready? What are you doing in the office?

Margot: Oh, uh, just admiring the place.

Linda: Many cases got solved here, many crimes stopped. In some ways, in this office, in that chair right next to you, many lives were saved.

Margot: (Feeling the weight) ya…ya don’t say?

Fade into

Background: Night noises.

Margot: I couldn’t find any connection to The Ghost, or Midnight in his office. Are you sure it was a good bet that I went.

Lamont: Yes Margot. You see, Rick right now would be on edge, I think if I went in, he might see me as some sort of obstical, and if his mind was paranoid enough, he might realize that I am The Shadow. By the way Margot, did you atleast have some level of fun.

Margot: His secretary is a very fun woman, but the poor girl.

Lamont: Poor girl?

Margot: She has the biggest crush on her boss and he just strings her along to whatever designs he has. 

Lamont: Egotism?

Margot: Hardly from the sound of it, I just think he doesn’t have enough time for people. This Mr. Hart, he may seem a little dense as you describe it but I think he is a bigger workaholic than you. I think when you let the shadow rest, his mind is still going, he doesn’t get to just turn it off Lamont, and those outside his focus, they just get the static noise that’s left over.

Lamont: That is an observation. You say all this without having completely met the man?

Margot: I say because I know you too. You though are way more observant. 

Lamont: A compliment.

Margot: Observation. 

Lamont: So you think a guy like him would be leaving a double life?

Margot: Could be.

Lamont: A double life…

Rick: As the Ghost.

Lamont: What?

Rick: Greetings Mr. And Mrs. Shadow. Or is it just The Shadow and Margot Lane?

Lamont: Mr. Hart, I do not understand this joke.

Rick: Your shoulder alright? I was only aiming to incapacitate you, not cause any actual harm to you. 

Lamont: I do not understand what you mean.

Rick: My mind is open, you claim you can read my thoughts, see into my mind. I had Ms. Lane followed after she snooped around in my office, the day after I was attacked by The Shadow. Do you think I am lying.

Lamont: I want to say you are but I sense the truth. How, how did you have her followed.

Rick: The Ghost has his secrets. 

Lamont: And you just trust me and Margot with this secret.

Rick: No, but you told her anyways. My sister can confirm it, she heard you.

Lamont: Your what?

Rick: Trade secret, sorry.

Lamont: Very well, rather then draw out this game, I am indeed the Shadow. 

Rick: So you are a master of hypnotysm…

Lamont: Among other things.

Rick: And I can speak to the dead. 

Lamont: Like some sort of cheap medium.

Rick: Like someone who needs to be their voice when they are silent, but enough of chest puffing, I was thinking you were wanting to have a talk. Rather than us play this game, I think it would just be easier to throw our masks away and get serious. We should team up.

Lamont: Team up?

Rick: Which is what Midnight wants.

Lamont: He wants us to team up.

Rick: He wants us to find each other. We make a bigger target together. If we stand united, all he would need to do to take us both down is figure one of our identities out and the rest crumble like trash.

Lamont: And how close do you think he is?

Rick: He came here, to my town, this is almost like he drew you to me. 

Lamont: Drew…then he must have been the one posing as me.

Rick: Come again?

Lamont: It all makes sense, when I was doing some light investigating at the time, a person posing as The Shadow made a vow to catch Midnight and follow him…right after that, Midnight skips town and works his way here. 

Rick: And it worked, you followed.

Lamont: We must be very careful we are dealing with someone very smart. Very smart indeed.

Rick: A clever person for sure. But whoever this person is, he isn’t going to want to stop.

Lamont: And why the sudden interest now of all times to jump on this case.

Rick:I have a client, she wont rest until he has paid for what he has done.

Lamont: Well, if he plans on finding out our identities first, I think we need to run a counter gambit. 

Rick: How so?

Lamont: Right now, Midnight is holding all the cards, he has the field, hes controlling the players movement and he is just waiting for those movements to move where he can grab them. We need to disrupt his game.

Rick: I am all ears.

Background Noises: Fancy Dinner

Abe: Thank you, thank you.

Malina: Rick, what are we doing here?

Rick: Abe was very curious to get to know me, out of everyone he is close to The Ghost mystery, and I am almost certain he knows it. He doesn’t think of me as an acquuaintance but as someone who knows more.

Malina: Lamont came to the same conclusion.

Abe: Everyone, I hope you have a good time.

Rick: Lamont was following Abe’s lead. As a person with strong mental powers, he could tell early on that I was hiding something, from there he knew where to look, but Abe…

Abe: Yes. That is a lovely outfit.

Rick: It is time we start playing aggressive sis. 

Malina: Well right now all I can do is give advice and be moral support.

Rick: Than moral away.

Abe: Mr. Hart!

Rick: The ultimate detective.

Abe: I don’t think that’s the case.

Rick: You are so modest. 

Abe: I try to be humble.

Rick: A prodigy be humble?

Abe: I am not a prodigy…

Rick: I was your age when I started putting together cases, but you, you were so much younger at your start. But you know what they say about prodigies, they get older, they hit their potential  and then, they are just another person whose really good at something like other people their age. 

Abe: I am sorry?

Rick: You see, I met an acquiantance of yours. When you were first starting out. I am sure of it.

Abe: You did?

Rick: Oh what was her name. Anyways, I want to know, how did you know when you first wanted to become a detective.

Abe: I stumbled upon it really. I was looking through a paper and I noticed a link between two stories. I was foolish enough to go digging around at the time and found out that a man who had been found dead in the desert was actually killed in mob retalition for a double homocide that no one seemed to really know who the culprit was. 

Rick: That is awesome.

Abe: it is just, without mysteries, not saying murder, but life doesn’t really have much zest, which is why I put myself out there. 

Rick: That you seem to do.

Abe: But you’re a private eye. You do what I do but actually keep a full business over it, me, I am just a stand out who asked for special pickings on this case.

Rick: If you solved it I think you could move up in the world.

Abe: Yeah, I would like to get my own team going.

Rick: A team?

Abe: Train a team, have them work under me as a super unit. Kids stuff I know but the idea of it in my head seems so cool. But wait, you said solved?

Rick: You didn’t hear the news?

Abe: I am sorry?

Rick: Midnight has been arrested, he confessed. He also gave up the identity of The Shadow. 

Background: Car Noises

Abe: Where is he being placed at.

Rick: The precinct has an older building they use as a warehouse. They are keeping Midnight in there. They are worried until everything is lawyered out that someone will want to try and do something.

Abe: So…

Rick: Yeah, pulled a lot of strings to get this info. Det. Thomas, and the Chief are on the way.

Abe: Okay, looks like we are here. 

FX: Car parks.

FX: Door Opens.

Abe: I am going in…

FX: Walking.

FX: Door opens.

Abe: Name is Abe Winslow, move aside.

Margot: Yes.

Pause.

Abe: And you are?

Victim: I am Midnight.

Abe: Are you?

Victim: I am the serial killer that has been haunting the eastern United States for the past 8 months. 

Abe: Eight Months? No. He has only been doing it for seven and let me see your….face…

Victim: With the hood off, are you sure you want to see my face?

Abe: What is this?

Victim: Does my face offend you.

Abe: Guards! Guards!

Shadow: There are no guards.

Abe: You can’t get into my mind….

Victim: You knew, right when you saw my face you knew…

Abe: You are not Midnight, this is a prank!

Victim: You are right I,,,

Ghost:                right I am not Midnight. 

Ghost: But then, how would you know unless you recognized the victim.

Abe: Of course I recognized the victim! I have studied his case.

Shadow: But you made a fatal flaw.

Abe: And what is that?

Ghost: The first victim, was not Ashley, she was the first official victim. One month earlier, you killed your first victim, Izzy Goldman. You wore a mask, like you have been noticed to, and your method was similar just not as perfected. Just different enough and in another city that no one connected the dots. 

Abe: And how would you know that?

Victim: Because I told him. I cannot rest because you keep killing. You keep going, and the knowledge that it will never end, that you will keep killing these scared and frightened girls…

Shadow: Yes, your barrier protecting your mind Abe Winslow, it is weakening. I can sense it, the truth, the shame…the horror.

Ghost: Truth was, I didn’t know for sure it was you. Had you come in and seen that this was a useless waste of time, I am sure your help could have been valuable. But the truth is, you moved with the trail of bodies, when they start showing up here, here you are. Midnight wants in on the Ghost and the Shadow, there you are probing as well. 

Abe: I am Midnight! So what!

Ghost: And what do you plan on doing now that we have you?

Abe: I got this gun!

FX: Gun c***s.

Malina: Rick look out!

FX: Gunshots.

Abe: You wont get away! Hey Let go of me.

Shadow: I never intended to do such a thing.

Abe: So you are here to? 

Shadow: I have slowly worked my way into your mind, it isn’t me you are fighting with over control over the gun, its yout own self.

Abe: No. 

Shadow: Yes. You have lost control of your body and your mind is starting to tear itself apart. You know this is the end, and I do not even have to confirm it for you. 

Abe: I trained my mind.

Shadow: Yes. You know how I work, you know my tools. It is not suprising one who has often researched me, would try and find some countermeasure to my powers.

Ghost: Abe. You can give up now.

Abe: As long as I have this gun, I will never give up. I am smarter than you. I am smarter than the both of you. I am the genius prodigy. I am the ultimate detective. And when I out the Ghost and the Shadow, no one will doubt that I am the greatest genius of our time.

Ghost: Then whey Midnight.

Abe: Why, midnight? Because every great hero needs a great rival. The fact that no one solved it makes me the greatest detetcive and the greatest murderer. 

Shadow: Then leave.

Ghost: You want him to leave.

Shadow: Take your gun and run out the door. The polive might be coming soon…

Abe: Hehe. Yeah. I can get out of here and you cant prove a thing, this silly charade of yours… ahahaha!

Shadow Laughs

FX: Door opens and closes.

Ghost: But you know, the police were two minutes out when we pulled in. They…

Shadow: Yes…they are out there right now.

FX: Gunshot

Abe: I got two people in there, The Ghost and the Shadow if any of you come near me…

Police: Put down you weapon.

FX: Gunshot: 

Abe: Run! Ahaha..

Police: Open fire!

FX:: Hail of Gunfire.

Silence.

Ghost: Did he just?

Shadow: He chose to try and fight his way out. A fitting end.

Ghost: You put him up to this, you put the thought in his head to get out. 

Shadow: And you, what would be your method of justice?

Ghost: Justice?

Shadow: Surely the cops would have came and arrested him if you got the gun away from him,, but if you didn’t. And if he didn’t confess…

Ghost: Humans, their minds cannot handle the shock of coming into direct contact with a spirit. Its harder for people when the spirit is mad or angry. I would have let him speak directly to those he hurt and…

Shadow: And?

Ghost: Most likely he would have been left a vegatable.

Shadow: So really, he was left with either a quick and sudden end, or to live his remaining life as a shell of a man. Perchance Ghost, it is you who are the cruel one, and the Shadow provides the mercy.

Music

Fade out.

Announcer: The Ghost and all characters original to The Ghost are copyright by Supernatural Magazine Monthly. All characters living or dead are fictitious and all similarities are practically coincidental. All rights reserved.

End

Author's Note

Could it be better? Yes. I had to cut some stuff out compared to what was in the original outline. I hope it is paced well enough, and sorry for no commercial on this one. I hope you enjoy. As usual feel free to leave feedback!