Chapter Text
Author's Note: The 365 Project is an experimental project to write and post at least one short every day for the next year, not including my semi-regular bi-weekly updates. Whether or not that goal can be reached, we'll see... This is The 365 Project, 23 February.
Disclaimer: "The Shadow" belongs to Street and Smith Publications and is used for entertainment purposes without permission or intent to profit.
-o0O0o-
"Heroes United"
'Shadows in The City'
By J.T. Magnus, 'Turbo'
-o0O0o-
The iris of the one-way 'picture by radio' reci=eiver opened and the man sitting in front of it spoke in a low, gravelly voice.
"Report."
Burbank's image looked at The Shadow from the transmitting end of the connection, "Agent in Midtown Precinct reports incident at Museum of Natural History. Possible theft and kidnapping. Agent suggests inquiry and advises caution; Police Commissioner appears involved."
The Shadow frowned even though Burbank couldn't see it; Wainwright Barth's replacement as Police Commissioner had been detrimental to The Shadow's operations, not just by losing the line of information that came from Barth being the uncle of Lamont Cranston, but by virtue of the fact that his replacement - a man named Jack Farley - was deep in the pockets of some of New York's less respectable citizens.
"Understood. Have agents find out what and whom was taken, report back as soon as possible," The Shadow answered before abruptly ending the connection and leaning back in his chair.
'This is troubling,' he thought to himself, 'Whoever is behind this acted in broad daylight, obviously thinking they had the power - money or connections - to escape justice for their actions... I intend to prove them wrong, remind them that the weed of crime bares bitter fruit.'
-o0o-
It was later that day and The Shadow was again in his Sanctum in communication with Burbank, "Report."
"Agent in Metropolitan Library reports additional information on disappearance of Dr. Fleming, head of the Metropolitan Library. Dr. Fleming last known to be meeting with Xander Drax," Burbank informed his superior.
"Xander Drax," The Shadow thought for a moment, "Owner of Drax Industries, connections with Zaphro crime family."
"Yes," Burbank answered simply.
"Interesting."
"Additional on incident at Museum of Natural History; possible connection with disappearance of Dr. Fleming, Drax involved in theft of jade skull from Crusades exhibit, seen leaving Museum with Charlie Zaphro and associates. Also present were Diana Palmer, niece of Tribune editor David Palmer, and unknown male. Agent in area at time reports Palmer and unknown male taken from Museum at gunpoint."
"Taken where?" The Shadow demanded.
"Drax Industries building, downtown Manhattan," Burbank answered, "Further information unavailable, no agents currently in Drax organisation."
"What about the Zaphros?"
"Agents in Zaphro crime family report death of Raymond Zaphro, Charlie Zaphro now in control of family, working with Drax. Agents report additional Drax/Zaphro connection with organization known as 'Sengh Brotherhood'. Exact nature of association unknown, Agents attempting to learn."
The Shadow glowered, having heard of the Sengh Brotherhood; a four-hundred year old collection of cutthroats, thieves, murders and pirates that survived by the simple fact of their open recruitment policies for lay members who might one day earn the spiderweb tattoo that marked them as full 'brothers' and the fact that despite the loss of numerous operations at the hands of the Bengalla Jungle Patrol, The Shadow's own network of agents and other forces of order over the years, the Brotherhood's primary headquarters had somehow managed to remain hidden for the entirety of it's four-hundred year existence.
"No," The Shadow commanded, "Have the agents continue survellience of Drax, Zaphro and Commissioner Farley, but order them to keep away from the Sengh Brotherhood. Until we know why Drax is interested in the Brotherhood, there's too great a risk to the agents. Especially with the current police situation."
-o0o-
That night, the 'current police situation' reared its head in a most unwelcome manner, leading The Shadow back to The Sanctum once more.
"Report," if the tone of The Shadow's voice was extra harsh, Burbank didn't notice or said nothing.
"Agent in Midtown Precinct reports police on look-out for madman, armed and extremely dangerous. Police have been ordered to shoot on sight. Agent recommends exercising caution in any activities tonight," Burbank said in as dry a tone as though he were reading the day's weather report from the Classic or Tribune.
"Description?"
"Police alert states possible costume, skin-tight purple, with cowl and mask," Burbank answered.
"Keep me informed," The Shadow instructed before turning off the receiver and watching as the iris closed.