Hello there! This is something I started writing based off of The Phantom of Manhattan by Frederick Forsyth. I do not know if I should make it a one shot or not. If you all would like it to continue then let me know. This will all be from Erik's point of view mostly because in the novel there are only two chapters in which that happens. So I wanted to give further explanation and detail of his thinking and actions.
Ok i'm done with that. Now enjoy!
Prologue:
This country was built upon lies and scams as was my business. I ran this city behind closed doors though that was not to my choosing. One could say my fate was left to God, a spirit of which does not reside in my soul any longer. If there was a God, if he was kind, I would not be a monstrosity having to hide behind a mask to keep what little respect I have gained from those around me. It mattered little that I had made many rich along with myself. What was wealth if the pleasures of life did not come willingly with it? Had I ever possessed love for more then a solitary night then my intentions would have possibly been different. Had my mother loved this wretched face, I might have still lived within the homely walls of Paris. What a condescending women she was, claiming to be a nun and then turning away from one of God's children. No not his, I was the Devil's child, she had made that quite clear. Were it not for her priest, she would have rid of my carcase long before I had reached the age of one. It would have been wise for her to do just that.
Here I sit on the top of New York's tallest building, one that belonged to me. I could look out to the sea and watch the ships come in or watch as the small, insignificant beings strolled down the streets below me. I would know of course, of the robbery's and the sick entanglement of unwilling bodies. I would hear of the screams of pain as men sent a cold hand across a woman's yielding flesh. I had all to raise a hand, tell an authority of such behavior and it would be stopped. Momentarily. These men of such status believe they are doing good by stepping in the way of such a battle that it will bring justice and peace. Ha! They do not see what I have and do. These men of injustice crawl back pleading for this woman's love, telling her exactly what she wants to hear. As expected, the behavior returns shortly after reunion. They are nothing more then animals, ready to tear ones throat at a moments notice. This is why I refrain from such an interruption, I let it continue as it always will.
This past decade I have been through hell and back yet here I stand, overlooking each resident of this country. I hold more power then the President himself yet no one knows this face. I could silently lurk through the boroughs of this city and none would know that I started and run the infamous E.M. Company, which I prefer. The title standing for my name-Erik Mulheim- a ghost only seen by those of his choice. One of the few is the face of this company-Darius. I met him in the slums shortly after I had arrived to this cold city. We formed many scams along the way to get to where we are and have not to this day, been questioned of said scams. It took years to be here, many in yearning for the one love I had ever felt. I was damned to hell for the sins of which I have done in this life but that was fated at my birth.
Had it not been for myself, Darius would not be in such wealth. I have filled his head with greed and now he worships another God, Mammon. His soul is black with it. The wealth we acquire never seeming to be enough to quench his thirst for gold. Not that I could care for such a need, Darius is a pawn in my ploy. I was however glad it was he who stood next to me while we constructed much of Coney Island's amusement parks. My illusionist skills thrived in the design as well as my vast knowledge of engineering. Due to my mastery and Darius' aid, the park owner and businessman-Mr. Boyton- was greatly pleased and told others of our success. Ever since we have aided those for such projects yet taking on much more. This city has a hunger for wealth. They feed for money like a starving child. I invested in the stock market playing this game of theirs. It was simple, too simple and was often over looked except to few who understood the rules. Perhaps I now follow under Mammon's rule as well.
Please review and let me know if you would like it to continue! Or just your thoughts in general!