Chapter Four
Krauss' puppets
In his penthouse of the Bodega Bay Inn, Nathan Krauss sat at his makeshift craftsman table. Many miniature tools lay scattered on the table with paints, acrylics and puppet clothing. Numerous photographs were taped to the wall beside it. Gengie and Shredder Khan sat on the shelf beside him, looking down at his work as he began to speak to the open trunk on the floor by his feet.
"As I have told you my friends, I understand your position in all of this. When Herr Toulon," He said, nodding toward a small locked trunk in the corner, "Created you, it wasn't out of compassion. It wasn't so he could help others. It was out of vain and power. He created you, used you for his own purposes and then discarded you like trash. If I hadn't found you, you would have spent the rest of your existence rotting on that filthy Frenchman's shelf, then went on to who knows what?"
There was no response as he turned on a metal cutter, cutting out a small knife and hook before turning it off.
"I know what it is you desire. You've told me. You want an end to your torment. To escape the hell Toulon put you in. Your souls trapped within those little bodies made from wood. I know you were disappointed in that Maclain woman I hired to find the formula as was I. However, I will keep my word to you. I've sent a small sample to an acquaintance of mine at a major lab here in the city. He will analyze it and if possible, replicate it for me. Once I know how it works, I will keep my end of the bargain and release you. However, you must also keep your word to me. Help me subdue and capture your replacements. Do we still have a bargain?"
There were several faint hisses from the trunk as Krauss nodded to himself.
"I have nearly finished readying your modifications. Once I am finished, you will be more than formidable to the rest of your…family."
There was a thud outside as Krauss looked over to Gengie who had already jumped from the shelf and went running outside the door.
A few moments of silence passed before two gunshots were heard.
Quickly, Krauss was on his feet, rushing to the door and pulling it open only to find Gengie's body on the ground, his head having been shot into two pieces.
Scanning the floor, he knew that one of Myers' puppet was known as Six-shooter, he was obviously here somewhere.
"Come out my little friend!" he yelled out, "No need to hide. We will find you in time and you will join us in the end."
No reply came as he looked over the railing thinking he heard little feet, but saw nothing.
"Have it your way." He muttered before walking back into the room saying, "Please go find our little friend." To the puppets assembled who all left the room to search.
Author's note: Sorry this was short, but I'm working on something else as well.
So, who shot Hertz in the basement? Who shot and killed Gengie? Find out in Chapter 5.