Chapter Two: Two Months Later
Morning came again, as it has come on so many days over the last two months. Not all, but most. Frank was talking on the phone to an associate of his over seas in the dark of the kitchen.
"I've got everything set," he said into the receiver. "The lab, the body parts. All I need is a brain. Then we can create a new monster." He paused as his associate spoke. "I know what happened last time," Frank said. "But this time, the brain will be perfect." He paused again. "What's that noise in the background? Is that mob still there?"
Before his associate could answer, the lights flickered on and the Bishops were standing in the doorway. Frank dropped the phone, startled and turned to face his landlords.
"Uh… Can I help you?" he asked sheepishly.
"See?" Karen asked. "Just like I told you. Always on the phone. Never working. No wonder he hasn't paid us any rent."
"Look," frank said. "I have explained myself several times. I am working on something big that demands my full attention."
"I don't care how big you think it is," Karen said. "You still haven't paid us any rent."
"She's right," Martin said.
"You can't kick me out," Frank said. "My work is too important."
"We're not going to kick you out," Martin said. "But we have had to find you a roommate."
"A WHAT?"
"It's no big deal," Martin said. "Maybe he can help with your big project."
The door opened and a man dressed in a frat jacket came in. his hair was obsessively combed. There wasn't a single speck of dust on his clothes despite how dirty the roads and sidewalks were. And the general manner in which he held himself as he stood gave off the distinct impression that he felt he was better than everyone else.
"Hello," he said in a tone of smugness that no human should be able to speak in. "My name is Bartholomew J. Paxton." He did not extend his hand.
"Him?" Frank said. " How can he help? He's pathetically uneducated at best. At worst… that doesn't even bare thinking about."
"Now just a minute," Paxton said in an insulted tone. "I graduated from Stanford with a 5.0. I majored in Chemistry and minored in Biology. I know more than you think."
"Really?" Frank said, raising his eyebrows. "How interesting."
"See?" Martin said. "I'm sure you two will get along wonderfully."
"Yes," Frank said as the Bishops led Paxton out of the kitchen.
When he was sure they were gone, he picked up the phone receiver and placed it to his ear.
"Igor?" he said. "I think I just found our brain."