From Deep Within

Oh my God…my heart thumped. "What are you talking about, Mr. C?" I asked. "Who the hell is Margo?"

"Don't play dumb, my dear." Mr. C said, grabbing my blonde wig and pulling. I felt my stocking cap and wig fly off. My dark curls fell around my face. "Do you really think I was fooled by that whole dumb blonde act?" He asked, pulling out a snub nosed revolver and aiming it at me.

"You don't want to hurt me." I said. "He swore to get you." I needed to get out of there. Run as far away as I could.

But I needed to get that gun out of his hand first. Maybe…if I could bounce that gun out of his hand…I began pulling every strength of mental energy I had left.

"I know he had an agent spy on our little picnic earlier today. You were helping him set a trap for me. But he'll be in for a pleasant surprise. My phone call was to confirm that the trap I set for the Shadow is set to be sprung. Oh yes, his fate will be quite grisly indeed…and don't worry, you'll be joining him."

Not if I can help it…I thought as I forced out every bit of mental energy I had left. WHOOSH! BOOM! Mr. C fell to his feet, the gun thankfully clattering away. Now Margo! Run! I thought as I jumped to my feet and ran for the revolver.

Grabbing it, I tucked it into the sash of my dress and began running as fast as I could.

Hopefully the rush of the crowd would be able to hide me.

It was well past sundown when I finally felt safe.

Where was I going to do? I wondered as I leaned against a wall in an alleyway. My hair was plastered to my sweaty face and my feet hurt from the running I had done.

Lamont. I had to find Lamont.

He was in grave danger and could die if I didn't find him quickly.

But how?

I suspected it had something to do with Myram's Folly. Maybe the Shadow sent him there to do some spying.

The harbor. I had to get there fast.

Someone's hand clapping on my shoulder stopped me. I began screaming but a hand covered my mouth.

A hand bearing the familiar fire opal ring.

"Margo! Margo! It's me! It's Shrevvy!" Shrevvy's voice said from behind.

"Oh thank God!" I said as I turned around.

"Are you ok?" Shrevvy asked, looking at me. "I've been looking everywhere for you."

"I had a run in with Conway…" I said. "Don't worry. He didn't hurt me."

"Come on, I'm going to get you somewhere safe." Shrevvy said, pulling me to the cab.

"No! He's got Lamont! He's going to do something bad to him!" I said.

"Margo, the boss gave me strict orders to find you and take you somewhere safe." Shrevvy said.

I dug my heels in. I wasn't going to allow anybody to tell me what to do. Not when somebody's life was in danger. "No." I said, looking at him firmly. "Lamont Cranston is in grave danger at Myram's Folly on the Hudson. It's my fault he got into the mess and I'm going to get him out of it. Alone if I have to."

Shrevvy looked at me, almost surprised. But I refused to let him try to change my mind. "You're going to have to drag me away kicking and screaming because I will help him." I said.

"No." Shrevvy said, giving in. "But I'll be helping you and don't you dare say no."

It was pitch black we arrived at the dock where the Myram's Folly was docked. The only light was from a street lamp near the ship. It looked deserted. But I was having the strange sense that there was more going on than anticipated.

"Do you know what you're doing?" Shrevvy asked.

"No. But I have to at least try." I said, scratching Khan on the head. Lamont must've left him in Shrevvy's care. I knew that dog would do anything for his master…wait. I thought. Maybe he could sniff him out. Then I realized another problem. "I'll never be able to get onboard." I said, pulling on the strap of my white dress. "I'm more or less a sitting duck wearing this."

Shrevvy took a deep breath. "You see the axel well?" He asked.

"Uh-huh."

"If you feel along the right side, you'll feel a groove. Reach your fingers beneath said groove and pull up. You should find something to help you."

I did as he said. CLICK! There was a soft noise as the top pulled up to reveal a hidden cache. Inside of that was the familiar slouch hat, cranberry red scarf, shoulder holster and opera cape.

Perfect. In case anybody sees me, they'll think I'm the Shadow and run away. I knew his reputation with the Underworld wasn't exactly a friendly one. "Shrevvy, you're a saint." I said gratefully as I took out the costume. "But are you sure he won't mind?" I asked as I put on the heavy trench-coat.

"It's an emergency. If he gives you trouble, I'll tell him you didn't have a choice." Shrevvy said, holding up his hand. "And that you refused to leave a fellow agent behind."

I was being more and more surprised by his depths of loyalty and resourcefulness. "No wonder the Shadow trusts you completely." I said, taking off my heels and putting on the boots. "But why are you helping me? You know he's going to be furious when he learns you disobeyed him."

"The same reason you are." Shrevvy said as I wrapped the scarf around the lower part of my face. "Besides, I can't exactly say no to somebody who is armed." He said with a soft smile.

"Stay close to me." I said, getting out of the cab. Khan jumped out of the car, standing next to me. "The last thing we need is to be separated. You know how to use a gun?" I asked, taking out one of the two chrome handled .45 Colts.

"I'm always prepared." Shrevvy said, taking out his service revolver. "Have been since the Somme."

"Good." I said, returning the gun to its shoulder holster. "Pray to God we never have to use these."

We carefully began walking to the ship, the heavy cloak flowing out behind me. While I didn't put on the black shirt or trousers, I was more or less bundled up like it was Christmastime in the Artic. Sweat began pouring down my body beneath my disguise. I have no idea how he does it. I said mentally as we walked up the gangplank and ducked out of sight of the windows.

Sometimes, I wonder if he's something other than human.

I heard Shrevvy chuckle beside me. You have no idea. How'd he know what I was thinking? I wondered as I turned around and looked at him. You thought you and the boss are the only telepaths in New York? Shrevvy's voice appeared in my head as he still smiled.

So that's how you knew where to go every time you picked me up. I thought.

I'm nowhere near as strong as you and the boss. But just enough to get me where I need to go. Shrevvy nodded. Do you know where they're stashing Lamont?

I looked down at Khan, loyally standing by my side. He hadn't made any indication of smelling his master. No. And I don't want to be spending any more time here than necessary.

I remembered what the Shadow told me about attachments. Our souls were connected. Was it possible for me to locate him? It was worth a try. I thought as I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and felt out with my mind.

I thought of the quiet and thoughtful man with dark blonde hair and blue eyes. Where are you? I thought as I concentrated.

An image came to me. Of a man handcuffed to a chair, head slumped down and his right shoulder covered with blood. It looked like he was in a boiler room.

Was it him? I wondered as I focused on the image. As I did, a sharp throbbing pain hit my shoulder. "Ow…" I said, gripping my shoulder.

Yeah…it's him. I could sense his spirit fighting to stay alive. Oh God, Lamont, hold on. We're coming. I tried sending a message of encouragement.

He moaned slightly but didn't wake up.

You found him? Shrevvy asked me.

Yes. He's in the boiler room. How do we get there? I thought. Shrevvy looked thoughtful and began tapping his foot on the weathered floorboards. What are you doing? I asked.

I spent time on these type of ships. There's usually some sort of trapdoor for the coal to go into. His foot found a hollow spot. Like there.

Great. How do we activate it, Shrevvy?

He looked around. There's usually some sort of switch hidden somewhere around here. He began feeling the walls, tapping for a hidden panel.

I began looking as well. There has to be something here. I said to Shrevvy. Then I noticed something that looked like a rope dangling from the wrap around veranda above our heads. Worth a shot. I thought, pulling on it.

There was a loud creaking sound as part of the floor lowered. Shrevvy and I backed away as it lowered an incline. Good work, Margo. Shrevvy said.

Nothing much to it. I responded, leading the way down into the dark boiler room, lit only by a single light bulb hanging from the ceiling. While I can feel a flashlight in the trench-coat pocket, I don't want to take chances and be caught. I said.

Don't blame you. Something tells me we're walking into a hornet's nest. Shrevvy agreed and we began walking through the dimly lit room.

The sounds of rumbling equipment and our creaking footsteps seemed far louder than usual. Khan's toenails clicked on the floor. I found myself holding my breath.

Remember to breathe, Margo. I reminded myself.

The longer I spent in the darkness, the more my vision adjusted to compensate for the lack of light. As a result, I noticed something shiny at my feet. What was that? I wondered as I picked it up.

It was a large silver ring, the girasol seeming to glow. It looks like Lamont's ring. I said to Shrevvy as I slipped it on my thumb for safekeeping.

Probably slipped off of his finger when he was taken down here. Shrevvy said.

My shoulder began to ache more and more the deeper we got. He had to be nearby. I thought.

Rounding the corner, we came upon the light source…and the person we were looking for.

His back was to us, his wrists handcuffed behind the chair. His shoulder was deep red with coagulated blood. My heart stopped. "Lamont." I whispered. For some reason, my voice was deeper than expected. But I didn't care about that at the moment.

We ran over, Khan leading the way. He got there first and rested his head on top of the man's leg, relieved to find his master. "Is he…?" I asked.

Shrevvy touched his fingers to his neck. After a few moments, he looked up and shook his head.

He was dead…it was all in vain.

He's not dead…not yet, anyway. A familiar voice rang in my head. The Shadow…I looked around, expecting to see him. But of course I didn't. The ring, Marguerite. Hold the stone up to his face.

Was it…? I did as the Shadow ordered and held the stone close to his mouth. After a second, it clouded.

He's alive! Shrevvy exclaimed. But how?! His skin is as cold as ice!

That doesn't matter. I said, putting one arm around Lamont's cold waist. He needs a doctor and fast. Help me get him up.

Shrevvy got on the other side and also wrapped his arm around Lamont. On three. One…two…

Three. I mentally said. We stood up, pulling him with us. We nearly collapsed under Lamont's weight as he was much bigger than the two of us. He's out cold. I said.

We're going to have to make do. I don't like being here anymore than you do.

It was a miracle we weren't caught as we made our way back up the trapdoor, around the side and toward the gangplank. Throughout it all, Lamont was out cold, his head fallen over like a flower much too big for its stem.

"Hold on, Lamont. Hold on, we're almost there." I said, hoping he could hear me.

We were just a few yards away from the cab. Marguerite. Behind you. You're being watched. The Shadow's voice whispered in my ear.

Immediately, I felt my sense of hearing heighten. I could hear the distant footsteps as they were coming closer. The water as it lapped against the sides of the steamer. Even Lamont's faint breathing.

Most chilling of all were the sounds of the hammers of guns being cocked and ammo being loaded from a collection of crates off to the side.

Calm overcame me along with the distant sense of…anticipation.

I could sense where six men were hiding behind the crate we were walking past.

This must've been the trap Conway mentioned.

Shrevvy, when I say 'go' get him and Khan to the cab as quickly as you can. I said mentally. We're going to have company.

What about you? Shrevvy asked.

I'll hold them off for as long as I can. I said, tucking my hand toward the shoulder holster where the heavy .45 waited. If I tell you to run, you will run and leave me. Understand?

Shrevvy looked at me as if to contradict me. Don't you dare disobey this time. I said, looking him down.

Oddly enough, my mental voice was deeper, raspier and threatening…just like the Shadow's.

Yes ma'am. Good luck. Shrevvy responded.

I nodded, my fingers wrapped around the heavy grip of the pistol. I would give my life to make sure Lamont, Khan and Shrevvy get to safety.

The Shadow felt Marguerite Lane's psyche melt away and he took over. While she hadn't learned the mystic arts that enabled Lamont Cranston to disappear and strike fear into the hearts of men, she did know how to use a pistol.

And what she lacked in experience, the Shadow could more than make up for in speed and strength.

Now! The Shadow ordered in a loud voice, letting go of Cranston and whipping out both .45 pistols.

Gunshots rang out from the crates. First for an advantage. The Shadow thought as he aimed at the light at the end of the pier.

BANG! The light at the end exploded, sending glass everywhere.

The whole dock was plunged into darkness. "What the hell?!" He heard somebody shout from behind the crate.

"Start shooing you idiots!" Someone else cried out.

Their arguments gave the Shadow just enough time to slip behind a crate. Thanks to Marguerite's sight, he was able to see where they were. Now it was time for some fun. He began laughing.

"Oh shit! It's the Shadow!" Somebody shouted out.

"Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?" The Shadow declared. "The Shadow knows!"

Gunshots began ringing out from the twin Colts, raining fire upon the six that had dared set a trap for him.

One of them ran, presumably to get a better shot. Oh no you don't. The Shadow thought as he aimed a shot at him. He collapsed.

Another aimed his Tommy gun at him. The Shadow got the drop on him before he could riddle Marguerite's body with bullet holes.

While the Shadow could never die…she could.

A third tried slipping around the side, but the Shadow sensed him coming and planted a slug in between his eyes.

The fourth and fifth were debating where to go, but the Shadow took them out as well.

The final man was huddled in the corner, clearly terrified. Unlike with young Maxwell Grant, Cranston wasn't there to show mercy. He crossed the few steps to him, holding up his pistol, intending to take him out.

"Please don't hurt me!" The man shouted. "I won't tell anybody! I swear!"

"The weed of crime bears bitter fruit…" The Shadow said, feeling a smile cross his face.

Shadow! Marguerite's horrified voice reverberated in his mind. What are you doing?! Stop!

I'm making sure he won't hurt anyone again. The Shadow responded coldly.

He felt resistance, she was fighting back, and trying to make sure she'd stay in control. I won't let you hurt him. Marguerite said back, her control over him getting stronger.

"Run and never come back!" The Shadow heard Marguerite say in his voice. The man did as ordered and bolted.

As I watched the man run, I began shivering and shaking.

I was standing at the end of the pier. Dead bodies littered the docks and the Shadow's two smoking pistols were heavy in my hands despite being completely empty.

Oh God…oh God. I felt the Shadow's heavy presence slip away as if he had never been there.

My stomach was empty but I still felt like retching.

I did this? I killed those men?

"It was kill or be killed, Margo." Lamont's soft voice whispered in my head. For some reason, it was sad, almost heartbroken. "The fact that you were able to control him as well as you did on your first go is pretty surprising."

"What are you talking about?" I asked. Then I caught the sight of Lamont's heavy girasol ring.

The heavy gem was blinking with a slow but bright light.

Everything came to me.

Shrevvy's words from earlier. Why my voice sounded like the Shadow. Lamont's actions the night I fell ill. Even why the Shadow seemed to flip on a dime around me.

Lamont Cranston was trying to protect me from the Shadow.

The Shadow isn't human at all but a ghost of vengeance. He uses Lamont Cranston to accomplish his mission.

Until tonight…when he used me to kill those men.

A/N: Yeah, not very original. But I read this theory somewhere that the Shadow was a spirit of vengeance who controls the body of whoever he impersonates. The more I thought about it, the more it made sense so I'm going with it. While I do like the intention created by Walter Gibson that you have no idea who or what the Shadow was…I think this theory is one worth exploring.