Foreword

Dear readers, this book is a sequel of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. This doesn't mean that I didn't like her book, but I want to make a happy living for our monster friend among the normal people.
  Every place, character and other elements that are present in the story, is FICTIONAL. I create every detail in my imagination and put it on virtual paper. If somehow you will find something similar from this book in real life or in other books, written by other members of the bookrix site; I assure you it is pure COINCIDENCE!
  Thank you for your understanding and enjoy reading!
  If you want to comment or give me some advice, I am more than happy to read your thoughts and opinions about my writing.

The Mysterious Doctor F.

-Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! My name is Harold Smith, the X channel's news presenter and today's guest is the famous pop singer, Lisa!
  The audience start clapping and cheering for the guest of the show.
  -Hello Harold, it is nice to be here! Lisa responded smiling and waving at the audience.
  -Lisa is it true that last month you decided to have a plastic surgery to get rid of your face's imperfections and ended up looking ... well uhhh ...
  -Looking like a monster, yes Harold. I was so angry that I wanted to sue that so called ''plastic surgeon". Lisa said the last two words gathering her index fingers and middle fingers twice.
  -But today you look like you haven't done anything to your face, how did you managed to repair that surgeon's mistake?
  -When I have threatened my surgeon that I will sue him for his mistake, he recommended me to visit a well known surgeon in Venice, doctor F. This other surgeon operates only people who were born with physical imperfections, or had bad looking scars from accidents, or just had bad plastic surgery results like me. And as you all can see now, he did a wonderful job. Doctor F., if you are watching this now, I want you to know that I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
  -Interesting. You know Lisa, I also heard about this doctor F. Many people who had bad cases, like you mention earlier, scars from accidents and everything similar, went to him and all of them were more than pleased about the positive results. But apparently, not even the patients know nothing about their doctor.
  -Yes, I must admit he has strange rules that you must follow, if you want him to operate you.
  -What are those rules exactly?
  -Well, you must not ask him about his full name, age, nor other personal information. And the strange one is that you must not ask him to show his face. All the time, when I was with him, he kept all his surgery masks and goggles. But these things seem unimportant when he talks to you in an English with a slight of French accent that makes you trust him, like you trust your own father.
  -Yes, Lisa. Many celebrities that had bad luck in their plastic surgeries and went to this doctor F., said the same story as you did now. But before we end this show, tell us quickly, where exactly in Venice, is doctor F.'s clinic situated?!
  -To be honest, after I got off the plane, a strange woman with a big hat and sun glasses took me with her car. She said that she is doctor F.'s nurse and she came to escort me, without being seen by any paparazzi. All the way to the clinic, I had to wear a mask, with no holes for the eyes, so I was completely blind.
  -Did you not say anything about this? Were you scared?
  -Yes, I was. And when I asked her why do I have to be blind, she responded that doctor F.'s clinic must remain a secret. And if I want to continue being his patient, I mustn't ask any more questions. For a mysterious surgeon, doctor F. is pretty sensible.
  -Well our time is up. Thank you for coming at our show, Lisa. And let me tell you once again, you look great.
  -Thank you Harold. Lisa said happy, waving and smiling at the audience again.
                                                                            *
  Doctor F., the biggest plastic surgeon in the world, is known only by his flawless work. Nobody, not even his patients, know nothing about his true identity, his past, his family or friends. The F.B.I. tried to interrogate him and his only nurse, but they didn't found nothing suspicious about them.
  Without any dubious evidence, the Venice authorities, the F.B.I. and other police agencies left doctor F. and his nurse to continue their jobs at their clinic, peacefully and undisturbed. Many tried to shed light in this doctor's mysterious life, but they failed. As the pop singer mentioned in her interview, the nurse takes the patients from the airport in her car, putting masks with no eye holes on their faces, to keep the location of the clinic a secret.
  Many questions about this doctor and his nurse keeps the whole world interested in reading news papers about doctors and medicine reports, hoping that doctor F. will be mentioned. As far as things are, doctor F., his nurse, their clinic and their biographies remain a mystery.
  That is, until a young reporter from the U.S.A. decided to pay doctor F. a visit.

Vincent Norton

U.S.A., New York, the city that never sleeps. In this big American city, there are many magazines and newspapers firms, that are fighting relentlessly to become the best and have lots and lots of readers.
"Jade's Gazette" is one of those firms, where the 28 year old Vincent Norton works as a reporter since he had finished collage. He has a lovely apartment just five minutes of walk from his work place. He's not married, but he has a secret crush on his boss's secretary, Cindy. Tall, with perfectly tanned skin, blond hair and sparkly blue eyes, Cindy was always in the attention of men.
  Every female worker was jealous of her, especially Lilly, who was often confused with a high school nerd. Her rumpled light brown hair, hazel eyes behind the big glasses lens and her work clothes made her look like one. She was mad at Cindy because Vincent liked her most, despite her bitchy attitude and rude behavior.
  This was a clear evidence that love really is blind. But Lilly was determined to win Vincent's heart with her pure soul and wonderful personality, no matter what it takes.
  One morning, Vincent arrived five minutes late and his boss called him into his office. Before closing the door, Vincent waved at Cindy, but she was too busy flirting with some other guy to notice it. Lilly saw everything and responded in Cindy's place. Vincent then closed the door, irritated. He couldn't stand Lilly, because of her careless appearance. Even if she was the kindest or smartest woman in the world, he wouldn't date her. He prefers a woman that puts effort to look like a model, you know, with fancy sexy clothes, high heeled shoes, having her hair fixed at a beauty salon. He couldn't stop wondering why Lilly doesn't take care of her appearance like Cindy.
  -You wanted to see me, sir? He asked trying to forget about his unwanted admirer.
  -Yes, Norton. Take a sit. His boss Jade Jackson said pointing to the chair on the other side of his desk. He was sitting on his big chair, with his feet up on the desk and smoking a foreign cigar. First of all, do you like my new suit? Does it match with this month's number of "Jade's Gazette"?
  -Yes, sir, it does. A lot, I might add. Vincent hated when his boss was bragging about his expensive suits. He was dressing like this to impress his younger secretary, which made Vincent jealous and more determined to win her.
  -Good answer. Now tell me Norton, how many years had passed since I hired you here?
  -About six years, sir.
  -And all this time how many interesting stories or interviews you wrote for my gazette?
  -Uhhh ...
  -Exactly. Listen here, Vincent Norton! Jade Jackson said getting his feet off the desk and looking straight into Vincent's eyes. If you don't bring me a good story or a good interview about some major celebrity for the next month's number, YOU ARE FIRED!
  Vincent left his boss's office and went to his little work desk on the other side of the room. All these years, he wrote interesting articles about ordinary people whom done big things, but his boss told him that nobody is interested in reading these subjects. He told Vincent that the celebrities make his gazette so popular in New York.
  -But what celebrity? Vincent asked himself facing the high ceiling. If he doesn't find one soon, he might better start looking for a new job.
  As he was squeezing his brain for ideas, he overheard his next two coworkers whispering.
  -Did you know that the boss is going to propose for that bitch Cindy tonight at dinner?
  -Well, if you ask me, those two are perfect for each other.
  -Yeah, and maybe Lilly can win Vincent at last!
  -Keep dreaming, dear. He may be handsome, but he's more stupid than a sack of hammers and shallow as well. When he's gonna learn that a person's inside is more important than the outside?!
  -Poor Lilly. She is such a dear. Too bad doctor F. doesn't fix broken hearts.
  After being very disturbed of those women's conversation about his no good boss getting married to his beautiful Cindy, more over when they said that Lilly is a dear and that he is stupid; doctor F. got stuck in his mind.
  It was perfect! Everybody is excited to know all about this mysterious doctor and if he, Vincent Norton, manages to get an interview with him, not only he could keep his job, but maybe he will become famous and Cindy will be his wife.  With this happy thought in mind, he went to his boss's office and told him his idea.
  -Hahaha ... You are something boy! You know that doctor F. or whatever allows in his secret clinic only people with physical imperfections from birth or scars from accidents that are ugly.
  -I know that, sir. Please take a look at this! He rolled up the trouser's right leg and revealed to his boss a long pink and thunder shaped scar from a football game. He was running with the ball into the other team's gate when somebody made him fall into the wooden bench and scratched his leg pretty bad. Since then, the pink mark never disappeared.
  Without any more objections, Vincent got a big amount of money and transport to Venice. After he would arrive there, he will have a month available to find out who is doctor F. and why is he hiding from the world.
  Let's hope doctor F. can cure Vincent's shallowness along with his scar. If not, then too bad for him.

Doctor F.'s clinic

Venice, 8 p.m.
  The plane landed in time after a long flight, without any trouble. Busy passengers are in a rush to take their baggage and look for a taxi cab.
  Vincent Norton didn't had to worry about anything. As he was getting outside the airport, a tall woman in a dark green overcoat, wearing a big brown hat and black sunglasses was waiting for someone near a black Fiat. In her hands was a piece of paper with Vincent's name on it.
  -Hello there, ma'am. I am Vincent Norton, and you are ... ?
  -Dana. Put this mask on and get in the car. Doctor F. doesn't like to wait too much for his patients.
  After hearing the woman talking in English that had a sharp tone mixed with Italian accent, Vincent followed her orders without hesitation. Before leaving New York, he studied doctor F.'s patients since now and tried to keep in mind what to do in order to not mess things up. He got help to get in the car and nurse Dana put on the safe belt for him. As the car was running with speed on the road, Vincent couldn't keep quiet. Therefore, he tried to have, at least, a nice talk with Dana, to make time go faster and maybe to make a good impression since Dana was doctor F.'s only nurse.
  -So, Dana, is it safe to drive this fast? I don't see anything through this mask, but I can feel the car's speed.
  -Don't worry Mr. Norton, I know these roads like the back of my hand.
  -Call me Vincent.
  -As you wish.
  Half an hour later, the car's speed was reduced. Judging from all the bounces and turns that shook Vincent like a salt shaker, nurse Dana was driving on a country road.
  "So, doctor F.'s clinic is far from any city. Figures. If only I can have a small look at the landscapes, maybe I can guess where nurse Dana is taking me. But I must not make a mistake, not even a small one. Doctor F. has strict rules and he can easily send me back empty handed. I refuse to go back without revealing his true identity."
  Until the car finally stop, Vincent tried to fight his curiosity and start acting like a professional. Nurse Dana opened the door for him again and took off the mask from his face. Now he was able to see again, but unfortunately it was dark outside.
  -Do not be sad, Vincent. You will have enough time to see the whole place. Follow me, you must be tired. I will take you to your bedroom.
  The clinic was actually a wooden country house with hospital appearance on the inside. White walls, white ceiling, white hones on the floor, the furniture was made of light colored wood and the curtains were azure. Even the smell made the new guest think that he entered a pharmacy.
  At the ground floor there was a small living room, where nurse Dana brought Vincent for some tea to recover from all those bounces, a kitchen, a limber box and a long corridor, where at the end of it was doctor F.'s operating room, next to a small sanitary room.
  Nurse Dana led Vincent to the first floor. Here were three bed rooms and a study. The study was on the left side from the stairs along with a bed room and the other two on the right side. Vincent had occupied one of the rooms from the right side.
  -This is your room from now, Vincent. You are free to go everywhere in the house except ... the two rooms from the left side of this floor. Am I clear? Nurse Dana took off her sunglasses revealing her beautiful green eyes that were looking at the new patient with suspicion.
  -May I ask what are those rooms? Vincent wanted to take back the question, thinking that it was rude for him to ask such thing.
  -My husband's study and our bedroom. This clinic it is also our home.
  -Your husband?
  -The doctor. Yes, I am his nurse and wife in the same time. Good night now, see you in the morning.
  "Doctor F. married his own nurse. Interesting. Too bad I am tired from that rough drive. I'll have to find answers in the morning."
  With this being said, Vincent unpacked his pajamas and went to bed. Before going to sleep, he wondered if somehow nurse Dana brings all the patients at night time, driving on an unpaved country road on purpose, to make them too tired to get interested of the clinic's location. And why is she married to the doctor? Most importantly, why is their bedroom on the same floor as the patients rooms, if they are trying to be anonymous among them? Was this a well-thought plan or just a deliberate mistake?
  Thinking of answers and what to do in the morning, Vincent's eyes closed heavily and he went sound asleep, not knowing what nurse Dana was talking with her husband.
                                                                          *
  -Did you put sleeping pills into his tea, Dana?
  -Of course, Franky. Just like I do with every patient of yours.
  -Seems like that rough trip wasn't efficient enough.
  -I took the hardest and less arranged road I could find, I swear!
  Doctor F. touched nurse Dana's right cheek lovingly, as a sign that he wasn't mad at his wife, on the contrary. She did well in the end. His new patient was sound asleep in his room and they could prepare for his medical examination in peace.
  They had no idea that Vincent was an undercover reporter who planed to reveal their true identities after his scare was gone.
  Will he do it? Or doctor F. and nurse Dana are a lot smarter than they seem?
  Let's not forget that doctor F. had many patients, rich and poor, and they tried as Vincent to find out his true identity, but failed.
  -Still, I think this Vincent Norton is hiding something and I don't like it.
  -Dana, don't lose your focus. Stay calm and we won't fail. We have a well thought plan that will not fail us. It never had and it never will!

Unknown village

-Are you going to sleep all day?
  Vincent opened his heavy eyes slowly when Dana's sharp voice scold him. He raised his head from the soft pillow, rubbed his eyes while yawning open mouth and asked the cold blooded nurse what time it was.
  -It is 12 o'clock. Nurse Dana answered pointing to her watch.
  -WHAT?! 12?! In my life I never slept this long!
  -At 8 o'clock doctor F. tried to wake you up, but you were sound asleep. He had no choice then to examine you as you were.
  -And what did he do?! Vincent was curious to hear if he can stay a bit longer at the clinic.
While looking into some papers she had in her hands, nurse Dana read the results out loud and played with one of her black strands. A day before she had her big hat on, so Vincent was impressed now to see how lovely the nurse looked.
  "A tall brunette with green eyes. Doctor F. sure has good tastes in women. He must be really handsome if he's got a sexy wife. Lucky guy!"
  -In conclusion, you are in a good health condition, except the fact that you need more calcium. Now let me ask you few questions.
  Nurse Dana began to ask Vincent tons of questions about his allergies, previous operations, his past illnesses and other vital information before doctor F. could operate him. After that, she asked about his family's health history, if somehow he inherited any physical defect from his parents or grandparents, or anything else that needs to be known.
  -Thank you for the cooperation, Vincent. Now change and come down to breakfast ... I mean lunch.
  The lunch wasn't very tasty, but Vincent eat it without worrying too much. He was disappointed of himself because he missed the moment of meeting doctor F. in person for the first time in his life. Thanks to his deep sleep, he had to stay longer with nurse Dana, whom it seems to dislike him for no reason. Before she woke him up, Vincent had a wonderful dream: he returned to New York with doctor F.'s true identity revealed and became very famous. Cindy was so impressed that she left her boss for him.
  But unfortunately for him, it was all a dream.
  -I see you are sad.
  -It's because I was thrilled to meet doctor F.; I hope he isn't mad at me.
  -No, he's not. There is nothing special about his appearance. Just an ordinary doctor in his ordinary surgery suit.
  -Nurse Dana, can I ask you something personal?
  -Go ahead. Dana responded cold, while she was playing with her long wavy black hair, looking towards doctor F.'s operating room.
  -If I'm not too nosy, what made you marry doctor F.?
  -His big heart, his clean consciousness and his magnificent judgement.
  -And what about the way he looks? The appearance is important as well.
  -No, it is not! The human body is beautiful while it's young, the soul remains the same even after death. Remember these words when you'll choose your woman, Vincent.
  Vincent said nothing. In his mind, these words seem ridiculous.
  "We are in the 21th century. This is the time when plastic surgery is important, to make us look flawless. The only problem is that you need tons of money to conserve your body when it's still young."
  -If you are getting bored here, you can visit the village down from this hill. Tomorrow doctor F. will 'take care' of your scar. Nurse Dana was getting tired of baby sitting Vincent. She thought if he would go outside for a long walk, she could have some peace in the clinic, maybe some lovely time with her husband.
  Seeing her satisfied smile, Vincent couldn't help not asking her something:
  -Why doesn't he operate me now?
  As usual, his questions were making nurse Dana feel disturbed and annoyed. She took a deep breath to remain calm, stood up to look at the young man with superiority and answered to his childish question:
  -The paper work, it takes longer than he thought. Leave, I must clean the house until dinner time.
  Like an obedient child, Vincent went outside the clinic. He agreed with nurse Dana's idea. It was a good chance to see the true location of doctor F.'s clinic and call his boss to send the media there. Before leaving, he took his cell phone without being seen.
  The clinic was on top of a big hill. From the back yard, you could see a lake surrounded by a forest, from the front yard was a wooden village which reminds you of a toy set town you once played with in your childhood.
                                                                           *
  -If his scar is not that serious, why do you want to let him stay? He's 100% healthy. Nurse Dana asked irritated. Of all the patients they had so far, in her opinion, Vincent was the most annoying one. Despite the fact that he was almost 30 years old, he still behaved like a curious child.
  -He has bigger scars on the inside. Those are the true challenge for me. Doctor F. responded with calm to his wife. He felt her unease about the new patient and tried to calm her down. If she loses her cool in front of Vincent, their plan could fail.
  -You should be a therapist, not a plastic surgeon. And I'm not saying this just because you have healed my once broken heart.
  Nurse Dana was alone with doctor F. in their bedroom. Doctor F. was reading Vincent's health history and tried to think about what to do next. He had a hunch that his new patient must be a spy and he shared his thoughts to his wife.
  -Any ideas, Franky darling?! Nurse Dana asked her husband, sitting in his lap and touching his lips with her right index finger.
  As long as he was with his wife, doctor F. didn't wore his mask and goggles. Therefore, his green skin was shinning from the sunlight coming through his window. His yellow eyes were looking full of love into Dana's and then ... he gave her a warm kiss.
  -I have a plan, Dana dear. My concern is what if he figures it out?
  -Don't worry. The villagers have been on our side for years and they know how to take care of nosy patients. And the best part is that the village, along with our little clinic, are kilometers far from civilization. We have black and white Tvs, old radios and old telephones.
  -You are right, as always.
                                                                                *
  Indeed. Vincent tried to call his boss from his cell phone, but the signal was 0. He tried to call from somewhere else, but soon he found out that the village was 50 years outmoded. There was no modern technology, just the old fashion gadgets. Tired of searching, Vincent went to the local bar to get some beer.
  -Are you doctor F.'s new patient, boy? The old bartender asked with a bright smile while filling a pit with beer.
  Vincent glanced at the old bartender with no interest in him. Still he behaved politely to the man who was about to serve him his favorite drink of all time: BEER! The delicious sour drink that many men love the most in the world, or as most as they loved women.
  -Yes, how did you know?!
  -From your fancy clothes. In this village, we prefer to live like the old days. Nobody cares about computers or other damned modern stuff which only makes you work less and sit lazy in front of them.
  "Well, if it's just about my luck! How on earth am I going to contact my boss with no Wifi signal nor Internet?! I really gotta find something soon."
  -What kind of money do you accept? Vincent asked worried. After drinking three pits of beer, he remembered that he had no money on him.
  -Don't worry, boy. Your doctor is good friend with everybody in this village. If it wasn't for him, we all were dead by now. His patients don't have to pay anything around here.
  Before leaving, the old bartender shouted to Vincent: "Welcome to the Unknown village, boy! Sorry I didn't say it when you came in."
  Vincent waved back at him and continued his walking. He couldn't stop thinking what did the bar tender meant when he said that the villagers would have been dead by now if it hasn't been for doctor F.?!
  His curiosity grows stronger the more time he spends it around this forgotten place. He might get insane while solving this mystery and for what? Why, to impress Cindy and became famous of course. Oh, the things a man has to do to win a woman's heart!
  Too bad Cindy is not the kind of woman for him. Let us pray for Vincent's stupid shallowness ... or maybe let us hope doctor F. can also make miracles happen.

Doctor F.'s best friend

One post office, one bar, one school, one church, the town hall and the rest was nothing but wooden houses and farms. These buildings, if you can call them that way, were presenting the small village down the hill, where doctor F. and nurse Dana settled their little clinic.
  Vincent tried to find a phone or another modern type of technology to contact his firm, but it was useless. And the villagers were too caught up in their daily chores to even notice the newcomer. The bartender was, apparently, the only person in there who was keen in chatting with everyone.
  Outside the village, orchards and vegetable gardens stretched like maps kilometers away. They were large enough to feed the entire village centuries from now on. After that, a country road made out entirely from dust and rocks, leads you out of this forgotten place.
  "So this must be the blastin' road nurse Dana brought me all shaking and bouncing my guts out!" Vincent glanced with a shade of anger on his face, while remembering his "bumpy" ride with nurse Dana. By the looks of it, if he tried to walk back on that road, he could either get lost or arrive at the airport in a couple of weeks ... maybe months.
  In the end, Vincent gave up in finding a way to return and focused on his real mission. This was the second day since he departed from New York and he didn't do anything by now to find something about the mysterious doctor F. After all, this is the reason he came to his clinic in the first place.
  Thinking a plan to enter into doctor F.'s study, where most probably his personal documents, photographs and other belongings are held secretly from his patients; Vincent ran into an old farmer whom was carrying a sleeping dog into his arms.
  -Excuse me, sir. May I ask what happened to that dog?!
  -I don't know, sonny. I'ma take Sparky 'ere to the doc'. He'll surely fix 'im up.
  -You mean doctor F.?! But he's a plastic surgeon!
  -Doc' F. fixes both animals and people, sonny. How little ya know! Say ... are ya tha new patient?!
  -Yes I am, sir. Why?!
  Vincent looked carefully at the old farmer and the dog, who's name happened to be Sparky. It didn't look good indeed. He wondered if the old man was a little insane. How could a plastic surgeon be a vet in the same time?!
  -Can ya please 'elp me take me dog to the clinic? I'm too old to go up that darn hill all by my self, ya see?!
  Feeling sorry for his sick dog and having compassion for the elders, Vincent agreed to help the old farmer. All the way to the clinic, his new companion have been filling his head with boring events that took place in the village years ago. At first, Vincent listened carefully to every word the old farmer said, hoping to hear something about doctor F. as well. Unfortunately, all the stories were about the old farmer's youth.
  Being forced to hear these boring old stories without a moment of silence and carrying the sick dog, who it seemed more dead than alive, Vincent was this close to lose his calm. To his relief, they arrived at the clinic, just in time for dinner. If they had to travel on a longer path, for sure that Vincent would have thrown the old farmer and his dog off the hill.
  -You two go into the kitchen and serve yourselves with the food I made for dinner. As for dog Sparky, he's coming alone with me to see doctor F. Oh, it is nice to see you again, Bob.
  Nurse Dana welcomed the new guest, whom was an old friend of her and doctor F., with warm and kindness. She was too busy taking the sick dog into her arms carefully that she didn't noticed Vincent's astonished face. Since he arrived at the clinic, nurse Dana behaved rough and emotionless, as if she had ice running through her veins. Seeing her acting nice and polite in front of someone was indeed a strange thing to see for Vincent.
  While he was standing there amazed, nurse Dana and old farmer Bob continued talking ignoring him. For them it mattered Sparky's condition and nothing else.
  -Thank ya, Dana. Ya are as beautiful and kind as the first time the doc' broug't ya 'ere.
  Nurse Dana let old Bob kiss her left hand and went with Sparky in the operating room. From there, Vincent heard a strong male voice. It was talking in English, but with a French accent, very calm and somehow mesmerizing. He wanted to approach the door and stick his ear on it to hear more. But he couldn't do that while old Bob was with him. So, he had no choice but to eat dinner and listen, for the second time in that day, to Bob's boring life stories all over again.
                                                                         *
  -What is your pain Sparky? Nurse Dana asked the dog kindly, as she put him on the operating table.
  -Dana, don't waste your breath, he's gone. Doctor F. said coldly, while listening to the dog's chest to see if the heart was still beating.
  -And since when death became an obstacle for you, Franky dear?! You had dead patients before, you know how to 'solve' this 'symptom'.
  -Get Sparky upstairs, into the attic. But make sure our patient doesn't see you.
  -Not to worry. Your best friend, Bob, is having dinner with him. I bet he managed to bored Vincent to death with his old stories.
  -My trust worthy old friend, Bob! He's been helping us remain incognito for years and I haven't done anything for him in return. Doctor F. looked down at the dead dog with sorrow.
  -Well, now it is the time to finally repay your debts to him, Franky. I'll take Sparky into the attic and prepare the machine. You can come whenever you think it's clear.
  The two of them had good luck once more. Vincent was sleeping in an arm chair and old Bob was still talking. When he saw nurse Dana and doctor F. heading upstairs to the attic, he knew that his dog was dead, but his best friend knew exactly what to do in this situation. He assured them, that Vincent will be sleeping until his dog is 'fixed'.
  With this problem solved, nurse Dana settled the attic for doctor F.'s intervention. She turned on a huge computer, like the one which first appeared on the market. Sparky was sitting peacefully on a metal table, wired to the huge old computer and to a tall lightning conductor. Nurse Dana was typing something really fast on the computer. She stop and said to her husband:
  -You can open the rooftop now, Franky. The computer is connected to the table and the lightning conductor.
  -Good job, Dana. I never managed to deal with computers like you. Let us pray for some lightning now.
  Doctor F. went to a book shelf and move it from it's place. Behind it was a red lever. He pull it down where the word 'open' was written and moved his glance at the rooftop, which began to open. The sky was cloudy, therefore the chances for a lightning to strike the conductor were huge.
  -Dana, make the lightning conductor taller, please.
  -As you wish.
  As soon as the conductor reached it's height limit, several small lightnings began to strike. Then the lightnings began to grow and one was strong enough to hit the conductor and charge it to it's full capacity. Then, the energy flowed down into the computer and after that into the table, making Sparky to shine like a Christmas tree. After the energy had entirely run out, doctor F. and nurse Dana shut down everything.
  They finished what they had to do. Now they had to wait and see.
  Sparky began moving slowly and after his body stop shinning, he jump off the table into doctor F.'s arms, licking his face and shaking his tail with joy.
  -You see, Franky?! Sparky is alive once again and he will stay this way for a long time.
  -Even though we have done this many times, it's positive results never cease to amaze me. Dana, death is meaningless to the both of us.
  Nurse Dana tried to calm Sparky down and take it into her arms. She went down with him to the living room, where old farmer Bob was waiting in silence.
  -Take Sparky and get out of here, now! But be quiet, we don't want to wake someone. Nurse Dana whispered to Bob while pointing to Vincent, who was sleeping like a baby.
  -No prob' Dana. And thank the doc' for me, will ya?! The old farmer said with joy, while getting outside the door and trying to control his dog's joy of seeing his master once again.
  Before heading back home, Bob glanced at one window of the first floor, where doctor F. and nurse Dana had their bedroom. Doctor F. was waving happily to his best friend, seeing how happy he is with his dog brought back to life.

Curiosity, friend or foe?

Vincent woke up in his bedroom disappointed of himself for the second time. He fell asleep again, missing the chance to see doctor F. in action, saving the old timer's almost dead hound.
  "Vincent, you are an idiot and you still want to become a professional reporter. You can't even stay awake enough because of some old mouthy farmer. Time means money, this means serious action, whatever the cost may be!"
This time, Vincent was determined to dig into doctor F.'s personal life, even if it meant for him to be sent back home.
  "No pain, no game."
  With this in mind, he change quickly into clean clothes and slowly went downstairs. It was still night time, therefore nurse Dana and doctor F. must be sleeping in their bedroom. It was a great opportunity for our young reporter to check out the surgery room. Unfortunately for him, it was locked. Vincent tried to see something through the key hole.
  "Nothing special. Just an ordinary medical room filled with it's necessary equipment."
  But he didn't gave up easily. He continued to search carefully the entire house for something useful, but no luck. The only rooms left unsought were doctor F.'s study and his and nurse Dana's bedroom.
  Vincent went upstairs to check his hosts. They were both asleep by the sound of some snoring, which sounded like a man breathing heavily. Those sounds, of course, belonged to the famous doctor. Before breaking into the study, Vincent returned to his bedroom to unpack his secret set. This set was a personal case of Mister Norton with some useful tools in any situation such as: a small hammer, a screwdriver, a crowbar, a pocket torch and a skeleton key.
  If you are wondering where on earth did Vincent got this key from, well, as a reporter it is better to have friends from different domains. Besides interviewing, taking photos and writing articles, the job of a reporter also involves detective work, spy missions and sometimes ... unauthorized entries.
  Using the skeleton key in silence, he managed to open the door without problems. Inside the study was dark. Vincent used his pocket torch and began examining the room. By it's appearance, it was an ordinary looking study: book shelves, a sofa, some pictures on the wall with natural landscapes and the cherry on top, doctor F.'s work desk.
  At the sight of it, Vincent began his investigation with a huge grin on his face. Doctor F.'s work desk had three drawers. The lowest was empty, the middle one had a locket with numbers which made the skeleton key useless. In order to open this locket, you must guess the correct six cipher code.
  Ignoring this obstacle, Vincent discovered an old book in the top drawer. The sun beams began to enter through the study's window and Vincent got out the same as he came in.
  Slowly on his tip toes, he returned to his bedroom without being caught. After he closed the door after him, his courage and confidence grew. The secret set was put back into the baggage along with the stolen book.
  After that, Vincent set in his bed, thinking of what to do next. He decided, after long minutes of meditating, to wait and see if the doctor will finally decide to check his scar personally. If he does, then he must act quickly and find the code number to the second drawer, where most likely, Doctor F.'s personal documents are kept.
  "If I manage to get my hands on those documents, then my mission is complete. I would be able to return to New York and become famous. Me, Vincent Norton, the famous reporter who successfully found out who is Doctor F."
                                                                        *
  Nurse Dana was the first to wake up before the alarm clock would rang. She thought that she heard some movements in the house, so she carefully got out of bed and went to look through the key hole. To her inconvenience, she saw Vincent coming out the study and slowly return to his bedroom.
  Without hesitation, she woke up her husband and told him everything that she saw.
  -Franky, what are we going to do with this "curious rat"?
  -Remain calm, Dana. Our personal documents are right here, in our bedroom. In the study are only my patients documents and they are also kept safe, with a number code locket. And according of what you said, Mister Norton isn't so smart to figure out the code number that easily.
  Doctor F. got out of bed and went to the bathroom. Before closing the door he said to his wife:
  -Dana, please prepare our patient for the surgery. The sooner we fix his scar, the quicker he will leave this place.
  -Yes, Franky. Finally we can be alone again. Nurse Dana said approaching her husband and kissing him good morning.
  She was also happy to get rid of Vincent because she knew he didn't had nothing on him to report at the "Jade's Gazette". Yes, it is true! Doctor F. and nurse Dana did a little research on their new patient and found out many useful things about him.
  Now they could do their duty at peace, knowing that the young reporter will fail in trying to expose doctor F.'s identity.
  From the looks of it, victory is theirs!

The long-expected surgery

-Wake up, Mister Norton! Nurse Dana shouted through the other side of Vincent's door, acting normal, although she knew what the curious reporter had done.
  -I'll be down in a minute. Vincent responded, trying to act cool, as if he did nothing wrong earlier.
  -I have great news: today you will get to see my husband at last. Nurse Dana continued playing the "I don't know what you did" game.
  -How come?!
  -He said that you waited enough. In five minutes you must present yourself in his surgery room downstairs and if everything goes well, like it always does, tomorrow I will take you back to the airport. Nurse Dana's happiness was obvious by the way she was talking while descending the stairs.
  "What?! Five minutes? Oh, no. If tomorrow I will be sent back, then I must act quickly. Tonight is my last chance."
  Vincent was walking in circle in his bedroom, trying to figure out a way to find at least a clue or a name or something useful to bring home to his boss. If he would return empty-handed he will get fired and even worse, make a fool out of himself in front of Cindy. Just when he was about to leave the room, he remembered about the book that he stolen earlier from doctor F.'s study. In silence, he opened the book and read the content. To his surprise the book was a fictional story called "Frankenstein or the modern Prometheus" by Marry Shelley.
  "WHAT IS THIS CRAP?! A fictional book about a monster? Why does doctor F. even have something like this?"
  Vincent was angry because he gained something useless in his espionage mission. Soon, he calmed down and went in the surgery room after nurse Dana called him from downstairs. He left quickly and now he was calmer because he stole something unimportant, therefore he can't feel guilty.
  When he entered the surgery room, nurse Dana gave him hospital pajamas to change into and layed down on the surgery table. After finishing doing so, nurse Dana brought a metal container with a plastic mask attached to it.
  -Count backwards from ten, Mister Norton, while the sleeping gas does it's work. She said while putting the mask on Vincent's face. Franky, he is ready for you.
  "Doctor F.!" Vincent got to see the doctor's blurry appearance before he went to sleep. He saw a tall, well-built man with goggles and a surgery mask covering all his face. Despite his frightening appearance, the doctor's voice was gentle:
  -It is nice to meet you at last, Mister Norton. Now let me begin to ...
  The doctor's words fade away. Vincent felt sound asleep. The surgery begin.
                                                                           *
  "-Vincent, you did it, you are famous now! Cindy was hugging and kissing Vincent with all her heart. I knew you were able to do it.
  -Congratulations, Norton. As a reward for your success, I will make you my vice president and also I would gladly accept to be your godfather at your wedding."
  Vincent and Cindy were about to kiss each other for the first time, but nurse Dana's sharp voice interrupted them.
                                                                           *
  -Congratulations, Mister Norton. Your scar has disappeared at last. She said being obviously proud of her husband's impeccable work.
  -What? It is over? Vincent asked, opening his heavy eyes. He was mad at nurse Dana for breaking his wonderful dream. "She doesn't even let me dream. This woman is worse than the devil."
  -Aren't you glad that it is finally over? Nurse Dana asked him, pretending to be nice towards Vincent, since tomorrow he will be gone for good. "Good riddance, Mister Norton!" She said to herself putting a huge evil grin on her face.
  Behind her, doctor F. appeared slowly, still having his face covered. He whispered something in his wife's ear and after that she left the two men alone in the surgery room. Vincent was lying on the operating table, trying to recover from the surgery. Doctor F. took a chair and place it next to the table. Now Vincent was facing doctor F. through the goggles.
  -Answer me this question, Vincent: Why do you want to expose my true identity?!
  -You found out, at last, huh doc'? Vincent responded with a smile.
  -You are not the first reporter who tried to do so. Doctor F. was speaking very calm, despite his huge and strong body.
  -Then you must know, doctor, that I want to gain fame, to become a hero in the journalism world.
  -For whom? For yourself? Or for someone else? Doctor F. continued.
  -What do you mean?! For myself of course. Vincent responded very confident in himself.
  -Are you sure? From the look of your face, I can tell that you are doing this for someone else. A woman, maybe, who doesn't know of your existence.
  Vincent's amazed facial expression betrayed him. Doctor F. read him like an open book.
  -You see, Vincent, I am not only good in plastic surgery, but also good at seeing people's real faces behind their masks. So tell me, why do you want to impress this woman so badly?
  Without any hesitation, Vincent told doctor F. about his struggle of making Cindy his woman, although she has eyes only for his old fat boss. Then he mentioned Lily, the ugly duckling at his work place, how she constantly insists with her flirtations towards him, even though she knows that he doesn't feel the same for her.
  When Vincent done talking, doctor F. said a wise saying: "Don't judge a BOOK by it's covers."
  At the hearing of the word "book", Vincent's face became pale. He knew in that moment that doctor F. found out about the stolen book, reason why he pronounced the word book a bit louder.
  "Is he a mind reader as well? How could he see through me so easily and guess my thoughts correctly?"
  -Was my book interesting to read? Doctor F. continued asking him, knowing of course Vincent's thought by the look on his face.
  -To be honest, I was a little disappointed.
  -Why?
  -Because it was useless for my search.
  -That's what you think. Doctor F, said while unveiling his face. The second he took off the goggles and mask and showed Vincent his real face, Vincent fell off the surgery table. He was visibly shocked because doctor F.'s face was identical to Frankenstein from the book he stole.

Lilly to the rescue!

-Has Norton returned yet?! The boss of "Jade Gazzete", Jade Jackson asked Lilly. For the past week, since Vincent Norton went to Venice to investigate doctor F., he asked Lily daily about reports or even some good news. And Lilly, visibly exasperated, gave him the same answer every time which was:

"-No, boss. Sorry, I haven't got anything about Vincent."

 -I still don't get why you sent that fool to do such a difficult task?! It's obvious that this is too much for him! Cindy added rudely, looking down at Lilly. Like everyone else in the firm, Cindy knew that Lilly had a crush on Vincent and she used this to tease her, even though she disliked him. Making Lilly think that she'll never have his love was making her feel better about herself. Her benefits about being the boss's secretary and secret lover didn't satisfied Cindy enough, therefore she had this little "hobby" as an entertainment.

 -You don't know Vincent, Cindy! Besides, if he's investigating doctor F. it is normal for him to take his time. Remember that many tried to find out his true identity but they all failed. Lilly spoke with confidence and courage in front of her boss and his secretary, looking straight into their eyes for the first time.

"This little nerd is always quiet. How dare she talk to us this way now?! Is she really that brave, or she's just stupid!" Cindy thought while she was moving away towards her desk. 

-Miss Lilly Bloom, if you're going to keep Vincent Norton's side, then why don't you go to Venice and help him?! The boss said sarcasticaly. But to his surprise, Lilly accepted and without delay, she got aboard on the first plane to Italy that day.

"I must help Vincent! If he doesn't get back home on schedule with information about doctor F., then he could lose his job. And what's worse, everyone in New York will soon find out and he'll be the laughing stock of the year! I will not let that happen."

  Doctor F., better said, Frankenstein let Vincent out in the village to think about the things he saw. He also did this to let the scared reporter to come into his senses. And who could blame Vincent?! Everyone in his place would have been shocked to see Frankenstein in blesh and blood right before their eyes.

  "If I'm going to report this back home, then surely I'll end up in a mental asylum. Who on earth will believe that a fictional monster is actualy real? Well, at least not without solid proof. I think I have a small camera in my baggage. Hope that nurse Dana didn't find it so far."

  -Look what I've found in Mister Norton's baggage, Franky! Nurse Dana was holding Vincent's camera. It was like she knew his intentions as well as her husband. Doctor Frankenstein didn't get to look at it very long, because his wife droped it on the floor and stepped on it really hard, making the device into pieces. He wasn't surprised of her reaction, neither upset. After last night when Vincent went on his spy mission, doctor Frankenstein and nurse Dana became more cautious than ever. But for now they have to wait and see what Vincent has in mind to de next.

  -You look like you've seen a ghost, boy! The bartender said while serving Vincent with a cold beer.

  -Not a ghost, a monster. Frankenstein to be exact! Vincent's face was still pale from the shock and his voice became lighter. His color returned after he emptied three jugs of beer.

  -So the doc' finaly showed you his real face, huh?! The bartender said smiling, ignoring the fact that his customer was scared half to death. Remember when I said to you that the doc' saved our lives and the entire village owns him big time?! Well, now you know what I meant by that. And before you can say anything let me give you a wise advice: Don't you dare expose the doc's real name or all of us will come and hunt you down like a dog! He's our saviour and we will do anything for his and nurse Dana's safety. Got that?!

  -Y ... Yes, sir. Don't worry, I'm not crazy and besides no one will believe me. Seeing that Vincent was honest, the bartender believed him and got relieved. Also the place was full of people whom heard about what happened to the new comer and they all stared at Vincent with suspect eyes. Even thought he promised to keep quiet, some of them didn't believe that.

  Meanwhile, Lilly got off the plane and began searching for clues about doctor F.'s clinic. She asked at the post office, the police station, everywhere but as far all the people she talked to laughed at her. Lily was used being laughed at that it didn't affect her anymore. Soon she met a tall woman with a big brown hat and green coat near a gas station.

  -Are you searching for a man called Vincent Norton? The woman asked Lilly.

  -Yes, ma'am. How did you knew?! Hope began to grow inside Lilly. She was tired from walking all day and this woman knows about her Vincent.

  -Then get in my car. Don't be scared, I am doctor F.'s nurse, Dana. 

  Hearing these words, Lilly trusted the mysterious woman whom covered her face with a mask. Unlike last time, nurse Dana drove on a nicer road towards the clinic. Lilly seemed like a nice girl to her, therefore Dana treated her like a princess. After all, girls gotta stick by each other, right?!

What happened next?

At New York, in the fanciest and most expensive hotel, Cindy and Jade Jackson the owner of“Jade’s Gazette” firm were having a romantic dinner. Before going up to their rented luxurious apartment, they ordered a bottle of the most exquisite champagne and something sweet to eat to go along with it. As they were going up with the elevator, Mr. Jackson said to Cindy that he had a surprise for her.

  -Are you going to give me a raise?! She asked full of hope in a seductive way.

  -No, no, no, my dear! It’s even better; just wait until we get to our apartment. I have rented the imperial one just for you, my beautiful queen.

  -Just for me?! You shouldn’t have, really. Cindy replied with a fake modesty when in reality she was restraining herself from jumping up and down the hallway with excitement.

  When they finally got inside the imperial apartment, Mr. Jackson closed the door after hanging a DO NOT ENTER sign on the door knob from the other side and began pouring the champagne into two beautiful glasses. All this time, Cindy was making herself comfortable by taking off her designed high heels and laying down on the matrimonial bed in a tempting sexual position for her boss.

  -To you, my precious! Mr. Jackson said handing Cindy her glass.

  She took it showing of a flirtatious smile, swallowed a small sip and saw some kind of circle sparkling at the bottom of the glass under the transparent foam.

  -What is this? She asked looking surprised although she knew the answer already.

  Instead of responding, Mr. Jackson finished Cindy’s drink, took the gold ring with diamonds and placed it on Cindy’s right ring finger. He then proposed to her in the traditional manner that every man does when he proposes. Cindy responded immediately with a fake facial expression of happiness that she agrees, if Mr. Jackson will add her name to his will, leaving her “Jade’s Gazette” after his death.

  -Why do you ask me such a thing? Mr. Jackson was a bit concerned about Cindy’s condition.

  -There is no hurry darling, it is just that you have so many enemies since your firm is the most popular one in the entire New York and if, God forbids it, something bad will happen to you I … I just want to make sure that your firm will be left in good hands. The thought that “Jade’s Gazette” will fall in one of your rivals hands will bring nothing but a huge pain into my heart.

                                                               *

  (Wow, what a drama queen! Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. As you noticed by now Cindy is one of my most hated characters I’ve ever invented. Yeah, not all my characters are my favorites, and most writers are in my situation as well. Or is it just me?!)

                                                               *

  -You are right, my precious, I will call my lawyers in the morning and get the papers done. I want my wife to have anything that I have. Mr. Jackson responded, falling into Cindy’s trap like a fool.

  Mr. Jackson was only in his 60 but to Cindy, he and other people whom passed the age of 50 were all as good as dead to her, as if she’s going to be young and beautiful forever.

  In Venice, Vincent was in the living room with Doctor Frankenstein waiting for nurse Dana to return. Vincent was curious to find out where she has been all this time, he even thought of asking doctor F. (I will continue to write with F. as a abbreviation from now on, even though the doctor’s identity isn’t a mystery anymore), but he didn’t got used to his repulsive face which made Vincent sick every time he tried to see the doctor face to face.

  Doctor F. knew this; therefore he spared Vincent’s eyes by standing with his back turned at him and looking outside the window. Vincent was sitting on the sofa and surprisingly very quiet.

  -You are quite silent this evening, Vincent! I think it is the first time since you came here. Is there something bothering you?! Doctor F. sure has a gift of reading people’s thoughts.

  -I was wondering where … I mean … when will nurse Dana return home. Vincent tried to give a suitable response. If the book was true and if he dared to upset Frankenstein, he will certainly end up dead.

  -You know that I am way older than you, even 100 or maybe 200 years. To be honest, many years have past since I was created that I have lost their count. And if you look at me now, I look the same, but I have changed … in here; doctor F. pointed to his chest where his heart should be.

  -So you changed into good?! Vincent was more scared than before because he couldn’t guess what the doctor will say to him.

  -I think so. I have helped many people along the years, remodeling their disfigured faces into normal looking ones without expecting anything in return.

  -But why? Curiosity grew stronger in Vincent.

  -To repay my past sins. If you read the book then you know how many people I have killed, including my creator. I was still young then, I tried to fit in the society, but thanks to my creator and the ugly body he gave me, I was rejected by every one. I asked my creator to bill me a woman so I can have a companion, but he refused and realized late what terrible mistake he made. In that moment I was blinded and mad because of the huge anger gathered in my heart and I became a monster. Only after my creator’s death, I realized what I have done and sward on his dead body that I will redeem myself. This may be hard for you to believe but the only proofs to my good change are the people in this village, and my beloved Dana.

  -How come? I mean, even the bartender said that the villagers are grateful to you for saving their lives but I didn’t understood what he meant by that.

  Without a word, doctor F. went to the stairs and told Vincent to follow him. Vincent obeyed his order and went with him up into the attic. There was a secret door which leads to what seem to be a laboratory. It contained a huge vintage computer, a metal table and some other vintage electronics. Doctor F. pulled down a lever nearby the computer and the rooftop opened in half, showing the multicolored sky and the sun which was about to set.

  -Is this familiar to you, Vincent? Doctor F. asked with a happy tone in his voice as if he was bragging to his guest.

  -Yes, it does, but I don’t know where I’ve seen this before. Vincent responded while he was scratching his head with his left hand.

  -In a monster movie maybe … ?! Doctor F. gave him an important hint.

 -Yes, I think it was called Frank… Vincent shut his mouth quickly. He had doubts if the doctor F. really redeemed himself or not.

  -Do not worry! The funny thing is I find those movies quite entertaining. Especially when they made my skin all green and different colored eyes. Doctor F. smiled while his pale skin was lightly illuminated by the last sun rays.

  With other little sounds of laughter, doctor F. closed the rooftop and took Vincent downstairs, where they found nurse Dana and another guest.

  -Franky?! Where were you and why did you brought this rat along with you?! Nurse Dana asked her husband while giving Vincent a cold glance.

  -Dana, if Vincent already found out who I am, why not show him all my secrets?! Doctor F. responded while looking at the mysterious woman. And I see you brought a new guest.

  -Yes, this lovely lady was looking for Vincent at the airport. Poor girl, everyone laughed at her when she asked about our clinic.

  Vincent made a few steps into the living room to see the woman and when he saw her, she seemed familiar to him. She had curly brown hair, sparkling brown eyes and her red lips were quite tempting.

   The mysterious woman stood up quickly and jumped towards Vincent, almost ready to hug him.

  -Vince, I’m so happy I’ve found you, you have no idea!

  -That voice! Lilly, Lilly Bloom, is that you?! Vincent asked amazed that Lilly looked completely different. If she haven’t spoke, he wouldn’t guess in a million years that it was her.

  -Oh yes, when we arrived here nurse Dana offered to help me refresh myself after my exhausting trip.

  -And your glasses?

  -They are in my purse because I accidentally broke them. But not to worry, I also had my contact lenses with me, although they are uncomfortable reason why I prefer wearing glasses instead.

  -Children, I know you have a lot to catch on but this isn't the time for that. Now let's discuss what should we do with the two of you since you found out the doctor's true identity. Nurse Dana cut Vincent and Lilly's short chit-chat.

  Indeed, what will doctor F. do with them? Keep them in the village or let them go home and tell everyone about him?!

Impressum

Tag der Veröffentlichung: 07.08.2012

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