Frank the Painter by Joshua Kaplan

Author:Joshua Kaplan [Kaplan, Joshua]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Joshua Kaplan
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 38

Frank stood still in the hallway of the Cleveland Eagle after business hours, tracking Pepe Longstocking’s next move. Four dimmed, tear-shaped nightlights were turned on in Pepe’s office. Arthur was in his purple plunger suit. Pepe sat at his desk admiring his “Lost World” ring. Frank didn’t understand what they were saying to each other but recognized that they spoke Shangrilese.

Pepe got up to answer his telephone and walked to the corner of the room. Using a technique taught to him by Arthur, Frank moved towards Pepe, paralyzed him with a series of neck grips, and lunged for Arthur. Frank gripped Arthur’s throat with a Maglite flashlight. As Arthur gasped for air, Frank said to his flashlight, “You were born and assembled oceans and deserts from here, but you are the best and the blackest. Your strength is greater than the Samurai sword or the fountain pen. You are an alcoholic artist unleashed. Speak to me, Maglite, as I subdue my once dear friend, Arthur the Acrobat turned supervillian!” Frank finally felt worthy of his AnonyMouse outfit.

Arthur gasped for air and pretended to pass out.

“I’ve done it with your help, black Maglite. But I don’t feel any better. I thought I’d given up crime-fighting, but I was moved to find the truth about Arthur,” said Frank.

“No, Frank!” said Pepe Longstocking, as the stun grip had worn off. “Don’t hurt Arthur. He is just a pawn. I am the person in charge of the Shangri-la Cartel. I was blackmailing Arthur. You see, this all started when I caught him trying to steal from the museum I curated. Arthur told me the priceless scorpion artifact on display was rightfully his because he is descended from a Chinese dynasty. The police came when he tried to repossess the relic. I spoke with Arthur.” Pepe paused and turned his back to Frank, holding his fist up to the ceiling. “He pledged allegiance to me and promised to run jewelry, artifacts, and opium to and from Shangri-la. Arthur wanted to earn his heirloom back through service to my cartel!”

“So that is what was in the briefcase Arthur was holding outside of the office window,” said Frank.

“Yes, that and my memoir, which I wanted him to proofread, and a collection of exotic bath oils, which can also be used as cleaning supplies,” said Pepe.

“What is the relic’s purpose?” said Frank.

“The relic is a scorpion preserved in amber and surrounded by golden needles. It is inscribed with an ancient Shangrilese prayer. When incense is lit beneath the scorpion, its tail attacks. The venom of the scorpion’s bite can be either toxic or hallucinogenic. It depends on the victim. Most who are stung by the amber-red insect become childlike, but for people with phobias or anxiety, they hallucinate their greatest fear,” said Pepe.

Arthur quietly listened on the floor. He didn’t want anyone to know the power of the scorpion talisman. Suddenly, he came alive. He grabbed a plunger and attached the bottom end to Pepe’s face. “Squealer!” Arthur shouted.

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