Things have been slow at the agency and Detective Catherina is desperate for a case. However, she will soon learn to be careful what you wish for....

The year was now 1933 and the Great Depression had hit the United States. Our hero barley survived. If it hadn't been for an unusual case the Detective would have had to close down her agency. People say that Sherlock Holmes is a great detective.  Some even go further to say that he is the best in the world.  It is rumored that he had never failed to solve a case or failed to catch the criminal responsible. However, I doubt that even Sherlock Holmes ever had a case like this one. It was towards the end of October and several famous monsters in history had become the victims of a stalker who began stealing items of importance from them. Seeking help and unable to locate the famous Sherlock Holmes the monsters settled for our hero, Detective Catherine Mackleene a rather unknown, small town private eye.

The Detective's day started out like any other day it was slow going and not much excitement.  As the day slowly passed she began to try to come up with things to keep me busy.  Catherine paced around the office hoping, praying that she would get a case. Catherine hadn't had a case in weeks or was it months? In fact she couldn't remember the last time she had a real case.  She had a few small jobs over the last few weeks however, these jobs are not really worth mentioning. They were never challenging enough and Catherine often felt that her talents were wasted on these simple tasks. These odd jobs rarely paid much in fact; they hardly paid anything at all.  Catherine looked up at the clock that was hanging on the far side of the office it was almost six thirty and she doubted that she would have any clients before closing up the shop for the night so she kicked up her feet and pulled her hat over my face to relax.  She was almost asleep when He stumbled through her door.  Catherine knew that he was going to be trouble as soon as she saw him. He looked like he had just walked out of an old horror movie.  He was dressed in shabby clothes, had a hunched up back, only one good eye and walked with a limp. Something told her that she didn't even want to know what he wanted. She hoped that he was simply lost and had stopped by her office for directions. However, her hopes were dashed as he scurried up to my desk and asked in an eerie sounding voice "Is this the office of the privet eye Detective Catherine?" 

Barley looking up from under her hat she replied, "Depends on who's asking."

"My name is Egore, and I was instructed by my Master Dr. Baron Von Frankenstein to hire a detective for a very important case since I was unable to locate the famous Sherlock Holmes I looked up the closest agency and this was the only one I could find. 

Catherine was not in the mood for practical jokes and replied; "Sorry kid but I don't solve cases for fictional characters.

"I assure you that monsters exist, if you know where to look for them. My master and the other famous monsters in history are in desperate need of your services and they are willing to pay and arm and a leg."  

"Look Mr. Egore, I have real cases to solve I don't have time to waste on movie loving teenage pranksters.  Why don't you make an appointment with my secretary I'm sure she can pencil you in around Halloween until then there's the door. The office is now closed. Good bye.

This really aggravated Egore and he looked Catherine right in the face, I tried to be nice, I even tried to be sociable for once but you still insist on being hardheaded. I don't have time to convince you that monsters are real and that this is not a prank, if you are Detective Catherine then you are hereby hired in the name of Dr. Baron Von Frankenstein!  I must insist that you be ready to leave for Transylvania.  I will pick you up from your apartment in precisely one hour. Make sure you are packed and ready to leave by the time I arrive I do not want to miss the plane.  Before Catherine could get a word in he left.  

By the time Catherine arrived home it was 7:15. She still thought that the strange man in the office was some kind of prankster however; she decided that she did not want to dismiss the possibility that it might be an actual case. To her surprise Egore arrived at her apartment at precisely 7:30 and was pleased to see that she was ready to leave.

I see that you finally decided to cooperate my Master will be pleased.  We made it to the airport at 8:25 and we hurried to where our plane was to take off. We quickly bordered the plane and much to my surprise we had first class seats. Catherine sat in down in her seat and relaxed. The flight was a restful one and she got to Transylvania in no time. 

When we arrived in Transylvania Egore disappeared without a trace. Catherine began to wonder why she had even agreed to take the case. Transylvania is not at all like Hollywood makes it out to be. It seemed bright and cheerful as soon as you stepped off the plane.   However, as Catherine headed toward her destination Transylvania became dark and damp and was downright eerie. There were swirling mists, dark deserted roads and dark damp forests that seemed like they held some deep dark secret of long ago. It seemed like the sun never shown and fun was the least of everyone's worries.  The inhabitants of Transylvania were as odd as the surroundings. They kept to themselves and now and then muttered words of foreboding terror. When questioned about how she might find her way to Frankenstein's castle they eyed her with suspicion and left me with words of warning.  When they realized that she would not be persuaded to change my mind they reluctantly pointed her in the direction that she needed to go. She thanked them for their concern and kindness and then headed in the direction they had shown her.

Catherine had only gone a few miles when she realized that the sun was setting. However, she was not going to let the setting sun stop her from reaching my destination. She was about to continue on her way when from out of nowhere a young man appeared. He insisted that she go no further. "It is not safe for anyone to travel these roads alone at night. Monsters are everywhere and take advantage of weary travelers."

Catherine told him that she had an appointment and that she really needed to reach her destination as soon as possible.   When the boy continued to insist that it was too dangerous to travel alone at night Catherine decided to ask where the nearest hotel was located.  The boy then insisted that she stay with his family as the nearest hotel was back in town.  Realizing that she would never be able to dissuade him she agreed and followed him to his home. His house was not far and she could smell good food cooking.

His house was small but had two floors.  When they came into the house the boy's father greeted them. The boy's father was big and had large muscles and a stern looking face. His eyes were a fierce brown and his eyebrows were huge and bushy. He had a long sleek mustache and a big bushy beard.  The boy only said one word: tourist. The father smiled and replied "not to bright these tourists."  It was getting late and Catherine decided to turn in, she bid her host's goodnight and headed for the stairs.

As she was heading up the stairs her host's wife gave her this warning, "Make sure to travel by day for the woods are full of monsters looking for pray.  Frankenstein's castle is a long and hazardous journey and if you are not careful you could wind up missing. Have a good night Detective.  I'm sure that your case will be a baffling one." 

Her words troubled Catherine and made her a little uneasy. She could not figure out what had made her so upset. She decided to try to figure out what had made her so uncomfortable as she got ready for bed. Then it hit her, her host had called her Detective and knew where she was headed.  How had she known? Catherine didn't recall mentioning anything to her.  She lay awake for hours trying to figure everything out. Why were people acting so strangely? How did people know who she was?  Why were they determined to stop her from continuing to my destination? This truly was a weird place.

Around midnight Catherine heard someone tapping on her windowsill. It was man who's skin was as pail as the moon. His hair was as black as ebony and his lips were as red as blood.  He was floating in midair and was dressed all in black and wore a blood red medallion around his neck as he spoke the words "Good evening" Catherine recognized him at once, it was the notorious Count Dracula. Knowing that he could hypnotize her into obeying him she refused to look him directly in the eyes. Catherine told him that she did not have the right to invite him.

Might I come in?

I am sorry this is not my home. I do not have the right to invite you inside.

Bowing respectfully Dracula replied "I can see that you do not trust me. You have my word that I will not harm you."

"I cannot endanger the lives of my hosts by inviting you in, please just state your business and be on your way." 

"As you wish" he replied as he once again bowed to show respect. "I am in need of your service my blood red signet ring is missing. Without this ring I am as powerful as a newborn vampire, please find it for me."

Are you sure that it was not misplaced?

"It was not misplaced; it has been stolen by someone who claims to be my biggest fan. Please say that you will investigate this theft. I would be eternally grateful and I give you my word as a Count that no vampire shall harm you as long as you live.

Catherine shuddered at the thought. Her mind was screaming don't trust him! Not wanting to offend him Catherine replied "I am currently in the pay of Dr. Frankenstein. There seems to be some sort of problem at his castle. However, I will discuss it with him and see if it is alright if I work on your case at the same time. 

"That should not be a problem. Dr. Frankenstein and I are very good friends and again I am eternally grateful to you for your services. Have a good evening Detective."

Catherine awoke the next morning wondering if her conversation with Count Dracula had been a dream. After bidding her host's goodbye she returned to her journey. The sun was once again setting by the time she reached Castle Frankenstein.  Hearing a wolf howl Catherine rushed through the gates, which slammed shut behind her. Not wanting to be rude Catherine rang the doorbell. Its ring sounded like someone screaming. Egore opened the door with a smile. "We've been expecting you, please follow me. 

He led Catherine to a room lighted only by the glow of the fireplace. Two chairs sat near hearth and she could tell that the chair on the left side of the hearth was occupied.  Without a word the person in the chair waved their hand towards opposite chair. After Catherine was seated her host commanded Egore to leave them.  Egore bowed respectively and uttered the words "As you wish Master."  

"Welcome to my castle Detective. My name is Dr. Barron Von Frankenstein. I trust you had a comfortable journey?"

"I don't mean to sound rude but would you please tell me what is going on?"

"Certainly. You see I have lost something of real importance; or rather someone of extreme importance was stolen from me."

"I see. May I ask why you did not allow Egore to know any information about the case?"

"Egore is not that bright, he tends to forget or mix things up quite easily. I have tried to teach him a thing or two but it goes in one ear and out the other. Now where was I?

"You were telling me that you have had something of importance stolen from you.

"Ah, yes. My violin that helps to keep Frankie better known to you as Frankenstein has gone missing. This wouldn't be much of a concern however; recently Frankie's wife disappeared without a trace. We believe that she has been monster napped. He has been going crazy ever since. He won't listen to reason and if she is not found soon I'm afraid that he might do something rather rash.  The other items that were stolen were Count Dracula's blood red signet ring."

"So it wasn't a dream."

"Hum?"

"Oh nothing really, it's just I had a conversation with Count Dracula last night. He offered me protection from his minions as well as a large sum of money if I might locate his ring. I told him that I would have to talk to you about taking his case."

"I don't see any reason why you shouldn't. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Dr. Jeckle, and King Tuttenstine seek your services.  You see, the Count, Frankenstein and I are not the only monsters to have things stolen from them.  Dr. Jeckle's antidote has been stolen, so he remains the awful Mr. Hyde and King Tuttenstine's book of the dead and the tablet with his curse has been stolen. My good friends Eric better known as the Phantom of the Opera, the Wicked Witches of the East and West, the invisible man and Woofie commonly known as the wolf man are all afraid that they will be hit next."

"I see. Have you contacted the local authorities about these thefts?"

"Most certainly not! The locals find us scary and are only good at creating angry mobs.  Besides they wouldn't help us even if we begged them to, No, its best that we get help from a privet eye and not those who seek our destruction. Perhaps I should have contacted Sherlock Holmes like Dracula suggested instead of an ammeter."

"I assure that although I may not be as good as Sherlock Holmes I can solve your mystery. Were there any clues left at the crime scenes?"   Before Dr. Frankenstein could answer an earsplitting howl pierced the night. The Dr. jumped up and ran out of the room. I followed him and came face to face the wolfman. He took one look at me and started growling. Luckily the Dr. distracted him with questions.

"Wolfie what's with the earsplitting noise? It's not like you to howl when the moon is not reached its high point in the sky."

"Someone has stolen my family portrait. Ooooooooooo I want my picture! whooo has stolen my picture? " It was at that time that Wolfie once again noticed me. "Who are you?" He snarled. I'm sure he would have attacked me if Dr. Frankenstein hadn't stepped in and introduced us.

"This is Detective Catherine. She is here to find out who has been stealing all of our stuff. I could tell that he still wasn't convinced that I was to be trusted so I showed him a picture of me with my dogs. When he saw my dogs sniffed me again he sniffed me up and down and then began to wag his tail. "I guess yoourr ok after all but I'll be keeping an eye on yooou."

"Wolfie, are you sure that haven't misplaced it? You have a tendency to do that you know replied Dr Frankenstein. "

"I fooound this in my room sobbed Wolfie." Wolfie handed me a piece of paper that read as follows, "If you ever want to see your family's picture again then I suggest that you admit that you are not as scary as you think sincerely your Biggest Fan!" 

"Were there any of these left at the other crime scenes", asked Detective Catherine.

"As a matter of fact there were. With that the Dr. handed her a folder filled with letters. Each letter read as follows, Dear Dr. Frankenstein, you think that you are so special because you can control your creations? Let's see you control that fool Frankenstein without your violin. "Dear Frankenstein, you think that you are so smart losing your temper to get what you want but you don't have half the brain I do. If you ever want to see Ms. Frankenstein again then you'd better think twice about how you treat me, sincerely your Biggest Fan!  Dear Count Dracula, You all ways seem to avoid Dr. Van Helsing let's see if you can avoid becoming a pile of ash without your ring to help you withstand the sunlight and appear human, sincerely your Biggest Fan!  My dear King Tuttenstine, you think that you are so special because you were once a king. Let see how special you are without your sacred book of the dead and your tablet that holds your famous curse, sincerely Your Biggest Fan.   Dear Dr. Jeckle, you think that you can hide your other side from the world? Let's see you try to hide him without your precious formula, sincerely your biggest fan!

"What do you make of this Detective?"

Before Catherine could answer they were interrupted by the sound of the phone ringing. As the Dr. answered each call Catherine's case began to get stranger and stranger.  Within the last few hours someone had stolen the wicked witch's or the East's ruby slippers, the wicked witch of the west's crystal ball and broom stick and the invisible man's bandages and clothes.

With this news I decided that the best thing to do was to call all of the victims together to see if any of them had anything in common. It did not take long for all involved to arrive and everyone sat down at the table. 

Except one monster who preferred to stay in the shadows. I'm sorry for not being sociable.  I am in the presence of a beautiful lady.  I dare not show my face for it may frighten her. How will I ever be able to instruct the beautiful Christine now? I pray that whoever is responsible for causing me such misery will not show his face. I am feared not because of my hideousness but because of my temper. This thief mocks me in more ways than one for he dares to leave me a letter with instructions! The great Phantom of the Opera takes orders from no one!  "It reads and I quote, you think your special, writing letters to get what you want. Well two can play that game. Do you really think that you can pass yourself off as an angel? Do you think that Christine will still love you when she sees you for what you really are? You are a monster both on the inside and outside! I was your biggest fan and you taunted me from behind your mask.  If you want to be able to continue your masquerade as the angel of music then I suggest that you humble yourself and apologize for your horrid behavior, sincerely your Biggest Fan and with that the Phantom of the Opera broke down in sobs.

Don't be ashamed of your appearance Eric, Catherine said. The Phantom of the opera was taken aback for no one had called him by his first name in years. Yes I am fully aware of who you are and what you are known for. From what I hear you murder people who look upon your face and those who treat you or those you care about badly. I am unafraid, for I do not judge people or monsters for what is on the outside. It is what is on the inside that counts. Although you are a murderer I feel that you have a beautiful soul and I am ashamed of how the world has treated you. I am ashamed of how the world has treated you all.

There was genuine surprise from all of the monsters at this comment and it took a few minutes for everyone to calm down and be quite more. The reason that I called you here is because you all have something in common. After each theft a letter was left. First something was stolen from Dr Frankenstein, and then Frankenstein. Then items were stolen from the Count and the wolf man and now all of you. May I see the letters please? The Wicked Witches letters read: you claim to be the wickedest and most powerful witches ever, yet you are no wicked then I am, in fact you are powerless without your ruby slippers and crystal ball, sincerely your biggest fan. The invisible man's letter read you think you are good at scaring people with your disappearing act?  Let's see you pull your disappearing act without your bandages, sincerely your biggest fan.

"After reading all of your letters I know without a doubt the person responsible for the thefts. Each letter is signed your Biggest fan, who do you all have in common? Who has worked with you all? Who has never been considered to be a monster only a sidekick or worse a slave?"

The monsters looked at each other than replied, "Sorry, were drawing a blank."

" Egore replied Detective Catherine absolutely sure that she had solved the case."

There was a silence and then Doctor Frankenstein replied, "That is not possible Egore.  Doesn't have a... before he could finish his sentence Egore appeared out of nowhere.

"I don't have a what? Go on finish your sentence. Never mind, I'll finish it for you!  I don't have the brains" replied Egore angrily.

"I was going to say that you don't have disloyal bone in your body."

"The Detective is right I am the thief. I am tired of you treating me like I'm your slave."

"That's ridiculous we treat you like you are family, in fact I treat you better than I treat my own son."

"You treated me like one of your creations who can't think for themselves as for the rest they treated me like a slave who was lower than the dirt."

"Egore what you have done is unforgivable; from now on you are dead to us. You shall be forever exiled known forever as neither monster, assistant, friend, nor slave. You will not exist to us you shall be lower than the dirt upon which we tread said Dr. Frankenstein and all the other monsters agreed."

"Wait! Before you pass judgment I think that you should be aware that Egore wasn't working alone he had an accomplice said Catherine"

"That's a lie! I worked alone replied Egore angerly."

"Here are the facts Egore, there are two sets of handwriting in the notes that were left after each theft.  One set of handwriting belongs to you the other your accomplice. You and your accomplice both have all ways only one thing, to be treated like real monsters, to be treated as equals.  However, every time you requested to be considered monsters they denied you that title. That is when you decided to teach them a lesson in humility by stealing things that made them monsters. After all, they deserved it after the way they treated you. You promised your accomplice that if you were caught that you would take the blame for he was not willing to take the punishment from his "Master"."

"Are you saying that Renfeild had something to do with these thefts" said Count Dracula frowning.

"Count, Renfeild had nothing to do with the thefts. In fact Renfeild tried to talk me out of what I was doing more than once."

"Renfeild has never been able to lie to me we shall see if you are telling the truth or trying to protect him. Renfeild get in here at once!"

"You called Master?" Renfeild asked bowing before the Count with his face to the floor.

"Tell me Renfeild, are you loyal to me?"

"I would never betray you Master I will be loyal to you until the end of time!"

"You know how I hate to be lied to Renfeild, look me in the face and tell me that you had nothing to do with these thefts."

Trembling with fear Renfeild shook his head. "No".......

"Look at me Renfeild!" Dracula ordered. Bowing his head Renfeild obeyed and looked Dracula directly in the eyes. "Tell again Renfeild, did you betray me?"

At this Renfeild began to weep uncontrollably and fell at the Count's feet. "Forgive me Master." Renfeild begged as he began kissing the Count's feet. The Count raised an eyebrow but before he could say a word Egore pulled Renfeild to his feet. "Get up off the floor. Why are you apologizing to him? He should be begging you for forgiveness not the other way around!"

"That's right! What was I thinking? You have treated Egore and I like garbage for too long! You never give us credit for anything. You hog the entire spotlight in movies. We have always been treated like slaves. It was always yes master, right away master, as you wish master were you grateful? Of course not! Nothing we did was ever good enough for you. It was always must I do everything myself? Or, I ask you to do a simple task but as usual you can do nothing right. I guess you can't get good help these days. We have taken this abuse for years and said nothing.  Now we are the masters let's see if they like being treated like dirt."

"You will never be real monsters! We will find our items ourselves and then we will make you pay for your treason. You think we treat you like slaves now, just wait until we out of this situation. Once we have our powers and other things we will make you wish that you have never been born!"

"This is not the answer! Threatening them will not get your stolen items back it will only prove their point. As for you two, treating the monsters the way they treated you will not make you feel any better. What you really want is their respect. You can't earn that by blackmailing them into doing your bidding. Sure, they will respect you for a while, but it won't last, true respect takes time."

"We have waited eons for them to treat us with the respect we deserve. Blackmail is the only way."

"Have you ever tried telling them how you feel?"

"They are too thick-headed to listen to what we have to say. We are the hired help they would never listen to a word we have to say."

"Why don't you try telling them how you feel? If after you have talked to them and you still feel that you can't settle your differences then by all means, continue steal items until destroy them or until they agree to treat you with respect.  The monsters around the table were about to argue but I stopped them dead in their tracks. "This is the only way you have a chance of getting your stolen items back. Just listen to what they have to say."

"We are not barbarians we will give this talking idea a chance."

After hours of negotiations Egore and Renfeild finally came to an agreement with the monsters. The monsters realized that they had treated Egore and Renfeild unfairly and apologized. They agreed that in exchange for their items back the monsters that Egore and Renfeild would not have to call the monsters master anymore. The Monsters also agreed not to call Egore and Renfeild names and that they would be more thankful for the things that they did for them. The Monsters also agreed that it was time to make Egore and Renfeild honorary monsters.  In return Egore and Renfeild agreed that they would never steal from their fellow monsters again and agreed to work as assistants to their fellow monsters. I guess even monsters have happy endings.

The End!

I have had many more adventures but none as thrilling or memorable as this one. But here are a few teasers for a few others I've solved. As well as what happens to me later in life.

In the The Case of the Runaway Son

Sistina and Johnny called me asking me to locate their missing son. He had run away after they had grounded him for having a bad report card. When they had not heard from him in several days and learned that he had obtained a large gambling debt to one of Jimmy's men they begin to suspect foul play. Worried for his safety they once again called upon me for help.

It did not take me long to learn that Johnny Jr had been seen working for one of Jimmy's men in order to pay off his debt. However, whenever I thought I was getting close to finding his whereabouts he seemed to disappear again. It became clear that Johnny Jr did not want to be found.

The questions in the case soon became how you find someone who does not want to be found? How do you find someone when the mafia does not want them found and how do you find someone who seems to have disappeared without a trace? These were the questions that needed to be answered.

When strange things start occurring at the new Wax museum I decide to take on the case to find out what is causing all these accidents. Could it be foul play by a competitor in an attempt to shut down the newly opened wax museum? Could it be as the rumors suggest and some of the objects in the museum are cursed?

When strange occurrences start taking place at the newly refurbished and reopened Amusement park I jump at the chance to discover what is really behind these sinister accidents and occurrences. Could it be as the rumors suggesting that the antique carousel is haunted and cursed hold some merit? And what about the animals and aquarium inhabitants? What have been happening to them?

Then of course there's the time that I awake to find myself laying in a hospital with no memory of who I was or how I got there. Then I receive visits from two people one claiming to be my husband and the other my best friend. The problem is, I don't remember ever getting married. Nor do I remember the accident that caused my amnesia. Who really are these mysterious people who came to visit? Will I ever really discover who I truly am before it's too late? Find out in My Life as a Mafia Boss's Wife.