Ch. 3 – The Hunchback
"While we are still here in Paris, we have one more client to visit," the Mad Scientist announced. "I don't care to have to travel here every other week. Best to keep all of our appointments as organized and efficient as possible."
Lucinda rode with her Master in a carriage to the Notre Dame Cathedral where there was a famous ugly Hunchback who had been the source of fear and ridicule for years.
"You were quite a success with the Phantom, Lucinda," the Mad Scientist complemented her. "Indeed, I had no idea I would have to practically blackmail him to let you loose. Very good for a first client. So far, our little business venture is becoming much more promising than I had even dared hope. This next one should be another easy virgin...the poor wretch...fairly harmless as I understand it..."
"But, Master, if he is just a poor servant in a cathedral, how can he afford to pay for my services?"
"I have no idea, sweet, but I have already been paid the sum of money upfront. Besides you shouldn't worry your pretty little head about business matters." The coach came to a stop. "Now go on up," the Mad Scientist commanded. "He's waiting for you in the Bell Tower."
Lucinda had been dressed up as requested. Attired in a gypsy peasant blouse with a bright green skirt and wore large hoop earrings of gold, she was a vision. Again, her hair was flowing wildly about her shoulders. Apparently, most of these clients liked her hair down.
It was not easy getting to the bell tower without being spotted by any of the clergymen about, but she managed. Winded from climbing all of those stairs, she covered her ears when the deafening sound of the bells began to peal.
Oh, she could not stand it!
She curled up in a corner, almost falling to her knees as the loud sound tortured her.
Finally, the noise stopped. When she opened her eyes, she tried so hard not to scream!
Hanging from one of the bell pulleys was a truly hideous creature, even worse than the Phantom. Not only was he hunchbacked, but he was quite ugly with one eye bulging outward from his face in a frightening fashion as he grimaced at her in a leer. And he was just as big as the Monster! A veritable giant! Oh, she felt an urge to leap to her death from the bell tower rather than to let this beast paw at her!
Yet, there was an expression of surprise and kindness in his eyes when he saw her standing before him.