Frankenstein Theory Read Online Free Page B

absolutely loyal to our cause. Besides, he suffers from a physical deformity which ensures the public will want nothing to do with him.”
    Henry pulled my face to his and kissed me on the lips. The act was so sudden and so surprising, I nearly cried out. “Victor, your brilliance is utterly astonishing. When do we begin?”
    “ Tomorrow, first thing. I have already set the process in motion with the hiring of a pair of grave robbers.”
    Henry moaned in protest.
    “ Dear God, man, have you not learned we cannot undergo these sorts of experiments without the proper materials? We need flesh; we need organs, limbs…brains!”
    “ But grave robbers? Why not thieves and murderers?”
    “ Henry,” I interrupted. “It’s either that or we unearth the dead ourselves.”
    I sensed a new layer of trepidation sealing Henry into a sarcophagus of doubt.
    “ My God, man, if you’ve all of a sudden found your moral compass, feel free to step out of this laboratory and leave for home. I will undertake this task with you or without you. Should you depart, know this—you might well be giving up on the single most profound experiment in the history of science. Should I succeed with this work, my name will be a part of the everyday vernacular. Fame will fill my purse and yield to my every delight.”
    I could feel Henry’s resolve melt.
    “ You want that, don’t you?”
    Henry nodded.
    “ I want you by my side in this endeavor. Can you do this?”
    Henry caved. “I can.”
    “ Good man. Now, head off to your quarters; you’ll need a full night’s sleep before we begin the process. Our…deliveries will arrive this evening as we sleep.”
     
     

F I V E
     
     
    I couldn’t wait for breakfast; nor did I feel like conversing with Elizabeth or Mother about the local gossip or of dinner plans. My mind was cast forward and downward—into the future and the laboratory below. I knew of a secret passage to the laboratory that would avoid any and all curiosity. The master bookcase in what was once my father’s study shifted to reveal a tunnel. Only Father and myself knew of this passageway. With a torch in hand, I made my way to the lab. The familiar, comforting echo of sound off the stone walls was a soothing balm.
    Once the flames from the oil lamps danced light across the ceiling and walls, a cold chill shivered up my back to the base of my skull. Instead of a collection of corpses, ready to be molded into a man of my own design, Henry sat atop the surgical table, his arms crossed, his eyes hooded and sleepy.
    “ I spent much of the night here, Victor.”
    “ Why?”
    “ I realized something terribly profound. It is not our place to play God. Death is not just some arbitrary occurrence; it exists to give life actual meaning. If every man and woman lived their lives knowing they could be brought back upon expiration, the truest fulfillment of life would be meaningless. No one would live with any sincerity. That is why I secreted myself in your laboratory and turned away the deliveries.”
    My pulse raced; my blood thickened with anger.
    “ That cannot be, Henry. You agreed with me. Just last night you were ready to take this first step together.”
    “ As I said…profundity opened my eyes.”
    My knees gave way, nearly tossing me down the great staircase. I caught myself on the railing and attempted to gather my strength and courage. Finally, I managed to pull myself back up, and slowly my legs carried me down the steps.
    “ Henry, this cannot be. My father spent much of his professional life working toward this. I cannot allow his work to die along with his memory. Those deliveries were my only chance. Please tell me this is some kind of twisted, glorious prank you have pulled, and that the bodies are somewhere on the premises.”
    Henry shook his head. “I cannot, Victor. All I can do is offer you the chance to make amends and give up this mad quest.”
    When my feet hit the last couple of steps, I lunged out. My