No one had known what become of Howie Swan. A rising star in the theater and film world, he had seemed to have completely disappeared just a few days ago. Normally he was in the limelight, always mugging for attention, never one to miss a chance to flaunt and strut.

His absence was immediately noticed and within a couple of days speculation turned to rumor and innuendo. Was it drugs? Rehab? A new project? Some sort of discreet retreat or vacation?

Well, the answer came with a written letter, in his handwriting, to several reporters, detailing that he was around but and that each and every rumor was wrong, that the truth was somehow much more strange and lurid than something as mundane as rehab! Well, this got everyone curious, make the more so by another series of handwritten letters asking a select group to meet at a mansion not far from some of the major theaters. The press, ever eager, agreed to those terms.

The were led from the front gate to the main entrance of the mansion, up to the third floor and were brought into a darkened room. Once everyone was inside the room the door was closed, leaving the room in darkness. Before anyone could use their flashlights on their phones a single light turned on, shining down on a woman in a short black dress, gloves, and high heels. A gloved hand ran up the nylon-covered leg and stopped when it hit the edge of the dress, then turned and looked at the group.

Despite the veil, it was what was under the veil and the face of the person in front of them that drew the most attention. She was recognized as Emily Baxter by several of them, a bit actress that hadn't managed to break through into larger roles. However, what really drew the attention of them all was the staples on her forehead and the incision.
"Selected guests, welcome." A feminine voice said. "I see you're all in attendance. Good, good, I think that will make this easier."

At this, everyone was both confused and immensely curious. Of the few people in the group who had spoken to Emily, all of them noticed that was not how she talked, and everyone realized that sounded much more like...

"So, I should say that Miss Baxter can't make it today. She will be quite busy in her new role. A fine, fine actress, if I do say so myself and you know how little I praise. No, I think you will have as your master of ceremonies a Miss Swan, a new creation of mine. The dramatic actor's life is so cliche I do think, and while it was fun to play that role I think my next role will be more interesting. Of course, I will not reveal all right now. Consider this a teaser for the main production. I am sure you have questions. I am not interested in them at this time. Now, I must be off. I have business to attend to."

With a bow, the body of Emily Swan left, walking through a door that had been previously hidden in the walls. When the door closed, everyone in the room just stood there as the door behind them opened, and they all had just one question: what the hell did they just see?