Now You See It (20 page)

“I think you'll enjoy it. Last Saturday, Dirk went to the Magic Club to audition and was turned down, so he went back on Monday to try again and happened to have the opportunity to take that box. It belongs to my client, Lucas Finch, so I'm taking it back to him. Oh, and by the way, it's involved with a murder investigation.”

“If you can get it away from Dirk, do it. It's certainly not going to make things any easier around here.”

Sheila spoke to the viewers. “I realize that not everyone is as truly gifted as I am. I plan, like the great Harry Houdini, to hunt down all the fake and fraudulent magicians, faith healers, and psychics who prey upon the unsuspecting citizens of Parkland.”

“What's this?” I asked Ellin.

“Her latest crusade.”

“I thought she was going to heal people.”

“I think she's realized that's harder than it looks.” She let out a long breath. “I want my show back but not if
it's going to be like this.”

This was in direct conflict with her love of money. “Are you actually having a moral dilemma?”

I'm not sure what she would've replied, but Phil Kirk arrived, looking stern. “Ellin, a word with you, please.”

I saw her stiffen. “What can I do for you, Phil?”

“I understand there was a problem Wednesday after the show.”

Ellin has a blank look that's perfect for situations like this. “A problem?”

“Someone in the audience was questioning Sheila's predictions, arguing with her, talking to people afterward.” He glanced at Camden. “Cameron, is it?”

“Camden,” he said.

“Mister Camden, your actions were quite upsetting to her. If she's hosting the show, that kind of thing shouldn't happen.”

“I believe there may have been a difference of opinion.”

“I don't see how that's possible when Sheila's predictions are always accurate. We can't haveg anyone questioning her.” He turned back to Ellin. “I don't want this man in the studio audience again. He's a disruptive influence.”

About that time, Sheila finished whatever idiotic thing she was saying and came running to her husband.

“That's him! He's not to be anywhere near me or Dirk. I wish you could've heard the horrible things he called our son.”

I raised my hand. “I take credit for the horrible things.”

Phil Kirk did not appreciate this. “Perhaps both of you should leave.”

“We're on our way,” I said. “But first, I need that box. I was hired by Lucas Finch to find it. It belongs to him.”

“Are you certain this is his box?”

“Yes, and I'd rather not involve the police.”

“The police? Now wait a minute.”

“Dirk took the box from the Magic Club.” Phil puffed up to protest, but I saw a way out for everyone. “It was only a trick, right, Dirk? To show everyone your magical talents?” For stealing. “How ‘bout if I take it back and explain things to the owner? He'll be happy to have it. I doubt he'll press charges.”

When I mentioned the police, Dirk looked frightened, as if the seriousness of what he'd done was finally sinking in, but he had enough sense to recognize a lifeline. “It was just a trick.”

“That's what I thought. Hand it over.”

Phil Kirk's anger deflated. He gave his son a long thoughtful look. “Did you take the box?”

Dirk hung his head.

Sheila put a hand to her considerable bosom. “I don't believe it. Dirk, you told me someone gave it to you.”

“No,” he said. “I took it.”

Sheila's mouth opened and then closed. She looked at me but didn't say anything.

Phil Kirk's attitude changed completely. “I think Mr. Randall is being more than generous here.” He took the box and handed it to me. “My apologies.”

“No problem.”

“Dirk, come with me. We need to talk. Sheila, you, too.”

Amazingly, she still didn't say anything. She followed her husband and son out.

Ellin watched them go, and then turned a wide gaze to us. “Guys, what was that all about? Is Dirk a suspect in the murder case?”

“He could be,” I said.

“That would be ideal. Please find some proof that Dirk is the murderer.” She laughed. “‘Dirk Kirk: Murderer.' It's even fun to say.”

“What we're going to do first is take this box to Lucas,” I said. “I want to see what's inside.”

Chapter Twenty-two

Midnight Magic

When I called Lucas to tell him I'd found the box, he said, “Oh, my God, that's wonderful news.”

“We'll be over there in a few minutes.”

“Thank you!”

On the way, Camden held the box in his lap. The box was shiny warm brown wood with a fancy “H” on top, carved with curlicues, flowers, rabbits, hoops, and stars. I didn't see any way to open it.

“Randall, what was Houdini's message to his wife?”

“‘Rosabelle, believe.'”

His hand hovered over the lid. Then he pressed down on a carved rose, then a series of stars, and back to the rose. A panel slid back, revealing a red velvet-lined drawer. It was empty.

“Uh, oh,” Camden said.

“Can you tell who took it?”

He felt inside the panel. “No.” He shut the little drawer.

“I know why whoever has the key hasn't come forward in triumph. That person probably had something to do with Taft's death, and they don't really care about claiming a prize from the cabinet.”

***

Lucas was waiting for us at the door. His hands trembled as he took the box.

“I don't know how to thank you.”

“Well, you can open the box and let us see the key,” I said.

“Of course! Come in, come in.”

Once inside, Lucas made the same series of touches on the rose and stars until the drawer slid out. Lucas stared. “What the hell?” He shook the box. “But that's impossible!”

“Tell me the truth,” I said. “Were you going to play fair? Did you really put the cabinet key in the box?”

“Yes! I knew no one could figure out the sequence. I knew our collection was safe.”

“That's one reason you and Taft argued, isn't it? He didn't want you to risk the collection.”

Lucas wearily rubbed his face. For a moment, I didn't think he was going to answer. “Yes.”

“Did Taft know how to open the box? Would he have taken the key?”

“He knew the trick, but he wouldn't have taken the key out. He might have been angry with me, but we don't go back on our word. I made a legitimate bet with all the members of WOW.” He turned the box in all directions, as if hoping somehow the key would fall out. “Where could it be? What's going on?”

“I think we can assume someone else figured out how to open the box.”

“Then why not come to me and say, ‘I've won the bet'?”

“Maybe since Taft died they wanted to wait a while.”

“Jolly Bob wouldn't wait. Neither would WizBoy. They'd both be too proud of themselves. Where did you find the box? You didn't say.”

“Someone had taken it for a joke. We tracked it down.”

Lucas smoothed the lid of the box. “I don't suppose it matters as long as I have it back. And I am grateful to have it back, don't get me wrong. I only wish I knew what happened to the key.”

So did I.

***

On our way home, I got a call from Kary.

“David, if you want to see me in Omar's magic act, you can come to the rehearsal right now.”

“Okay, where are you?”

“We're at Robertson Elementary School. The principal said we could practice in their auditorium if we did a show for the students later this month.”

“We're on our way.”

***

Kary's costume was fantastic. She did have on tights, and the costume was a bit dance hall girl on top, but since Omar's act involved scarves, the short skirt was made of multicolored bits of filmy material that was really quite pretty. She waved, and Omar motioned us in.

“Come sit down front. I like having an audience.”

The school auditorium had recently been remodeled, so the chairs had comfortable seats, and the stage had new curtains. Camden and I sat down next to the janitor, the cleaning ladies, and several interested-looking teachers who must have been working late and needed a break.

Kary introduced the Ring Master and handed him his first set of rings. He made them leap about, hook together and unhook, and ended with them all in a chain. Then he shook them free, and as each one bounced, Kary caught it gracefully on her arm and set them back on the table. Then she handed him a smaller set. He continued with his act, but I watched Kary. She stood in one pose while he did another trick and did a little dancing move when he needed a distraction. I could tell she was having the time of her life.

Camden leaned over. “She's doing really well.”

“Think she'll run away with the circus?”

When Omar finished with the rings, Kary handed him three scarves which he turned into six scarves and then more and more until the stage was littered with them. Kary then brought him a top hat. He showed us the hat was empty. She helped him scoop all the scarves into the hat. He tapped the hat three times, and she reached in and pulled out a kitten. We applauded.

Omar bowed. “Thank you very much. I am Omar the Ring Master, and this is my lovely assistant, Kary.” Kary took a bow. “Thank you for coming to our show.”

There were compliments all around from the teachers, janitor, and cleaning crew.

“Great job,” I told Kary.

She was still cuddling the kitten. “Thanks. That was only part of the act. We have a longer set for the Magic Club.”

“It's a little early, but Camden and I would like to take you out for a victory dinner.”

“Okay, let me change clothes and help Omar pack everything. And I have some information for you.”

“You don't have to change clothes.”

She gave a little twirl. “Oh, I think so.”

***

We took Kary to the Elms, a nice restaurant near the shopping center, and ordered their special of the day, which was fried shrimp and salad. While we waited for our order, Kary brought in her laptop and set it on the table.

“Omar knew quite a lot about Fancy, including her webpage address.” Fancy's web page was elaborately decorated with stars and sparkles. “Fancy is her actual given name, and she's been a professional magician for ten years. Here are some reviews of her act and links to some of her performances on YouTube. That's where I found this.”

A few more clicks and we were treated to the sight of a younger Fancy and a tall redhead performing together on what appeared to be a stage in a high school auditorium. The quality of the film wasn't the best, but I could tell the redhead was Rahnee, even though the clip was titled “Fancy Henderson and Rhonda Nevis, Tellareed High School Talent Show.” She made some cards disappear, and Fancy did her trademark juggling act, only the younger Fancy used traditional clubs instead of knives.

“Looks like they worked together for a while.” Kary let the clip run to the end and then took us to another page. “Here they are when they were a little older.”

The young women shimmered in golden spotlights. Rahnee's hair glowed red while Fancy had opted for a shiny pink shade, and they both wore form-fitting black velvet suit jackets and black tights. I'd seen acts where the magician and his assistant magically change places, but the women put their own spin on the illusion by standing in two tubes that filled with swirls of metallic confetti. When the confetti settled, Rahnee was in Fancy's tube, and Fancy was in Rahnee's. Even viewed on the computer screen, it was a dazzling effect.

“Omar said Rahnee also went by RhoAnn, so I tried that name and this came up,” Kary said. Here was a glamour shot of a younger Rahnee captioned “RhoAnn.” “She modeled for a while and then took up magic again. The rest of the sites show her act, and the latest one is for the Magic Club.”

“That corresponds with what I know,” I said. “She and Fancy may have had a little rivalry, but nothing so serious that they'd attack each other.”

The Magic Club website featured a picture of the club's grand opening. Fancy and Rahnee stood on stage together with another group of magicians, all smiles.

Kary pointed to Lucas and Taft Finch. “There are the Finch brothers. They all look so happy, don't they?”

“Well, we managed to cheer up Lucas a little. We found the box. You'll never guess who had it. Dirk Kirk.”

“How in the world did he get it?”

The waitress brought our food, and after she'd gone I explained what had happened.

Kary closed her laptop and set it beside her. “But didn't Lucas look everywhere in the club?”

“I'm thinking the box wasn't there until Monday.”

“Someone took it, hid it, then brought it back to the club on Monday? Why?”

“I don't know. But it was there, and when Dirk saw it, he decided the club owed it to him. Despite the fact he always dropping things, he has sticky fingers. Ellin said things were missing from the studio. From the way the Kirks reacted, I think he's stolen things before.”

“Does this mean the Kirks will go away?”

“We can only hope. Good work, by the way.”

“You see? There are ways to find facts.”

“And you've already got a gig at the school.”

“Omar says he does a lot of school performances. He'd like for more kids to take an interest in magic.”

Especially if they see you standing there, I wanted to say.

Camden put another pack of sweetener in his tea. “How did he do that trick with the kitten?”

“I am sworn to secrecy.” She chose a fat shrimp from the platter, and after eating it in two bites, set the tail on her plate. “Okay, here's what Omar told me when I asked him about the big WOW/WAM controversy. As you'd guessed, he was just starting out and got a chance to perform at Ali's Cavern. He'd worked hard and paid a lot of money for a special illusion called the Dancing Fire. He kept an eye on Jolly Bob because he knew Jolly Bob had a reputation for stealing other magician's tricks and passing them off as his own, only Jolly Bob would change things a little so it wasn't exactly the same trick. When he caught Jolly Bob taking a younger magician's trick, he told everyone at the Cavern. In retaliation, Jolly Bob told everyone how the Dancing Fire was done. Things were getting really heated between the two groups of magicians until Taft stepped in and gave Omar enough money to buy a new illusion.”

“I knew it had to be something like that,” I said.

Camden slid a shrimp through a pool of ketchup. “So a WOW magician crossed the picket line to aid someone from WAM.”

“Which brought peace to the land, except for Jolly Bob, who was banned from Ali's Cavern.”

I unwrapped the crackers that came with my salad. “And the Magic Club. Rahnee doesn't want him there. When I first talked to Omar about Taft, he said, ‘I owe him a lot.' Now we know he wasn't talking about Taft giving him handy tips about magic tricks. Taft saved Omar's career.”

“That's what it looks like.” Kary wiped her fingers on her napkin. “Omar did say something else about Jolly Bob that might be interesting. Jolly Bob is a fanatical collector of magic memorabilia. Omar said he covets the Finches' collection. He's tried to buy it from them several times. Omar said one night before all the trouble started, a group of magicians had a party and Jolly Bob got a little drunk and told him the only way to have real magic was to possess things that had belonged to the famous magicians of the past.”

“Like Houdini.”

“Especially Houdini.”

“So Jolly Bob feels if he could get his hands on the Finches' magic treasures, he'd be the greatest magician of them all?”

“That's what it sounds like.”

“Would he be desperate enough to kill for those treasures? I'm not sure.”

Camden signaled the waitress for more tea. “Why wasn't Omar in on the Finches' Find the Box contest?”

“He and his wife were celebrating their anniversary out of town when all that happened. He said he didn't have an interest in the box, anyway. He's not a member of WOW. He said as long as Jolly Bob is part of the group, he doesn't want to join, and I don't blame him. Jolly Bob sounds like a big loser.”

He is,
I thought,
but sometimes big losers have big grudges.

***

Omar had given Kary a smaller set of rings and some scarves. Back in the island at home, I stood in for the magician as she practiced her assistant moves. Camden sat on the sofa, drinking more Coke. Cindy hopped up next to him and curled up in his lap.

“You're good,” I said. “Thinking of moving up in the magic world?”

She caught the next ring and slid it gracefully up her arm. “You never know. Try the scarves next.”

“Does he pull them out one by one, or all in a string?”

“One by one.”

I put the scarves in my pocket and pretended to make them magically appear. Cindy was immediately interested in the bits of shiny cloth. Her eyes moved back and forth as Kary presented each scarf.

She handed me the scarves. “Thanks. You remember you said getting a look at Baby Love's financial records might be tricky? Well, what if Omar and I do a magic show at their next meeting, and while he's dazzling them with his tricks and doing all sorts of misdirections with kittens, I could sneak around the house and maybe get into the owner's computer.”

She was facing me, and behind her back Camden's eyes went wide at her suggestion and at what I might do. I'm sure he heard my first thought, which was
Have you gone completely crazy?
but I didn't say this out loud. “Aren't you a vital part of the act? Wouldn't you need to be there during the show?”

“For the first part, yes, but at parties Omar likes to do little sleight of hand tricks, like WizBoy did that night at the club. I'd ask to use the bathroom and take a quick look around. It's the perfect cover.”

I grasped for any possible straw. “Is it likely the folks at Baby Love would want a magic show?”

“That part might need work. And I'll need to convince Omar. But at least I have a plan.”

“You'd have to know the owner's password,” Camden said in a vain attempt to dissuade her.