Eventually, Cael nodded.

“We found the same card on our victim 27 years ago,” said Andrea.


15

 

 

Outworld Magic was the only brick-and-mortar magic shop left in the London area. It retained an old-school magic vibe, choosing to specialize in classic magic props and equipment rather than the modern gimmicked tricks that had gradually gained popularity over the past 10 years. The store was effortlessly concealed behind a small alleyway – a kitsch nod to the wares within.

The man behind the counter took a playing card in his right hand. With his left, he cut the deck in half. He placed the single playing card into the middle of the deck, then squared the deck up as one.

Two attentive young boys watched him as closely as possible. Even with their eyes fixated upon every millimeter of the man’s hands, they were still deceived by his expert misdirection.

“While you watch what’s going on in one hand, you miss what’s going on in the other.” The man reached out and pinched the empty air between his thumb and forefinger. Suddenly, the same playing card appeared right at his fingertips.

“Whoa,” said one of the boys. “Can you do that again?”

“I’m afraid not. Never do the same trick twice in succession; that’s one of the main rules of magic.”

“Please, please, please,” said the boy.

“Maybe later. It seems I’m a wanted man.” The gentleman motioned to the two men at the back of the store to come over. “How can I help you fellas?” he asked.

The two boys returned to messing with the magic props on the display table in the center of the store.

“I didn’t want to ruin your flow,” said Cael. He and Tyler approached the felt-lined table at the rear of the store. “I dabble myself. I know how distracting it can be when two detectives suddenly interrupt you mid-trick.”

The gentleman laughed. “Detectives, eh? What have I done this time?”

“My name is Cael Adler. I’m assisting the London Metropolitan Police on a murder investigation. This is Officer Tyler Easton.”

Tyler nodded his head.

“Murder investigation?” the gentleman asked. “I assure you I have nothing to hide.”

“We’re sure you don’t,” said Cael. “However, your name was given to us by one Omar Sabir, if that name means anything to you. You are Stuart Baggs, aren’t you?”

“Yes, that’s me.” Stuart picked up the red-backed playing cards and placed them back into their case. “Omar is a friend of mine. Why did he refer you here?”

 “A few days ago, a young girl named Stephanie Brady was discovered dead in a nearby wooded area. She’d been cut completely in half. She was a magician’s assistant in the London area. Is the name familiar to you at all?”

“Nope, never heard that name in my life. Although magician’s assistants are notoriously inconspicuous. There are no real ‘famous’ magician’s assistants out there.”

“What’s your relationship to Omar Sabir?” asked Tyler.

“Sometimes Omar invites me to his den,” said Stuart.

“Are you a gambler?”

“No, not at all. If Omar suspects one of his regulars of cheating, he calls me in to watch the guy’s moves.