The Last Illusion

“Now you can do something for me,” I said. “First of all, I need a costume to be a magician’s assistant.”


The bloodshot eyes opened in surprise and he laughed. “Molly, my sweet. You do not look the part of a magician’s assistant. They are tiny and weigh no more than a feather. How else can they fit themselves into those terrible contraptions for the tricks?”

“I don’t intend to be put inside any kind of contraption,” I said. “I’m just going to stand there and be helpful.”

“Have you abandoned your current profession for the stage then? Daniel won’t approve.”

“Daniel won’t know and this is for an assignment.”

His eyes lit up. “An assignment? Do tell?”

“To the most notorious gossip in New York? Ryan, you know I can’t discuss my cases. But you may be able to help me.”

“You only have to ask, you know that.”

“What do you know about illusionists?”

“Not very much. We move in different circles. They are vaudeville, I, my dear, am legitimate theater.”

“So you don’t know much about Houdini?”

“Only that I’d adore his fame and money. My dear, he is the darling of Europe at the moment. He was feted by the Kaiser, the Tsar of Russia. He has them eating out of his hand.”

“He’s back here for a few weeks this summer and part of an evening of illusion at Miner’s.”

“Is he? I must go and see it. I understand he has muscles like iron. They positively ripple.”

“I understand the whole show is sold out,” I said.

“My dear, I can get my way into anything. The theater owners all adore me.”

“So you would have no way of knowing if there were any current feuds going on between Houdini and other magicians?”

“No, but I expect I can come up with someone to ask, if I put my mind to it.”

“And I did just save you from imminent death,” I reminded him.

“You know I’d do anything for you,” he said. “So let me think who I know in the sordid world of vaudeville. And who loves to gossip.” A wicked smile came over his face. “Yes, I can think of one or two people, although whether they’ll be in town at this time of year, I can’t tell you. But I’ll do my best.”

“Thank you. I really appreciate it, Ryan. So about the costume. Where do you think I could find one in a hurry that would fit someone as large and healthy-looking as me?”

“You wouldn’t find one anywhere, darling, but I do know a divine little dressmaker,” he said.

“That may be the answer,” I said. “How do I find her?”

“It’s a he,” he said. “I’ve no doubt he could make you one in a hurry, but he’s not cheap. I’ll take you to him if you like.”

“This afternoon?”

“Darling, I am not venturing forth looking like this. I do have my public to think of. Tomorrow, if all is well. Come round but not before ten. I am not at my best in the early morning.”

I was obviously not going to get any more out of him, so I took my leave.





Seven


I arrived home to find Daniel standing outside my house and hammering on my door. He had just turned away with a disgruntled expression when he caught sight of me entering Patchin Place.

“Ah, there you are.” His face lit up. “I really must get you set up with a telephone, Molly. I never know whether I’ll find you at home or not.”

“I do have a business to conduct,” I said. “I’m not yet the obedient little wife sitting home and waiting expectantly for her husband’s return.”

“I can’t see you ever being the obedient little wife.” Daniel looked at me fondly. “In fact sometimes I wonder what I’ve gotten myself into. But no time for chitchat, Molly. I’ve arranged to get off early this evening and I want us to go and see a house.”

“What sort of house?” I asked cautiously.

“It’s a simple brownstone on West Twenty-first,” he said, “but I think it might do very well for us.”

“Oh,” I said, finally realizing what he was talking about. “For when we get married, you mean.”

“Exactly.”

“But Daniel, we haven’t even set a date yet.”

“I know, but it’s not often that the right property becomes available, so one has to strike while the iron is hot.”

I looked fondly around Patchin Place. “I’m sorry, but I have to meet a client this evening,” I said.

“Send a message and cancel it.”

“I can’t, Daniel. This is an important case for me with a new client. Besides,” I added, probably unwisely, “I really like my current address. Why can you not consider it for both of us? It’s close to headquarters, it’s quiet, and it’s big enough for the two of us.”

“For the two of us, yes,” he said. “But we’ll need room for a servant, and then when the children start arriving . . .” He paused. “And I am the youngest police captain on the force. I need an address with some prestige.”