08 The Magician's Secret by Carolyn Keene Read Free Book Online Page B

key ring. She still had the key.
    â€œIt’s magic,” Hugo said with a chuckle.
    â€œSo, you’re not just the show’s manager and asecurity guard . . . you’re a magician, too?” I asked.
    â€œNot like Drake.” Hugo shrugged. “Drake’s art is entirely based on distraction and misdirection.”
    â€œDistraction and misdirection,” I repeated. “That’s magic based on illusion.” I was glad that George had taught me about magicians.
    Hugo nodded, then went on, “I wanted to be like him at first, but I couldn’t figure out how to attract a crowd. I tried doing street shows for a while but never made more than a few bucks and a bus token.” He gave Bess her scarf. “All I ever wanted was to be involved in magic. So when the chance came to work for Drake Lonestar, I jumped at it. I tied my dreams to Drake’s, and he’s done well for us both.”
    â€œWhat about your own dreams?” Bess asked. “After all, that was a really good trick. People would totally pay to see you perform.”
    â€œIt’s too expensive to start: renting venues, travel, advertising, plus the tricks have to get bolder and fancier every year,” Hugo said. “I’m happy working for Drake.” Hugo stared down at his hands. I could seea faint red line around each wrist where the cuffs had bitten into his skin. I had to admit I had no idea how he’d done it.
    Hugo shook out his hands, looked up at the courthouse door, and let loose a long sigh. “I don’t know what I’ll do if they don’t free him soon.”

CHAPTER NINE

Careful Considerations
    BY DINNERTIME I WAS BACK home with Ned, John Smallwood, who had been released into my father’s custody, and my dad. He couldn’t go back to his hotel room anyway, due to all the press gathered in the hallway.
    Drake Lonestar was also stuck in River Heights for a few more days. Officer Fernandez had arranged for him to be released to Hugo. The bodyguard was still hopeful they’d be on the Tuesday train out of River Heights, but it didn’t look good.
    After the day’s grueling events—not to mention a sleepless night before—I think we were all ready for a hot meal. Our housekeeper, Hannah Gruen, had just served her famous lasagna when the front door burst open.
    â€œNancy!” Bess shouted from the front hallway.
    â€œWait until you see—,” George was saying as the two of them rushed up to the table. She stopped short. “Oh . . . is that lasagna?” Whatever she had been about to say was completely lost to the delicious scent of Hannah’s dinner.
    â€œGirls?” My father looked from Bess to George and back again.
    â€œHello, Mr. Drew,” Bess said, noticing everyone sitting at the table.
    â€œSit down, ladies,” my father told them, indicating two empty chairs. “Judging by your exciting entry, we are all anxious to see what you’ve discovered.”
    Hannah brought them each a plate of lasagna.
    Between happy bites, George said to Bess, “Tell them, cuz. You found it.”
    Bess’s mouth was full. She pointed at George and handed her cousin her purse.
    George pushed the purse back at Bess.
    Before Bess could protest again, I grabbed it. There was a magazine sticking out of the top.
    â€œAre you talking about this?” I asked, checking out the magazine’s cover.
    â€œYes.” Bess put down her fork. “The magazine came in yesterday’s mail, but with the show and everything, I didn’t look until this afternoon.”
    Bess opened to a page near the middle. I leaned in for a closer look. There was a large photo of Gritty Grand standing with her arms around Ayela and Ariana. All three had the same tilted posture, leaning on their left hips. All three had the same dark hair and dark eyes.
    I read the caption: TWINS . We knew that already.
    â€œKeep going,”