His polished shoes clicked sharply on the marble floor. He made his way over to the reception desk, bowing his top hat to any lady who would care to look.

The receptionist glanced boredly up at him. “May I help you, sir?”

“Yes, I am here to respond to an ad for a magician’s assistant. From…Burtininkas Richards himself, I believe!” The man spoke the words with pride.

“Yes…third floor, second elevator on your right.”

“Thank you.”

Across the lobby, Wednesday Thomas narrowed her eyes. She had heard every word. So old Burt was secretly sneaking ads into the paper? We’ll see what the manager thinks about that, she thought, licking her lips. But first I’ll have to take care of the new kid…perhaps, a contest?

She grinned maliciously and walked away, stiletto heels clicking off the marble floor.