𝐉𝐎𝐎𝐍 𝟏𝟗𝐓𝐇 | KNJ 🔍

JUST LIKE MAGIC | PT 3

Reminensant of the other night, Martinique hotel's entertainment hall is filled with guests who gather around their tables in anticipation. The growth in Christmas decorations is apparent with wreaths and even some mistletoe surrounding the room with its snow-drizzled nature.

Amongst the dim audience, Joon adjusts his mocha-brown tie as he takes a seat at the back with slightly spread legs while a waitress approaches to pour him some water.

"Wasn't there a murder here just the other night? How is this still going?"

"The show must go on I suppose."

Joon overhears the whispers of an older couple at the next table. The waitress before him awkwardly clears her throat, accidentally spilling some water before muttering under her breath and wiping the spot.

"You must be pretty shaken up, having to come to work two days after a murder..." Joon observes the waitress. "Was this by the co-owners instructions?"

"I-I really shouldn't speak about our schedules. If you will excuse me." The woman bows and hurries off.

Joon watches her exit over his shoulder, letting the room's shadows conceal his lips and chin like a mask. He then looks around before drawing out his notepad as well as a cigarette and lighter. Sticking the unlit cigarette between his lips, he places his lighter on the table and takes a pencil from behind his ear to write...

'Who is co-owner?'

"Ladiesss anddd Gentlemen! We present to you tonight's entertainment! Starring The Greattt... ZATARRA!"

A ball of smoke bursts on stage with a bang that dissolves quickly to reveal The Great Zatarra holding hands with his daughter in their usual get-up. The audience applauds as Zatarra bows with an open arm whilst sending Joon a wink across the room. Joon smiles back but makes to sure glance around the room, keeping an eye out for anything suspicious.

"Hello! I am The Great Zatarra, and this is my beautiful daughter Anastasia. At this magic show, we're always open to accepting volunteers for our acts. Would anyone from the audience tonight care to volunteer?"

Hardly any hands raise amongst the crowd out of shyness, just turning heads and eyes meeting with shrugs.

Joon notices this and raises his hand in the back.

"Anyone at all?? Preferably a beautiful young woman?"

Joon only stretches his arm higher and waves it, capturing many eyes and Zatarra's undeniable chuckle.

"Very well. We have a beautiful young man instead. Everyone, please welcome Detective Joon of the NYPD police department!"

Everyone laughs at Zatarra's opening statement while clapping for the young detective. Joon tucks in his chair and approaches the stage with a sheepish smile and a hand on his stomach. The bright spotlights of the stage beam harshly on his skin as he climbs the small wooden steps and shakes hands with Zatarra.

"Don't be nervous Detective, our stage is where all the magic happens! You seem like a man who enjoys a fine game of chance... Ever played cards?"

"Yes sir."

"Down at the precinct?"

"Yes sir."

"Does the Chief know about that?"

"No sir." Joon faces the audience with a dimple-filled chuckle, to which the audience laughs.