The Magician

Chapter 5

The search had begun.

It was still raining heavily outside, maybe even worse than before. But this time, they had an umbrella.

"Do you have any ideas about where she might have gone?" Alejandro shouted over the sound of the pouring rain. Jennifer shouted back. "Probably somewhere on the streets. She seems to like the rough texture of the cement." So that's where they went.

There was barely anyone outside. Just a single car would pass by once in a while.

The heavy rain and the darkness were working hand in hand to make Alejandro and Jennifer's vision as poor as possible, so they had to rely on their voice which wasn't very strong either.

- Penny! Where are you?

- Here, Penny girl! Everyone is worried about you!

They looked everywhere. The parks that Penny used to go to, the streets, dead ends, alleys, at some point Alejandro suggested checking the sewers, saying that maybe she went looking for a shelter and ended up there.

After some time, they were hopeless. Jennifer was about to break down when she saw a muffled red and blue light winking somewhere in the distant.

- Look! The police! They can help us!

- Uh... it's best if we don't get involved with them...

There was a worry in his voice.

- Why not?

- Well uh... they're gonna take it too far I mean, you're gonna end up having to do a bunch of paperwork and all that...

- I'd do anything for Penny! Come on.

Jennifer started walking firmly towards the muffled light. For a moment Alejandro stood there, unsure. Then he decided to go after her, but keep his distance.

As expected, there was a police car parked by the sidewalk, its blue and red lights turning on and off. You couldn't tell whether someone was actually in it or not.

- Seems like no one is in there. Let's just go.

- I'll just check! What's your hurry?

- Just... go on.

Jennifer stepped forward and gently knocked on the cold window. A second later the window rolled down, revealing two police officers sitting inside.

- Oh thank god!

Jennifer was so relieved to see them that she smiled.

- What are you doing out in this rain?

- Our dog ran away sir. She's so precious for our family, I had to go out looking for her. But I couldn't find her! Could you please help?

The police officer looked Jennifer up and down. He had a dry expression on his face.

- Please sir!

- What did she look like?

Jennifer described their poodle as precisely as she could; from her soft and fluffy fur to her pickiness over food. After she was done, the police officer nodded to the other police officer sitting next to him and then looked back at Jennifer.

- He's asking other police stations if they have seen such a dog. It might take a few minutes.

Jennifer was so relieved they were finally getting somewhere that she didn't mind the rain dripping all over her clothes.

After a few moments of waiting, the police officer seemed to finally notice Alejandro standing in the back. He pointed towards him with his head "Who's that guy over there with the funny outfit?"

"Oh he's my friend." Jennifer replied casually. "He was just helping me."

"HEY!" The officer called out to Alejandro. Alejandro's heart skipped a beat as he looked over, not sure if he was the one being called out.

- Yeah I'm talking to you!

Alejandro gulped and slowly stepped forward.

- Yes sir?

His voice was shaking, but it could barely be heard.

- What's with the outfit? Are you some sort of magician?

- I am, as a matter of fact.

- Great! I could use some entertainment right now!

Alejandro looked at Jennifer hoping she would stop him, but she seemed interested as well.

- Okay so um...

The rumble of a car engine could be heard from a distance.

He pulled a pack of cards out of his pockets, his hands slightly shaking. He spread the deck of cards in his hands as the numbers faced the police officer.

- Pick one.

The police officer picked one.

The sound of the car engine had grown bigger, louder and nearer now.

Alejandro did some other things, asking the officer to put the card in his pocket. After a few more moves, he called out the name of the card, taking it out of his own pocket rather than the police officer's.

- Eight of spades.

At that time, two things happened.

1. The officer's mouth and eyes went wide open as he realized the card in his own pocket was gone.

2. A car crashed hard into the sidewalk, a few meters behind them.

Alejandro and Jennifer both looked back at the car. A fire lit up the night sky, its flames fighting with the rain drops. As the fire grew bigger, the street got brighter.

- Hey...

Alejandro turned his head and looked at the officer. The officer's expression shifted from shocked to angry.

- I know you!

Alejandro knew there was no way he could convince the officer otherwise, so he spoke the first and only word that came to his mind .

"Run"

He took Jennifer's hand and they both started running as the police car followed them.

- What about Penny???

- We'll find her later!

The car was about to catch up with them but Alejandro suddenly turned into an alley which led to a big alley which later led to an even smaller alley. That's when they stopped, panting and gasping for air.

- I think we're good...

- What was that???

- They thought I was responsible for the car crash.

- But why?

- I don't know. I'll ask them next time I see them and they won't try to arrest me.

There was silence for a few minutes. Then there was a noise coming from the pile of garbage bags on the floor and the furry head of a brown poodle popped out.

- Penny!

The poodle barked happily and ran towards Jennifer. She picked her up.

- Where have you been Penny? We were really worried about you!

The poodle didn't seem to care at all. She just continued licking her owner's face.

"Well" Alejandro was looking at the small reunion with a smile. "You found her. I think you can head back on your own."

Jennifer nodded. She knew this alley. Her house was three streets further.

- Alright. Have a lovely night!

The magician disappeared into the night after a hat etiquette.

Jennifer smiled. She was starting to like this guy. Every time they saw each other was a whole adventure (kind of), and she loved adventures.

She turned around to leave but couldn't go far.

- Hands up! You're under arrest!