The Magician's Assistant

18

"My father's here?" Erika asked.

"I did tell him I'd be staying here. I don't know why he felt it was necessary to come visit. We're well on schedule," Gramps said.

"I have an idea why," Erika said, sounding slightly exasperated.

A man who looked to be a few years younger than Arthur walked down into the basement. He looked similar to Erika, with short black hair and a somewhat lanky figure. He looked as though he was dressed for some sort of formal event.

"Ah, there you are," Erika's father said.

"Good to see you, dad," Erika said, halfheartedly.

"Sorry to tell you this, but your mother and I won't be available tonight. Mr. Lowry needs us to come to a party tonight,"

"Political thing?"

Erika's father nodded.

"Sorry, but I don't have much time. We'll see you tomorrow,"

He headed back up the stairs.

Gramps' eyes widened, as if he suddenly realized something.

"Wait, are you referring to the-"

Erika's father was already out of the room. A door on the floor above them slammed shut. It took a moment for anyone to speak again.

"I can't believe that. You just got back and he's already gone again," Rachael said.

"I'm sure it must be something quite important. You did mention politics," Gramps said.

"Referring to what?" Erika said abruptly, trying to change the subject.

"Excuse me?" Gramps asked.

"What did you want to ask him about?"

"Oh, I just wanted to know if the party he mentioned was the same one I was supposed to go to. You see, the mayor wanted to meet me there to discuss the burglaries,"

"Didn't know you were such a socialite," Rachael said.

"To be completely honest. I don't want to go,"

"Doesn't sound like an issue for Mr. Lowry. Who is he, anyway?"

"Politician. My father works for him. He's probably there to argue with the mayor," Erika answered.

"The mayor did say quite a few of his rivals were using the recent robberies against him. Lowry must be one of them," Gramps said.

"Figures. No wonder he called you in," Rachael said.

Gramps didn't reply for a moment.

"Rachael, do you think it would be possible for you to go in my place?"

"What? I think you need to be there,"

"Yes, but parties are just so tiresome,"

"I can go with you, but I can't go in your place,"

"What if I waited outside, and you let me know when the mayor's ready to talk,"

"I guess I could do that. You might end up looking like a weirdo,"

"I'm alright with that. I'm sorry. This isn't too troublesome for you, is it? I'll compensate you of course,"

"Oh trust me, I absolutely despise being paid to go to nice parties with free delicious food and expensive drinks,"

"I'm sorry it's on short notice,"

"I didn't have any plans for tonight. The only problem is that I might not have the right clothes for this,"

"Would Louise let you borrow anything?" Erika suggested.

"We'll ask,"

Before Rachael knew it, she was out at a local clothes store with Louise.

"You really don't have to do this, Louise. I just need something for tonight," Rachael said.

"Oh, please, it's no trouble. Any friend of 'Gramps' is a friend of mine. Young people always need all the financial help they can get," Louise said.

Rachael had nearly begged Louise not to get her anything on the way over to the store, but none of her words had gotten through. It was clear to her that if she didn't come along, Louise would buy something for her on her own.

After a short look around, Rachael picked out the cheapest dress she could find. Louise refused to get it for her, so she moved to the second cheapest option. It was an emerald green dress, more simple than most of the store's offerings.

Throughout the whole process, Louise constantly gave fashion tips and advice. Rachael forgot most of it within seconds of hearing it. After she picked out her dress. Louise briefly left to get something. She returned a moment later.

"You'll need a pair of these as well,"

Louise held up a pair of high heeled shoes. They were the same color as the dress.

"If you think so," Rachael didn't bother to voice any disagreement.

"You have worn them before, right?"

"How hard can it be?"

"I'll let you borrow some jewelry and you'll be set. Gold should go well with the green,"

Rachael's face briefly flashed with anxiety. The idea of having to keep expensive gold jewelry safe terrified her. Rather than aesthetics or fashion, all she could think about were the consequences of losing anything loaned to her.

"I think the dress and shoes are enough,"

"Nonsense! You'll practically look homeless!"

Rachael could tell fighting her on this would be pointless as well.

"I have an old gold necklace and a set of bracelets. You'll look stunning,"

"If you insist..."