The Magician's Assistant

19

Rachael awkwardly made her way forward, still figuring out how to walk in her new shoes. The sun had set a short while ago, but the city was almost as bright at night as during the day. 

Rachael was almost shocked with how well lit the city was compared to her rural home.

The streets were lined with light posts, each one contained a glowing crystal behind glass. The crystals produced a very light blue color that bathed their surroundings. Every building was light up, both on the exterior and interior.

The streets were filled with people. It was almost as crowded as it was during the day. Rachael wondered if the city ever slept.

After walking for awhile, Rachael found the party venue. It was a large government building that reminded her of the museum she'd visited that day. A crowd of well dressed guests had formed outside. Gramps was sticking to the edge of the crowd.

Gramps was wearing the exact same clothes he had during the day. He looked horribly out of place among the wealthy visitors around him. Erika was staying with Arthur and Louise for the evening.

Gramps and Rachael briefly spoke, then Rachael headed inside. Gramps moved even further away from the crowd, and took out an old book.

Rachael would come and get Gramps when the mayor was ready to speak to him. For now, she made her way into the party itself. She showed Gramps' invitation to the guard by the door, and was let inside without question.

Rachael had been given a description of Mayor Jason Anderson. According to Gramps, Anderson was a relatively short and overweight man. He was completely bald as well. He would no doubt be the central focus of the whole party. Anything less might compromise his attempt at reelection.

Rachael spotted Anderson almost instantly. He was speaking to a man and a woman. Both of which seemed to have an entourage with them. She spotted Erika's father next to the man, and surmised he was probably Mr. Lowry. The woman's identity was still a mystery.

Both Lowry and the woman seemed to be carrying on a passionate argument with Anderson.  Erika's father and the other aides listened along, rarely speaking. Rachael got the feeling this conversation would last awhile, and searched for a way to kill time.

She wandered over to a table with a large spread of food and drinks on it. A few party goers were gathered around. She grabbed a pastry and ate it.

Without anything else to do, Rachael let her eyes move across the room aimlessly. Two people were speaking nearby.

"Did you hear that they just put another old sculpture on display in the lobby?"

"Oh yes. It's what... four hundred years old?"

Rachael noticed that Mr. Lowry had finished speaking to Anderson. The woman was still there. Rachael decided she had to move in now. She didn't want anyone moving in right after Anderson finished his current conversation.

"Mrs. Fitzgerald, how many times must I repeat myself? I assure you this chain of crimes will be brought to an end in due time," Anderson said.

"We'll see about that, Mr. Mayor," the woman said, a mix of annoyance and condescension in her voice.

Mrs. Fitzgerald walked away, her aides following her.

Anderson looked at Rachael as if waiting for her to berate him.

"Sorry if I'm interrupting you," Rachael said.

"Oh no, it's just... You know how election season is," Anderson replied.