The flyer was deceptively small, yet somehow hinted at more. A thin silver black paper, linked in gold bold clear letters announcing :
"The Grand spectacle. One night of the arcane and unseen being seen."
A magic show.
Adam had heard chatter of this from his investigations. Murmurs that it was nothing but a front to recruit members. However it was a monumental occasion in Greystone.
He stood outside the Westbrook Museum, a smoke in mouth. It was an abandoned building that had been left to rot but today it was lit up. Men and women dressed elegantly walked in over the red carpet spread into the streets. The paparazzi took pictures of the rich and famous.
Adam scoffed at the sight.
A sketchy event brought so many high class celebrities to an abandoned building?
He took one last puff of his smoke, tossing it to the floor. He inhaled deeply, adjusted his suit and made his way to the door.
The key to events like this was to act like you belonged. This was no problem for Adam who after living multiple lives now mastered the act.
He stood straight, hands in pocket. He strode along the carpet with a smug grin on his face.
"Ticket sir?" An arm blocked his path.
A huge man loomed over him. His eyes covered by the dark shades he wore.
"Ticket?"
"Yes sir. I can't let you in if you don't have one." He replied.
"Shit." He muttered under his breath.
He rustled his pockets, acting like he was searching for the ticket. In that moment, his mind worked overtime for a plan.
He might have to sneak in another way.
"I think I left it at home. Can't I just go in?" Adam asked, trying to seem important.
The guard said nothing. He only growled. He approached Adam, his intention clear.
"Excuse me…" A female voice boomed from the crowd outside. "Excuse me please. Thank you."
A lady emerged from the crowd. Her presence drawing all attention to her. Her red long hair cascaded down her exposed shoulders. Her silver gown glowed in the moonlight. Fitted, emphasizing every curve.
"Hi baby." She said as she held on to Adam's hand. "So sorry I'm late . Totally forgot I had the tickets."
She went through her bag, pulling out two tickets.
"Here." She handed the tickets to the guard who took it and began scanning it.
She leaned in playfully , her lips grazed his cheeks.
"Play along and we will be in there." She whispered.
Adam, confused, decided to play along. This was a better plan than fighting his way in.
"Welcome ... .Mr and Mrs Reed. Enjoy yourselves." The guard said , handing back the tickets.
Adam's eyes widened. How the hell did he know my name?
He glanced over at the mysterious lady around his arms.
"How…." He is cut short.
"Do I know your name? Let's just say I know a lot more than your name."
Adam immediately felt his stomach curl. His mind froze. She seemed harmless a few minutes ago. But now he felt an intense amount of pressure from her.
She let off a soft smile.
"Let's grab a drink before the show?" She said, dragging Adam along.
They made their way to a nearby bar.
"So what do you want, baby?" She asked, a curt smile on her face.
Adam stared in disbelief. She was good at creating a facade.
"Bring a bottle of scotch barkeep." She said, ignoring his gaze.
"So what questions do you have?" She asked. Finally she separated herself from him.
"Who are you and how do you know my name?" Adam asked cautiously.
"My name is Emma Hunt." She paused like she expected him to know the name but Adam had no clue.
She let out a sigh of frustration.
"I have been tracking you for quite a while Adam Reed."
He felt his stomach curl again.
"Tracking me?" He asked.
"Yes." She turned towards the barkeep who had brought their drinks. She poured a shot and chugged it down.
"You are an interesting man Adam." She continued. "By my count you've died about twelve times in the past three months. Yet you charge into danger."
Her words caused his hairs to stand on end. His gut screamed for him to walk away but his mind was far too curious.
"How do you know about that?" He asked, now reaching for the bottle of scotch.
A sly grin engulfed her face. She leaned in, her breath hot against his neck. "Let's just say I am an interesting woman." She whispered.
Their conversation is cut short by the sound of drums rolling and the flickering of lights.
"Ooh, shows about to start." She said dragging him along once more.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" A voice boomed from the speakers. "Today you not just witness magic but things beyond magic."
The voice paused for dramatic effect.
Then.
The room went dark. Murmurs rose like a storm.
"This is no mere magic show." The voice boomed.
A single stage light came on, falling on a man dressed smartly. A magician through and through. The classic hat, vest and tux. A staff in his hands.
"This." He continued. "Is the experience of a lifetime."
BANG!
The sound of fireworks going off crackled through the museum. It was truly a spectacle.
Adam watched in awe. Then his gaze dropped, falling on Emma.
Her skin glowed under the lighting, her hair gently flowed, leading one's eyes. She was a sight despite being a cunning woman.
She noticed his stare and met his gaze.
"Quit staring." She said, "You'll miss the show."
Right. The show.
Adam was here for one reason alone. Why had he spent his time playing along after making his way in.
He watched Emma and waited for the next flash from the fireworks. He blended into the shadows, slithering through the crowd. He scanned the hall, counting the guards, taking notes of the cameras. His mind worked once more.
There had to be a hidden door or something.
Then.
His body stiffened in response to the cold steel pressed against his back.
A low voice growled behind him.
"And where are you going?"