Trish blinked, turning to her boss, “I guess I should have warned him about the bigger crowd this year. She turned back to me. “That was...incredible, thank you. Holly told me he was on the verge of leaving if those kids didn’t calm down.”
“Leaving?” Her boss looked up at her. “That doesn’t sound like Jim. And who are you?”
Oh no. By the man’s furious tone, I had a feeling I might have slightly overstepped back there.
20
SCOTT
I watchedIsabel as she passed the magician I’d seen many times before at this fundraiser. Her eyes, though still showing a hint of anger at the man, flashed with self-assurance as she murmured something to the wide-eyed entertainer and flicked him the lighter she so skillfully used on the stage moments ago.
Truthfully, I never liked the guy. His tricks were vastly the same every year and he seemed to be easily annoyed by children. I’d kept meaning to mention it to Trish but decided against it.
Isabel appeared completely flustered suddenly, as Trish and Harry approached her. I didn’t miss the familiar shift in her shoulders when she was regaining composure as if the last few moments were out of character for her.
I overheard a bit of their chatter—not liking one bit what I was picking up from Harry’s tone and approached them. “I leave you for a minute and you’re starting fires?” I winked at her and wrapped a protective arm around her waist.
Isabel raised her chin and smirked. “Putting out a fire was more like it.”
I smiled. “That was brilliant.”
Harry on the other hand didn’t look too impressed. The man usually wasn’t. His demeanor set a protective alertness in me as he looked at my date with a questionable eye. “You don’t think that was at all dangerous?” Harry asked.
Isabel turned to the man with a respectful yet challenging glare. She heard his undertone; there was no doubt in that. “Not at all. Flash paper is completely safe, and I know how to use it.”
“It’s fire.” The man practically barked.
“That goes out in a millisecond…or two.”
I wanted to interfere but I was still so curious about this woman and what other surprises she may have given away during this glorious hour. Harry still seemed dissatisfied with her actions and glanced at me. I met him with an equally challenging glare. Except mine had more unspoken threats behind it.
I had no idea what those threats might be, but Harry didn’t need to know that.
The man swallowed any further argument and turned to Trish. But it appeared that Isabel wasn’t done. It was as though she was turned on; whatever that term meant for her.
“I’m also very familiar with the Center Theatre and their protocols on special effects. Flash paper doesn’t and never has fallen under their policy of prohibited entertainment equipment or gimmicks.”
Okay, now that was impressive—even if completely made up.
Trish stepped between them. “Isabel, thank you so much. We wouldn’t have had a show today if Magic Jim left because he couldn’t control the crowd.” Trish spoke loudly, nudging her boss who looked over to the stage.
“Yes. Thank you.”
I cleared my throat. “Maybe you two will consider hiring outside your comfort zone next year. I’m sure you’d find plenty of magicians who would jump at the chance to work for such a cause.”
“I have to agree,” Isabel chimed in. “This is a terrific festival and…uh, I’ll tell ya, I’m having a flaming good time,” she laughed nervously and Trish and I joined in. Harry simply nodded once and turned in the other direction.
I was still laughing when Isabel slowly pulled me away from the crowd, waving back at Trish.
Once we were alone, she swiveled frantically and grasped my hands with hers. “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry, I must be a total embarrassment.”
“Are you kidding? This is the most fun I’ve had in weeks. You—you are full of surprises,” my eyes narrowed on her. “What came over you when you were talking to Harry by the way, it was as if you were prepared for a battle.”
“Honestly, I was. I don’t like being treated like I don’t know any better and can’t make decisions that would be best for everyone. Unfortunately, I’ve dealt with many Harry’s in my life and can feel them from a mile away.”
I rubbed my chin, not sure what to make of that statement. “Yeah, he can try to be intimidating. Especially when it comes to women. I’ve never liked that about him. But I do like his organization. Trish keeps him in check though.”
“I can see that.”
