The Illusionist - 3rd Edition Read online

  From the moment the woman stepped on stage, Dakota was hooked. Her sheer beauty was breathtaking. Approximately six feet tall with long dark hair and eyes almost colorless with a hint of the silvery blueness of a glacial lake and the athletic build of a tri-athlete, she epitomized what every man wanted, most women wanted to be, and everyone secretly desired. After watching the performance, which left her — and everyone else — mystified, Dakota immediately called her boss to report her discovery and to ask for an extension and additional funds.

  Because of the high cost of the tickets, it took a bit of persuasion to convince Johnson to front the money to continue her research. She finally emailed him several reviews, which had recently appeared in the well-known Magician's Magazine and a few trade journals, along with a press release photo of Yemaya in costume, before he agreed to her request. Dakota suspected the photo was the deciding factor. Who could resist a good mystery, especially such a stunning one?

  And Yemaya was exactly that. No amount of investigative research had turned up anything significant about her background. Her tax records were sealed, an unusual procedure for a foreigner. It was obvious Yemaya had powerful connections everywhere, even in the government.

  The few facts and/or rumors Dakota had managed to dig up were vague at best. Once a show concluded, Yemaya simply "disappeared". At least that's how the stagehands described her exits from the building. Of course, it wasn't surprising, considering that was the main theme of her performances. Either she disappeared or the object of her attention vanished. Attempts to interview her or her assistants failed. She was reclusive and her assistants were closed-mouth and very loyal. "No comment" was their mantra. It was that dedication as well as Yemaya's skills as an illusionist that made Dakota wanted to know more. A more intriguing fact was Yemaya's citizenship. Her passport indicated she was from Moldova, a small agricultural country near Romania. It was a poor nation offering little to attract tourism or trade…with one exception. Moldova bordered the Carpathian Mountains, the legendary home of Dracula and werewolves. That alone was enough to arouse Dakota's interest.

  * * *

  The crowd watched intently as a young woman climbed the stairs and stood on the Plexiglas platform. Slowly walking up and down, she appeared to be inspecting every inch of the clear substance. As she neared the edge overhanging the water, the attendant kneeled, running her fingers across the smooth surface. Frowning, she motioned to a second attendant, who then climbed the steps and knelt next to her.

  The audience couldn't hear the conversation, but it was apparent something was wrong. So intent was their attention on the aides, they didn't see Yemaya walk on stage dressed in a blue and silver wet suit, and a matching diving mask. She ran up the stairs and knelt between the two attendants. Running her fingers along the same area, the three conversed quietly.

  No one noticed the great white arch her back, nor the quick attack on the three women above her. Like a torpedo, her snout exploded through the platform, throwing pieces of Plexiglas and bodies into the aquarium. People jumped up screaming as water and chunks of plastic fell onto the stage below. The sound of teeth scraping the hard material grated on ears, sending cold shivers through their souls, primal fears overpowering modern logic.

  Shezara was hungry. Startled from the impact of hitting the invisible barrier, she swam angrily toward the back of the tank where she stopped to watch her intended meal floundering in the water. Although her food was close, the sound of Plexiglas scraping the live coral and artificial rocks as it fell to the aquarium floor confused her.

  Yemaya was as startled as her assistants when she felt the platform heave upward and shatter, throwing them into the water. Immediately, she yanked her mask down over her eyes and cleared it. Yemaya needed good visibility if she needed to fend off an attack by the great white. Spotting the fish hovering at the back of the aquarium, the Illusionist turned her attention to her two assistants. One was already being pulled from the water by aides. The other, Suzanne, was sinking to the bottom, blood flowing from a head wound, staining the water red.

  "A blama!" Yemaya swore, looking back toward Shezara.

  Cold, expressionless black eyes were focused on the unconscious woman. The urge to attack was strong, but something within the beast compelled her to stay still.

  Yemaya knew she didn't have much time to get her assistant out of the water. Her command to Shezara would only affect the primitive mind for a few minutes. Focusing her attention on the shark, Yemaya dove toward the sinking body. If Shezara attacked, the Illusionist would have to place herself between the shark and Suzanne.

  The snout was the most sensitive area on a shark. She could deflect its attention at least once by striking it on the nose and hopefully push off from the enormous body. After that, all bets were off. She would then have to reveal a few additional skills to the audience. Those she preferred to keep secret.

  Within seconds, Yemaya had reached Suzanne. Grabbing her assistant's right arm, she kicked toward the surface, powerful legs propelling her upward. Two other attendants kneeled on a small remnant of the shattered platform. A splash to her left made Yemaya glance around nervously. A crimson cloud spread slowly through the water as a large red chunk of meat sank to the bottom within a few feet of the shark.

  Good thinking, Yemaya thought. Hopefully, that will distract her long enough.

  Hearing the splash, Shezara looked toward the sound. The scent of blood passed through her nostrils, making her hunger intolerable. Food was not a conscious thought but a need. Flicking her powerful tail, she dove toward the meat, scooped it up and swallowed. The morsels were tasty but not satisfying. She wanted more.

  Yemaya's head and body broke through the water's surface, and she shoved Suzanne into outstretched hands. Taking a deep breath, she sank back down and turned to look for the shark. Shezara had just swallowed the last chunk of meat. Yemaya knew she had only a few seconds to get out of the water and launched herself toward the platform, grasping at the edge.

  The attendants yanked the injured woman onto the remaining platform and handed her to two paramedics who were kneeling behind them. Next, they grabbed Yemaya's outstretched arms, pulling her body up and out of the water. No one noticed the shark moving rapidly in their direction until it lunged at its prey. Lips peeled back to expose gums. White teeth flashed brightly under the stage lights, and a mouth more than three feet in diameter opened wide. The head and jaws of the beast exited the water. A human could simply disappear through the cavernous mouth — that is, if it wasn't cut in half by the razor-sharp teeth.

  * * *

  Dakota watched in awe as the Illusionist dove for the unconscious woman, retrieved the limp body, and swam upward. Mesmerized and terrified by the events unfolding, her attention was temporarily distracted by a bright flash of light. Looking around, she noticed a small man with slightly balding brown hair, blue jeans, and red checkered shirt standing in the aisle near an exit, taking photos. The man lowered the camera, glanced at her nervously, frowned, and shuffled toward the exit, tucking the camera under his left arm.

  "Tourist," she muttered in disgust. "Or paparazzi," she added as an afterthought.

  Immediately, she turned back in time to see Yemaya push the injured woman onto the broken platform. Two paramedics carried the limp body down the steps and laid her on the stage floor. Yemaya's arms were then grabbed by the two attendants and the Illusionist was pulled from the water just as the great white's body launched itself in her direction.

  "Oh, God, please don't let this happen," Dakota prayed, horrified at the thought of the woman being injured or killed.

  * * *

  Yemaya felt an intense pain in her right shoulder as her body was hauled sharply onto the shattered ledge of the platform. At the same time, a burning sensation erupted in her right calf, causing her to gasp. Next, a loud splash was heard as a mountain of water inundated her and the others, causing the platform to shake and groan ominously.

  "Quick, everyone off!" Ye
maya yelled, shoving at the two people who had rescued her. Everyone scrambled down the steps and onto the stage where they collapsed from relief and exhaustion. The crowd, which had been eerily quiet for several minutes, erupted into cheers, and the onlookers turned to slap their neighbors on the back.

  Ignoring the pain in her leg, Yemaya turned to one of the paramedics who was attending to her assistant.

  "How is Suzanne?" she asked, raking her hand tiredly through her wet hair, her voice husky from concern and pain.

  "Her vitals are good," he responded, pulling off a pair of surgical gloves and replacing them with another. "She swallowed some water but her lungs appear clear. We'll transport her to the ER for a thorough checkup once they bring in the gurney. In the meantime, let me look at your leg. That laceration looks serious."

  Glancing at her right calf, she noticed blood streaming from a six-inch gash along the back side.

  "Futui!" She groaned in disgust. "This is going to need stitches."

  "'Fraid so, Ms. Lysanne." The paramedic grimaced empathetically, having a pretty good idea of what she had said and amused at the woman's tone. "I'll put a compression bandage on it and you can ride along with us."

  Yemaya shook her head. "Just bandage it so I can send the audience home."

  "I hate needles," she muttered, turning to look at the two attendants who were busy throwing chunks of beef in the water to satiate the previously agitated fish. Apparently, it was working. The great white was swimming lazily up and down, scooping up each morsel as it sank to the bottom.

  "Great job, everyone," she yelled, waving her hand. "Give her another one hundred-fifty pounds and call it a night."

  Waving back, they continued dropping the meat into the water while others carried additional beef chucks up the ladder.

  When the paramedic finished the wrap on her leg, he helped Yemaya to her feet. Taking her arm, he assisted her to the edge of the stage.

  "Ladies and gentlemen, this is not exactly the entertainment I had in mind for you this evening. For that, I apologize. Please leave your names and addresses with any member of the staff or call in tomorrow with the information, and your money will be promptly refunded. As for my attendant, I have been assured by this young man that she is fine and will be back home by tomorrow. Of course, she will be given a few days off to recover," Yemaya joked to ease the tension.

  The crowd laughed loudly, relieved everything had turned out well. No one had any intention of requesting a refund. The night had been more exciting than they could ever imagine, and there would be a great story to tell friends and families. The whole event had been spectacular in an odd sort of way.

  "Now if you will excuse me, I have an unexpected appointment with a doctor…right…Benny?" she added, glancing at his name tag and winking. Everyone laughed, applauding loudly.

  Blushing, the paramedic could only nod. He, then helped Yemaya walk off stage into the shadows.

  * * *

  "One of my people will drive me to the hospital," Yemaya said to Benny once they were out of the audience's view. "Thank you for everything."

  Benny wanted to object but knew it was useless. Disappointed at the lost opportunity, he sighed.

  "Okay, but you are coming to the hospital, right? I mean, this isn't your way of getting rid of me, is it?" he joked halfheartedly.

  Smiling, Yemaya patted his shoulder. "No, I promise. I need to check on Suzanne... and of course, make sure your boss knows what a great job you did. I am in your debt."

  Reluctantly, Benny gathered his equipment and left. The audience slowly filed out the exits. Yemaya gave a few more instructions to the staff, then motioned for her driver to follow her.

  * * *

  Dakota got into her small Volkswagen with the intention of going home. As she pulled out of the parking space, she decided to make a side trip to the hospital. There was a possibility she might be able to get information from someone there or even a short interview with Yemaya if she was lucky. At least it couldn't hurt to try.

  CHAPTER 2

  WHEN YEMAYA WALKED into the ER, she noticed the same woman who had been sitting in the fifth row. Unaware of her presence, Dakota was jotting down some notes in a tablet, intent on documenting as much as possible about the show. Feeling tired, she leaned back in the chair and closed her eyes, replaying the events over in her mind as it had unfolded. If only she had taken her cell phone, she mentally grumbled. The built-in camera would have come in handy.

  The thought reminded her of the strange man who had taken the two pictures. He seemed nervous when she looked at him. In fact he left so quickly it made her wonder if there wasn't more to him than she initially thought. Security had placed restrictions against cameras and electronic equipment inside the building, which was why she hadn't taken her phone. That would certainly account for his discomfort. Everyone had to pass through a metal detector before entering the showroom. How did he get his past security? Dakota frowned. There were more questions than answers at the moment.

  A warm breath caressed her ear causing it to tickle.

  "Something bothering you?"

  Opening her eyes, Dakota blinked quickly at the face inches away. Pale blue eyes gleamed mischievously into her own. Dakota felt as if she were drowning in an icy lake.

  "Uh... yeah... I mean, no... not really," Dakota stuttered. "Well, maybe. I don't know," she stammered, swallowing nervously.

  Laughing, Yemaya straightened up and moved back a step.

  "Well, you certainly covered all the avenues with that answer. Is it yeah, no, or maybe?" She raised her left eyebrow questioningly.

  Feeling at a disadvantage Dakota stood up too quickly, bumping into Yemaya.

  "Oh, gosh. Sorry. You okay?"

  "Yes. Are you? "

  "I'm fine. I can be so clumsy sometimes. Anyway, to answer your question... all three, I guess." Dakota grinned sheepishly. "Hi, I'm Dakota. It's an honor to meet you, Ms. Lysanne." She extended her right hand.

  Yemaya continued looking into Dakota's green eyes as she took the hand firmly in her own. Yemaya's first instinct when she entered the ER was to slip quietly in, get the leg tended to, and then slip out unnoticed. For some reason, though, Yemaya decided she wanted to find out a little more about the woman sitting quietly in the corner.

  "You can drop the Ms. My name is Yemaya. Dakota... that is an unusual name. You were named after the state?"

  "No, I was actually named after my great-great-grandmother. She was a member of the Lakota tribe from the North Mississippi Valley."

  "You are part Indian? With blonde hair and green eyes?" Yemaya asked, intrigued by the thought.

  "Not a drop." Dakota laughed. "I said she was a member of the tribe, not an Indian."

  "A captive."

  "Nope, she wasn't a captive either. She sat on the tribal council for several years, a full-fledged member."

  "I must say I am confused. Not a captive, not an Indian. She sounds rather unique."

  "She was. She was an adventurer. From what I've heard and read, she didn't want to settle down on some homestead plowing fields and rearing a dozen kids, so she stole a horse from her stepdad's farm and hightailed it for the hills.

  "Hightailed?" Yemaya asked, unsure of the meaning of the word.

  "Took off. Ran away," Dakota explained. "She pretended to be a man for several years. Apparently, the trappers didn't question her sex. Guess they just assumed she was a he. After all, what kind of woman would want to live a life like theirs — sleeping under the stars, never knowing where the next meal was coming from, or who was behind the next tree to ambush them to steal their furs or food, or worse yet, kill them? They thought their way of life was too hard for a woman." Dakota rolled her eyes.

  She was about to continue when Yemaya grimaced. Looking down at the blood-soaked bandage around the woman's leg, Dakota cursed at her thoughtlessness.

  "Damn. I'm so sorry. I forgot you were hurt. Let's get you taken care of and we'll talk later, okay?"

&nb
sp; Nodding, Yemaya limped toward the desk. She felt a warm hand cup her left elbow and smiled slightly.

  "It looks worse than it is," she responded.

  "Sure it does. That's always the case, isn't it?" Dakota motioned to the night nurse and then pointed at the injured leg. "You go with nurse... Betty? Nurse Betty. I'll wait in the lobby for you… that is if you still want to hear about Grandma Dakota," she offered.

  "I would like that. This should not take long."

  Dakota grinned.

  "See you soon," she replied.

  * * *

  After Yemaya limped into an examination room, Dakota sat down and took out her notebook. The image of the man with the camera still bothered her so she decided to make a sketch of his face and jot down his physical description. Fifteen minutes later, she put everything away. Later, she would go over her notes and enter any details she may have temporarily forgotten. Leaning her head back against the wall, Dakota closed her eyes and relaxed.