The Last Act: A mystery romance set in the world of theatrical magic. by Deborah Klée

Author:Deborah Klée [Klée, Deborah]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sherman House
Published: 2023-07-31T23:00:00+00:00

24

Starlight Night had finally arrived. In the changing room, Jojo tried to create a little personal space amongst the hot bodies and flapping feathers of headdresses and bustles. The air was charged with a heady mix of adrenalin, nervous tension, and excitement. Heads bobbed up and down as the girls struggled into their extravagant costumes.

‘I swear I saw John Jenkins in the second row,’ Sly squealed.

‘He’s responsible for bringing magic back onto the TV. I heard that Annika Riley’s here too,’ Bobbi said.

Jojo was sick with nerves. Tonight meant everything to Nico. He deserved to be discovered and stood a good chance. The only thing that could let him down was her solo performance. She had to get the rabbit trick right. It was the build-up to his finale. It had gone well in rehearsals that week; there was no reason it wouldn’t go smoothly. She just had to stay calm.

‘I’m looking forward to seeing Kai Keisler’s act. I’ve been a big fan since I discovered him at a little club in Brixton. Clever of him to keep it under wraps,’ Bunty said.

Jojo tried to tune out the conversation and keep focused.

‘How are you feeling, babe?’ Bobbi said in a sympathetic voice, which increased Jojo’s anxiety.

‘Fine. Great. We couldn’t have worked harder than we have. Nico is amazing. Even John Jenkins will realise that.’

‘I hope so, darling. What about your solo?’

‘It’s been going really well in rehearsals.’ Her hands were sweaty.

‘And if it doesn’t when you’re out there?’ Bobbi spoke softly, her voice full of concern. ‘Have you got a plan B?’

‘I can’t. Nico told me to do it exactly as he instructed. There’s no way I could improvise.’ Jojo hadn’t told Bobbi about the alternative act she had worked up with Charlie. Best forget that crazy idea.

‘Oh, I don’t know. Those adorable gurning faces you make will have the audience eating out of your hand.’

‘So long as Pixie and Muffin are eating out of my hand, or at least sitting still in my hands, I will be more than happy.’ The last call was announced. ‘Wish me luck.’

‘Break a leg,’ the women said in unison.

‘Come on, girls!’ Charlie called from the door. A line of beautiful showgirls, each at least six feet tall in their heels, taller with their headdresses, streamed past him.

‘Keep your tongue in, Charlie! It’s not polite to drool!’ Bobbi quipped.

‘Just wait until we’ve finished and we come and find you,’ Sly winked.

Jojo and Charlie watched a vibrant pink bustle sashay away from them as the girls prepared to make their entrance. An electric blue feather hovered in the breeze. It drifted then fell as weightless as falling snow. A sound of applause. The Starlight show had begun.

‘Ready for action Bat Girl?’

‘Could we sedate Pixie and Muffin? Just a little to make them more pliable?’

‘The girls are fine. I just visited them in their dressing room and they’re looking forward to their big night. Let them have a couple of Martinis after the show.’ He frowned. ‘You look as though you need one now.

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