Read Online Strange Magic by Gord Rollo - Free Book Online Page A

still available? Hope so.”
    “Sure is. Come on in and I’ll show you around.”
    The dark Stranger thanked her and pretended to listen as she led him through the house, gabbing on and on about things that didn’t concern him. The only thing he cared about was the solitude and quietness her house offered. Here he could find peace and safety until he figured out how he would bring his vengeful plan to fruition.
    Midway through the tour, she introduced herself asKathleen Pruit and said she’d been a widow for almost eight years now. The Stranger cringed briefly, expecting she’d want him to introduce himself, but she simply turned away and continued with the tour. She was boring him terribly, but through it all he feigned interest and never dropped his hollow smile.
    “I’ll take it,” he said as they returned to the front entrance. “It’s just what I’m looking for.”
    “Oh, that’s wonderful,” Kathleen said, sighing with obvious relief. “I was hoping I could get the room rented quickly. I really need the money. You do know you’ll have to look after the yard work, right? You’re older than I had hoped. Think you can handle it?”
    “No problem there. I’m young at heart, ma’am, and I enjoy dabbling in horticulture. I’ll have the yard looking like something straight out of Better Homes and Gardens .” Always a great kidder, he reinforced his promise with a smile and a wink.
    “Excellent. And the money? I’ll have to ask for the first and last up front, I’m afraid.”
    “Got no problem with that either. Here, let me get my wallet out.”
    The Stranger made a show of patting his coat pockets and when he felt the moment was right, he finally exclaimed, “A-ha, found it.” From an inside pocket, he withdrew an oversize deck of playing cards. He pretended to be embarrassed to see himself holding the cards instead of his wallet, and apologized immediately.
    “What are those?” Kathleen asked.
    “These old things? They’re just a big deck of cards I sometimes use. I never told you I’m a magician, did I?”
    “A magician?”
    “Yeah, and a pretty good one too, if you don’t mindme saying so. Hey, seeing the cards are already out, how would you like to see a great card trick?”
    The look on Kathleen Pruit’s wrinkled face said she would rather see the rent money, but she went along nevertheless, not wanting to appear rude.
    “Well…okay. If it’s as good as you say.”
    “Sure is. One of the best.” The Stranger moved closer, fanning the oversize deck in front of her face with a practiced flair.
    “Let’s give it a try, shall we? Go ahead and pick a card…any old card.”
    Kathleen took a moment to decide. Laughing nervous ly, she selected a card from the left end of the deck and held it quickly to her chest.
    “Can I look at it?” she asked.
    “Why, of course, but be careful not to let me see it. That would spoil all the fun.”
    She was smiling happily, really getting into it, but her smile froze when she looked at her card. In a quiet, surprised voice, she said, “I…don’t understand?”
    “Oh, I’m sorry,” the Stranger answered. “Silly me. I forgot to tell you this isn’t an ordinary set of cards. You probably were expecting to see an ace of hearts, or a seven of clubs, right?”
    “Yes,” she said, nodding her head in confusion. “What kind of deck is this?”
    “This is a very special deck. Instead of the usual suits, this deck has pictures of objects. With these objects, not only can I guess the correct card, I can also tell you your fortune.”
    His explanation worked like a charm. The old woman’s face lit up with a big grin. She nodded understandingly and urged him to go on.
    “Let’s see then.” He pretended to concentrate. “The card you have chosen is…the dagger.”
    The old widow squealed in astonishment. “Why that’s amazing, exactly right. Look, it’s a dagger card!”
    The card showed a picture of an elaborate jewel-encrusted blade