The Vanishing Cabinet

Susie prodded suspiciously at the black-velvet-lined interior of the big wooden cabinet that stood in the centre of the stage, looking for hidden compartments. "You want me to step in here?" she said, doubtfully.

"If you don't mind."

"What's going to happen?"

"Magic."

"What kind of magic?"

"Vanishing magic, probably. It is, after all, a vanishing cabinet."

"If there's a trapdoor I'm going to tell everyone."

"I would expect nothing less," said Zamora, as a doubtful-looking Susie climbed into the cabinet. The door, painted with silver stars, swung shut behind her. "Now, Bonnie, I'm afraid this is a one-victim trick."

"Victim?"

"Technical magician term. Utterly harmless. Would you mind sitting on that stool over there, out of harm's way? Thank you very much." She watched in satisfaction as Bonnie followed orders, clearly a little nervous, but also excited to see what would happen next. She raised her magic wand, and flicked it through the air, producing a thin trail of silver sparkles from its tip.

"Everyone ready?" she said.

The audience murmured its approval.

"I can't hear you."

"Get on with it!" shouted Anne-Marie, to a ripple of laughter from the cheerleaders. Zamora briefly pressed her lips together. "Very well," she said, a little stiffly. "I won't waste any more of your time. Alakazapow!"