Chapter 2: Welcome to Paris, No Horsing Around

"Waking me up an hour before boarding time was not ideal." Henley mutters as the four new 'friends' exit the terminal in Paris.

"If you'd have answered your damn phone, we wouldn't be having this problem." Merritt replies in a condescending tone.

"We?" Henley shoots back at the snarky mentalist.

"Yes," Daniel intrudes on their endless bickering while nudging a tired Jack off of his shoulder and onto Henley. "You're exhausted, and we haven't heard the end of your complaining for the entire flight." Everybody went silent for a few moments, until Jack and Henley began whispering their tired complaints to each other. Daniel could never admit just how tired he actually was. Maybe they already knew. By the way everyone wasn't challenging him for once, especially Merritt, it wouldn't come as a shock. Daniel always felt he had to have the upper hand in everything he was a part of. Show no weakness, people respect you. If you show even the slightest sign of weakness, you get stomped on. That's how it was in the magic and illusion industry. Don't give any other magician a reason to ridicule you, and you will make it, as long as you have to skills.

Daniel knew that he wouldn't want to be stuck with any other three illusionists. Henley had such an amazing talent. He has always regretted losing her as an assistant because he knew she would just show him up, like she has. But he regretted the loss also because she was always there for him. Once they took a step away from the constant sarcastic jokes, they were really great friends. Even a little more than friends, at one point. Daniel shook his head tiredly. He shouldn't- no, couldn't dwell on the past. Whatever happened happened. Can't go back and try to change things. That kind of magic is impossible, unfortunately. Henley was so skilled at escaping death-defying situations, which even Daniel feared when he secretly went to one of her sold out shows. There is no doubt that she was a top choice when, whoever The Eye was, looked through possible candidates for this job.

As much as Daniel hated to admit it, Merritt probably had the most skill out of the three. It probably comes from being as old as the dinosaurs, but talent is talent, no denying that. Mentalism is truly magical. Targeted guessing plays a big role with the whole "mind reading" bit, but even if Daniel tried his hardest, he could never do what Merritt does. Of course, Daniel could never admit that to anybody. Ever.

Jack is also amazing at what he does. He is a master of cards, leading people in misdirections, and being a slight of hand magician. Daniel, Henley and Merritt knew hardly anything about Jack, besides that he is alone. Daniel basked in the thought that he was an idol to Jack. He even felt a bit of pride when the younger man shows off his skills.

"Are you The Four Horsemen?" A man in a suit asks the four, dragging Daniel back to reality from his exhausted thoughts. It was nearly midnight in Paris and the effects of international travel has taken its toll on the group.

"Yeah, what's it to you?" Merritt asks skeptically. A small glimmer of hope spread through Daniel's mind. Could this me 'The Eye'? But nothing was ever that easy.

"I'm here to take you to your hotel." The man replies and takes Henley's bags for her. Being the only girl in the group has its pros.

After a long car ride with sleeping Jack drooling on Daniel's jacket, and then Henley's, who didn't even notice because she too was asleep, they have arrived at the hotel. A spacious penthouse has been waiting for their arrival, complete with 2 rooms, 4 beds, 3 bathrooms, a kitchen and a living room. Henley and Jack quickly retreated to a bedroom to sleep off the time difference. Daniel found himself swearing under his breath, cursing at his two tired companions for leaving him to share a room with Merritt McKinney.

"Well," Merritt began, pouring himself a drink at the mini bar, "Looks like we'll be roomies."

Daniel couldn't help but roll his eyes at the constant smirk that seemed to live permanently on Merritt's face. "Unfortunately."

"Don't worry, I don't bite." Merritt winks in return. "You may wake up with me next to you in bed, possibly tickling you."

"Can't wait…" Daniel sighed, hoping Paris would turn out to be better that it started.