Chapter 1

It was a clear and starry night in Electro City, where Ace Cooper the Magician and his new protégé Angela Jacobs had just finished a performance at the Sinsun Hotel. Although they had used their powers to stop Sonny Boy Surge's crime ring just a couple of months earlier, the crime boss could not stop them from performing at his hotel because of Ace's contract with the Sensa-News Network.

Down in the basement, Cosmo was handling the tech and lighting for their show. "Angie's moving along fast," he said with a smile. "She's picking up things like a sponge. No wonder she's getting so good as a magician already."

For their grand finale trick, Ace and Angie decided to have some fun by having someone select a playing card with the two magicians going into a pair of boxes. After the stage exploded with fireworks, they not only emerged in the opposite boxes, but they also showed the playing card the volunteer selected on the front of the boxes. The audience roared in applause to their amazing illusion.

After taking a bow, Ace looked at the audience and said, "Thank you all for coming tonight. We hope you all had a wonderful time, and always remember…with magic, there is always a trick." The pair suddenly disappeared from the stage, leaving the audience in awe as usual.

A few minutes later, Zina, who was given a break for this night's show, growled in delight as she saw Ace, Cosmo, and Angie enter the Magic Express.

Ace smiled as he rubbed her head. "Hey, Zina. Enjoy your night off?"

She purred with happiness with her answer.

Cosmo laughed and said, "Boy, Angie, you're really catching on quickly."

"What can I say?" the young female magician replied. "I like to learn."

"And learn you're definitely doing," Ace said as he looked at her. "I am so impressed with how well you're already coming along."

"I couldn't have done that without you, Cosmo, or Zina. And to think, just a few months ago I wasn't even supposed to be here."

"Well, you're now a part of our team—no, our family, and I'm glad you're here."

"So am I," Cosmo added happily. "You've really brought something that's helped us."

"Then I guess we're even," Angie said. "I thought I'd end up living alone in an apartment, but now I'm glad I never got it."

Ace patted her shoulder. "And we're both glad you were able to finally open up, both with yourself and your powers."

Angie let out a yawn. "I need to get some sleep. I promised my cousin Melody I'd call her tomorrow. We've had to reschedule the family reunion in twice because of the weather."

Ace shook his head. "A blizzard and a tornado over the course of three weeks. And you had to live with that all the time?"

"Oh, yeah. We'll have everything. I know we've had terrible tornadoes followed by blizzard conditions within as little as 24 hours of each other. On top of that, it was supposed to be in Des Moines, but Aunt Rita said there was serious storm damage to the venue. So, it's been moved to Mason City. Melody's gonna be the host." She let out a long sigh.

Ace didn't need his link with Angie to know something wasn't right. "What's got you worried?"

Turning away, she answered, "I haven't been to the family reunion in five years, not since Mom and Dad's accident. I'm worried about what my family will think of me right now. I have my college degree in liberal arts, but I'm not doing that now, not since becoming a magician." She closed her eyes and added, "What if they're mad at me? What if they're disappointed?"

Cosmo patted her shoulder. "C'mon, Angie, you were able to convince your aunt, and I wouldn't be surprised if she's told the others about you by now."

"Maybe I am worrying over nothing, but still…I just hope I won't be the odd one out in the family. If there is one relative I look forward to seeing, it's my cousin Ralph. He always goes to the family reunion just before he has to start training."

Ace's eyes widened. "Training for what?"

"Football. He's a pro quarterback."

"Wait," Cosmo gasped. "Are we talking about Ralph Quinley, quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks?"

"Yeah, that's him."

The Magician shook his head. "You never told us your cousin is a well-known football star."

Angie blushed and said, "Well, it's never been brought up."

Ace and Cosmo looked at each other and then at Angie. "Point taken," they both said.

"I've never liked bragging about him. I just let him do his job. He's always appreciated that because he worries all that bragging would distract him from being the great quarterback he's been."

Ace smiled. "He chooses to be humble about his stardom. Just like how you've been with your rising stardom yourself."

"That kinda runs in our family. Melody runs the best flower shop in the state of Iowa, Jeff's one of the best attorneys in the state, I just told you about Ralph, Sandy's the youngest English professor ever at the University of Iowa, and Deanna is the author of the Time Train series of sci-fi books."

"Wow, no one in your family brags at all?" Cosmo asked.

"Nope. We just do our best to be ourselves."

"When's your reunion?"

"It's for a week starting next Saturday."

Ace put a hand on her shoulder. "I think it's great to be able to see your family. And don't worry, I wouldn't be surprised if they can't wait to find out about your powers."

"I sure hope you're right, Ace."

"Now get some sleep, since you do have that phone call to make in the morning."

"Thanks, Ace. Night, guys."

Soon, all the residents went to bed and had a good night's sleep.

The next morning, Angie went to the computer room and asked Angel to make a phone call. "I sure hope Melody recognizes me."

In Mason City, a woman was about to open her flower shop in 15 minutes when she heard her phone ringing. "Oh, that's Angie. She said she'd call me this morning."

Going to her office, she answered her vid-phone. She smiled as she saw the face. "Angie! Hey, cousin!"

"Hey, Melody! How are you?"

"I'm really good right now. I'm so glad the weather's finally cooperating for the family reunion next week. So…I assume you're coming?"

"Yup, I'm definitely coming. It's just…I'm worried."

"You're talking about being a magician instead of what you were going to do with your college degree. Trust me, you're going to be fine. I think the only person you'll have to worry about is Great Aunt Ethel."

Angie nodded. "She's always been rather eccentric, but Aunt Rita's going to be there, too, right?"

"Oh, yeah. I was so happy to know she changed after her visit to force you to come back. You must've done something really amazing to get her attitude to change for the better."

"I'll tell you that when I get there next Saturday. I wonder if I could stay at my old family house."

"Well," Melody sighed, "it's technically still your house. Want me to call the mayor and ask?"

"If you don't mind. Sorry about this."

"Hey, look, Angie. You've got nothing to worry about. Aunt Rita hasn't stopped talking about you since spring break."

Angie laughed. "Speaking of which, I reunited with Ashley over spring break."

"You found your best friend? That's awesome! Where does she live now?"

"Would you believe in a mansion on the outskirts of Mason City?"

"Oh, that's right, she got that inheritance from her grandparents. I'm just happy things are going so well for you right now, being a new star magician, helping Aunt Rita, and reuniting with your best friend."

With an ear-to-ear grin, Angie said, "And the rest of the family's okay with it?"

"Yeah, pretty much. Hey, I need to run. I've got a flower shop to open."

Looking at her watch, Angie gasped, "You sure do. Sorry about that."

"Angie, it's okay. I'm looking forward to seeing you next Saturday."

"Me, too, Melody. Me, too."

After the line disconnected, Angie breathed with relief. "I am worrying over nothing. We don't brag about each other's accomplishments, so I look forward next weekend, especially with Ralph's ribs."

Cosmo smiled and said, "His ribs must be killer."

"Oh, yes, they are," the female magician stated as she turned around and faced Cosmo. "He uses some of the best ingredients for his rub, and together with a smoker…mmm…mmm…MMMM!"

Ace laughed as he walked into the computer room. "Could you do his recipe for the ribs if you had the opportunity?"

"I should be able to. Ralph always did like Mom's cooking." Angie let out a long sigh and put her face down.

The Magician and Cosmo both didn't have to say anything, as bringing up her parents would stir up her painful memories of losing them in the road rage accident.

They walked up and hugged her tightly.

"I'm sorry, guys," Angie said tearfully.

Ace whispered, "It's okay, Angie. Your parents wouldn't want you to be sad. They would want you happy, that you can reunite with your other family members. I know you're still worried about having your powers, but I think they'll love you, no matter what."

"I hope you're right, Ace. I just don't want to disappoint them."

"Don't worry about being like them. Just be yourself."

"Okay." Releasing the hug and drying her eyes, she added, "We've got two more shows to do before I can go to the reunion, so let's get in some practice."

The team all went to the practice room to work on their next two shows to make certain everything was done correctly.

*Almost Two Weeks Later*

Ace drove Angie in the Magic Racer to Electro City International Airport to get to her flight. "I'm glad I've got Jim flying you to Mason City."

"Who's Jim?"

"Jim Ramsfeld. He's been my private pilot for the past couple of years. He's great at taking me from one place to another in a short amount of time."

"I've never flown on a private plane before…I actually haven't been on a plane, period."

"Well, I think you'll be fine. Just take it easy and relax. He's got over 40,000 hours flight time."

"Someone that experienced makes me feel a lot better already."

Within 15 minutes they arrived at the special hangar housing Ace's special private jet.

Waiting patiently was Jim Ramsfeld himself. He looked somewhere in his late 30s to early 40s with greying brown hair. "Ace, good to see you," he said with a smile.

"Hey, Jim. Say hello to the newest member of our team—make that family. Jim, this is Angela Jacobs."

"Miss Jacobs, it's nice to meet you."

Angie hesitated slightly but could see the hand of a friend wanting to shake hands. "I'm sorry, Mr. Ramsfeld. I'm still a little nervous around people." She put her hand out to shake his.

"It's all right. Just call me Jim, since we're going to get to know each other."

"Okay, as long as you call me Angie."

"Very well, Angie. Ace has told me a lot of great things about you already. And this will be your first family reunion in five years?"

"Yeah. I never really attended during my college years after my parents' deaths. We've kept in touch, but I wasn't comfortable going. This year I finally am okay with going."

"Ace did tell me what happened to your parents. How old were you when it happened?"

"I was 17 years old, just before high school graduation."

"I was just 15 when my younger brother and I were riding our bikes. We got hit by a drunk driver. I survived…Arthur didn't."

Angie felt so bad for his situation. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything."

"No, Angie, it's okay. I've come to terms with it. The pain won't go away completely, but I remember all the good times, like you should with your parents."

"Thanks, Jim. Now, um, I'm gonna tell you the truth. I've never been on a plane before. The journey west after college was taken by bus, and I would go by car with my parents on vacation."

"Well, I guess we'll find out if you get airsick or not. Hopefully not, but I do have the bags ready if you need 'em."

Angie giggled. "Has anyone ever gotten sick on the plane?"

Ace smiled. "Just one person. It was an assistant who didn't know she'd suffer from airsickness herself."

"I hope I won't be the second."

"Okay," said Ace. "Now, Angie, I took care of your car rental at the Mason City Airport. All you'll have to do is show your driver's license and then pick the car."

"I could've paid for that," Angie gasped.

"When you're not old enough? You can't rent a vehicle yourself until you're 25."

"Oh, I didn't know that part."

"And I'm paying for the insurance just in case of trouble. I don't think you'll get into any, but it's just to play it safe."

"That's fine. Thanks, Ace."

"You're welcome. Besides, the rental place checked your driving record, and it's good, so you don't have to worry about that part."

Jim loaded her two small suitcases into the cargo hold. "Okay, the luggage is in. Let's get you on board and on the way to your reunion in Mason City."

When she stepped into the plane, she was in awe. "Wait…there aren't a lot of seats here, and there's a lot of room?"

Jim laughed. "Oh, I get that a lot from people who've never flown in private jets before. You'll be able to walk around during the flight, but you'll have to at least buckle up and keep the devices off during the ascent and descent."

"I can handle that. I turned off all the devices before we left the Magic Express."

Ace hugged his female protégé. "You have fun over there, okay?"

"All right. I'll call you when I'm at my house."

"Wait, you don't have to—"

"Ace, it's something I've always chosen to do when I'm going somewhere long distance. I always let someone know I'm there safely."

"Okay, okay. You be careful."

"I will."

As Ace turned to leave, he whispered, "Please let me know if she really does get sick."

"Absolutely. As far as I know, there's no turbulence forecast between here and Mason City, so it should all be good."

"Great. Take care of her."

"Don't worry, I'll see to it she gets there safely."

After Ace stepped off the plane, Jim closed the door and then turned to Angie. "Do you need any help buckling into the seat?"

"No, I've seen this done in some movies, so I think I got it…at least, I hope." She took a minute and adjusted her seat belt.

"Yeah, you've got that part down pretty good. Unfortunately, even as a private jet pilot, I have to go over the boring yet necessary plane safety procedure."

"It's fine, Jim. It's on every plane from private jet to commercial, since it is an FAA requirement."

Jim laughed. "Hey, as long as you know that part already, it won't be so bad."

After a couple of minutes, Jim went into the cockpit and spoke to Angie via his intercom microphone. "Okay, Angie, we're ready for takeoff. When we reach our cruising altitude, you can take the seat belt off and walk around if you want."

"Awesome. Let's get moving."

Ace watched the plane leave the hangar and rolled down the runway. "Take care of yourself, Angie," he whispered. "May your family reunion be a great one."

As soon as Jim received clearance to depart, he sped the plane up, and it soon took to the air.

Inside, Angie did feel slightly uncomfortable during the ascent. "Boy, Jim was right about the stomach being affected during the take-off. I sure hope I don't have to deal with it when we land in Mason City."

"Are you okay, Angie?" Jim asked over the intercom.

"Once we get to the cruising altitude, I'll be a lot better. Sorry."

"Don't worry, we should be on it in about three minutes. Just hang tight."

"I trust you, Jim."

Sure enough, it took just the three minutes to reach the proper altitude.

Angie unbuckled her seat belt and stretched her arms and legs. "Wow, so I can…literally walk around on the inside."

The curiosity excited her. "Wait, a TV? How do I get the reception?"

Jim walked in and said, "There's already good reception. You can pick whatever channel you want."

"Hmm." She used the remote control to turn on the TV and started channel surfing until she saw a classic game show. "Oh, this is so cool!"

"I'm glad you like it. Now, over there is a refrigerator/freezer with some food, and the microwave is over there."

"I never knew private jets could be so posh," Angie said with awe. "At least it'll be comfortable." She suddenly realized about Jim. "Wait, who's flying the plane?"

Jim tried to alleviate her fears. "Easy, Angie. It's on auto pilot right now. I'll get back up there when we're about 30 minutes from landing."

"Sheesh, I'm making myself nervous over nothing."

"Hey, you've never really been on a plane before, so it's fine."

Suddenly, they both heard a loud beeping sound.

Angie anxiously asked, "What's that?"

"That's a warning for CAT," the pilot answered nervously.

"Clear Air Turbulence."

"Yeah. I thought we were all clear of it, but we'll fly right into it in about 20 miles." He looked at Angie and said, "Get buckled in. This could get bumpy."

"You don't have to tell me twice. Get up there, please."

"We'll get past it."

Jim went back to the controls and buckled himself into the pilot's seat. "Hang on, Angie, we're about to fly into it."

Angie braced herself for the bumpy ride coming ahead. Just don't panic. He's an excellent pilot. I have complete faith in him.

Jim held the controls very tightly as the plane hit the turbulence. "Oh, no, it's a lot worse than I thought."

As she tried to relax, she also felt the hard turbulence. "Wow, I never knew this could get so bad." When she felt herself bouncing too much in her seat, she suddenly started glowing in her light blue aura. "I've got to do something quick," she whispered.

She unbuckled her seat belt and floated a couple of feet into the air. Spreading out her arms, she calmly chanted, "Magic Force, please help me. I need to create some barrier to protect the plane from the turbulence, but keep the back part of the plane clear so the exhaust won't back up."

In the pilot's seat, Jim noticed a strange blue light surrounding the plane. "What on Earth?"

"Jim," Angie said through his headphones, "I've made a barrier around the plane except for the back end."

"Fantastic. Can you hold it for about two minutes? We'll be clear of the CAT by then."

"I'll do my best. Let me know the second we're clear."

The next two minutes felt like the longest to both, but the radar showed them as clear.

"Okay, Angie, you can stop the barrier. We're past the CAT."

She quickly made the barrier disappear and floated back into her seat. "Whew…"

Jim heard her labored breathing. "Angie, are you okay?"

"I'm…I'm fine, Jim. Just a little tired."

"Nice work with that barrier. We should be okay from this point on."

"Great. I think I'm gonna sleep the rest of the way. Wake me up when it's time for the descent for Mason City Airport."

"If you go to your left, there's a futon which folds out into a bed."

"Oh, thank you, Jim. I'm really loving this plane!" She went to the futon and folded it out. "Man, this feels good already."

She quickly fell asleep on the bed.

During her sleep, though, she heard a soft male voice…one which was not Ace's. Angela…

"What?" she whispered.

Angela…be careful…

She awakened with a start. "Be careful? Who was that?"

Just as she got up from the bed, she heard Jim's voice.

"We're approaching Mason City Airport, and I'll start the descent in about three minutes."

"Okay, thanks, Jim. I'll get buckled in."

The descent also made Angie's stomach go up slightly, but she tried her best not to think about it. "I have to get used to doing things I haven't done before."

Within 20 minutes the plane made a smooth landing at the regional airport and taxied to the private jet hangar.

Jim first got Angie's two suitcases out of the cargo hold, and then helped her off the plane. "So, how was your first ever plane ride?"

"Exciting, to say the least."

"Hey, that was quick thinking, making a magical barrier to protect us from the CAT."

"Yeah. I just…knew what to do instinctively."

Jim shrugged. "Ace did tell me about your powers, so perhaps it's just your caring heart."

"You're probably right. Well, I need to get my rental car."

"Want me to walk with you up there, since the plane has to refuel anyway?"

The female magician nodded with a smile. "Yeah, just in case the person at the counter gives me flack. After all, Ace paid for the rental, not me."

The moment both arrived at the car rental area, a thirty-something woman looked at them both strangely. "Can I help you?"

Angie nodded. "Yes, my name is Angela Jacobs, and Ace Cooper has paid for the rental?"

The employee stared at Angie angrily. "Do you really expect me to believe the Magician paid for your car rental? You're just a groupie looking for a freebie."

"Excuse me," she said with a sigh. "I do know Ace Cooper. He's my friend."

"That's impossible. You couldn't be friends with someone that famous. How'd you get here anyway?"

Jim stepped up and said, "I just flew her here from Electro City. I'm Ace's personal pilot, Jim Ramsfeld."

The employee laughed at both. "Ace Cooper has a personal pilot? Yeah, right, and I'm the First Lady."

Angie took a deep breath to contain her brewing anger. "If you're going to be like this, then we'd like to speak to the manager of this establishment."

"Sorry, but that's not happening," the employee scoffed. "I know you're just a phony."

Angie took out her cell phone to contact Ace. "I'll call Ace myself to prove it."

The employee suddenly grabbed Angie's phone. "Not likely, groupie. You're not calling anyone to bail you out of—"

A voice from behind her angrily said, "Mandy! What do you think you're doing?"

Mandy turned around and said, "Mr. Earnst. I'm so glad you're here. This lady claims to be working alongside Ace Cooper, and—"

Barry Earnst, the manager of the rental car business, angrily interrupted her. "That's because she does work alongside Ace Cooper. This is Angela Jacobs, his newest protégé. How dare you treat her like garbage when Mason City is her hometown!"

"What? It is?"

"Yes, it is. Now give Miss Jacobs her phone back."

Mandy followed his orders and returned Angie's phone to her. She pleaded with her boss. "Sir, I'm telling you there's no way you can believe her or this so-called personal pilot."

Mr. Earnst ignored her and looked at Angie. "Miss Jacobs, please go ahead and call your friend Ace Cooper. I'd like to speak to him myself to settle this fiasco."

Angie smiled. "Thank you, sir."

Mandy grew angrier. "You're going to fall for her lies? I'll show you she's nothing but a fake groupie!"

She jumped the counter hoping to grab Angie by the hair, but the female magician stopped her with her own magic.

"I don't think so," Angie whispered angrily. "Let me finish calling him, please."

Angie faced the manager. "I'm sorry, Mr. Earnst."

"No, you're fine. You made it easier for me to get Mandy to my office where she'll more than likely lose her job."

Back in Electro City, Ace was in the practice room when Angel appeared. "Ace, Angie's calling you from the airport, and she seems distressed."

"Really? Okay, I'll take it here." When the connection was established, Ace said, "Angie, is everything all right?"

"Not really. The lady here at the car rental place was giving me a hard time, but I've got the manager right here."

"Is it Barry Earnst?"

"I think so."

"Okay, let me speak with him."

Angie handed her phone over to him.

Earnst shook his head. "Mr. Cooper, I apologize for my employee's extremely rude behavior towards your friend. I know you've paid for the rental, and I did the check to make sure she's cleared to pick the car."

"What happened?" Ace asked curiously.

"Mandy thought Miss Jacobs was some sort of groupie, but I know she's establishing her own reputation as a magician working with you. I'm really sorry."

"It's okay, Mr. Earnst. As long as no one got hurt, you're fine."

"I may be, but my employee sure won't be when I'm finished with her. I will personally see to it your friend gets her car within the next 20 minutes."

"Thank you, I really appreciate you going out of your way."

"Glad to be of help, Mr. Cooper."

"I know Angie's probably a little upset to come to her hometown and be greeted like this. She not the type expecting a big deal, but…"

"Don't worry, we'll minimize this mess as much as possible. Thanks again."

"No, thank you."

Ace hung up the line and shook his head. "Angie knows she's not that famous yet, but for her to get mistreated the moment she's in her hometown."

Cosmo gasped in disbelief. "Are you serious?"

"Unfortunately, yes. Someone claimed she was some sort of groupie."

"Wait a minute, you don't have any groupies."

"Unless that employee wanted to think she was one herself."

Back at the rental car area, Mr. Earnst gave Angie her phone back. "Again, I'm so sorry for your mistreatment."

"Thank you for at least trying to run an honest business."

"Well, let's get your car picked out so you can at least get to your family reunion."

Angie went with Jim looked around the lot and found the right vehicle. "Yeah, the small SUV with great gas mileage. That's the one I'll take."

Jim smiled. "Oh, that's perfect. Not too big, not too small."

Earnst nodded in agreement. "Okay, Miss Jacobs. Let's just get the boring paperwork done so you can finally be on your way."

Angie laughed. "Boring, but necessary, just like the plane safety procedure."

"Exactly," Jim said with laughter himself. "What about Mandy, though?"

"I'll deal with her after we're done here, and Miss Jacobs gets going in her car."

As soon as Angie finished the paperwork, she released Mandy from her magic. "Have a good time dealing with Mr. Earnst. You embarrassed not only yourself, but also him and the establishment. I hope you've learned a lesson from this."

"So do I," said Earnst. "Mandy, my office, now."

Mandy had an angry look on her face as she walked into his office with her soon-to-be former boss right behind her.

Afterward, Jim and Angie both enjoyed lunch at one of the airport restaurants before Jim had to return to the plane to get back to Electro City.

Angie asked, "Are you going to be okay? I'm worried after what happened with the CAT."

"Don't worry, this time I'll be ready for it."

"Just be careful."

"Thanks, Angie. I'll see you in just over a week."

The two hugged each other before parting ways with Jim taking off in the plane and Angie taking off in the rental car.

"All right," Angie said, "the next stop is going to be…my house."