Magic from the Heart Part 5
In the short time Mona and Angela were on the road through the streets of Electro City, they had already seen the Electric Planet restaurant, the Sunset Casino, the Sinsun Hotel, and City Hall.
Angela had an excited feeling about seeing the buildings. "Miss Malone, the architecture on all these buildings is totally astonishing. There is no way I could find anything like this back home, unless I went to either Minneapolis or Kansas City."
Mona had a fun laugh. "We're almost at police headquarters. Do you want to try there next?"
Angela nodded her answer, and within minutes Mona parked her car in front of the huge building with a large clock on the top and two gargoyles on the sides.
Going to one certain office on the third floor, they were greeted by a gentleman with white hair and a beard. His brown eyes took notice to both ladies coming in. "Oh, hello, Mona," he said in a scruffy tone of voice. "What are you doing here?"
"Giving a new friend a tour of the city." She turned to Angela and said, "Angela Jacobs, I would like you to meet Police Lieutenant Derek Vega."
The young lady and the veteran officer shook hands and exchanged greetings.
"So," Vega started, "are you new in town?"
Angela simply answered, "Yes. Miss Malone is being very nice in giving me a tour of the city."
Mona added, "It's my idea of a welcome. Besides, she's going to make Electro City her new home." She then gave a quick wink to Vega, him knowing what was going on about Angela's situation.
The three engaged in some talkative conversation and had enough between them to last at least two lifetimes.
Then, another woman walked into the office. She wore glasses as well as a green dress. "Here are those reports, Lieutenant."
"Thank you, Miss LeSage." He then introduced Angela to his secretary.
"Oh," the secretary said, "Captain Friedrichs wants to see you in ten minutes." She then left the room.
"I wonder what he wants now," Vega snickered.
"Let me guess," said Angela, "he must be the annoying chief of police, right?"
"How did you know?" "The way you sounded after Miss LeSage mentioned his name. He must not like you very much, does he?"
"Angela, if you only knew the whole story."
After a quick giggle, Mona and Angela were back on the road. "Our next stop," said Mona, "is the place I normally perform: the Croesus Palace."
When they arrived, Angela was in absolute awe. "Oh, wow! What an unbelievable piece of architecture. Whoever designed it really knew what he was doing."
"Would you like to see it on the inside?"
"It must look as contemporarily stylish as it does on the outside."
The moment they stepped into the casino area, which looked like something out of a 1960s club with giant lava lamps, they saw Clockwise.
Mona flagged him down and introduced him to Angela. She also told him she was going to see the owner in his office alone and gave the lawyer a wink. She finally said for him to give her a tour of the area, considering Angela's love of learning something new all the time.
As Clockwise showed Angela around the casino part of the building, Mona took a private elevator to the top-floor office to have a stern talk with her father, Black Jack.
When she entered, he was surprised to see her. "Mona, what are you doing here this early in the day?"
"To have a little talk with you, Father." She had an angry look on her face. "The young lady downstairs in the casino is my new friend Angela. Clockwise is giving her a tour of the place because she loves to see something new all the time."
Jack looked on his video screen and saw the young lady with his lawyer. "I don't understand what your new friend has to do with me."
"Plenty, considering that apartment building on Emerson Drive you bought was where Angela was supposed to live. Unfortunately, upon arriving in Electro City two days ago, she just found out about the buyout."
"I'm sorry, Mona, but I can't let one person get in the way of progress."
"Progress? You deny a young woman a place to live, and you have the nerve to call it progress? Well, maybe losing the apartment may have become a blessing because as of tonight, she will become a permanent resident . . . of the Magic Express."
Jack gasped and coughed. "What!?"
"You heard me, Father. Tonight, Ace, Cosmo, Vega, Miss LeSage, and I will treat her to dinner at the Scorpio. There, Ace will officially tell her she can move into the Magic Express for good."
"Aren't you worried about her staying with Ace?"
"Not one bit. She's already proven herself by nursing Cosmo back to health with her cooking and solving a problem I caused when I yelled at Ace on the phone yesterday. Besides, she's only 22 years old."
"Does she know about you and me?"
"No, thank God. She doesn't know you're my father or the person who took her apartment. However, I'm going to warn you. If you try anything to harm Angela in any way, I may not be so forgiving anymore. I still have nightmares about that crime syndicate you cooked up to try to end Ace's life. I still care about you as my father, but I despise you as a crime boss. I will be going to Ace's show on Friday, and he'll be at mine on Saturday. You had better not try to throw him out because I'm really getting sick and tired of that." Mona then walked back to the elevator.
Jack became infuriated when the elevator doors closed. "I'm going to personally put an end to that blasted Magician once and for all! He's been the cause of everything that has happened to me, and now my daughter is siding with him. I'll find a way to get rid of him permanently!"
Mona, in the elevator, had to gain composure quickly in order to keep her own secret from Angela. "I don't want to lose my new friend, so I won't tell her the owner is my father."
She returned to the casino area and saw Clockwise talking with Angela. "So, Clockwise, what does she think of the place?"
"She really likes it. She would rather admire the architecture than gamble, which I think is good for one of educated mind."
Angela happily agreed. "I love this place! Some of these designs are among the best I have ever seen."
"I'm glad you like it," Mona said. "Now, I believe it's lunch time, so why don't we spend it at my house."
"Are you sure about this?"
"Yeah, if you like homemade spaghetti and meatballs." "I love homemade anything, remember?"
As soon as the ladies left, Clockwise was called to Black Jack's office, where he would learn about Jack's newest nasty plan to do away with Ace Cooper for good.
Mona and Angela were at the house near the coast a half-an-hour later enjoying the spaghetti and meatballs. "This is so delicious, Miss Malone."
"Angela, please, just call me Mona."
"I'm sorry, Mona, but I'm not quite used to calling people by first name when I've barely known them yet."
"I understand, of course. Now that you've gotten to see plenty in Electro City so far, what do you think of it?"
"It is such a beautiful city. I've never seen so many interesting structures. They've all been designed in such a way I could easily tell what function the building does, like the Croesus Palace. Its setup easily noted a place of entertainment."
"I'm glad you do like it here."
"Your house is gorgeous, too. It's environmentally friendly."
"We of Electro City do the best we can to clean up the environmental problems of the 20th century, and I think it's working."
"That's good." After munching on another meatball, Angela changed the subject. "You know, Mona, you remind me of my one best friend in life."
"I do?"
"Yeah, because you're popular but still a friendly, down-to-earth person, like both Mr. Cooper and my best friend."
"Tell me about this best friend of yours."
"Her name is Ashley Brighton, and I have known her since the first grade."
Angela explained about how she met Ashley and how they quickly formed their friendship. As the pair grew up, Ashley's family came into a lot of money while Angela's family still lived a regular life. The members of Ashley's family wanted to choose her friends for her and tried to make her end her friendship with Angela. Ashley, though, would not allow money to get in the way of their friendship. When the two close friends made it into high school, Ashley became very popular while Angela struggled to fit in, being one of solid academic mind. When popular students would tease at Angela, Ashley would always come to her rescue, saying their friendship was what kept the wealth and popularity from gong to her head. "We were more like sisters than best friends," said a happy Angela. "Ashley was determined to destroy the stereotype about popular hanging only with popular. To tell you the truth, she really didn't feel comfortable about being popular because she knew in her heart she would have only false friends."
Mona could really relate to Angela, especially since she was in the middle of a rivalry equaled to Alabama and Auburn at the Iron Bowl. "Angela, you and Ashley had to endure so much in your friendship, but neither of you would let anything get in the way. When you both graduated from high school, what happened?"
"We tied for valedictorian, but Ashley won a scholarship to USC while I won a scholarship to Iowa State. For the first time in our friendship, we had to split up. On the other hand, I was really happy for Ashley because she could finally break away from her family and try to be her own individual."
"What about you?"
"It was my chance to become independent and try to survive in the real world."
"It's obvious to me you've done that very well. Have you been able to maintain contact with Ashley?"
"We kept in touch by e-mail, but I lost contact with her a couple of years ago. I hope nothing's happened."
Mona tried to comfort Angela's worries. "Not knowing can be really scary sometimes, but you do have friends. If you ever need a friend to talk with, you've got Ace, Cosmo, me, and even Vega sometimes. Just remember, you don't have to deal with anything by yourself; you are no longer alone."
"Thank you, Mona." Angela gave her a heartfelt hug. "I'm so grateful I do have some wonderful friends now."
"That's good. Now, before we go on the second half of the tour, let's take a break and watch some TV."
"Okay, just let me wash up first." Angela went into the bathroom to clean herself up. She looked into the mirror and saw herself smiling. "This has got to be the best thing that's ever happened to me," she said to herself. "I've been in Electro City for only two days, and I've already made ten friends. I just hope my secret doesn't come out. If anyone learns about my powers, I may have to move on again. The people here are so friendly, except maybe for those four creeps-"
She had to stop because her power tried to come out again. "Not now, not here!" she said in pain.
Back at the Magic Express, Ace and Cosmo carefully checked on the lighting sequence when Ace felt an excruciating pain in his mind. Cosmo knew what happened. "She's having another attack, isn't she?"
"Every attack she's had seems to get stronger all the time," Ace struggled to say. "Maybe this time I can help her."
"Without her finding out?"
"To help her, it's a chance I'm willing to take."
At Mona's house, Angela struggled desperately to stop her power from surfacing. "It's getting harder to suppress my powers. If I don't stop this now, I may cause serious damage. Blast this curse of mine!"
Ace placed his hands on the temples of his head and used his mental capabilities to help Angela. Magical power within her heart, he thought, leave her alone for now. She's not ready yet.
Angela yelled, "For the last time-"
"Stop it!" they screamed at the same time. Seconds later, both people's pain had eased.
Ace got back up. "Whew, it worked."
"You all right, bro?" asked Cosmo.
"Yeah, I'm all right."
Mona ran into the bathroom. "Angela, what happened?" she asked in concern.
"I think something disagrees with my stomach."
"Have you ever had olive oil?"
"No, actually, I've never tried olive oil before."
"That may be it, then." Then hearing the telephone, Mona said, "I'd better get that. When you finish, you go down and watch some TV."
Going to the nearest room, Mona answered the phone. "It's Ace. Is Angela anywhere nearby?"
"No, she's going to the living room. Why do you ask?"
"Did she say she had some kind of stomach problem?"
"You must have felt that. Anyway, how are things going in terms of tonight?"
"Just fine. Vega and Miss LeSage will be at the Scorpio before we will."
"I'm looking forward to tonight, and I can't wait."
Mona then joined Angela in the living room and watched Sensa-News.
Angela saw one very funny reporter dressed in a pink sportcoat, green tie, white slacks, and multi-colored dress shoes. The blond-headed, blue-eyed gentleman was out in the field covering extreme sports. "Who is this hyperactive wacko of a reporter?"
"Him?" Mona started. "That is Duke Paparazzo, star reporter for Sensa-News. Come to think of it, I'm very surprised he hasn't gone after Ace concerning you."
"What do you mean?"
"He's one reporter who will do just about anything for a story." Mona then explained about a few instances where Paparazzo had caused problems and became a victim himself.
Soon afterward, the two ladies took off for the afternoon portion of the field trip. They saw the Surge Consortium, the Grand Canal, the Abraxas Circus, and the Ring Theatre, where Ace was to perform on Friday night.
Later that afternoon, Mona and Angela returned to the Magic Express.
As Angela talked to Cosmo about her tour in his workshop, Ace and Mona discussed the finalization of their special plan. After that was done, Mona gave Ace a precaution. "I had a little 'run-in' with my father, and I'm afraid he may go on the warpath after you."
"Mona, whatever happens, I want you to know it's not your fault for anything between your father and me. After all, I'm not going to let your crime boss dad get in the way of our friendship."
"Yeah, well, Angela's friendship with someone named Ashley is very similar to ours." Mona then explained about the friendship.
"Incredible," Ace said. "She actually opened up?"
"Yes, her shell's finally falling apart. Oh, what about her little secret? Do you know what it is?"
"Oh, yes, I know." He told the nature of Angela's secret and the reason for hiding it.
Mona then gave Ace a quick kiss on the cheek and returned to her home to get ready for the evening at the Scorpio.
Cosmo, in his workshop, had a little present for Angela. "I have an old mini-disc player that works pretty good." Picking it up, he next said, "I'd like you to have it." Needless to say, she was very surprised.
"Are you sure you want to give it up?"
"I don't mind. I have a new one anyway. On top of that, it'll give you a chance to listen to some of your music."
"Cosmo, thank you." She took the player back to her room and quickly plugged it in.
Ace then came to her room. "Angela, can I ask you a question?"
"Sure, what?"
"Do you have a dress?"
"Yes, but it got wrinkled in the suitcase." She took the dress out of the closet and showed it to him.
"That dress is very pretty." Ace saw the pure midnight blue color in the outfit.
"But rumpled," she said sadly.
"I can fix that." He put out his right hand and magically made the wrinkles disappear.
Angela could not believe her eyes. "Mr. Cooper, you're better than dry-cleaning, but why did you want me to get the dress?"
"You're going to wear that dress tonight."
"I am?"
"Yes, I'll explain this when Mona returns here at 5:30."
"What about dinner? I have to cook."
"Not tonight, my friend. You've already done so much since you arrived, and we want to repay you by treating you to dinner."
"You treat me? You don't have to do this for me, Mr. Cooper. I haven't done that much."
Ace came up to her and said, "Angela, you are far more talented than you give yourself credit for. You're a helpful person, a great cook, and a true friend. I would never let just any person stay here in the Magic."
"I'm not trying to be rude or anything, but why me?"
"You have had extraordinary circumstances since you arrived in Electro City two days ago. It's time you got rewarded for all the crazy luck and the hard work."
"Well . . . I-"
"You're not used to having this many friends, are you?"
"No, I'm not."
"Mona told me about Ashley. Both of you went through a lot together."
"Yeah, but she really is the only friend I've had in my life."
"Not anymore, Angela. Five friends are going to take you out this evening."
"Where are you taking me?"
Ace started to walk out when he replied, "Angela, a magician can't reveal all his secrets."
Angela laughed as he left the room. She took the dress and looked in the mirror. "Yeah, I should wear this tonight. I feel like a princess being here, like Cinderella, but I wonder if I'll return to being a nobody when the clock strikes midnight."
Ace, walking down the hall, could hear what she was thinking. Feeling the sadness in her heart, he thought, Angela, you really are a princess, not a nobody. I need to help her get some self-confidence.
When 5:30 came, Mona was back at the Express, this time in a beautiful evening gown. All were dressed for fine dining, including Cosmo, but when they saw Angela come out, the three others were astounded by her beauty.
Ace then blindfolded her and took her to Mona's car.
While on the ride, Angela's mind focused on a single thought. Why am I thinking of an exquisite restaurant?
Arriving at their destination minutes later, Ace, Cosmo, and Mona guided Angela to the entrance. When all of them had their right hands stamped, Angela became a little nervous. Ace then took off her blindfold and told her she was having dinner at the very exclusive Scorpio Club.
Inside they all found Lt. Vega and Ms. LeSage waiting at a special booth. They all enjoyed a great dinner, but upon learning of Angela being a real Scorpio in the horoscope, everyone's dinner was free of charge! In addition, future visits with her and any number of friends would be 25% off!
That news was great but nothing compared to the news Angela was about to receive from Ace.
"Angela," he started, "how do you feel right now?"
"To be honest, Mr. Cooper, I feel like Cinderella, all of you accepting me as a friend, helping me feel comfortable, and allowing me to stay at the Magic Express temporarily."
"Well, the Magic won't be your temporary home any longer. I would be honored if you would make it your permanent home."
"I guess—what!?"
"He said," Cosmo noted, "you can stay with us for good."
Angela went into shock as her jaw dropped. "Oh, my God! I don't believe this! You're not kidding me, are you, Mr. Cooper?"
"No, it's no joke, and starting right now you don't have to refer to me as 'Mr. Cooper.' Just call me Ace."
"Wait, what about you and Cosmo? You've been working together for a long time, and I don't even have a job."
"I can solve two problems with one answer. We wouldn't mind having you around, especially as both cook and my second apprentice."
Angela's eyes grew even wider. "Cosmo?"
"I wouldn't mind having an extra hand. After all, think of what two apprentices can do for a show."
"So," said Ace, "will you stay permanently?"
After a few seconds, Angela finally said, "Yes, I will stay. Just one thing, though. I'm worried you may get Angel and me mixed up with our names separated by just one 'a.' To clear that up, from this point on, I want to be known as 'Angie.' This way, there won't be a problem between Angel and me. Is that all right?"
Everyone agreed to the idea.
Ace added, "Now there are just a couple of other things to resolve. First, Angie, since you are about to become a magician's apprentice, you'll have to follow the magicians' code."
"In other words, not to reveal any secrets and doing tricks twice in a row, right?"
"You've done your homework," Mona said in laughter.
Vega then jumped in. "The second thing is I usually call Ace for help on cases. Knowing you have plenty of brains, I'm going to expect you to help out as much as you can."
"I'll do my best to help." After all the giggles and fun, Angie happily said, "Ace, I never would have believed I'd actually say this, so here goes. I am ready to go home."
Ace gave her a hug of pure joy. "Welcome aboard, Angie."
"Thank you," she said with happy tears.
Everyone left the Scorpio, all feeling great after knowing Angie's luck finally started changing for the better.