Controlling Substance (The Conclusion!)
Controlling Substance

The Conclusion!



Rita started coming around when drops of water hit her face. "Ohhh," she said in pain as she held her head. Slowly sitting up, she shook her head. "What's . . . going on?"

Getting her bearings, she finally remembered what had happened to her earlier in the day. "Craig; he must have kidnapped me, but where am I?" She looked around and noticed a window with bars. She then turned to her right and saw what appeared to be a metal door, which also had bars in the small see-through area.
She ran up to the door and started pounding it. "Damn you, Craig! Let me out of here! You can't hold me here against my own free will!"
"Shut up!" he yelled, seemingly from everywhere. "I am the one in control here, and you don't have any free will whatsoever. You will do exactly as I say, starting with sleeping in your little prison. I will serve your food when I see fit, and when I need you for something, you'd better respond instantly!"
"You jerk! How am I going to respond when I'm in this cell?"
"That's your problem, not mine." He then let out a truly sinister laugh.
Rita sat down on the cot in total despair. "What am I going to do now?" she asked with building tears. "My boyfriend has won. There's no way out for me; I'm trapped."
Meanwhile, in the night sky over Des Moines, the astral body of Lieutenant Daria Weinke flew through the city streets with incredible speed. Less than half-an-hour earlier, Daria separated her astral self from her physical self, which lay asleep on Angie's bed within the Magic Express.
In flight, Daria had grave concern for Rita's safety. My only hope of locating Rita is to use my empathic abilities and sense her fear, her pain, and her agony.> She then closed her eyes to try to make contact with Angie's aunt. Rita, please open your heart to me. Help me to figure out where you are.>
Rita continued to cry but soon developed a strange sensation within herself. "I'm not sure, but I have this feeling . . . someone's trying to find me. I'm almost certain it's Daria." She then thought, "Daria, I don't have powers like you, Ace, and my niece, but I hope you can find me. I don't know where Craig's taken me, and I desperately need help."
Back at the Magic Express, Ace, Angie, and Cosmo waited nervously for any word from Daria.
"Daria, it's Ace. Have you had any luck locating Rita yet?"
Sorry, Ace. I can't seem to sense her—wait a minute. I'm getting some feeling . . . from Rita! She must be letting her heart open up for me to find her.>
"Can you find Aunt Rita?" Angie thought nearly frantically.
Calm down, Angie. It won't help me if you start panicking. I promise, if I find her, I'll let you and Ace know by telepathy. Just try to relax for now.>
"I'm sorry, Daria."
It's all right, Angie. I understand how important your aunt is to you. Ace, try to keep her settled down. Just care for her like you've been doing.>
"I will, Daria," Ace thought to the lieutenant. "Just do the best you can to find Rita safe."
Her astral body continued its journey through the city as her empathic powers honed in on Rita's feelings of despair and hopelessness.
Within a span of about 20 minutes, Daria had the strongest feeling come from an old department store. In the process she discovered a number of security cameras set up everywhere. Craig really knows what he's doing. If there's sudden movement by anyone, including Captain Starker, he could harm her or even . . .>
She then came to a nearby window around the old building and quickly saw Rita in the little room that had become her prison. "Rita," she whispered. "Rita, it's me, Daria."
Rita turned to her left and was totally shocked at what she was seeing outside. "Daria . . . is that you? How is it you can—"
"There's no time to explain right now. As long as that law stands, there's absolutely nothing I can do to help you. He's got cameras for the entire block around this place. Any move by any of us now could be harmful to you."
"What about Angie? Is she all right?"
"Yes, but she wanted to blame herself for what happened to you."
"Oh, no. If only I could tell her it is not her fault."
"Don't worry, Rita. Ace and I convinced her not to brand herself guilty. Speaking of Ace and Angie, I'd better notify them of where you are."
"That's just it. I don't even know where I am myself."
"It's the old Agones Department Store on Norrison Street. This room was a cell to hold shoplifters until the police came to take them to jail."
Daria then concentrated to contact the two magicians.
Angie's thoughts were nearly filled with tears. "Thank you, Daria. I'm so thankful she's alive."
Yes, but there is a concern here. I'll explain everything when I return to my physical body. I can't stay like this for much longer. I'm on my way now.>
She then looked at Rita. "I have to go for now. I must return to my physical body immediately. I promise, though, you'll get out of this somehow."
"I know. It's up to me to make the move. Just one other thing: Tell Angie that Eric wouldn't want her to blame herself, either."
"I will, I promise. So long, Rita."
As Daria's astral body took off into the night, Rita whispered, "So long, friend, and thank you."

Back at the Express, Ace and his friends waited anxiously for Daria's astral body to return from its air voyage.
A few minutes later the translucent form returned through the window and reemerged with her physical body but not without some pain. She grunted in readjusting to being in her true form.
"Daria," Ace said in worry, "are you all right?"
"I'm . . . okay. I just have to get my bearings, but this is why it's so difficult on me to use my astral powers. It leaves me very drained."
Angie added, "Hmm, sounds like me when I push myself with my powers sometimes. I tend to channel so much of it I end up feeling exhausted. Anyway, did you find out about where Aunt Rita's being held?"
"Yes, I did," she answered as she slowly sat up in the bed. "There's a derelict building on Norrison Street where the old Agones Department Store was. Rita's being held in a third-floor cell where shoplifters were kept until authorities arrived to arrest them."
"Awesome!" Cosmo exclaimed. "Let's go get her out!"
"No, Cosmo, wait. There's something you have to know. Craig has security cameras set up for the entire block. If any of us make a move, he could harm her or even kill her because of his obsession for her."
Ace knew she was right. "There's nothing we can do right now. Not even the combination of Angie's magic with mine can do this alone. Right now, it's all up to Rita to make her first move."
"You won't have to worry about that, Ace," said Daria. "Rita's got more confidence in her heart now since I was able to speak with her. Now all she needs are the courage . . . and the timing. Oh, I'm so tired out."

Ace turned to Angie. "Would you mind if Daria slept here tonight?"
"Of course, not, Ace. I'll take the guest room and sleep there."
Angie decided to go ahead and turn in for the night. She prayed for her aunt to be all right when the sun would rise the next morning.
Daria took a look around Angie's room and saw the photo of her and her parents. "Angie, you are truly a special person, and your parents are very proud of you. You have a warm and kind heart, the right kind of heart to be given a wonderful gift as magic. You will be the greatest magician in the world not too long from now." She then went to sleep, knowing how important the next day would be.
Before Ace went to bed, he checked on both Angie and Daria with his mind and his heart. "Daria's been so helpful to us in this situation, using her powers to help us find Angie's aunt. As for Angie herself, I'm glad to see she's not branding herself as guilty. She understands it wasn't her fault for not knowing about Rita's situation or her being kidnapped by that monster Craig Rutherford. I know I can never replace her parents, but I'm glad I can be a big brother and a kindred brother to her. I promise, Angie, your aunt will be rescued somehow, some way."
The next morning, Daria had to leave early to report to her police chief, but she did leave a note for Ace and the others, thanking them for letting her stay at the Magic for the night and helping her in the case.
As for Angie, she sensed her newest friend had already left, but she did not mind that, since Daria was a police officer and had a job to do.
In her room, she was in her usual meditative state, communicating with her parents again.
"Hi, Mom and Dad."
"Good morning, sweetie," said Nancy. "We're glad to see you're feeling better."
"I'm glad I am feeling better, especially about myself. I just haven't been able to help anyone the way I've been so emotional lately."
Robert noted, "No, Angie. You have every right to feel any emotion, it's just that Craig will not allow Rita to express herself or her opinions about anything. It's okay to be angry in this case because of what that man has done to her, since you made peace with her some time ago."
"The important thing for me is not to think I'm blameworthy for this entire situation. I wanted to believe it was my fault because I felt I had a responsibility to protect her."
"No, you didn't have to be responsible for her. Rita's always been able to take care of herself very well, and she's gotten even better since her change in attitude courtesy of you. Right now, though, she could use some help, and Nancy and I can't quite think of anything we can do."
All of a sudden, a different male voice said, "Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs, you're doing a lot already by being with your daughter in spirit."
Angie was surprised as to who was standing a few feet away. "Ace, what are you doing here?"
"You don't mind if I speak with your parents, do you?"
"Of course not, Ace. Mom, Dad, I'd like you to meet my kindred brother, Ace Cooper."
Nancy and Robert smiled at their daughter's close friend.
Robert shook Ace's hand and said, "So, you're the one who's been helping Angie master her own magical powers. I must say, you've done well in that aspect, but more importantly you've helped her be able to open her feelings. She was always shy and quiet and was almost afraid to talk with anyone. From what she's told us, you gave her the chance to find her real destiny."
Ace blushed a little. "Well, she had hidden her powers from everyone, including you. She feared you wouldn't love her anymore if she told you the truth."
"She told us," said Nancy. "We would never have been angry with her about her magical gift. She has a special heart, one that deserves this power. She also has the best person who could help her understand her abilities. You've been a true big brother to her, and we're thankful to you for that."
"I know," stated the Magician, "I can never take your place in her heart, but—"
"You're not. You're the brother she's never had, since she was an only child in the family. You've been able to nurture her into an outgoing and beautiful young woman, no longer afraid to talk to other people about her feelings. When she feels sad, you will, too. You and Angie share a special bond, which I hope will never be broken. Your friendship with her has given her hope in her life. We'll always be grateful to you for what you've done for her."
"Thank you, Mrs. Jacobs. I feel more comfortable knowing her parents have raised their daughter so well in her life. Oh, Angie, you need to wake up soon. We may get a call from the police about Rita."
"Sure thing, Ace. Well, we have to go, but it was nice to talk to both of you again."
"Don't forget," said Robert, "we'll always be here if you need us. Ace, please continue taking care of our daughter like you have."
"I will, Mr. Jacobs. That's a promise I intend to keep."
With that, both Ace and Angie ended their meditation and came out of their rooms to greet each other in a warm hug.
"Ace, did you really think you were trying to replace Mom and Dad?"
"To tell you the truth, yes. I was a little worried about treating you like your parents did, and—"
"Don't worry, my friend. I think about you more as a brother than a father, and I would not want it any other way."
"Thanks, Angie."
"Now, you said we might get a call about Aunt Rita. What do you mean?"
"Daria's keeping a close eye on the situation, and she's already talked it over with her boss Starker. If anything starts to develop, she'll notify both of us by thought. What we'll do after breakfast is split up. I'll explain after we have your famous apple turnovers."
"No problem. Apple turnovers, coming up."
As soon as Cosmo was awake, all had her apple turnover specialty and were filled well with food for much needed energy.
Next, they gathered in the living room, where Ace discussed the plan. "Cosmo and I will take the Magic Racer. Angie, you take the Magic Bike. What we'll do is pretend to search the city; try to make Craig not too suspicious of what we're doing. Since he does have the security cameras, he'll probably be able to hear radio communications, so we'll pull our own little illusion and make him think we have no idea where Rita is hiding. Hopefully during that time, Rita will have courage to make a move that could help us rescue her in time."
Meanwhile, at police headquarters, Daria explained the delicacy of the situation to Capt. Starker. "That's our problem right now. I do know where he is, but it's still not enough evidence to put him away yet."
"Well, let's just pray Rita's all right for now. How will you know if she has made her move against Craig?"
"I'm focusing my empathic abilities on Rita, so I'll know immediately if she's done something. In addition, I'm going to notify Ace and Angie telepathically if something does happen."
Starker felt somewhat dumbfounded. "This is so crazy to me: Having to use two telepaths and an empath to stop a kidnapper and rescue a young magician's aunt."
"I know how you feel, Captain. Just have faith in what we can do."
"Believe me, Daria. I have faith in all of you and your abilities. I guess all we can do now is wait . . . and pray."
"Yes. Let's just wish Rita can find her bravery to stand up to that monster Craig Rutherford and make her escape."
Just then, the phone rang.
"Lieutenant Daria Weinke speaking." Listening intently to the voice of the health club's owner, she learned Craig had failed to return from his break the day before and had not been heard from since. She then confessed the situation to the owner, which made him feel very outraged.
"I can't believe that scum!" he shouted. "He made us think he was the one victimized, but now I know the truth about him. He's just a total sleaze, and I hope you find him and lock him up for life."
"We'll try, but just don't spread this around for now, not until we do have him."
"Don't worry, Lieutenant. My lips on this matter are sealed."
After hanging up the phone, she looked at her boss and said, "Looks like the owner of the health club won't be hiring Craig back to the job after this."
Capt. Starker laughed heartily. "After this, he'll probably have to start running background checks on everyone he hires. Poor guy, he's tried so hard to work honestly, and now this slips through. The club won't be implicated, though, because no one knew about Craig. Speaking of which, I pulled up a little information on Mr. Craig Rutherford, and you may not like this story. He had been accused of harming at least six other women in the same manner but was acquitted in every case because none of the victims were willing to testify against him."
"Doesn't surprise me one bit," Daria stated in regret. "When things like this happen, a lot of women will not have enough courage to come forward and face their attackers for fear of retaliation. Right now, my concern is for Rita's safety." She then focused her empathic energy. Rita, please be all right. I'm worried about you, and your niece is gravely concerned.>
Back in Rita's little prison, she actually slept soundly since Daria's astral form came to visit the night before.
Craig sat at the controls of the security system, where he could see everything for the whole block and listen to all radio broadcasts. He was listening closely to radio communications between Ace and Cosmo in the Magic Racer and Angie on the Magic Bike.
Ace, acting innocent, contacted Angie on the radio. "Any luck on finding her yet?"
"Nope, not yet. Believe me, I'm doing the best I can to locate Rita." Angie did not want to say "Aunt Rita" because she suspected Craig did not know about the family relation. "I'm going to head down 22nd Street next to see if I can get some clues."
"Right. We'll check the Sussex Avenue area. We'll meet back at home for lunch."
"10-4, over and out."
Ace then sent a thought to her. "I think it's working. He's convinced we don't know where he's hiding."
"That's good to know. Maybe Aunt Rita's going to make her move soon, I hope."
"We're all hoping for it, Angie."
Craig let out a sinister laugh. "What fools they are, thinking they're ever going to find Rita. They'll never get her back. She's mine and mine forever!" He then took off from his control area to go to Rita's cell and give her breakfast.
When he got there, he saw through the small view of the door and noticed Rita sleeping calmly. He did not like this at all. "Hey, wench, wake up!"
Rita slowly awakened and noticed Craig at the door. "Oh, hello. How are you?"
Craig immediately got suspicious. "What are you up to, woman!? I know you're trying to do something! You'd better tell me!"
"Look, Craig, I'm hungry. Aren't I even entitled to a meal? Even lifers get breakfast in the morning."
"Very well, my dear. I'll let you eat, but you'd better finish in 20 minutes because I've got a lot for you to do today, and I don't tolerate waiting around."
He then took the keys out of his pocket and opened the door to give Rita her morning meal. "Here ya go. Have a biscuit from one of the best fast food restaurants in town. That's all you're getting."
"What? No coffee or hot cocoa?"
"Listen, woman! You don't get anything except beaten up if you don't take what I give you!"
Rita had heard enough and opted to try to get him to come closer. "Craig," she said in an alluring tone, "I know I can't win against you, so I'll take the biscuit. Just come here . . . loverboy."
Craig felt lured by her voice. "At last, a woman gives me the respect I'm supposed to have. In fact, all men should be respected this way. Here I come, baby."
She closed her eyes and put her lips into a pucker position.
He could not resist her temptation as he quickly came closer to her.
Just when he got close enough while still holding the tray in his hands, Rita opened her eyes and kicked her right leg very high, hitting the tray into Craig's face!
"Damn it!" he shouted angrily as he tried to figure out where he was.
As he let out another curse word, Rita quickly said, "So long, jerk!" She then ran off for the stairway.
When Craig got his sense of direction back, he growled in rage as Rita started to make her escape. "Come back here! You can't escape me!" He then ran after her to try to keep her as a prisoner.
Back at police headquarters, Daria was having her cup of decaffeinated coffee (she could not handle caffeine like Vega) when she felt something powerful within her heart. She accidentally spilled the coffee on the table and stood up fast. "Something's going on." She then concentrated her empathic abilities to discover the source of the feeling. "It's Rita! She's made her move and escaped!"
She ran to Starker's office to tell him what had happened and then made telepathic contact with both magicians. Ace, Angie, this is Daria. Can both of you hear me?>
Ace quickly responded, "I'm getting you clearly, Daria."
"I can, too," Angie replied. "What's happening?"
Rita has made her escape from Craig's clutches and is trying to get to the roof of the Agones Department Store building!>
"Angie, you're the closest. Get over there and see what you can do."
"I'm on my way!" Angie then took the Magic Bike towards Norrison Street. "Sit tight, Aunt Rita. Help is on the way now!"
Back at the building, Rita continued running up the stairs as fast as she could while trying to get away from her abusive boyfriend.
Craig was not too far behind, either. "You stupid wench! How dare you do this to me! You come back here right now, or you're dead!"
She did not concentrate on listening to his voice, as doing so would slow her down and placed her into greater danger than before.
In a matter of minutes she made it safely to the roof but discovered there was no escape ladder to use. "Oh, no. There's no way out of here," she whispered in fear.
"That's right, Rita," said Craig, who stood 20 feet away. "This place never had an ladder for escape during a fire, which is why the store was forced to close. However, this will now be your deathtrap, for you have defied me for the last time, woman! You won't get out of here alive!"
As he stepped closer, she shouted, "You realize you'll never get away with this."
"Oh, yes, I will. I've gotten away with this a number of times before, and I'll do it again, even if it means your death!"
He then grabbed Rita's arm and pulled her to him.
"What are you doing?" she asked fearfully.
"Making sure you don't ever get a chance to stand up against me again, loser!" He then dragged her to the edge of the building. "Say good-bye, wench! Your life ends now!" He yanked her arm and started to get her falling off the building toward certain death!
However, Angie had stopped the Magic Bike just around the corner of the alley and quickly ran to see what was happening. She then saw her aunt falling. "Aunt Rita, NO!" She put her arms out to the sides and felt her power growing stronger within her heart. Her body emanating her light-blue aura, she yelled, "Let my heart guide my power!"
Rita fell fast, but her descent was slowed considerably by Angie's magic. She soon landed feet first on the ground and quickly ran to her niece. "Thank you, Angie. You saved my life again."
"I'm just glad you're okay," Angie said in tears of joy as she hugged her aunt tightly. "I was so worried."
"I don't blame you. Now you know how I felt when I was trying to protect you."
"You should blame me for—"
"No, Angie. I'm not angry at you at all. You didn't know about this mess, so don't be upset at yourself."
Up on the roof, Craig was shocked to see what had happened. "Why you little jerk! I'll show you . . ."
He then took out a plasma gun and was ready to fire at both women.
Rita heard the gun cocking and shouted, "Angie, look out!"
As he started to fire the gun, Rita pulled her niece to the safety of some nearby trashcans.
She then looked at Angie and asked, "Are you all right?"
"Yeah, I think so," she replied in heavy breath. "Thanks, Aunt Rita."
"Don't worry about it. We're safe for now, but I don't think these metal trashcans can keep us sheltered for long."
"I agree, but there's a problem. Even if I try to use my magic, my reaction time still isn't fast enough yet."
"Hmm, maybe you can ask Ace for help. He'll probably know what to do."
"Good idea. I'd better tell Daria, too." Angie then closed her eyes.
"Um, wouldn't it be easier to use the radio?"
"No, the radio is too risky. Besides, mind-to-mind contact is faster." She then made telepathic communication. "Ace, my kindred brother, and Daria, my new friend, please hear my thoughts. I need your help, fast."
At police headquarters, Daria discussed the situation about Craig's past with Capt. Starker. "I can't understand why he would think a woman should do nothing more than serve him or suffer the consequences. I just wish . . . I . . . could . . ." She started to develop a feeling within herself.
"What's wrong, Daria?"
"I-I'm receiving a telepathic message from Angie."
At the same moment, Ace was driving the Magic Racer when he learned Angie was contacting him. "Angie, I can sense you in some kind of trouble. What's wrong?"
"I've found Aunt Rita and we're back together. Problem is, we're stuck behind some trashcans, and we can't make a move without him possibly hitting us."
Angie, this is Daria. Craig must have a gun with him to keep you and your aunt pinned. Can you do something?>
"Not at the moment. My reaction time's not fast enough to do something. Ace, do you have any ideas?"
"Yes, I do. Listen carefully to my instructions. In your mind, visualize Craig's position on the roof. Then, use your magic to create a hologram about 15 feet behind him. That should keep him busy long enough for one or both of you to escape. I know you haven't tried this before, but you can do it, Angie. Just go for it."
"Okay, Ace. I'll do the best I can. Just you and Daria both find us, okay?"
"No problem, right, Daria?"
Right. Capt. Starker and I are on our way to Norrison Street now. Hang tight and we'll be there as soon as possible.>
Angie opened her eyes and looked at her aunt. "I have to try something I've never really done, and this will take some serious concentration on my part. As for you, you be prepared to run for it when I tell you."
"I understand, but keep this in mind: If this becomes too much for you, stop. Don't strain yourself out like you did when you saved me the first time."
"You got it, Aunt Rita." Angie then put her hands to the temples of her head and closed her eyes to focus her magical powers. "Magic Force within my heart," she said calmly, "please help me create an illusion to distract that monster on the roof." In her mind she envisioned where Craig had stood on the roof and then focused her illusion 15 feet behind him.
Craig, in the meantime, continued to shoot at them. "Give it up, women! You're no match for me!"
Suddenly, he heard a voice from behind him. "No match? Yeah, right!"
He turned around quickly and saw what he thought were Rita and Angie. "What!? How the hell did you two get back up here!?" He then started shooting at the pair, but everything was going right through them.
Back at the trashcans, Rita noticed him turning away from them. "He's distracted now."
"Good. Aunt Rita, make a run for it and turn left. Ace is just a couple of blocks down now."
"Are you sure?"
"Don't worry about me; I'll be fine. Now, hurry and go!"
Rita made her escape and ran to the left, hoping to run into Ace and Cosmo in the Racer.
Angie continued to focus her illusion at the roof while Craig was trying desperately to get rid of them.
The pair continued to step back toward the other end of the roof.
Rita said, "Aww, you're a bad shooter, Craig. I've seen actors shoot better than you."
"She's right," agreed Angie. "You're so bad even Wild Bill Hickok would be laughing at you right about now."
"Shut up, the both of you!" he screamed mercilessly. "I'm better than both of you put together and all women! You will not disrespect me again!" He kept getting closer to them and persisted with his shooting.
Angie looked up and noticed Craig was no longer visible to her. "Perfect! Now's my chance!" She stood up, started spinning in a bright light, and yelled, "Magic Force, reveal the power within!"
In a matter of seconds, she emerged in her special crimefighting costume and was ready to confront this horrible monster of a man. She ran up to the edge of the building and began levitating herself towards the roof.
There, Craig was still having trouble trying to take them down. "Why won't you die? I can't understand why you two keep standing there!"
"That's because you've been fighting nothing but mere holograms," said a female voice coming from behind him.
He turned and suddenly saw a floating Angie in the air. "What the--? That's impossible! You can't be over there!"
The illusionary Angie said, "Oh, yes, she can. We really are nothing but mere illusions."
"Yeah," added the holographic Rita. "So long, loser."
In mere seconds, both holograms vanished into thin air.
Craig could not believe his eyes. "What is going on here? How is it you can do all these things? You, a mere woman?"
With an angry look on her face, she stated, "I am a woman, yes, but I am also a magician, and we magicians never reveal our secrets."
"You, a magician!? Don't make me laugh!"
"After what you've done, you won't be laughing at all."
"We'll see about that, little girl!" He then fired a shot directly towards Angie!
Putting her right hand forward, she quickly converted the shot into a beautiful dove. "You've got a lot to learn about respect for people in general."
Craig's anger began to grow. "You think you're so special, don't you! You're going to get yours, you stupid little brat!"
As he started to fire a round of shots, Angie created a light barrier around herself to protect from the blasts. "Give it up, Craig. This time, you're no match for me!"
He boiled in rage as he shouted, "Why didn't you mind your own business, you brat?"
She looked straight at him and said, "When I discovered you were abusing my Aunt Rita, this became my business. How dare you try to control a woman just because you think that's how life is supposed to be in your warped world."
Craig realized who he was dealing with by this point. "Rita . . . is your . . . aunt?"
"That's right, jerk. You've gone too far with your controlling ways, and it's going to stop right here, right now!"
"You're right, but it's going to be your end, sister!"
However, as he pointed the gun at Angie, it suddenly left his hand and came to a stop in someone else's hand. "Ah-ah-ah. Don't you know guns can be very dangerous?"
Angie smiled as she noticed the appearance of her kindred brother in his crimefighting costume. "Ace! Glad you could make it here."
"I'm not too late for the party, am I?"
"Nope, not at all, my friend."
Craig became more enraged. "How dare you help her! Give me that gun right now!"
As he ran towards Ace, Angie took off her cape and shouted, "Oh, no, you don't! It ends now!" She then threw the cape and snared him, forcing him to fall to the ground.
Just then, Capt. Starker, Daria, Cosmo, and Rita all came to the roof and learned the action was over.
"Nice catch, Angie," said Starker with a smile. "You really know how to use your magic at just the right time."
Angie then put her feet down on the roof and came up to the group. "Well, that's one of the best things I've learned from Ace, making sure magic gets used in all the right places. Are you okay, Aunt Rita?"
"I am now. I'm just glad you all were able to help me."
Craig, despite being bounded by Angie's cape, stared in anger at the group. "I don't believe this! How can a man let a woman do whatever she wants? The purpose of women is to serve the men, not do what they please!"
Ace came up to the man and angrily said, "Look, loser, this is the 21st Century, not the 19th. Women have earned their rightful place in society and deserve the right to fulfill dreams and destinies."
"Ha, you can't control that loser friend of a magician."
"I don't have to, monster. Angela Jacobs doesn't work for me; she works with me. I treat her with a lot of respect because she's a nice person to everyone she sees, but I'm glad for once, she wasn't too nice to you. She could have easily finished you off with her powers, but she knew it wasn't the answer. She controls her own life and her own destiny, like Rita deserved, no thanks to you. Now that it's over, you're going to pay for what you've done to her, almost destroying her life."
Capt. Starker added, "You also got yourself caught by your own security cameras. I have the tape of you throwing her off the roof right here in my hands. That plus Angie as a witness is enough evidence to officially place you under arrest for kidnapping, assault, and attempted murder. Lieutenant, would you mind?"
Daria smiled and answered, "I would consider this an honor, Captain. Angie, can you remove your cape?"
"Be glad to." She summoned the cape back to her, but left Craig in a surprise pair of handcuffs. "Does that help?"
"Sure does." Daria then took Craig down and read him his rights.
Cosmo breathed a huge sigh of relief. "Man, am I glad this is all over, finally."
"Tell me about it, Cosmo," Rita said. "My nightmare has ended at last."
Starker then looked at her. "Rita, listen. If he pleas not guilty, would you be willing to testify against him in court?"
"I'd love to, Captain. Too many women have been scared for fear of retaliation, but I'm not going to let that stop me from putting him away for good."
"Angie, we might need you, too."
"Not a problem for me, Captain. I'm more than willing to help."
Ace then made a couple of tickets appear. "Um, Captain, would you and Daria be interested in attending our performance tomorrow night at the new Barnstormer Arena?"
"I consider this an honor, Mr. Cooper."
I would love to be there, Ace. I've always wanted to see your magic in person.>
"Starker will give you your ticket, if that's all right."
That's fine by me.>
Everyone left the roof of the old department store, knowing a terrible situation had come to a peaceful end.

The next night, Capt. Starker and Daria were in the front row seeing Ace Cooper and Angela Jacobs put on a spectacular performance in front of tens of thousands of people in the Barnstormer Arena.
The highlight of the show came when Ace and Angie used Rita as a volunteer for a special three-way teleportation/levitation trick, which delighted everyone in the arena.
After the show, Starker, Daria, and Rita were invited over to the Magic Express for a special dinner to celebrate the appreciation of life.
Rita looked at Daria and said, "You're more than welcome to come to my house anytime you want. You've proven to be a great friend, and I don't have any fear like I've had for the last three months."
"Thanks, Rita. I'm glad I was able to help you in your time of trouble and put that monster Craig Rutherford behind bars. We all have a right to live life, and Craig had no right to take that away from you."
"Yes," Starker stated, "and with the evidence we have, we stand a good chance of putting him away for the rest of his life."
"I hope you're right about that," Cosmo said nervously. "You know how some people can get away with anything."
"I'll eat my hat if he gets out with just a slap on the wrist. The video evidence should definitely be the key to making sure he never gets out again."

Sure enough, less than three weeks after Rita had been a victim of a horrible crime, her testimony, along with Angie's testimony and the tape, was enough to put Craig Rutherford in prison for life without the possibility of parole. Rita Wisland's nightmare had finally ended once and for all.
The next day after the verdict, she came to visit her son's grave at the cemetery with the bouquet of red and white roses. "Eric, you'll be happy to know the terrible ordeal will be laid to rest at last. After more than three months, I can finally put an end to all this . . . hell. I don't mean to curse here, but that's what it's been for me for so long. Thanks to friends who care about me, I can live a normal and happy life again."
Daria soon came up from behind. "How are you feeling, Rita?"
"Why are you asking me? You're the empathic one."
"Well, I just wanted to make sure you were feeling safe, calm, and happy."
"You're right. I am safe, and calm, and very happy. Thank you for being a friend, Daria."
"It's not just me you should be thanking."
Rita hugged Daria and smiled, knowing her life was saved from a terrible man by her, her niece Angela Jacobs, and Ace Cooper, the Magician.

THE END