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show on the strip in Vegas and beyond. He had ideas for illusions that even the best of them couldn't
crack, including his father.
For the moment though, he needed to get Jack Hansen's permission to use the shop, which meant
convincing the man that his daughter would not be whisked off to Las Vegas on a magic carpet.
Holding that thought, he trailed after Jack Hansen into the stock barn, where he called out, "Mr.
Hansen, can I talk to you for a few minutes?"
Jack turned and waited for Dimitri to come to him.
"It's about using the shop," Dimitri started in. "I'm pressed for time because I have less than two
months to put together a disappearing-horse act that will get me my own show on the strip in Las
Vegas. I have a woodshop at home because I build all my own props and devices, so I'm familiar with
shop tools, but because I'm running out of time, while I'm here I'd like to build a donkey box that
could translate into a large-scale prop for making a horse disappear."
"I'm not opposed to your using the shop, but I am concerned that Maddy has her head in the
clouds right now," Jack said. "She's riding around in a limo, and you're buying her clothes, and she's
taken in with being your assistant. You're also aware of the issue with Jeremy and his wife in witness
protection because of mob affiliations in Las Vegas, which is another reason for this family to stay
away from there. But I also want you to understand clearly that if you were performing in another city,
I'd still be against Maddy being your assistant. She's not cut out for your kind of life and you know it,
even if you choose to ignore it, for whatever reason."
"I understand your concern and I agree with you completely," Dimitri replied. "I won't deny I'm
attracted to Maddy, but that's where it ends. In fact, right now my father's actively looking for an
assistant for me when I return to Las Vegas, just to make sure things stay on course. He's also aware
that Maddy doesn't belong there."
"Good," Jack replied. "As long as we understand each other."
"So then, it's okay if I use the shop?" Dimitri asked.
"Yes, as long as it's not needed for ranch work," Jack replied.
"Thanks. I'll try to wind things up quickly and be out of the way."
"I think that would be best for everyone, especially Maddy," Jack replied.
When they parted, Dimitri knew exactly where he stood. If there was any lingering hope of
getting something going with Maddy or offering her the job as his assistant when he returned to Las
Vegas, it was dashed. But at least he'd be able to use the shop to build the donkey box, and he'd start
as soon as he completed his materials list so he could select the materials from a local building center
and have them delivered to the ranch.
For now though, there was a pack of kids waiting near the stable for him. He'd promised to show
them more magic before his riding lesson, although he wasn't sure the lesson was still on. Clouds had
been building since morning and it was beginning to hint of rain. But if Maddy was still game to go,
so was he. There was something about the mountains and the view up there that was calling him back.
The mountains and view, that is, not the cabin. Being alone with Maddy there would definitely be a
temptation he didn't need.
As he approached the kids, he saw Maddy waiting for him at the stable, so he assumed the riding
lesson was still on. Hers was a totally cowgirl stance, with her western hat tipped slightly, her arms
folded as she leaned against the open doorway in the stable, and one leg crossed in front of the other,
with the toe of her boot propped against the planked floor.
Dragging his attention away from her, to the kids who were standing in a group just outside the
stable, he was ready to show them some magic if only to shift his mind away from Maddy's bust-
hugging shirt and tight jeans. As the kids gathered around him, he said," Okay, guys and gals, today I'll
do cups and balls to get us started, then I'll do some sleight of hand, which is making things appear
from out of thin air, so watch carefully."
If it had been a group of teens or adults standing around him, he would have gone into a dialog
about psychology, timing, misdirection, and choreography in accomplishing a magical effect, all the
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