Chapter 54 51

Muttering, Sachs said to himself: I can't even see what she did. Rhyme said to Bell: She tampered with the evidence, deceived us, and arranged false clues. Rona, you go to the whiteboard, and I will show you the problem. Kara arranged false evidence?Sachs asked in surprise. Yes, she did, and she did it almost flawlessly.From the very first scene, long before you even found her, it started.You said that she secretly signaled to you, asking you to wait for her at the coffee shop, and this was a trap they had set up long ago. Bell was already standing in front of the whiteboard, pointing to the items on the evidence list one by one, and Rhyme explained one by one how Kara used the evidence to deceive them.

After a while, Thomas yelled from outside: Another police officer is coming. let him in.Lyme said. A policewoman came in through the door and walked into the living room where Sachs, Bell, and Kadeski were. She looked curiously at the people in the room through a pair of fashionable glasses on her face.She nodded to Rhyme first, and then asked Bell with a thick Spanish accent: Detective, are you asking for the support of the prison car? Bell turned his head toward the corner of the living room.There she is, I have her under arrest. The policewoman looked around the corner and caught a glimpse of Kara lying on the ground.Okay, I'll put her back in the game right away.She hesitated for a moment, then said: But I have a question to ask.

question?Rhyme frowned. What do you want to say?policeman?Bell asked. She ignored Bell, and only looked Kadesky up and down.Sir, can I see your papers? I?the producer asked. Yes, I want to see your driver's license. Want to see my ID again?I checked it out the last time I was here. Yes, please. The man reached into his pocket with extreme displeasure and pulled out a wallet. But this wallet is not his. He looked at the black and white striped wallet in his hand.Wait, I don't know where this is coming from. Isn't this your thing?the policewoman asked. No, he said bewilderedly, and started rummaging through all his pockets.I have no idea

You see, that's what worries me, and the policewoman says: I'm sorry, sir, and now I'm going to arrest you for pickpocketing.you have the right to remain silent This is bullshit, says Kadeski: There must be something wrong.He opened the wallet in his hand, stared at it for a while, then let out a surprised laugh, and immediately held up the driver's license in the wallet for everyone to see.This wallet belongs to Carla.There was also a handwritten note in the wallet.The note fell, and he immediately picked it up from the ground. □□□ Got you. □□□ This is what Kadesky said, narrowing his eyes and carefully looking at the policewoman in front of him.Wait a minute, isn't that you?The policeman laughed, took off his glasses, his police cap and the dark brown wig stuck under it, revealing his red hair again.Rona.Bell laughed louder than anyone else, and he handed her a towel, letting her wipe off the dark makeup on her face, peel off her thick eyebrows, and pull out the red false nails that covered her otherwise black nails.Then she took the wallet back from the astonished Kadesky and handed him back his own.It was only then that Kadeski discovered that when Kara pushed him and Sachs away just now, she had already changed his wallet.

The change of the matter was so drastic that Sachs shook his head in surprise, and turned to look at the person lying on the ground together with Kadeski.The young female illusionist walked to the corner of the living room, lifted the doll lying on the ground, and grabbed the jeans and windbreaker she was wearing earlier, revealing a spring skeleton underneath.Bell's handcuffs were still there, but they were attached to a pair of latex prosthetic hands. Just as Sacks and the others turned their heads to the whiteboard, it was Rhyme's misdirection. Kara broke free from the handcuffs, arranged the figures on the floor, and slipped out the door for a quick cross-dressing in the hallway.

That's fake, Rhyme rolls his head to the floor in the corner, announcing to everyone in the living room: Fake Kara. Kara put away the props on the ground, and quickly folded them into a package the size of a small pillow. This is how she brought these props in her windbreaker before.Although the appearance of the dummy she arranged could not pass careful inspection, because it was located in a dark corner, and the misguided viewers in the living room were not suspicious at all, no one found that it was not real. Kadesky shook his head.You do escapes and quick disguises in under a minute?

It's forty seconds. How did you do it? You have seen the effect just now, Carla said to him: As for the method of performance, I think it is better not to make it public. So, I get it, Kadeski sneered: You want to get an audition? Carla hesitated, but Rhyme shot her an encouraging look. No, it should be said that it was an audition just now.I want to work for a fantasy circus. Didn't you say you're not ready yet? It's up to your judgment.Do you think I'm not ready yet? Kadesky watched her carefully.It's just a trick, can you do anything else? I will be a lot.

How many times can you change dress during a show? Forty-two times, it becomes thirty kinds of characters, and it can be completed within thirty minutes. Forty-two disguises in half an hour?The producer raised his eyebrows in disbelief. Yes. He thought for a few seconds, then said: Come see me next week.I won't cut the time of the other performers just yet, but I can hire you as a reserve first.Maybe, when we go to Florida in the winter, you can officially play the show. Kara turned to Rhyme, who nodded affirmatively. OKshe said to Kadeski.The two shook hands to signify a deal. Kadeski aimed at the spring frame in the corner, which was the tool she used to blind the crowd just now.Did you make that thing yourself?

Yes. You should apply for a patent. I never thought about it, but I will now.thank you. He looked at her carefully again.Forty-two disguises in thirty minutes.He said to himself, nodded, and left the living room.Both he and Kara had very satisfied expressions on their faces, as if they had just bought an expensive sports car at a very cheap price. Sachs laughed.Damn, you actually lied to me.She looked at Lyme and said: "Both of you. Wait, Bell pretends to be hurt.I also had a share, and I was the one who handcuffed her. Sachs shook his head again.When did you arrange it? It started last night, Rhyme explained, when he was lying in bed, his ears filled with the sound of music from the Fantastic Circus, the voice of the show host, and the sound of the audience applauding and laughing.It made him think of Carla, and of her performance at the Smoke and Mirrors shop.Think of her lack of self-confidence, and of Balzac's domination over her.Also thinking about what Sachs had told him about her having an elderly mother, and that was what got Rhyme to decide to invite Jenny over for a talk the next morning.

I have one more question to ask you, and Rhyme said at that time: Please think carefully before answering, and I hope you will answer with complete honesty. The question was: would her mother wake up at all. Jenny said at the time: What you want to ask is, will she be clear-headed? Yes, does she have a chance of recovery? No. So it's impossible for Kara to take her to England? Jenny smiled wryly.No, no, she can't go anywhere. Carla said she couldn't quit because she had to support her mother, who lived in a nursing home. She does need someone to take care of, but it shouldn't be with us.We are a short-term nursing home and Carla has to keep paying for her mother's rehab, recuperation, and medical expenses, but her mother doesn't even know what year it is.I hate to say it, but it doesn't matter where Carla's mother is sent.

What would happen to her if she were sent to a general long-term care home? Her condition continued to deteriorate and eventually she died.It's the same, though, if she stays with us.The only difference is this: Sending Kara to a long-term care home won't bankrupt Kara. After their talk, Jenny would go out to lunch with Thomas, perhaps exchanging some patient care stories during the break.Rhyme was left alone at home and called Kara, who arrived in no time.The two of them talked for a while, a conversation that was embarrassing for Rhyme, who was not good at such personal negotiations.What he invaded was a gentle soul. In comparison, it was much easier to talk to a deranged serial murderer. I don't know much about your line of business, Rhyme said: But when I went to see your show on Sunday, I was really moved by you, really deeply moved.Your performance is really good. It's considered among the student-level people.she said modestly. No, he insisted: This is a professional performance, and you should be on the big stage. I'm not ready yet, but eventually I will. After a long silence, Rhyme said: The problem is, sometimes you can't get to that place in the end.He looked down at his body.Sometimes things change.If you procrastinate on something important, you may miss the opportunity forever. But Mr. Balzac Clearly, he's been knocking your confidence down. He is for my own good. No, he is not.I don't know what's going on in his mind, but he's definitely not thinking of you.Look at the examples of Will and Rose, and Kedding.Do you remember yourself saying how a master can confuse a disciple?You can thank Balzac for all he has done for you, remain his friend, and send him a VIP ticket to your first Carnegie Theatre.But you should leave him now, while you can. I am not deluded.she said with a slight smile. Rhyme didn't answer right away, he could see her lost in thought, wondering how much he was controlled by that person.After a while, Rhyme said: We have done so much for Kadesky, and he owes us a favor.Emilia said that you like Fantastic Circus very much, I think you should try for an audition. Even if I wanted to, my current personal situation doesn't allow it.mine Mother?Rhyme cut her off. Um. I talked to Jenny. Kara was silent. Rhyme said again: I will tell you a story. story? I used to be the head of the criminal forensics unit of the NYPD, which, as you can imagine, was basically a management thing.But what I love the most is to go to the crime scene to investigate and investigate in person, so after I take office, as long as there is a way, I will definitely do it myself.A few years ago, there was a serial rapist in the Bronx. I won't go into the details, but it was a serious situation, and I wanted to catch this suspect and stop him. .At that time, I was notified by the patrolman that there was another incident half an hour ago, and the gangster seemed to have left evidence at the scene, so I rushed to the upper city, intending to inspect the scene myself. When I arrived at the scene, I discovered that my deputy, a very good friend of mine, had suffered a severe heart attack.He was young and in good shape.Anyway, he said he wanted to see me.Rhyme recalled this painful memory and continued: But I stayed at the scene and wrote the custody card for all the evidence before rushing to the hospital.I have rushed as fast as I can, but it is still too late.He passed away half an hour before I arrived at the hospital.I don't mean to brag about it, it just hurts me to think about it over the years.However, even if I did it all over again, I would still do it.No matter what happens it won't change. Your point is that I should send my mother to another nursing home. She said bitterly: Find a cheaper one, so that my life will be easier. Of course not, you should send her to a place where she really needs a place where she can recuperate and be with people, not in this nursing home that you need, don't let this rehab drag down your finances my point Yes, if you have already decided on the goal of this life, you should put it at the forefront.Apply for a job at the Fantastic Circus, or else, you can go elsewhere, the important thing is that you must act quickly.Now is the time. Do you know what it's like in other nursing homes? Maybe not great, but your job is to find a nursing home that you both can live with.Sorry to be blunt, but as I said, I've always said what I have to say and I don't hold back much. She shook her head and said, Well, Lincoln, even if I would, you know how many people aspire to get a job at the Fantastic Circus?They will receive at least hundreds of resumes a week. Rhyme smiled.I've thought about it a long time ago.My immobile person already has an idea for a trick, so let's try it. That's what happened, Rhyme told Sachs now. Carla continued: "I think we can name the trick the escaped suspect and I'll add it to my repertoire later on. Sachs turned to Rhyme.Then why didn't you tell me sooner? I'm sorry, I can't contact you because you have something to go out. Well, at least you leave a message.The show might have been better if you had told me beforehand. Yes︱No︱From︱, I apologize.You know, I don't apologize often, you should understand.Besides, you have also seen the situation just now, I think you have added a lot of effect to this performance without knowing it.Your previous expression was really awesome, it added a lot of believability to the whole scene. What about Balzac?Sachs asked, he didn't know Will, did he?He should have nothing to do with this case, right? Rhyme nodded to Kara.Completely fictional.It was a pre-written script that the two of us came up with together. Sachs turned to Carla and said: Last time you pretended to be stabbed to death, this time you became an accomplice to murder again.She sighed angrily.Tell me, how can we make friends like this? Carla suggests going down the street to buy the takeaway Cuban food she's been wanting all day, but Rhyme suspects that's just an excuse when all she really wants is the restaurant's slushy coffee.But before they could decide whether to accept the offer, they were interrupted by the ringing of the phone. Rhyme ordered.instruction.answer the phone. After a while, Sellitto's voice came through the microphone.Lincoln, are you busy? All right, he murmured: What's wrong? Those bastards really don't give people a break and we need your help again.We have another bizarre murder case. Last time you said shift, if I remember correctly.Did you say that on purpose to arouse my interest? No, really, we really can't figure this case out. Well, well, mumbled the forensic expert, give me the details. His tone is full of complaints, but the mood is easy to read.Now he feels extremely happy in his heart, because the boring moment that makes people panic can be postponed again. Kara stood outside the Smoke and Mirrors store for a while, only to notice a few things she hadn't noticed in the past year and a half.In the upper left corner of the storefront glass window, there is a small hole broken by BB bullets or iron bullets; there is a small spiral pattern on the store door.In the corner of the window was a dusty book by Houdini, which turned to the page of his favorite rope trick in the show. She saw a spark in the store and M. de Balzac lit a cigarette. She took a deep breath.This is the time, she thought, and bravely pushed the door open. He sat in the store, chatting with a friend who was an illusionist from California.The man had only come to New York this week to attend a fundraising gala for a charitable foundation.Balzac introduced the two of them, saying that Carla was his student, so she shook hands with the middle-aged man.They talked a bit more about last night's show, the other magicians coming to New York, and some of the gossip going around in the magic world.Finally, the man got up, picked up his briefcase, and said goodbye to them.He came here to return some props that he had borrowed from the store, and he was going to JFK Airport to take the flight home later.He hugged Balzac, then nodded to Kara, and left the magic shop. You are late.Mr. Balzac said unhappily.Then he noticed that she didn't leave her backpack behind the counter as soon as she came back, as in the past.He glanced at her hand again and saw that she hadn't returned with coffee. He frowned.what's wrong with youhe asked, taking a drag on his cigarette.tell me. I gotta go. you want I talked to Kadeski and I got a job at Fantastic Circus. with them?To talk to Kadeski?No, no, no, you are wrong.Their kind is not called magic, but is what I want to do. Haven't we talked a dozen times already?You are not ready yet.While you're pretty good, you're not yet great. It doesn't matter, she said stubbornly: as long as I can stand on the stage, as long as I can perform. if you are impulsive impulse?David, you say I'm impulsive?So when do you think I will be ready?next year?Another five years?She used to be terrified to look him in the eye, but today she mustered up the courage to stare into his eyes wide open.When will you be willing to let me go? He was silent for a while, then spoke again.Kadesky, he sneered, what are you going to do with him? I started out as an assistant, and when they got to Florida in the winter, I was able to go on stage and do my own show.No one knows what happened next. He pressed the butt of the cigarette.This is the wrong decision, and you will be wasting your talents.What he did there was not the magic I taught. I will get this job, all thanks to the tricks you taught me. Kadersky, he said scornfully, that's the new magic. Yes, it is, she said: but I will also perform the tricks you taught me.Remember, this is morphing old magic into new magic. He was still scowling, but Kara knew that he would be very pleased when she mentioned his magic line just now. David, I want to keep learning from you.When I get back to New York, I will definitely come to your class again.I will pay your tuition. I don't think it works, you can't learn from two masters at the same time.Balzac murmured.After Carla had nothing to say, he said reluctantly: We will see, but I may not be able to see that day. She slung the purse over her shoulder. Are you leaving now? Yes, I think it's better this way. He nodded. Then Carla said, holding back the tears in her eyes, turned around and walked to the door of the store. Wait a moment.he shouted, getting up and walking to the back of the store.He came back with something and thrust it into Kara's hand.This is a cigar box with tarbell tricolor silk. Here you go, this gives you the look I like for you to do this trick. She remembered the compliment she had received. □□□ ah □□□ Carla stepped forward and hugged him tightly, thinking: This is the first physical contact they've had in eighteen months since they first met and shook hands.He hugged Carla back a little awkwardly, then backed away. Carla walked out of the store, stopped again, turned around and wanted to wave to Mr. Balzac.But he has disappeared behind the dark shop.She put the box with the scarf in her purse and walked toward Sixth Avenue, the street from which she could walk back to the apartment where she lived.