Alex could barely comprehend what she was hearing. Government? Agents? Magic? This was too much to take in at once. Surely it couldn't all mean what it seemed like. Somehow, she knew it had to. Still, there were more out there with these...abilities. Apparently enough the government had taken notice, but why? What purpose would they have with these people? War? Espionage? God-only-knows what else.
She stood frozen for a moment while the mysterious Mr Winchester made his exit. She couldn't help but look back at the man with suspicion and a growing sense of fear. This did not go unnoticed by the flannelled man. The whereabouts of Mr Winchester apparently did. She held her breath as he eyed her for a second saying something inaudible before going off after Winchester. As he left, briskly walking to the far end of the tent, she released her held breath. He had disappeared into the crowd somewhere behind the far bleachers. Still, who knows how many are actually here. She had to get out of here.
She briskly walked back to where Chelsea was waiting on the seats, fighting the urge to run.
Chelsea huffed, "About tim-"
"We need to go," she interrupted.
Chels gave a confused look, but knew Alex was not the type to say a thing mildly. "O-okay."
"I'll explain later," she lied, "We just need to go."
Chelsea hopped down from her bleacher perch and they started off out the tent.
"Hang tight, I really need to use the bathroom."
Alexis could feel her muscles clench, now was not time, but she couldn't give away her anxiety to her friend, "Okay okay," she said impatiently motioning to a line of blue port-o-potties. Chelsea disappeared inside one and switched the little knob to 'occupied'.
Alex looked around trying to keep an eye out for anyone looking official. A minute passed.
Damnit Chels, hurry up! she thought. She pulled out her cellphone to look at the time.
Someone bumped into her startling her.
She turned around to see a short bald man in a suit. "Ma-am," he said before things went dark.
Chelsea stepped out of the restroom and looked around. Alex was nowhere to be found. "Alex?"
~ ~ ~
Groggily she awoke with a groan. The light hurt her eyes before they adjusted. Around stood three men: two in suits, and one the familiar short bald guy from the restroom, all looking at her with suspicion. The oldest one approached her slowly and calmly.
"Sorry about that Miss Fletcher, but I need to ask you a few questions."
Still groggy she looked up at him. His shoulders were broad and his frame built for his age. His skin wrinkled only slightly and his dark hair heavily salted. She found herself sitting on the dirt ground in what appeared to be another circus tent; it was small and looked to be a dressing room tent. Her hands were bound behind her with something she assumed was a plastic zip tie.
"What do you know about a certain Gabriel Winchester?"
"He's a magician. He does magic tricks. That's all I know."
"You were seen talking with him earlier today. What did you talk about?" his voice was kind and smooth.
"I told him his show was entertaining," she said quickly anxiety welling.
"When my agent saw you... you got nervous. So nervous you tried to leave the show. Why?"
Her mind reeled for a lie but nothing came forth.
"I'm waiting Miss Fletcher."
Her eyes darted around the room at them as the other two stared silently at her. One whispered something inaudible in the other's ear before focusing back on her. The man knelt down and rested his elbows on his knees and sunk down to her level.
"Why did you perceive us as a threat?"
"I-I," she stuttered, "I don't know."
The man shook his head, "You're a horrible liar, Miss Fletcher." He paused for a moment, "Are you familiar with some tricks of your own?"
She knew where this was getting at, and she wasn't sure what to say or do.
"With water perhaps?"
Her eyes widened.
"Yes, yes. I saw that."
He let that sink in for a moment. Her heart began to thrash in her chest.
"I'm not interested in you," he lied, "I'm looking for the fellow you were talking to. Do you know where he went?"
"No, I don't," she said honestly.
One of the men in the back spoke up, "She's telling the truth. At least that last part. She don't know."
~ ~ ~
Chelsea wandered around for a bit before an idea popped into her head. She could call her cellphone. Quickly she pulled out her cell and tapped her portrait. It rang.
~ ~ ~ ~
A familiar ringtone rang out and one of the men looked down. "We got a call. Chelsea."
"Let it go to voicemail," the older one demanded, "We're not done here yet."
~ ~ ~
Alexis's voicemail message greeted her and she left a quick message.
"Hey, its Chels. Where did you go? I'll wait for you by the ticket booth." She hung up.
She was beginning to worry, something wasn't right.