Page 64 of Enchanted Hero
Not as if by magic, butactualmagic. This was bad, especially when multiple cameras had captured video that was likely still being analyzed. It would take a single shot to give undeniable proof of enchantment. “Dr. Garrison, you’re a scientist. Did you actually just suggest magic?” As the scientist continued his hard glare, Alexander deepened his voice. “I’m sure there’s an explanation that’s far more logical than magic. Whatever it is, it has nothing to do with me.”
“You were at all the events. In all the inconsistencies, you’re the only constant.” Dr. Garrison stepped forward, eliciting the urge to retreat. The man threatened more danger than his people had ever endured. “We just want to know if you have any information.”
Not that he could ever share. “As I said yesterday, I didn’t even see the tornado. There were thousands of people at my home, and most of them were closer than me. As for the fire, again, I wasn’t alone. There were numerous boats and people on the shore. I don’t see why you think I’m involved.”
“What about the mall fire last year?”
A slice of apprehension seared his spine. They’d done their research.
“You mean the Lake View Mall fire?” Everleigh asked.
“Mr. Stone was at that incident, too.”
“As were hundreds of other people.” Of course, none of those hundreds had saved a group of teenagers who’d gotten trapped in one of the stores. He’d been discreet, destroying the video evidence, yet people had noticed him at the scene. They’d attributed the save to a good Samaritan. “Let’s get this all out in the open. What exactly are you accusing me of? The mall fire was caused by a defective oven in the food court, which was well-documented. The incident on the boat stemmed from a clear mechanical problem. I’m assuming you don’t believe I caused the tornado. So what exactly do you think I did?”
“We don’t think you caused them.” Agent Andrews’ stance was no less accusatory for the admission. “They all had obvious origins.”
“I suppose I should be grateful you don’t think I’m some sort of criminal mastermind with a proclivity for arson.”
“No,” Dr. Garrison replied genuinely. “We know you’re one of the good guys. Believe me, the response would be very different otherwise.” He looked at Alexander steadily. “We think you’re the hero.”
Everleigh gasped.
This. Was. Bad.“I’m sorry, gentlemen, but you’re chasing the wrong lead. If I were some sort of hero, I’d happily take credit. My business would benefit from the publicity.”
“But you’d face questions on how you did it,” Agent Andrews sliced through his excuse, honing in on the dangerous truth. “Those incidents were far from your only coincidences. I found your name in more than half a dozen police reports, most of them involving saves by anonymous good Samaritans.”
He’d been at many more than that. He should have changed those records when he had the chance. Now it was too late. “As a bystander, I assume?”
Andrews nodded.
“So I have an uncanny knack for being near disasters. That doesn’t mean I’m some sort of hero.”
“What about when you flew?”
Alexander stiffened. He’d flown many times, but never in public. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“At the magic show.” Andrews waved with his hand. “I have dozens of witnesses who claimed you actually flew.”
“It was amagicshow.” He relaxed, but a second later tension tightened his chest anew. He had used enchantment at the magic show.
“It was part of the act,” Everleigh spoke. “I flew, too.”
“No, you didn’t.” The agent turned to Everleigh, and his eyes lit, as if suddenly realizing the opportunity she presented. “According to Max Stone, Miss Lacey was pulled by invisible wires.”
“So was I.” How much evidence did they have? Did they already have proof, and were just hoping for a confession to add to the file?
“At first.” Agent Andrews gestured to the sky. “But you came down when you were supposed to stay up. You defied physics, somehow controlling the machine.”
Yes, yes and yes. Alexander fought to stay stoic. The men already knew too much, and undoubtedly they were not the only ones. How many people were investigating him? “It was Max’s show. Why don’t you ask him?”
“We did.” Dr. Garrison straightened his glasses. “He said what happened was impossible. I have a feeling you’re responsible for that, too.”
Alexander exhaled slowly. What could he say to counter their beliefs when they were right? “Max Sage is a dollar store magician who became vengeful when Miss Lacey didn’t fall for his charms. He tried a dirty trick that backfired, and now he’ll say anything to save himself. He’s far from a reliable witness.”
Agent Andrews’ glare only hardened. “Yet combined with everything else, it’s telling.”
“We just want to know who you are,” Dr. Garrison added. “Whatyou are.”
