The boys spent the rest of the afternoon and evening talking to other magicians. No one was especially helpful. It was nearly eight before they gave up for the night.

Charlie leaned against the front desk and yawned. “I guess I better get home,” he said.

Tyler nodded. “We only have a couple more days,” he said. “I’m losing hope.”

Just then, Brack stepped out of the elevator and plodded across the lobby.

“Brack!” Charlie and Ty shouted. They ran over to him.

“Where have you been?” Charlie asked. “We’ve hardly seen you since the party.”

Brack looked tired. He sat down on a bench and considered the boys. “I’ve been hard at work,” he said.

“Rehearsing for the big farewell show?” Ty asked.

Brack sighed. “Why waste my time with that?” he said. “If I lose this bet, there won’t be a farewell show.” He put his hands on his knees and sat up straighter. “No,” he said, “I’ve been trying to duplicate Theopolis’s trick.”

“Any luck?” Charlie said. “We could use your insight.”

“Put it this way,” Brack said, smiling. “I’m wearing my elevator operator outfit because all my other clothes are upstairs hanging out to dry.”

“Fell in the pool a few times?” Ty said.

“Try ten times,” Brack said. He chuckled. “I’ll miss this place.”

Charlie put a hand on Brack’s shoulder. “We’ll figure it out, Mr. Abracadabra,” he said. “I promise.”

But Brack didn’t seem to be listening. He shook his head sadly. “I just can’t figure it out,” he said. “Juggling, levitation, special effects, vanishing . . . it’s like four magicians rolled into one.”

He sighed. Then he got up and headed for the break room.