Free The Angel of Eden by D. J. McIntosh Page B

doorway and carved lintel seemed appropriately medieval for a library about the history of magic. “I’m not sure what to expect here,” I said as we took the elevator to the fifth floor.
    â€œAs long as we don’t disappear into thin air before we get out again,” Bennet laughed.
    We stepped into a charming room that looked anything but esoteric—comfortable antique furniture, a polished hardwood floor covered with Turkish carpets, and a multitude of books arranged neatly on the tall shelves. An old black-and-white banner stretching above one shelf announced houdini at the hippodrome. Just the kind of place that made you want to settle in for an afternoon and search through the treasure trove.
    â€œJohn Madison and Margaux Bennet.” I extended my hand to a tall woman with long gray hair who greeted us. “Thanks for arranging our appointment so quickly.”
    â€œJulia Morrow. Glad to help. If you don’t mind my asking, is Helmstetter the subject of an article or a book you’re working on? We’ve had a few inquiries about him lately.”
    â€œYes, I’m writing about him,” Bennet jumped in. “Who else was interested?”
    Morrow’s lips turned down in a slight frown. “That’s private information.”
    â€œOf course. I understand,” Bennet said quickly.
    Morrow showed us where to stow our coats and then led us into another room with a long rectangular table.
    After we’d signed the register I took a closer look around. “It must be fascinating to work here.” Many of the books were old tomes in gilt, rich burgundy leather, and weathered green cloth with titles like Valuable Secrets, Discoverie of Witchcraft, and The Expert at the Card Table.
    Morrow smiled proudly and pulled a book from a nearby shelf. “Watch this.” The pages changed color as she thumbed through them.
    â€œThat’s amazing,” Bennet cooed.
    â€œWe own a page from Caxton’s Canterbury Tales printed in 1496, a pilgrim’s description of a magician. And we have a collection of personal papers from some of the most famous magicians in history, documents that escaped being burned through the ages over fears of witchcraft. You wanted to know about Helmstetter but I’m afraid there’s very little about him. He disappeared before he could develop much of a reputation as a practicing conjurer. On the other hand, a lot is known about Strauss.”
    â€œWe’d like to know more about Strauss too,” I said. “I’ve only just met him.”
    Morrow folded her arms and leaned against a bookcase. “I’ve never met him myself, but the stories are legion. He came from a New Orleans family who ran a drama troupe; they traveled all over the country. Strauss was pressed into acting at an early age.”
    â€œNew Orleans? He has no trace of that accent,” Bennet said.
    â€œNo. He was ashamed of his family—they weren’t much more than burlesque performers. Strauss was actually quite brilliant; he was accepted into Harvard on scholarship to study psychology, and that’s when he managed to drop his accent. Nowadays you’d think he was a Boston Brahmin.” Morrow pointed to the Houdini banner. “But he never lost his dramatic flair. He was a born showman, like Houdini. He chose to become primarily a mentalist, using traditional magic mostly to warm his audience up. His reputation for psychic powers grew to the point where people would shower him with money for private sessions.”
    â€œStrauss claims his assistant betrayed him,” Bennet interjected. “Do you know anything about Helmstetter’s apprenticeship?”
    â€œPeople say Strauss grew jealous of his talent. And ultimately, Helmstetter was the only person to get the better of Lucas Strauss. I can’t tell you much more. Why don’t you take a seat and I’ll bring you what I’ve found in our