“I’m part of a legacy?” Victor questions.
“Yes. You have so many untapped magical abilities. I’m still amazed you’ve never known about any of this.” Akisha crosses her legs and places her hands in her lap. “It is a shame. You are old enough to teach young people to discover their magic.”
“So, is there a school I need to attend? Do I need to go find a wand or something like that?” Victor asks.
Akisha laughs, “No, you don’t need to wait for an owl to send you an invitation. We normally teach a group of children at the same time. But because of your advanced age, all your teachings will be one-on-one.”
“Advanced age?” Victor implies.
Akisha ignores Victor and continues talking. “And Leo will be your mentor as you learn. I must go now. Leo is still waiting for you to call him.” And with that, she vanishes as Victor blinks.
Victor sits at the table, curious about Akisha’s comment about his grandmother. After a moment of wondering, Victor looks for the maroon business card Leo gave him. He retrieves his phone just as he receives a notification.
“What the?” he says to himself. “Why is scheduling emailing me?”
Flight Attendant Russo,
Your request for a one-year academic leave has been approved. Your travel privileges will be maintained during this period; however, please note that you’ll be responsible for any related charges (e.g., international taxes, extra luggage fees). If you require additional time, please submit a request at least one month prior to your planned return date.
Best wishes for your education journey, Crew Planning
Victor chuckles, “Looks like they already knew my answer before I even called.” He dials the number, but there is no ring back tone. Curious, he looks at the screen, and it’s already been answered. “Hello? Is this Leo?”
“He’s not available right now, Mr. Russo, but he wanted me to inform you to meet him in New York City. The sooner you can get there, the better. Pack light.” The call hangs up.
Victor pulls the phone away from his ear and looks at the blank screen. “Well, I’d better pack and head to New York,” he says.
Victor arrives at the JFK airport the following day. As he heads to baggage claim, a woman wearing a black chauffeur’s suit and dark sunglasses holds a black sign with his name in white calligraphy letters. When he approaches her, she turns and walks away.
“Good morning to you too,” Victor says as she walks away.
Victor follows her out to the curb and sees a very shiny black Cadillac 300. The trunk pops open as the woman gets into the driver’s seat. “And it looks like I have to put my luggage in the trunk.” After he does just that, he takes a seat in the back, and they drive off. Victor would like to ask her a few questions, but the privacy divider is up. “Guess you’re not very talkative, areya?” Victor sits back and looks out the window as they leave the airport and head toward the city.
A short time later, they pull up to a tall building in the garment district of Manhattan. Outside the window, Leo walks up and opens the door for him. Leo is wearing the same blue suit he wore on the airplane, accompanied by a matching blue jacket.
“Welcome,” Leo smiles. “I hope the drive over wasn’t that bad.”
Victor glances over to the driver, still sitting in the town car. “I might have a few comments to post online later.” When Leo closes the door, the car drives off. “HEY! My stuff!”
“Don’t worry, she’s taking your things to the hotel,” Leo comments as he places a hand on Victor’s back. “First, we need to get you fitted.”
“Fitted?” Victor questions.
Leo leads Victor into a tailor shop outside the building. When they walk inside, Victor looks around, unimpressed. “This looks pretty ordinary,” Victor observes.
“Were you expecting something fancier?” Leo smirks.
“I was, actually,” Victor says with disappointment.
Leo giggles, “Then I don’t want to disappoint.”
He guides Victor further into the shop and leads him through a door at the back. As they walk through, they enter a store that resembles a 1960s department store. A giant crystal chandelier hangs in the center of the store. Several racks of jackets, slacks, and shirts are in their designated sections. Shelves along the walls are filled with shoes and rolled-up ties. Glass cases throughout hold wristwatches, pocket watches, and small daggers.
The other side of the store houses more feminine attire. Long evening gowns hanging on racks. A wide range of styles and colors of high-heeled shoes decorate several tall shelves. Variousglass cases display custom jewelry, ranging from bracelets to tiaras. It’s a treasure trove for those who want to be a princess.
Victor looks around the store, mesmerized, letting out a low whistle. “This is very impressive. Are those daggers in that glass case?”
“As well as other little trinkets and weapons that can be used,” Leo mentions as he walks toward the center of the room.
