Original subtitles

[mellow guitar music]

♪ ♪

[gun clicking]

♪ ♪

[music intensifies]

[gunshot]

[light instrumental music]

♪ ♪

[light instrumental finale]

[low mysterious music]

Hey!

Performers only.

I'm sorry, I was just on my way out after magic class

and I heard the gunshot.

Sorry but you know the rules.

Rehearsals are off limits, even for students.

Yeah, of course. Sorry.

♪ ♪

[computer keys clacking]

Can I help you?

I think this is where I'm supposed to be. I'm Reed,

- the new crime reporter. - Hi. I'm Tess,

the crossword puzzle editor. It's nice to meet you.

The brilliant Tess Harper. Wow, it's a pleasure.

I don't know if brilliant is the word I would use.

Come on, solving crosswords and crimes?

- Well, impressive works too. - Impressive I can live with.

Thanks.

Ah...

Is something wrong?

I'll take this. Thanks.

I'm sorry. It's just... that was my friend Harris's.

I heard about him. Sounds like Harris was quite a guy.

Yeah. He was a good friend.

- Sorry. - Well, welcome.

- Here you go. - Thank you, Josephine.

Meet Reed. He's taking over the crime beat.

This is my fearless assistant, Josephine.

[both] Nice to meet you.

The Magic Manor called. The tables seat eight,

you do have room for one more guest tonight.

The Magic Manor? I thought you had to be a member to get in.

Or a student. I've been taking magic classes.

It's partly for a crossword puzzle I'm doing on magic.

I thought it would be a fun place to spend my birthday

- after my class tonight. - Wow, Happy Birthday!

That does sound like fun. I've always wanted to go there.

- Do you want to join us? - No, I don't want to impose.

Oh, no, really. You know what? You're coming.

Thanks. That sounds great.

- I'll make the call. - Thank you.

♪ ♪

We show the audience one ball.

Or are there two?

The use of duplicate objects is essential to deception.

The audience sees one ball

but the magician has secretly hidden the other.

The result...

...is that it can change places.

[soft laughter]

Excuse me for one moment.

Come on, it's one favour and that's it.

Fine, but after this, no more favours.

Yeah, yeah, I won't ask again. Thank you.

♪ ♪

Bianca, I'd like a glass from the kitchen, please?

- Of course. - Thank you.

[knocking]

Ah.

Good.

[low background music]

Tess, Tess, right this way.

Oh, Mr. Drexler, I'll be with you,

if you... wouldn't mind just....

Oh, there she is, the birthday girl!

Hi, honey. Happy birthday, sweetheart.

Oh, thank you.

So, I remember, you had a magician

for your 10th birthday, and now, look, voila,

you've got the whole Magic Manor this time!

I've got you all set up.

Your seat's right there, the seat of honour.

Perfect. Thank you guys so much for coming.

Are you kidding? I've been so curious about this place

ever since you started taking classes here.

In fact, I didn't tell you, but I went to a benefit

for the Magic Manor last week at my friend Ethel Matthews'.

They're raising money for a Museum of Magic.

- Hello. - Logan! Hi.

I'm glad you could make it.

Thanks for inviting me. Well, your aunt invited me.

And this is for the birthday girl.

You did not have to bring a present.

Let's not get too excited. You haven't opened it yet.

This is so nice.

♪ ♪

Is this a crossword puzzle?

- Let me guess, you hate it. - It's beautiful.

No, I... I love it.

OK, I can breathe. Good, yeah.

Is there a polygraph machine around here?

Stop it. This is so cute.

- Here, let me help you. - Yeah, if you don't mind.

Ah, there we go.

- Thank you. It's... - Happy Birthday!

- Oh, Mike, wow. Thank you! - Flowers.

That's, uh, that's beautiful.

- Wow, you look... - How you doing, buddy?

- I'm Logan. - It's a pleasure.

Detective Logan O'Connor, NYPD.

Great. I'm sure we'll cross paths sooner or later.

Reed is our new crime reporter. He just started today.

- Oh, congrats. - Thanks.

- So, how was your class? - What class?

Oh, I'm actually studying magic here.

It's close-up magic, sleight-of-hand.

What? Are you surprised?

The only thing surprising with you would be no surprises.

[laughing] Well, cheers. Happy birthday.

Cheers. Thank you.

Happy birthday.

Welcome, ladies and gentlemen,

to the Magic Manor...

[applause]

...where every velvet curtain hides a secret.

Built in 1921,

it served as a speakeasy during Prohibition.

Here.

What's in there?

Just something I've been working on.

Are we ready?

[sighs]

Showtime.

And tonight, we're going to see some real magic

courtesy of the Amazing Alistair,

and his magnificent assistant, Bianca!

[applause and cheering]

Thank you. Thank you. Bianca.

[applause continues] Ladies and gentlemen,

The line between reality and illusion is dangerously thin,

and it's a danger that's created by our confidence

that we understand

what is happening right in front of our eyes.

And yet we think we know what will happen next.

So a magic trick, all it is, pure and simple,

is a surprise ending.

Now, could I have a volunteer?

Ah.

Thank you for volunteering.

Now could you join me on stage?

- Wow. What's your name? - Josephine.

Josephine, I want you to look me directly in the eyes.

OK, and I want you to tell me

something special about your watch,

but before you do, raise your arm

and show it to everyone.

Everyone see the watch?

OK, Josephine,

now tell me something special about your watch.

Uh, it helps me get to work on time.

She's late every day.

Now, I need you to tell me the exact time.

Josephine, did you lose your watch?

[applause]

Don't worry. We're going to get this back.

One, two, three.

What time is it?

[applause]

I mean, how did he do that?

Josephine, everyone.

[cheering] Well done.

[heels clacking]

[slow suspenseful music]

This is a.357 caliber pistol,

by all accounts, a deadly weapon.

I'm going to entrust it to my magnificent assistant, Bianca.

This is a.357 caliber bullet.

Now, I need someone to volunteer from the audience

to write anything they'd like on it.

Now, I believe someone is having a birthday.

- Right here. - No.

Please. [applause]

Come on, go!

Thank you for joining us. What is your name?

- Tess Harper. - Tess Harper.

Tess Harper, I want you to write anything you'd like

- on this bullet. - OK, um...

- All done? - Yes.

"T.H." Is that correct?

- Yes. - Thank you very much.

Round of applause. [audience applauds]

Now, for the first time,

I will be performing the infamous Bullet Catch.

It is a trick so dangerous that 12 people

have perished attempting it. My assistant Bianca

will fire a live bullet straight at me,

and I will catch it in my teeth.

♪ ♪

I will load the gun.

[suspenseful music]

Now, Bianca will fire the bullet,

through this pane of glass, that will shatter,

and I will catch it in my mouth.

Now, please do not attempt this at home, ladies and gentlemen.

Only those of us versed in the arts of magic

are skilled enough to make this happen.

[intense drumming]

[deep sigh] Bianca?

[gunshot] [audience gasps]

[chattering]

[horrified gasp]

Was that the trick or not?

Alistair? Is there a doctor in the house?

- Yes, yes. - Please.

He's not breathing. Please help him.

We've got a 10-10 at the Magic Manor.

Everyone, if I can have your attention, please.

My name is Detective Logan O'Connor, NYPD.

I would like everybody to just stay calm, relaxed,

exit the theater and go wait in the lobby. Thank you.

Did she just shoot him?

No, no, these tricks are all illusions.

I just don't know how this one works.

But clearly something went very wrong.

- Doctor? - Cohen.

I don't see a bullet wound. What do you think happened?

I don't know. I'm sorry, there's nothing else I can do.

He's dead.

Ok, EMTs are on their way. Thank you.

If everyone could just remain calm,

the lights will come back up in a moment.

- Do you have a backup system? - Yeah, right this way.

[nervous chattering]

♪ ♪

Are you OK?

Hey, everything's going to be OK.

- What's your name? - Bianca.

I'm Candace. Honey, you're just shaking.

Let's sit you down. I'll get you a sweater, OK?

- Take my jacket. - No, I'm OK.

Look at me.

You're in shock. It takes a while to process

this kind of traumatic event.

Just breathe.

That detective,

he, uh, said he wants to talk to me.

Detective O'Connor? Don't worry.

He's not as scary as he looks. I'll go with you.

What's the situation?

A magician collapsed onstage, midperformance. Dead.

- And you just happened to be... - I just happened to be here

because it was Tess's birthday. We're friends. You know that.

I need you to get some prints on the lighting controls

and the fuse box around the corner.

[police radio chatter]

[low sombre music]

He taught me everything.

He was my mentor and...

I'm so sorry.

Is there anything I can do to help?

No, unfortunately. Thank you.

Here, I want to give you my card.

If you think of anything, please call.

- Thank you. - [Logan] Thank you, Tess.

- I'll take it from here. - Take care.

I'm sorry but I'm going to have obviously ask you

a couple of questions, OK? I'd like you to take me

through the trick from top to bottom, how it all went down.

Did anything happen out of the ordinary?

Alistair had a drink before we went on.

He never did that.

And how did everything go onstage?

The usual, so it seemed.

Maybe his hand was shaking when he loaded the gun.

I'm sorry, Detective,

Can I go to my dressing room? I don't feel well.

Sure. Um, Winton.

I'm gonna get a couple officers to escort you to your room, OK?

I left that door locked.

OK, wait.

I'll need an evidence team in the dressing room right away.

Someone's been in here.

♪ ♪

Hey. Can I talk to you for a sec?

Of course.

So much for being off the clock, huh?

- [Logan]: Are you doing OK? - Yeah, I'm fine.

I just... I don't understand what happened.

I saw them rehearse the trick last night.

Listen, Tess, how long have you been taking classes here?

Just a couple of weeks.

And have you noticed anything... unusual?

Um... No.

Today, Alistair and Cormac, who's my magic teacher,

they were arguing during my class. Alistair wanted a favour.

- What kind of favour? - I don't know.

Cormac agreed but he said it was the last time.

It seemed like there was some recent history there.

OK, when you were onstage tonight with Alistair,

did you notice anything out of the ordinary at all?

I did notice after he made Josephine's watch reappear,

he kind of lurched forward

and his voice was a little slurred.

Could he have been intoxicated? Having a stroke?

When you were onstage, did you notice anything at all strange?

No. I mean, there were beads of sweat

on his forehead, but it's hot up there with those lights.

I know. Look, I need you to go home and get some rest.

- Do not get involved. - No, I know.

All right.

Well, you know where to find me if I can help.

Though I am not helping. Good answer.

Uh, Tess?

I'm sorry the night ended like this.

Happy Birthday.

Thanks.

[low suspenseful music]

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

Hi.

Hey. So, the guy catches a bullet in his mouth,

but something else kills him? Yeah, I researched the trick.

Obviously, he didn't catch a bullet in his mouth.

What he did do, was he took

an actual bullet like this and onstage he went over to Tess

and he said, "Can you sign this bullet with your initials?"

Now we have a marked bullet. He takes this marked bullet

and puts it in between his teeth like this, so the audience

can see that this is how he's gonna catch the bullet.

He takes the marked bullet, puts it in the barrel of the gun.

But the marked bullet isn't in the barrel.

It's a bullet made of wax.

This, the marked bullet, is still in his mouth.

Not bad. Wasn't there a pane of glass

that proved that the assistant fired the gun?

Yeah, there was a pane of glass

but the spray of the liquid wax was enough force

- to shatter the glass. - Clever.

So, after he collapsed, where was the real bullet?

When he collapsed, the bullet fell right out of his mouth.

It was next to him onstage. That bullet didn't kill him.

Nervous shock from the blast, maybe a heart attack?

We don't know. We're waiting on the autopsy.

[phone ringing] Hold on.

O'Connor.

Really?

OK, do me a favour. Get that to forensics right now.

All right, appreciate it, buddy. Thanks.

Ballistics just called.

They found a chemical residue on the bullet

that was found in his mouth... Could be poison.

♪ ♪

That was a late night.

Yeah. And then I couldn't sleep,

just trying to figure out what went wrong with the trick.

And thinking about Bianca. I mean, she was in such a state.

I didn't sleep much either.

I've reported on homicides but I've actually never been

a witness to a murder before.

Do you really think Alistair was murdered?

That's just my initial take.

But a death on stage in front of a packed house?

That's hard to pull off.

It is, isn't it?

Is it too late for me to sign up for magic class?

It would be a good angle into the story.

A crime reporter snooping around

I don't know, I think people are gonna be suspicious.

But I can tell you anything I see. I'll fill you in.

You're still going to take classes?

With what's just happened, do you think that's a good idea?

I just think that there's more to know about Alistair's death.

I'll be careful.

- Detective Logan. - Yo.

Alistair McLean's sister, Claire McLean,

- identified the body. - Do you have her information?

Her number, and address in Queens. Cause of death

was a toxic dose of a fish toxin called tetrodotoxin.

After the first effects of dizziness, nausea and shaking,

he would have lost consciousness,

become paralyzed and then the big sleep.

Forensics found traces of the toxin on the scotch glass.

Whatever he drank must have left a residue

on the bullet after he put it in his mouth.

Bianca's the only one who was with him before the show,

so she'd have access to the bottle and the glass.

All right, thanks. I appreciate it.

♪ ♪

Thanks again for lending this to me.

Of course. How are you holding up?

I'm OK,

but I just couldn't stay at home alone, you know?

I understand.

It feels better to get out and do something,

- anything. - Yeah.

Do you want me to maybe help you put all this back together?

That would be great. Thanks.

I hope your detective friend figures out what's going on.

Yeah. Me too.

You and Alistair?

Yeah. We used to be together.

I know, work and romance is a bad idea.

But everything seemed to be going great,

until I told him that I wanted to be a headliner, too.

And then?

He wasn't so interested then.

Let's just say he wanted the spotlight all to himself.

I still cared about him.

I just wish Sinclair hadn't convinced him

- to do the Bullet Catch trick. - Who is Sinclair?

[knocking]

Logan! Hi.

- What are you doing here? - My job. You?

I was just getting my jacket back.

Because I'm sure that's the only one you have.

Well, it is my only black one, so...

Right, right. Can I talk to you?

Of course.

- Take care. - Thanks again.

I'm worried about you being here.

How many times do I have to hear your

"Tess, stay out of police business" speech?

As long as you keep disregarding it.

You're like a paper printing the same puzzle day after day.

Tess, this is a homicide investigation.

- So it's official? - Yes, it's official.

And I can't have you walking around...

I'm not in danger with Bianca.

That attitude is gonna put you precisely in danger!

There are ways of knowing things

other than just forensic evidence.

I thought your class was teaching you

sleight-of-hand, not mind reading.

I'm talking about an emotional connection. Intuition?

A magician has to read the audience to make a trick work.

You have to know what someone is thinking

in order to make them believe a story you're telling.

Yeah, I know you magicians are good at manipulation.

Which you seem to be doing right now.

Fine. I'll be careful. I promise.

- Really? - But there's one thing.

Do you remember interviewing a woman in a gold dress

with sequins from the audience?

No, I don't remember a woman in a gold dress

with sequins in the audience, no.

She walked across the lobby, she walked up the stairs

and then... Police business, though. I know.

- Just wanted to mention it. - Consider it mentioned.

All right.

♪ ♪

[knocking on door]

- Hi. - Hi.

If you could please have a seat.

I just wanted to ask you a few more questions

about last night if I could.

Am I a suspect here?

I'm just trying to get a clear picture of what happened.

- OK. - Last night,

you mentioned Alistair had a drink before his performance.

Yes, he brought a bottle of scotch with him.

Sometimes he would have a drink after the performance,

but never before. I didn't really know what to make of it.

Did Alistair leave the dressing room between

the time he brought out the bottle of scotch

and the time he had his first sip?

No.

I left, though, when he asked me to bring him a glass.

So, he was alone.

I assume so, yes.

Can you think of anybody who would want to harm him?

No. No one.

Thank you for your time.

I'm sure we'll be talking again.

♪ ♪

So, how are you? Really?

Just absorbing the news

that this is a homicide investigation.

So while we were sitting there watching,

a man was murdered? That's just unbelievable.

You know, I just saw Alistair perform

at the Magic Manor benefit at the Matthews'

and there were well over a hundred people there.

The killer could have been right there with us then too.

Wait. Was Bianca there?

No, he was performing alone.

Ethel says he usually does when he freelances at parties. Why?

I wonder where else he performed.

Mm-mm. I know that look.

Honey, a man is dead,

and we don't know why. From a clinical perspective,

we know nothing about this killer.

His mental state, his diagnosis, his motive.

So, please, do not get involved in this.

I know...

I know. I know, I know, I know.

Have you noticed anyone else

visiting this apartment besides Alistair?

No, I just come in to repair stuff.

Does this guy have some sort of secret life?

I don't know. You tell me.

The lock on his door may have been picked,

it was a little loose. [clears throat]

I'm gonna check the bedroom.

Yeah.

♪ ♪

"Meet me beyond the stars, xo"

A love note?

Could be. But from who?

♪ ♪

So you are Alistair's aunt, correct?

Yes, but Alistair was more like a son to me.

You know, I gave him his first magic set when he was a boy.

Your niece Claire

gave your address when she identified the body.

- Does she live with you? - No.

My niece uses my address since she travels so much.

She's an anthropologist. Back and forth to South America.

I'm surprised she was in town.

And after losing her only sibling,

you would think she would want to reach out to me.

I'm sorry, but I have to ask this.

Was there anybody at the Magic Manor

that would have a grudge against your nephew?

I thought it was an accident?

Well, we're not sure exactly what caused his death.

We're still waiting on the autopsy reports.

We're just looking at every angle

and one of those angles is seeing what kind of conflicts

he had with coworkers.

- Well, there was Rocco. - Rocco? Okay.

Um, lately Alistair kept ranting

that Rocco was threatening to take away his headliner status

if he wouldn't give up a bigger percentage of the ticket sales.

It was in Alistair's contract, though.

He's the talent.

Was...

Oh, God, he was the talent.

I appreciate you coming down and talking to me, OK?

I know, like I said earlier, it's very difficult for you.

But if you do talk to your niece Claire,

this is my card.

I really need to speak with her, OK?

Yes, sir.

This trick is called "Balls in Cups."

We start with one, two, three empty cups.

I'm gonna take a red ball, gonna put it in the middle cup.

I would like to get that ball through that middle cup.

So I'm gonna put one, two empty cups on top

and I'm gonna tap it once.

And... it's revealed at the bottom.

Who thinks they got it?

Ah, and that's what we call a flash,

when a magician accidentally slips up

and shows what's really going on.

If you botch a trick, you must,

you need to improvise and keep going.

Alistair was a master at that

when we used to preform together.

And that's how we turn the lights on.

Hm, so it is.

So, listen, I was wondering if you noticed

anything suspicious about that night,

you know, anything out of the ordinary?

Nothing unusual. It was a Saturday night

- and we were sold out. - You wouldn't mind

if I took a look at the reservation list, would you?

- No, it's this way. - All right, appreciate it.

Then the guy says he wants half the door sales

on top of his appearance fee or he'll walk.

Where does that leave me?

Where does that leave you? Exactly.

It leaves me running magic classes

trying to attract new members

so I can cover the operating budgets.

We had to stay dark for a day, but... the show must go on.

I was wondering if you could show me your reservation list

- and also all your no-shows. - Yeah, sure.

And where were you, actually, an hour before curtain?

- Me? - Yeah.

I'm all over the place. I mean, I'm greeting guests,

I'm looking at the reservations.

- Right. - Front of house basically

- is what I can tell you. - Here we go.

- There you are. - Great.

All right, appreciate your time.

I didn't realize you and Alistair used to be partners.

I want to say I'm so sorry for your loss.

Oh, thank you. It was a long time ago.

Alistair started working with someone else

to develop more elaborate illusions.

Bianca mentioned someone named Sinclair?

Yeah, I think that was his name, Sinclair.

I never knew him but Alistair, he would

bring in tricks from him, the elaborate illusions.

So, we went our separate ways.

Tess.

See ya next time.

♪ ♪

Tess, I thought we had an agreement.

I'm just here for class with Cormac.

He wasn't even here that night.

This place isn't safe, OK?

I found poison on that bullet that was in Alistair's mouth,

the one you signed your initials on.

Wait, what do you mean? Poison?

You've been speaking with Bianca. Did she mention anything

about her relationship with Alistair?

Just that they worked together and that...

- they used to be a couple. - Ah.

I found a picture of them in her dressing table.

I asked her about it. That's it.

Now we're getting somewhere. Did she say why they broke up?

Because she didn't want to be an assistant anymore.

She wanted to be a magician too, like Alistair.

Sounds like that was the end of their romantic relationship.

Wait a second... You don't think Bianca was involved?

I do.

You know, Cormac just told me the history

of his relationship with Alistair if...

I mean, if you're interested.

You do have this ability to make people confide in you.

What's your secret?

Don't you know?

A magician never reveals their secret.

♪ ♪

[keys clacking]

♪ ♪

Okay, I'm hooked, Sinclair.

How can I find you?

♪ ♪

"Travelling by rail through the looking glass."

Huh.

Okay, so by rail, train, subway, through the looking glass.

Alice in Wonderland. The rabbit brings

you through the looking glass.

♪ ♪

"Find a good friend.

Stop just past where the spirit catches you."

Okay, so the rabbit takes you by rail, the subway,

red scarf turns into a hook...

red scarf, hook, Red Hook! Red Hook.

I should take the subway to Red Hook.

Should you? There's a bar I like in Red Hook.

I always take the F train.

I'm trying to track down someone that

Alistair worked with and the contact information

- is this scavenger hunt. - Oh, neat.

Okay, so if I'm taking a subway

through the looking glass, where would that be?

A subway stop. 9th Street and Smith?

Okay.

Carroll Street Station?

Carroll Street. Yes, of course!

Lewis Carroll. Alice in Wonderland.

Okay, so I'm taking the F train to Carroll Street.

Find a good friend.

What's that? Find a good friend?

Someone you know in Red Hook?

Maybe it's a like a landmark or maybe it's a street name.

Let's see. Yes.

Bowne Street. Van Brunt Street.

Delavan... Delavan.

Delavan is an old English word for good friend.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

Vodka.

Wait... spirits!

"Stop just past where the spirit catches you."

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

[machinery whirring]

Hello?

♪ ♪

Hello?

♪ ♪

[gasps] Ah!

Welcome to the world of illusion!

Reporters are so confident in what they see.

I like to play with perception.

Forgive me, I'll try to be more straightforward

as an interview subject.

Oh, I'm not a reporter.

Oh, you said you were from the Sentinel.

Yes, but I'm the crossword puzzle editor.

I'm doing a crossword about magic.

My deadline's approaching

and I'd really like to get an inside view of the field.

Would you like to give it a spin?

Uh, no, I'm... I'm good.

Mm. Since ancient times,

audiences have loved to feel the thrill of danger

with no consequence.

Except for Alistair.

Alistair... Yes.

Did you know him?

I'm taking classes at the Magic Manor.

I'm sorry to hear about his death.

So you... you worked with Alistair?

I was trying to help him up his game.

Did you design the trick

Alistair preformed the night he died?

The bullet catch trick is centuries old,

originally performed with a magnet on the ramrod

to pull the bullet back out of the gun.

But I taught him an updated version

with modern materials that I provided:

A contemporary handgun and perfect facsimile wax bullets.

You know the police are investigating his death.

The police?

So they think there's foul play?

Ha! Magicians are a jealous lot.

Many people would have wanted Alistair's headliner spot.

I would keep an eye on whoever will have it next.

We found DNA from our two performers on the props.

Bianca and Alistair along with the janitor

and some other employees from the Magic Manor.

Well, that's expected.

There was one other name, an Ann Morrison.

But I couldn't find it on any of the lists.

Yeah, she wasn't on the performers list.

I didn't see her on the reservation list.

She's obviously not on the staff list.

Ann Morrison... Who the heck is that?

Her prints turned up

as a part of an investigation in Las Vegas.

A car explosion near the Constantine Casino.

Explosion, huh? Any deaths?

Yep, now get this:

It was a magician and he died in the explosion.

And this Ann Morrison, well, she was there.

♪ ♪

- Huh... - What are you thinking?

I'm thinking Ann Morrison may not be too fond of magicians.

[office din]

So where is this Ann Morrison now?

After the incident in Vegas, she dropped off the grid.

And who's the magician who died?

His stage name was Zephyr, an escape artist.

But ultimately, without enough evidence,

it was ruled an accident.

And now her DNA is all over Alistair's props.

Keep looking for her. You know, something's bugging me

about Claire McLean coming into town after her brother died

and not even getting in touch with her aunt.

I mean, she comes in from the other side of the world

and she flies right back without so much as a word?

Well, I've left her a half a dozen messages.

And her department at the university

says she's in the Amazon somewhere.

They'll check in with me next time she calls.

All right, how are we doing on those parties

that Rocco said checked in that night and then disappeared

when we started talking to witnesses?

Well, mostly accounted for.

Mrs. Robbins felt ill, Drexler had an event.

That's almost everyone

except for our good Samaritan Dr. Cohen.

He's at a conference.

Dr. Cohen was at a conference.

All right, find out where.

♪ ♪

So, uh, Alistair obviously broke off

your guys' partnership, right?

How many years were you guys together?

Seven. It was a good run.

But I actually enjoy teaching.

Did Alistair ever feel guilty?

I mean, he was obviously the headliner

and you're here teaching people how to put balls in a cup.

[chuckling]

- Guilty? - Yeah.

Alistair never thought about me.

Except when he needed something.

What did he need?

He was taking on too many things.

He was running late,

he was doing magic tricks on the side at parties.

Lost his key to his own dressing room,

had to borrow mine.

He was tense, he was out of sorts.

Now with Alistair gone,

you get to take over his show, right?

True, but that was never my wish.

When Alistair died, Cormac, where were you?

Uh, I was... I was...

I was working security at a nightclub.

- Right. - Side job.

Showing people how to hide balls under cups

doesn't quite pay the bills.

Mm, no, I can imagine.

Obviously I'll need the name of that place.

♪ ♪

Hey, Tess. Time for class?

Yes, card tricks today.

You sure got a new show up and running fast.

I can't afford to stay dark for long.

You know, could damage our reputation.

And Cormac already had a show prepped?

Well, in this business,

you gotta be a bit of an opportunist.

All he needed was an assistant and Bianca was available, so...

Yeah. Good luck.

♪ ♪

Bianca, hi.

Oh, Tess. Hi.

You okay?

Yeah.

Actually, no.

A trunk was delivered to Alistair

the night he was murdered when we were getting ready.

I've looked everywhere for it

and I'm pretty sure the police didn't take it.

Did you tell Logan about it?

I mean, so much was happening that night,

I completely forgot it was even here.

I just remembered now when I was looking for costumes.

Well, what does it look like?

It's like a steamer trunk about...

four feet long.

Well, something that big is kind of hard to misplace.

Yeah. Alistair said it was something he'd been working on.

Huh, maybe it was an illusion from Sinclair.

I assume so, but he didn't actually say.

Did Alistair win some kind of magic award?

No. That was a ballroom dancing award.

He took it up a couple years ago,

practiced every Sunday night.

And were you his partner for that as well?

No, he had someone else.

Oh, who was that?

I don't know her name.

Did Alistair ever talk about her?

No, not to me.

Anyway, I should probably get ready for tonight's performance.

Cormac's big debut.

Yeah, it's lucky you were able to jump in.

I mean, it's good to keep working.

But to be honest, I don't really know him that well

and the sword cabinet requires trust and communication.

It's just not the same as it was with Alistair.

Hey, the sword cabinet trick, that sounds really dangerous.

It is.

Which is why we have these.

[clicking]

They release when you bang them together.

But... magician's secret.

I won't tell.

Listen, if anything feels funny to you,

like the trunk, please call me.

Okay.

Good luck.

Thanks.

♪ ♪

[Logan] Great, thank you.

- Hey, hey, woah! - Sorry! Oh, Logan. Hey.

Hey, is this a part of your magic class?

Hold on a sec.

Gotta make sure you didn't steal my wallet.

Are you here to see me?

Um, actually no. I was here to see Reed.

He called earlier and he has some clippings

from the archives on the Magic Manor for me.

Well, I am glad you're here because I wanted to tell you

that, um, before my magic class, I ran into Bianca.

Really? Tess...

Logan, come on. Just listen please.

Okay, I'm listening.

She was looking for a trunk that she said was delivered

to Alistair before the show the night he was killed.

- A trunk? - Yeah.

She didn't mention anything to me about a trunk.

She had a lot on her mind. She was in shock.

Well, I never saw it on the evidence list, so, sorry.

Right, but it's kind of a big thing to just go missing.

And also information from our prime suspect

is not always the most reliable.

So she is your prime suspect.

I'm telling you she didn't do it.

Tess, you're doing it again. You're turning the tables.

What? Because I gave you valuable information?

Okay, fine, you're right. She's our prime suspect.

You wanna know why? Because she had access

to Alistair's dressing room, Scotch bottle,

the glass, the props, the whole nine yards.

Not to mention she wants to be a headliner.

And look at her, she's relegated to assistant status.

Of course Bianca wants to be a headliner.

Every magician wants to be a headliner, including Cormac.

So why didn't she mention anything about her and Alistair

being an item when I asked about their relationship?

She told me.

Maybe one of us is, I dunno, easier to talk to.

Maybe it's because you saw the four of them together.

I'm just, you know, just looking at the facts.

No, I think you're looking at what someone wants you to see.

Okay, all right, fine.

I will look at the security footage and see if I see a trunk

being delivered that night to the Magic Manor.

- You satisfied? - Yeah.

Okay, great.

Just... I mean, let me know if you see anything.

Or... Or, you know, we'll just catch up whenever.

[Logan] Stop right there.

Rewind that.

That's the trunk.

Looks like the guy's heading to the service entrance,

- isn't he? - Let me pull the footage.

I guess Bianca was telling the truth, right?

At least to Tess.

Got it.

[Logan] He's trying to hide his face obviously.

Well, it's certainly working. All right, there's only two

entry and exit points in the manor.

Let's see if this guy

and his trunk exits the building, okay? Thanks.

Hey, wait, hold on.

I wanted to show you something.

Tech billionaire Paul Drexler.

He was one of the people who slipped out

before we had a chance to talk to him.

Now, his assistant said he had another event

go to but we'll see.

What's the timestamp say? 9:55...

Okay, we stopped the show at 9:30,

started taking statements at 9:40, right?

[Winston] Yeah.

Obviously he left the theatre

but he didn't leave the manor,

so what was he doing for ten minutes?

[tense music]

♪ ♪

Hello? Cormac?

♪ ♪

[glass shattering]

♪ ♪

[man] Five minutes to places, people!

♪ ♪

[phone buzzing]

Wait, can you proofread this for me please?

Your bracelet. The one Logan gave you.

Yeah, sorry.

The clasp is loose. I need to get it fixed.

[office din]

Hey, it's Bianca.

You said to reach out if anything strange happened,

and I swear someone was sneaking around the dressing room.

Or maybe I'm really losing it.

But if you're coming to the show tonight,

could you meet me in my dressing room at intermission?

[phone buzzing]

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen

and welcome to the sword cabinet.

Are we all ready to be entertained tonight?

[applause]

If you would be so kind, please give a warm welcome

to my very brave assistant, Bianca.

[applause]

Rocco?

We will be starting tonight's performance

by putting Bianca inside this box.

♪ ♪

However, Bianca will not be able to move once inside the box.

The first sword, ladies and gentlemen,

I will be putting straight through this box.

The second sword I will also be putting through this box

but on the other side.

The final sword, ladies and gentlemen...

...goes straight through the heart.

Stop!

[Bianca] No, please, Cormac, please stop!

Don't stab! Can anybody hear me please?

Cormac! No, no!

♪ ♪

You're gonna have to come down to the station with us.

I swear I had no idea that the cuffs didn't release.

Bianca said she was banging those cuffs inside this box.

No, I had arranged for drums at that very moment.

It covers up the talking of the props.

It drowns out any noise that could give away

the mechanism of the trick.

Or any noise to tell everybody what's happening

to your assistant, am I right?

If I wanted to kill Bianca,

I assure you that I could come up with a more clever way

than onstage where I'm clearly implicated.

Well, at least we agree on that much, don't we, Bill?

Cuff him.

What? What? No, no, no, no.

You got it all wrong. I didn't do this!

Can you think of any reason that Cormac

would want to harm you?

No, it doesn't make sense.

I don't know.

Maybe he's not who I thought he was.

Let's go back to what you said earlier

about what you heard in your dressing room.

- Yeah, there was footsteps. - Okay.

They sounded different.

Lighter, sharper. High heels, maybe?

Mm.

♪ ♪

[Tess]: I can hardly focus.

I can't stop thinking about last night.

Why would Cormac want to kill Bianca?

I don't know.

I'm just regretting donating to the Manor at this point.

Especially now after poor Ethel.

What do you mean? What happened with Ethel?

She called me yesterday and she said she had something

incredibly valuable stolen.

An antique Victorian snuff box.

She thinks it was taken during the gala benefit.

- Really? - Really?

- Reed. - Hi.

Hi. You remember my Aunt Candace, right?

Of course! Nice to see you.

Reed's doing a story about Alistair's murder.

Do you think the missing snuff box could be connected

to what's going on at the Manor?

Maybe. People who go into magic love the feeling

of pulling something over on the audience.

If that extends into psychopathy,

that could lead to criminal behavior.

That's great. Thanks, Candace.

You said Bianca wasn't with Alistair at the gala, right?

That he performed alone?

But he did come with someone, a blonde woman.

Tall, beautifully dressed. I never got her name.

Could get me the guest list for me?

- And why? - For Reed's story.

That's be great.

- Oh, yes. Reed's story. - It's for the story.

Paul Drexler? Detective O'Connor, NYPD.

If it's about the SEC case, talk to my lawyer.

Actually, no. It's about Alistair McLean.

You seem to have vanished pretty quickly

and we weren't able to ask you any questions.

My security team got concerned.

Do you always walk around with security?

It comes with the territory.

So when the lights went out,

did you immediately leave the premises?

Yes, we did.

No, actually, we waited for the car out front

and it took a while to get there.

So you just waited around for your driver?

Good help is hard to find. Are we done?

No, we're not done.

I was wondering if you could tell me a couple of things about

this Jade bowl you reported stolen at your party?

It was a fundraiser and why don't you tell me?

- Got any information on that? - No, I'm in homicide.

That's with Grand Larceny.

I'm sure they're looking into it.

I'm sure they are.

I'll have them reach out.

Great. Have a good day, officer.

[laughter]

I know. Good to see you.

Let me guess. You came in here,

you had to pay a jaywalking ticket and got lost.

Mm. Oh, did you know that the meaning of "jay"

in jaywalking is drawn from the early 20th century

definition of the word meaning "greenhorn or rube"?

Mm, well I'm in homicide not traffic control.

Of course. Speaking of, my aunt just told me her friend

Ethel Matthews had an antique stolen the night of her party.

Alistair was performing that night.

So, what, you think Alistair's a thief?

Well, I just have learned in my magic class

that magicians have a way of directing the audience's

attention either towards or away from certain things.

- Mm. - So, I'm saying

maybe Alistair distracted the audience

while his associate stole the antique snuff box.

And by "associate", you mean Bianca?

Yes, it's what magicians call misdirection.

No touch, okay? I got this for my first year of service.

My point is Alistair has a plus one on this list.

And my aunt said he had a beautiful blonde with him.

So? Bianca said he was seeing someone.

I know. But she just didn't know who.

What's this? "Meet me beyond the stars."

A love letter?

You think this is from Bianca?

We thought it was from Bianca

but the handwriting doesn't match.

So maybe it's this other woman, the dance partner?

But we just don't know who that is.

Wait a second, Ann Morrison?

I think I recognize her.

You recognize Ann Morrison?

Tess, she's from Indiana.

People there said they haven't seen her

or heard from her in years.

Her DNA's all over Alistair's props.

Wait, this is Sinclair! I mean,

She doesn't look at all like that anymore, but that's her.

- Are you sure? - Yes, I'm positive.

You're positive?

Have you seen or met Sinclair?

I... I... You know, just for some research.

Mm, research, right.

Mm-hm.

She's really hard to find. I'll text you the address.

Good chat.

- Bye. - Bye.

NYPD. I just wanted to ask you a few questions.

[Ann clears throat]

Sinclair.

Or should I say Ann Morrison.

It's not against the law to change your name.

No. No, it's not.

Ann never suited me. Too plain for an illusionist.

Yet we have no record of a filing of change of name.

Sinclair is a trade name.

Didn't have anything to do with the death

of the magician known as Zephyr in Las Vegas, did it?

He died after leaving a carload of flash powder

in the hot sun.

The temperature on the strip was 113 that day.

He was driving, the flash powder ignited.

End of story.

And then there was the disappearance

of Ann Morrison.

Zephyr's death is what inspired me

to make my life my magic.

You only get one.

You should be who you want to be.

And Alistair's death, was that an accident?

You tell me. I had nothing to do with it.

Oh, come on.

You're the one who coached him on how to perform the tricks,

sent him all of his props.

He had everything he needed for the trick

weeks before he performed.

And you can't blame a teacher for the error of a student.

- Can you? - And Bianca?

Her attempted murder?

- Who would want to kill Bianca? - Where were you Friday night?

On a boat on the East River.

- I'm serious. - And so am I.

I was researching a new illusion.

Okay, what about the trunk you sent over when Alistair

was performing in his show and trying his new trick?

What trunk? I never sent a trunk.

Here's the list of ballroom dancing studios

you asked for.

Thank you so much.

Okay, The Crystal Dancefloor.

That sounds promising.

Okay.

[man] Uptown Dance, how may I help you?

Hi, I'm trying to find a woman

who may have practiced there Sunday nights.

[man] Well, we're closed on Sundays.

Oh, well, thank you.

All right, The Galaxy Social Club.

Beyond the Stars.

Galaxy.

That's gotta be it.

Hey, are you free right now? I got something for you.

Tess, no. I've got a murder

and an attempted murder to solve.

What if I told you it's about the case?

What if I take you beyond the stars?

Are you saying you know who wrote that note?

I'll tell you on one condition.

[tango music]

I recognize that plein air reproduction

from a picture Bianca showed me of Alistair.

Of course you do.

We should try to blend in?

- Okay. - [woman] No wallflowers!

Everyone has to dance, those are the rules!

- Okay. - Okay.

- You heard them. - I heard them loud and clear.

This is definitely not part of my job description.

♪ ♪

Um... you know how to tango?

You know what they say about the tango.

What? It takes two?

Just follow my lead.

I'm not really a natural follower...

So it seems.

Please explain.

Well, you're an only child,

probably class valedictorian, a little Napoleon complex?

Okay, no, not my ability to follow!

Your ability to ballroom dance.

Well, my mother said it'd always be good

to know a little ballroom dancing.

You know what?

She's absolutely right.

♪ ♪

- Wait, look. - I'm looking.

♪ ♪

It's Alistair.

Oh, yeah. Bingo!

That's the woman in the gold dress

that I saw that night at the Manor when he was murdered.

"Alistair McLean, Julia Marquez".

Oh, hey.

- Zippy tango! Hi. - Hi.

I'm Tamara. I run this studio.

- Nice to meet you. - Hello.

Oh. Did you know Alistair?

From the Magic Manor.

It's so sad what happened to him.

So sad. Poor Julia.

She must be just devastated.

She's very stoic.

Have you seen her around here lately?

Every day. She lives upstairs.

- Oh, really? - Excuse me.

She lives upstairs.

Mm-hm.

What are you doing?

Just this once, take my lead.

Tess!

♪ ♪

[woman] Yes, we'll leave from there.

Tomorrow at 10pm.

Be packed.

Julia? Hi. Tamara asked us

to stop by and drop off these earrings you left at the studio.

Oh... Those aren't mine.

Oh, really? Oh, she was so sure.

That's funny.

We were so sorry to hear about your partner.

Thank you.

I take classes at the Magic Manor.

I met Alistair.

We were actually there the night it happened.

It was just, just awful.

You weren't there, were you?

No. No, I was at a competition that night across town.

I've actually never seen one of Alistair's magic shows.

We were just dancing partners.

No more.

Well, you made a great team.

How did you learn about the Galaxy Social Club?

Did Alistair tell you?

No, Bianca told me.

Oh, I see.

Well, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do.

No, of course. Sorry to have bothered you.

- Thanks. - Good night.

You can hide the evidence, Pop,

but I can smell that fresh Danish from here.

- The last one, I promise. - Oh, yeah. I'm sure it is.

Okay, what's up?

Well, I've been doing a little research

and you know Julia Marquez, Alistair's dancing partner?

- She's married. - So?

So, Bianca said there might have been something going on

between her and Alistair.

Maybe, as the old expression goes,

she was stepping out on her husband with the magician?

It's possible.

But I got one better. She's a pharmacist.

So she would have total access to Tetrodotoxin.

Why would she poison Alistair

if she was having an affair with him?

Well, I don't know. Maybe her husband found out

about the affair and he was seeking revenge?

What, is he a pharmacist too?

No. He worked at some Box N' Ship place.

He lost his job about four months ago.

Oh, Box 'n Ship, that reminds me.

The trunk that was last seen entering the Magic Manor

is now officially MIA.

How is that possible?

All the Magic Manor security cam footage

was thoroughly viewed

and no trunk was seen exiting the building.

But there's also no evidence of any trunk

actually being in the building either, so... Poof!

Things don't just disappear, Dad.

If you build a place called the Magic Manor,

- perhaps they do. - Maybe.

I don't know, I just feel like we're missing something.

[soupir] Blueprints?

All right, everyone, great work today.

Great concentration. When you go home,

I want you to practice your palming.

Next time, we are gonna learn the French drop.

Can I ask you something about the night Alistair was murdered?

You know, I went through most of this with your friend, Logan.

It's just that, I thought I saw someone

in the upstairs hallway, a woman in a gold dress.

A gold dress?

I don't think I remember that.

No, I saw her.

I definitely saw her

and then it was as if she just... vanished.

We all must remember the words

of the great Harry Houdini:

"What the eyes see

and the ear hears,

the mind...

the mind believes".

But nothing ever actually vanishes.

That would break the laws of physics.

But don't tell the audience because then

we'd be out of business.

♪ ♪

Do you remember there being a basement at the Magic Manor?

- No. - Because these

are the original blueprints from 1921

and they show a basement with a closet

the end of a very long hallway here,

both on the first and second floors.

And these plans filed with the fire marshal

ten years ago show the same original overall dimensions,

but with no basement, no closets,

and this hallway leading to nowhere.

It looks like roughly a six foot difference.

Yeah, right there.

I think we're missing six feet somewhere, boys.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

[loud knocking]

What the eyes see and the ears hear...

[knocking]

...the mind believes.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

[screaming]

♪ ♪

He's got a gun!

[Logan] Drop your weapon! NYPD!

♪ ♪

Are you okay?

I'm fine.

Who was that guy?

I have no idea,

but look what he left behind.

[Logan]: It's the trunk.

Yeah.

♪ ♪

So I've been talking to a captain

over in the Central Robbery Division.

Apparently Alistair performed at another party

where something was stolen.

Are you kidding me?

They're investigating a pattern of thefts

at parties in the city.

The week before your birthday

the tech billionaire Paul Drexler

had a party for his 40th.

He had a mariachi band, and fireworks and...

the Amazing Alistair.

Alistair was there?

Yeah, right?

My last birthday party was in an office kitchen

with a shared cake for all April birthdays.

But then again, no one ever stole

a Qing Dynasty jade bowl at my party.

Wait, somebody stole a Qing Dynasty bowl

- from Drexler? - Correct.

That's a 17th century piece, it's worth a fortune.

You'd think that'd be pretty hard to sell

without attracting attention.

Actually, I tracked it to an antiques dealer

who's got his own way of doing business.

I did a story on black market antiques.

It's pretty killer.

♪ ♪

You're looking for Qing Dynasty jade?

You're a week late. I just sold a beautiful bowl.

In fact, if it hadn't had a chip,

it probably would've fetched over a million.

I was actually looking for a particular thing,

for my friend Paul Drexler.

Paul Drexler, now that's a good friend to have.

Yeah, it was stolen from him.

Well, you should go talk to the police.

Yeah, I think that's a great idea.

What a coincidence finding you here.

Don't tell me. You're also looking

- for a Qing Dynasty jade bowl. - Also?

Yeah, you know, my aunt, she collects them.

And your friend Paul Drexler?

I've never met so many people interested

in one chipped jade bowl.

I know, right? It's crazy. You're friends

- with Paul Drexler? - Yeah, can you believe it?

[Logan] No, can you? How did you meet him?

Okay, I told you Reed's doing a story on him.

Wait, a reporter?

That's the last thing I need.

I think this might be the last thing you need, pal.

Look, man, I had no idea the bowl was stolen, okay?

It came with a certificate of authenticity and everything.

Is that right? You recognize this guy?

No, never seen this guy.

Who sold you the bowl?

Big guy. Bald, ballcap.

Was he wearing a skull ring?

Yeah, he was.

We'll be in touch.

♪ ♪

Ah, so you do think Alistair is stealing things.

Could be. Drexler thought so too,

which is probably why he went to the show.

Yeah, maybe he was the one that ransacked Bianca's room.

♪ ♪

Can you zoom in on his hand?

That's the guy.

Also, Tess, Cormac's alibi checked out

the night of Alistair's murder.

Yeah, I spoke to the manager at the Peregrine Club

and verified that he was working the door that night.

[phone ringing]

- It's Dr. Cohens. - Hey, Tess. Come here.

Also turns out that Julia Marquez

was telling the truth about the dance championship.

Her and her old friend came in second place.

Hm, I dunno.

She still seemed uneasy when we showed up at the door.

And she looked like she was definitely about to leave town.

I just got off the phone with Dr. Cohens.

Okay, what's up?

He was in Seattle the night Alistair was murdered.

You're saying that the doctor that was onstage at the Manor

was not Dr. Cohen? What do you mean?

Here's the results on the Harrison case.

Oh, the victim's sister is a suspect now?

She came to ID the body. Seemed like a nice lady.

- What? - Are you sure?

- That's not Claire McLean. - This is Julia Marquez,

this is Alistair's dancing partner.

This is the woman you saw identify the body?

I'm telling you that's her.

♪ ♪

Yeah, that's not Alistair McLean.

The body of the Amazing Alistair isn't even Alistair?

Well, that's the best magic trick ever.

Got the dental records back on our John Doe.

He's been identified as a Scott Harrington.

Yeah, that's Julia Marquez's husband.

Okay, so Julia Marquez poses as Alistair's sister,

and then identifies the body of her dead husband

as Alistair McLean.

Doesn't anyone check ID in the coroner's office?

They actually don't, but in their defense

I'd say that this is an unusual situation.

The clerk contacted his emergency contact information

in his employee records

and supposedly it was his sister.

Okay, and that took some planning.

Dad, I need a favour. I need a warrant so I can check

Julia Marquez's residence and get her cell phone logs.

You got it. I have a judge owes me a favor.

Thanks, Dad.

[knocking] Come in.

Hi. I'm so glad you're here.

Listen, I don't want to scare you, but,

I think you should maybe head home.

At least until tomorrow.

We think Alistair is still alive.

And if he's still alive,

he may have been the one

who tampered with your sword cabinet trick.

Why would Alistair do something like that?

Listen, we don't have the answers,

but just until we find Alistair, I just want you to be safe.

Do you have a friend or someone you can stay with?

Yeah...

And if there's anything you can tell me or Logan

that may help us figure out where Alistair may be.

Yeah.

I should have probably told you earlier

but I didn't wanna look obsessive.

You can trust me.

One night, when we were dating,

I followed Alistair.

I wanted to see if he was seeing someone else.

I followed him down this alleyway in the Bowery,

it was right behind a... a pharmacy.

He met a woman. I didn't really see her face.

But, it could have been his dance partner.

Thanks.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

Woah!

- Hi. - Hi.

You're too late. She's already left.

Oh, actually, um,

I have a warrant here to search her apartment.

Oh... NYPD?

You are multi-talented.

When was the last time you saw Julia?

She gave notice yesterday, then she just left.

Any mention where she was going?

Nope. No forwarding address.

She just drove off in a rental car

and left all this stuff.

When was the last time you saw her husband?

- Scott? - Yeah.

I haven't seen him since the fight.

- The fight? - Oh, yes.

Doors slamming, things breaking.

I mean, I was not trying to eavesdrop

but I live right next door.

These old buildings, the walls are paper thin.

Oh, yes, I can imagine.

♪ ♪

What is it?

It's the missing piece.

Oh?

[door squeaking]

Tess. [screams]

Rocco, it's just you.

Not my ideal greeting, but I'll take it.

Can I give this to you for Logan?

He should be here soon but I really got to run.

Yeah, sure. What's it for?

You need it to operate the trap door on the stage.

We haven't used it in years. Thought that thing was lost,

but then it showed up in my desk drawer.

The cleaning crew's gonna be by in a little while to lock up.

- No problem. - Thanks.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

[clattering]

Tess?

Logan! Logan, is that you?

Yeah, hey. What are you doing?

- Why didn't you call me? - Rocco gave me the key.

I know, you left the door open.

Look at this place. Listen, I got news.

I gotta tell you something. Listen,

you know that jade bowl

that was stolen from Paul Drexler?

Of course.

I found the missing chip at Julia's Marquez's apartment.

Look at this place.

This wasn't part of the original blueprints.

No, it's a trap room. Like at the Globe Theater.

I've never seen anything like it.

They created these secret passageways

and all these rooms when they built the Manor.

- Wait, look at this. - What?

- It's a gurney. - Yeah.

Okay, hold on a second.

So when the lights went out,

Alistair would have been on that gurney

when he went through the trap door

and came down this ramp.

And they would have switched his body

with Julia Marquez's husband, who was already dead.

Do you think that Julia's husband's body

was in the trunk that was delivered to the dressing room

and then brought down here?

We never saw the delivery man

exit the building on the security footage.

Why? Because he was here with the trunk.

So, Julia must have been the one

who flipped the house lights and released the trap door.

That would mean when the lights went on,

Julia Marquez's husband was up there onstage

under that drape, dressed as Alistair.

Julia must have hidden somewhere,

she must have waited to make sure the EMTs

took her husband's body to the morgue.

Which is why she then used the hidden ladder

to get to the tunnel.

And that's why she's not on the security footage.

Exactly.

[rattling]

[footsteps]

Okay, we gotta get out of here.

There's gotta be some way to get the trunk out of here.

It's gotta be this door.

Oh, come on.

♪ ♪

Winston, it's me.

Listen, I need two units at the Manor ASAP, okay?

Yeah, now!

Wait, Logan, look at this.

What do you got?

It's the tracks from where they whittled the trunk.

[man] Yeah, they're both down there.

I'm gonna take care of it.

We gotta move this.

♪ ♪

What are you doing?

The portal, that's gotta be it.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

Come on. Okay. Hold my hand, hold my hand.

- Okay. - Come on.

Come on, you all right?

Yeah. [phone buzzing]

Oh, it's Winston.

Said Julia Marquez's cellphone logs just came in.

Her last call was someone in the Bowery.

- I have an idea. - What?

Come on, let's go.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

Hi. Waiting for someone?

♪ ♪

In we go. There you go.

[Siren bleating]

Just go! Go! Go! Go!

Back from the dead, huh?

Gotta tell you, Alistair,

that's the best trick I've ever seen.

Might wanna use zip ties, brother.

Let's go.

It's your last trick, my friend.

♪ ♪

Okay.

Ready when you are. State your name.

Jeff Grazier.

And how did you meet

Alistair McLean and Julia Marquez?

Julia's my cousin. She and Alistair wanted me

to help them with a magic trick and a couple of other things.

And when did you first meet Alistair?

He came into the dance studio two years ago.

Tamara paired us for the Viennese Waltz.

And how long had the both you been romantically involved?

About a year.

Until, of course, your husband found out about it, right?

Scott was violently angry.

How long you been stealing things at parties?

You think I've been stealing things?

Things would go a whole lot easier, Alastair,

if you work with me, I promise.

It's hard to make a living as a magician.

I mean, you would think that people would pay top dollar

to be amazed.

Look, what you do isn't so different.

Really?

A smoking gun, mirrors.

Well, the difference, Alistair,

is that I rely on facts...

That's the difference.

♪ ♪

♪ ♪

Knock. Knock.

Oh! You came.

Of course. I wouldn't miss it for the world.

- Congrats. - Thank you.

You're welcome.

Hey, I wanted you to know it was your tip

that ultimately led Logan to Alistair and Julia.

And they're for sure in custody now, right?

Yes, I can assure you the locks in the prison

are very real.

Thank you.

Hey, break a leg. You're gonna be great.

♪ ♪

[sighs]

[applause]

I was hoping maybe it would be you up on stage.

No, I could never. She's amazing.

Now, let me ask you a question.

Why do you think we love to see things disappear

and then reappear?

To feel that sense of loss, and then joy at reappearance?

You see, we miss the things that vanish.

[gasping]

And we treasure them even more when they return.

[applause]

♪ ♪

- Hey. - Hey!

Here it is, "Puzzle Editor Helps Cracks Case."

That doesn't surprise me that Reed

- put you in the headline? - Jealous?

He's right.

I couldn't have found Alistair and Julia without your help.

It was a pretty good trick they pulled off.

One that now ends with them disappearing

behind prison walls for a very, very long time.

I mean, murder, attempted murder, grand larceny.

Well I know one thing, that I will not forget.

Would that be to leave a homicide investigation

to the NYPD?

No.

That you, Detective, can tango.

Oh, yeah, sure. A little bit.

[chuckling]

You know what though? You just need a tuxedo.

And a partner.

And this.

Are you kidding me? How'd you... Give me that.

How long am I gonna have to watch over you, huh?

I dunno. Just long enough to make a late night diner stop.

Sounds great.

Yeah.

What are you feeling like? Pizza?

- Burger and fries. - Really?

- All of it? - What's your burger place?

- Do you have a place? - No.

♪ ♪