The Magic Misfits

Carter spends the night on a park bench, and when he wakes up the next morning, he discovers that someone has covered him with a blanket and put coins in his pocket. He surveys the city landscape and considers his choices. After resolving not to join Bosso’s carnival, Carter examines the ace of spades and finds a business card that leads him to Vernon’s magic shop; the sign proclaims, “Purveyors of the Impossible” (72). Inside, Carter is startled when a parrot greets him by name. A girl wearing a straitjacket tells Carter that the bird is magic, but he gives her his signature reply that magic doesn’t exist. The shop contains magic trick supplies and other curiosities, including a white rabbit. The girl frees herself from the straitjacket and introduces herself as an expert escape artist named Leila the Great. Mr. Vernon appears out of thin air and introduces Leila as his adopted daughter. Carter feels safe in Mr. Vernon’s presence and admits that something about the shop feels magical. Mr. Vernon explains that families come in all types and that fate has brought Leila to him because she loves magic, too.