Day 2 - The Abode of Memphis

"I doubt my father would write fiction in his travel journal," Ingrid replies, clearly unpersuaded. She takes the journal back and puts it in its prior place. When talk turns of the device in the hidden storage room, Ingrid says, "He got the puzzle box during his tour in the Far East, I believe. I've never seen those balls before. Does it look like they're glowing a little bit?"

Ingrid peers at the orbs. "Maybe it was a new trick dad was working on. Maybe Reuben Levy knows. He runs Ace Emporium, the best magic shop in the state. Or one of the regulars at Nelson's restaurant."

"Oh, not like just a regular customer. All of the local magicians gather there for dinner once a month to socialize. They're meeting tonight, in fact, so I figured if you had any questions you couldn't find a better group to ask. Although magicians are protective of their secrets so might not be willing to open up to outsiders, but as long as your questions don't pry into their acts it should be fine."

"Reuben usually attends the dinners as well since he is the owner of the magic shop and knows all the gossip. Oh, and please be careful with those-" but it was too late.

As Barrington taps two balls together they shatter in his hand. A thin vapor escapes the spheres and inside they are now hollow. Suddenly the house shakes a bit like a small earthquake passes through the house. It lasts only a few moments and then all is still.