Up In Smoke
Steve looked in the mirror and straightened his bow tie. He checked his hair one last time and left the bathroom.
Jane, his wife, chuckled “About time too. And you say that I take too long getting ready!”
Tonight was Forshaw & Bagshot’s annual charity event and the company’s biggest and wealthiest clients would be in attendance. Steve had been working for the firm for the last nine years and tonight was his chance to impress his bosses and earn nomination for partnership. The partners had entrusted him with organising the entertainment for the evening and Steve just hoped that they would all enjoy the magic act that he had booked.
“Sorry, I’m just nervous about tonight. So much is riding on it and I just want everything to go well. It’s just my luck the original act cancelled last week. I just hope these guys put on a great show tonight.”
“All will be fine my dear. Everyone is going to love them and the partners are going to love you. The taxi is here, so we’d better get going.”
“I wish I had your confidence. Love you.”
“Love you too. Let’s go get that promotion!” Jane encouraged.
A large number of colleagues and guests were already in the function room when Steve & Jane arrived. “I just hope the magicians arrive on time” Steve commented as they made their way in before grabbing a glass of champagne and starting to mingle.
About half an hour later, Steve spotted his booking entering the room. The four men wore conjuror’s black hats, playing cards protruded from the brims and their bright waistcoats were covered in assorted images of wands, rabbits, cards and flowers.
Sighing with relief he made his way over to them. “Thanks so much for this. My boss is just about to make an announcement and then you can get on with things. We’ll sort out payment for you before you go at the end of the night.”
“Yeah we won’t forget” the lead magician smiled in reply. “We’ll do our usual magic around the tables and then we’ve just got one big trick at the end.”
“Great, I can’t wait to see it”. With that the speakers screamed with feedback as the managing partner, Phil Bagshot, picked up the microphone. The feedback settled down and the short, overweight man spoke to the crowd.
“Welcome to the Forshaw & Bagshot annual charity dinner in aid of our local children’s hospice.” There was a short ripple of applause. “Now I know that everyone will want to settle down for dinner so please find your tables. While you are seated we have a number of magicians who will be making their way around the tables for your entertainment. If you enjoy their display then please give generously into the buckets that will be coming around.”
The crowd dispersed to their tables. “Here goes my career!” Steve said settled down next to his wife.
As dinner progressed Steve could see the magicians weaving in between tables. Everyone seemed to be thoroughly enjoying their performances as they displayed their close hand tricks – making cards disappear and then reappear on the other side of the table; notes torn up into a thousand pieces and then emerging from a top pocket intact; watches smashed in a bag and returned without a scratch.
The guests appeared to be filling the buckets heavily and Steve smiled to himself. He couldn’t believe how well the evening was going. He was even more happy to see Phil Bagshot walking over to him beaming.
“Steve, this is great. These magicians have been a huge hit. There will be a record donation to the hospice this year. Between you and me, your application for partnership will be looked on very favourably.”
“Thank you Mr Bagshot” Steve managed to reply before the portly man moved on to greet more guests. He glanced at his wife and smiled. He felt on top of the world.
As the evening began to draw to a close Steve got up from his table, remembering that the magicians were due to perform one last act. He looked around but couldn’t see them. Perhaps they had left already. He figured he would just contact them later to congratulate them on a job well done.
Steve started walking over to the where Phil Bagshot stood, still not believing how well the evening had gone. However as he approached he could hear a commotion.
“What do you mean they’ve all gone?” he heard his boss exclaiming.
“We’ve looked all over but there’s no sign of them” one of the bystanders replied.
“Yes, it looks like the magicians have left already Sir. How much did we raise?” Steve butted in.
Mr Bagshot turned around, his face the colour of beetroot. “Your magicians have just carried out their biggest trick of the night. They’ve done a disappearing act with all of tonight’s donations!” he fumed.
“Don’t even try to make excuses. This falls on your head. You’re finished at Forshaw & Bagshot!”
Steve’s heart sank and his head was awash with emotions, his mind reeling. “But…” Steve tried to get words out of his head but they wouldn’t arrive. The night that could have made his career had just gone up in smoke. Where could he possibly go from here?
This is my entry to the first week of 
