James Gullickson

The Taco Bell order was finally ready, sitting on the counter inside.

Will flipped over to Uber Eats, then back to the listing.

The Taco Bell order would pay him $7.32 minus gas, minus wear on his car, minus the 20 minutes he'd already spent waiting.

The magic kit was free.

It might be worth nothing or might be worth something.

Will canceled the order.

His acceptance rate dropped another percentage point.

His phone buzzed with a warning that canceling too many orders would result in his account being terminated.

Will ignored it and pulled out of the Taco Bell parking lot and headed toward the address.

The magic kit was still exactly where the listing promised, on the curb, next to a beat-up trash can and a recycling bin overflowing with cardboard.

Will pulled up, put his Park Anywhere lights on, and got out.

The box was heavier than he'd expected.

Solid wood with brass hinges that had turned green with age.

The lettering on the lid was faded but legible.

Mr. Mystery's Marvelous Magic Set.

For aspiring magicians.

He opened the lid.

Inside, nestled in crimson velvet, were three items.

A top hat, a black cape with a red satin lining, and a thin wooden wand painted black with white tips.

There was also a folded piece of paper, yellowed with age, that looked to be instructions.