Camden went over to speak to Ellin, and I went in search of Dirk Kirk. He was easy to find. He’d cornered some hapless stagehand and was making him pick a card. “Here, I’ll pick one,” I said. Relieved, the stagehand fled, and Dirk fanned out the gaudy deck. A few cards fluttered to the floor, but Dirk ignored them. I picked a card, the Jack of Diamonds, and put it back in the deck. With his tongue firmly in one corner of his mouth, Dirk searched through the cards and held up the ten of clubs. “That’s it,” I said. “You’re amazing.” “Thanks. Pick another card.” “Sure.” I picked another. This time the card was the three of hearts. I put it back in the deck. “You know, this is a great act. You ought to be on stage somewhere, maybe playing in a club.” His dull expression grew even duller. “Tried that.” “You did?
