Once we finished breakfast and tidied up the kitchen, Maguire began his thorough exploration of the safe house. As with most facilities created for the Society of Jacks, the place was very cozy if a bit of a labyrinth to anyone who was unused to the way we like to arrange things. Which sometimes was the most chaotic way possible but more often than not had a logic to it, if a very silly logic.

I trailed along behind him, coffee in hand as I watched him methodically go through each room, looking for a starting place. I took this chance to really look at the pictures that decorated the walls and shelves, spotting countless familiar faces smiling back at me.

“You knew many of the people who lived here, didn’t you,” he said gently when he caught me staring.

“Yes, I did. I’ve always been a bit of a wanderer but I spent a fair amount of time here. I try not to think about it too much, but I do miss them.”

“Tell me about them.”

Whether he was asking out of genuine curiosity or the hope that the names and stories would hold some kind of clue, I didn’t know and I didn’t really care. He deserved to know more about the people he would be working alongside. The people he was trying to help me save.

So I introduced him to Tyra, Sean, Kaley, Mira, and all of the others I knew, sprinkling in the story of how they came to join the Society and some of the adventures we had been on together. He searched as he listened, only coming to a complete stop when I got to the Petes.

“Come again?”

“You heard right. Identical twins, separated at birth. Both named Peter, but chose to go by Pete. It got very confusing at times, to the point where whoever walked into the room first answered to Pete and whoever entered second had to answer to Re-pete. It never failed to get a laugh and they handled it well. Oh, the pranks those two could pull…”

My next few stories had Maguire laughing as he continued his methodical search of the room and out into the hallway, tapping on walls and tugging on sconces, looking for something out of place.

“Is the mural inside of the building or is it outside?” He asked after the second room.

“It’s inside,” I replied. “You are on the right track.”

“Okay. Am I looking for something mechanical or magical?”

“You will have to be more specific.”

“I am acting under the assumption that the mural I am looking for is hidden somewhere in the building, either behind something or in a secret room.”

“That feels like a safe assumption.”

“Is the method of unveiling the mural mechanical or magical?”

“There is a physical mechanism you will need to interact with to find the mural.” I chose my words carefully. As much as I wanted him to succeed, I couldn’t tip my hand too hard without risking having to do the whole thing over again in a different city.

Maguire nodded and went back to his searching, with me following close behind. He tried to be discreet but I caught him glancing at me whenever we entered a room, like he was trying to gauge my reaction to see if he was heading in the right direction. I kept my posture relaxed and my expression neutral, though I didn’t play it as cold as I could have.

It was a good chance to test his skills with reading body language and facial expressions. Before he got to the room that held the secret room, though, I excused myself to refill my coffee cup. When I came back, I found him inspecting the mechanism to open the door, so I just sat back and watched.

His posture shifted the second he figured out what he was looking at, and he sent me an incredulous look as he pulled the candlestick sitting on the shelf like a lever. I heard the familiar thunk as the door unlocked and slowly started to slide into the wall.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

“A candlestick? Really?” He asked.

“Everything you know about the Society, you’re really surprised that The Jacks have a weird sense of humor?”

“I guess it fits when I think about it.” He turned to face the open space, scanning the doorframe and the ground carefully before examining the mural. It took him a few tries to find a safe way into the room, only getting slightly signed before the door slid closed behind him.

“This could take a while,” I commented to the now empty room.

I busied myself gathering some materials I believed would be useful for the rest of the hunt, including some things that I could use to keep myself entertained. Maguire picked up a lot of things very quickly but even so, I knew this game could take a while.

I also knew that Clever Jack had a knack for playing long-winded word games with new people before giving them what they asked for. I had no doubt that he would have his fun with Maguire.

My first conversation with Clever Jack is one that stuck with me throughout my years in the Society. Of all the Jacks, he was the one I felt most connected to. That in and of itself wasn’t odd. Most members of the Society have an affinity for one of the Original Jacks, though few were quite as friendly with the Clever one as I was.

Sometimes I wondered if that was why when the others disappeared, I remained, but I had nothing to prove either way and Clever didn't seem keen on the idea. If he knew anything, he couldn’t tell me, but he insisted that there had to be another reason. I was inclined to believe him, though I knew he would never admit to having anything resembling a favorite among those who were close to him.

I hadn’t exaggerated when I told Maguire just how enigmatic the Originals could be. I also knew it had to be experienced to be truly understood.

He came wandering into the common area a few hours later looking about as befuddled as I expected him to be after the meeting.

“So, how’d it go?” I asked.

“You weren’t kidding when you said he’s weird. I think he likes me, though.” He plopped down onto the opposite end of the couch and turned slightly so he could face me. He glanced at the can on the table next to him and then tapped the top, looking at me questioningly.

“I think he does, and yeah, he’s a bit of an acquired taste but he definitely grows on you. I take it you got his blessing?” I nodded, saying that yes, the drink was for him.

“Yes, I did. Eventually. And the hint he gave me was something about diverging paths…hang on, I wrote it down.”

“Writing it down is usually a good call. You never know when notes will be necessary.”

“My thought exactly. Here it is. ‘Two paths diverged in a yellow wood and I took the one less traveled and that has made all the difference.’ Sounds like a poem.”

I laughed. “It’s from a poem by Robert Frost. Remind me to start introducing you to more poetry and fiction. All Jacks need a well-rounded literary diet.”

“I guess I know what I’m doing today. Before I forget, he wants to speak with you.”

“Who wants to what?”

“As I was leaving, the Jack told me that he wanted to speak with you.”

“Next time lead with that.” I jumped out of my seat and started towards the secret room. “Library is in the other hall, third door on the right. You’ll find poetry near the floral statue,” I called over my shoulder. I could hear the telltale sounds of Maguire getting up and following my directions, so I put that out of my mind.

He would be able to figure it out just fine on his own. I needed to get to Clever Jack before the candle blew out. Calling on them multiple times in a short period could get tricky. Thankfully, I managed to slip into the room before the candle blew out.

“I’m here, Jack.”

You were almost late, but better late than never. We Jacks appreciate your respect for the traditions but this may not be the best time for some things. Unique circumstances and all that.

“Are you suggesting I play a more active part in this ritual?”

Rules are meant to be bent when the situation requires it and I feel it is safe for me to say you will benefit greatly from gaining the boon. Plus, we Jacks are selfish beings. We can turn a blind eye to the exploitation of loopholes so long as it helps us get back what is ours.

Some of the tension melted off my shoulders. Between the size of the city and the enigma of the Jacks, I had been worried that Maguire would not be able to gain the blessings in time to acquire the boon. He simply hadn’t had enough time to get used to everything.

The fact that Clever Jack was speaking so bluntly did give me pause.

“I will see what I can do to expedite things,” I said. “The sooner we begin to rebuild the better.”

There is much riding on this, Claudia, but I have every faith you will see this through.

Those words left a warm feeling in my chest, and I held them close as I exited the room. Clever Jack would always hold a special place in my heart, and I knew I would always have his support.

I could not help but wonder, though, which Jack would most connect with Maguire.

What kind of Jack would he become?