Chapter Text
Dylan walked out of Henley Reeves’ holding room and rubbed the bridge of his nose in an attempt to ease his headache. Atlas had given them a bunch of bull crap, so had Merritt, and Henley didn’t say anything useful. She used the fact that they were magicians to explain everything so it obviously wasn’t actually conclusive.
The last Horsemen they had to talk to was Jack Wilder. He was by far the youngest, but almost 10 years and according to some other audience members accounts Jack did have the least amount of stage time. Dylan and Alma both silently decided to take a gentler approach with this kid.
They looked through the one way mirror one more time to see him sleeping before they pushed the door open.
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Jack was sleeping very lightly. You never sleep too heavily in an unfamiliar place. He learned that a long time ago but he needed the sleep. He didn’t sleep at all the night before. They knew they were going to be arrested the next morning but it still put Jack on edge. So he didn’t sleep. Even as his sleep was light it was still haunted with nightmares.
Jack’s brain usually cycled through the same dreams over and over again. Him actually dying in that car accident, living on the streets again after this, having another panic attack in front of everyone again. All of those fears fueled his nightmares as he slept. And they were never not there. He couldn’t remember the last time he slept undisturbed.
When the door shot open Jack’s eyes did as well. Fear showed on his face for a split second and he couldn’t tell if they had noticed or not. It didn’t matter though. He didn’t care what they thought of him and he wasn’t going to give them anything. Atlas assured him that here was no way he could be arrested because they didn’t have enough evidence.
He left his feet on the table and the two Agents sat down. The Agent that introduced himself as Dylan Rhodes soon pushed his feet off the table so Jack settled for rolling his eyes and crossing his arms over his chest.
“So,” he started, “Mr. Wilder is it?” Dylan asked.
“Yep.” Jack replied disinterestedly.
“As far as I’m aware you were the only Hourseman that wasn’t previously established, is that correct?” He asked.
“Yeah.” Jack said trying not sound bitter.
“But it makes sense.” Dylan continued and Jack sent him a puzzled look, “They’re all in their 30s and even 40s. You’re what? 19?” He asked.
“20.” Jack corrected.
“Sorry, 20. I’m sure the audience can tell the age difference too.” Jack looked at him incredulously, “You had had the least amount of stage time.” Jack rolled his eyes, Just you wait, He thought. “So how did you get involved with the other three?” He asked, Jack was silent for a moment.
“I don’t know.” He said plainly, they knew he was lying but they couldn’t do anything about so why not?
“Uh-huh.” Dylan said, “I’m sure the allure of their success was captivating.” Jack cocked an eyebrow.
“Look Jack,” Alma started, “if they’re making you do all this-“
“Excuse me?” Jack said angrily, the Agents stared at him, “I know I’m young but I’m not helpless. I’m not being forced to do anything. I’m my own person.” He snapped.
“Right.” Dylan said, “Sorry for insinuating otherwise. So, were you involved in stealing the money from that bank in Paris that magically rained down on your show?” He asked.
“Nope.” Jack said calmly. So now they decide to ask the questions I was expecting, Jack thought.
“So if you weren’t involved then how did the card get into the vault in Paris?” Alma asked.
“Hmm, maybe it was, I don’t know… magic.” Jack replied smugly, finally finding some of his confidence with this idiot Agent Rhodes.
“You know,” Dylan continued with unnatural calmness, “you probably didn’t have anything to do with the bank.” Jack stared at him coldly, “I mean we’ve established that you’re the youngest. No way they would trust you with something like that.” He said, there was a long pause.
“Alright,” Jack started lowly, “I know Danny’s the leader and I’m the youngest but if you think for one second that I’m that insecure about my position that you could manipulate me you’re dead wrong. I’m not an idiot despite whatever your file here says about me!” Jack leaned back harshly in his chair and decided that he was going to be annoyingly silent the rest of this little talk.
“Alright. Let’s go.” Dylan said, both Agents got out of their chairs, and left. Jack smiled smugly and tried to get a little bit more shut eye before the show tonight and his death tomorrow. His sleep was cut off completely though because a few moments later some guards came in and un-cuffed him harshly. He was walked out of the holding room and saw Danny and Henley walk out. Merritt stayed back though and looked towards him.
“Bud, let’s go.” He smiled, Jack smiled too.
“Yeah, we have a show to perform.” Jack said as he ran and caught up with him. Merritt put an arm around his shoulder and they walked out. Danny, Henley, and Merritt went in one car to collect the rest of the things they needed for the show tonight whereas Jack went in a separate car to get a body from the morgue and an identical standard FBI vehicle for his great escape tomorrow.