The Policeman and the Disappearing Ticket

After having purchased a brand-new car back in 1998, I had a special car alarm system installed. I parked the car out in front of my favorite magic store, Presto Magic in Long Beach, California. After hanging out for a of couple hours, I realized it was time to leave, as there is a two-hour parking time limit on the street in front of the store.

Upon disarming the car, I realized that the car alarm system had drained my battery, and all the car would do is make this grunting sound much like at an audio cassette being played at a slow speed.  When I entered the car, I found that the battery did have enough juice to engage the "start kill" part of the alarm system. This is a "feature" that keeps the car from being started if the alarm is set off or entry is gained ill legally.

When I walked back into the magic store, I opened up my day planner where I kept my phone numbers and contacts (this is pre-smart phone). I looked up the number of the alarm company and was in the process of giving them a call when I noticed a policeman outside giving me a ticket.

I ran out, quickly explained the situation to the policeman, and showed him that the car alarm could not be disarmed and the car wouldn't start. I even told him that I was making a phone call to the alarm company at this moment inside the store.

He seemed distrusting - imagine that, distrusting an honest face like mine. Even after explaining that I was a magician and was making the call inside the magic shop, he still didn’t seem convinced that I was telling him the truth. I don't think he trusted magicians.  He and I entered the magic shop, and I was able to show him where I was looking up the phone number for the alarm company.

He sighed, and explained that he had already started writing the ticket. "So you're a magician” he said to me. "Yes," I replied. "Well then, see if you can make this ticket disappear", he said, as he handed me the ticket.

With ticket in hand, I paused for a moment and stared at the policeman.  I was trying to figure out if he was serious or just using a figure of speech. After all, when performing at restaurants I've been asked to make a guy’s wife disappear many times. But if I had done it, I'm quite sure the guy would have been quite upset. Well, I thought, there's only one way to find out.

I folded the ticket into a nice neat packet openly and fairly before him. Then, holding my hands a foot away from his face, I made to ticket disappear right before his eyes. His eyes opened wide, and he started stuttering. After composing himself, he said, "Well, I guess I can say that I lost that one".

I still don't think he trusts me.