"For a transformation like that we need a proper fee," Stephan explained. "Madame Illusia has already demonstrated her powers to the satisfaction of this audience."
Jeff smirked at him, plainly trying to look unimpressed. But John was starting to look more hopeful.
"Well, mostly," Stephan added, as some of the younger men in the front row of the audience began to jeer. He looked to his mother for support.
"Enough" she intoned. "Our fee does not need to be in cents and dollars."
The audience gasped as John suddenly slumped to the ground. The spotlight picked out the mingled look of fear and pain on his face as John began to writhe about in the dirt. His kicking legs soon parted company with his shoes, and his shirt slipped up and over his head leaving him bare-chested.
Jeff and Walker seemed rooted to the spot, not entirely sure (but, for Walker at least, a fairly good idea) what might be happening to their friend. Yet Jeff was not going to be beaten. He shouted to John to get up and stop assing around.
The spotlight shifted dramatically from the now-whimpering body of John to the cocky teen. His mask of youthful bravado slipped for a moment, but returned as a daft grin spread over his face.
"Do you believe in Madame Illusia's powers yet, Jeff?" asked the old lady. "Or do you want to see your friend go through more pain before you are convinced?"