“There is no need for concern,” she said to Henry. “Most people think hypnotism is nothing more than a cheap parlor trick.” She looked at Billy, still standing. “Do you believe this?”

“No, ma’am.” Henry had never seen Billy afraid of anything, but he was clearly afraid now.

The others in the room were all adults, but thus far, the Amazing Zeppo had addressed only the three children. Henry wondered whether she had some special power that worked better on kids.

“You may sit now.” Billy did so without a sideways glance. Henry watched as a bead of sweat rolled down Billy’s face. There would be no bullying tonight.

“Whether you know it or not, you are being hypnotized every day of your lives. You may wake up in the middle of the night, turn on your television, and before you know it you are inexplicably placing an order for jewelry.”

Henry marveled at her speech patterns—the way she rolled her r’s and elongated words like “tell-u-vi-shun” and “jew-la-ree.”

“Or perhaps you have the urge to buy a new backpack when there is nothing wrong with your old one.” The words “uurj” and “bic-pic” stuck in Henry’s head.

“There are many ways to convince us to do things we would not normally do. The brain is a very complex organ. And whether you know it or not, you are always open to suggestions, which makes it very easy to … mess with your head!”

She slammed abruptly on the word “head” and wheeled it right at Billy. He popped up again like his chair was electrified. The Amazing Zeppo widened her eyes—so did Billy. Then she narrowed them—so did Billy. It was like she was playing a telepathic game of Simon Says with him. With a simple hand gesture she sat him down.

“Can I go next?” Brianna asked boldly.

The Amazing Zeppo snapped her head toward Brianna. The air crackled with tension. Everyone except his little sister knew better than to interrupt.

“And where would you like to go, young lady? Perhaps to visit the restroom?”

A few adults chuckled softly, and Henry saw his sister stiffen. And before he could grab her hand to tell her to behave, she spoke back—using her newly discovered voice. “I think it’s my turn next,” she said with the background hum. But perhaps because she had been insulted, she gave it an extra punch.

“Yes,” an adult said from the back of the room. “Let the girl go next.”

And then another and another. “Yes, let the girl go next,” they chimed in as Brianna’s suggestion overwhelmed them.

As much as Henry wanted to turn around to see the look on their faces, his eyes were glued to the Amazing Zeppo. She was not amused—and she was not affected.