Circus Of Mystery

Chapter 2: The Circus

*Alex’s p.o.v*

Ashley’s plan was a brilliant one, however, if we were to infiltrate the circus then we’d need information. Circus of Mystery was to be performing in Lucet in the next three weeks, which meant that we’d get to see if our killer was really a part of the circus. When the day finally arrived Ashley had been more excited than me about going. She had loved the circus when we were kids more than I did which meant I’d need to keep a close eye on her.

“Come on, Alex, I wanna get good seats,” Ashley said as we parked then hurried out of the car. We had left three hours earlier and thankfully arrived on a short line. The parking lot was a giant dirt and gravel lot that held a small number of cars, for now. Before we stood a giant black and white tent that had six small red flags on top. We were fifth in line and we were waiting behind a small family of a mother and her three young children (two daughters and son). 

The woman and her children had finally reached the front of the line and asked for three tickets to the show. The man in the ticket booth had told them the price and asked for their pay, the mother reached into her purse and pulled out an amount of money. The man counted it but then came back to tell the woman that she was twenty dollars short. “Oh, uh let me just get some more from my purse.” The woman said as she began to frantically dig in her purse. 

I knelt down like I was picking something up then stood back up and tapped on the woman’s shoulder. “Excuse me madam but I believe you dropped this,” I said as I held out my hand giving her fifty dollars.

“Thank you,” The woman smiled as she paid the man for the tickets. Afterwards, Ashley and I went to buy our tickets. The man in the ticket booth was dressed in a white dress shirt, black suspenders, and a matching bow tie. His hair was sandy blonde and cut short, his brown eyes were light, and he gave a smile that showed kindness.

“Ah, well what shall it be?” He asked as he leaned forward towards us.

“Two tickets, one for me and one for my sister,” I answered as I opened my wallet and went to hand him the money. The man refused as he reached under the counter and pulled out two black tickets. 

“I saw what you did for the family,” He whispered. “For that, you two get to sit in the black row.” The man smiled as he pushed us the tickets and our money.

“Thank you, sir, but I did what many would have done,” I replied as I collected the money and the tickets. The man shook his head then called for the next people in line. I handed Ashley her ticket then we made our way into the largest tent.

“Now this is a circus,” Ashley exclaimed happily. She was looking at all the different booths and vendors forgetting why we really came here. “Hey you get our seats, while I get some popcorn. Okay, bye,” Ashley said but left before I could answer. 

I groaned loudly, it was no use fighting or arguing with Ashley when she liked or wanted something. “Guess I’ll find our seats,” I grumbled then walked through a large archway. Inside was a large dirt ring that was surrounded by rows of chairs and bleachers. Connecting to the ring were two large, dimly lit tunnels. I smirked as I watched adults or teens chase down excited children and struggle to keep them seated. 

The black row was three rows of benches that were surprisingly comfortable. Ashley and my seats were in the first row. The two rows behind ours were empty which surprised me. 

"Alex!" I turned and found Ashley rushing over with two bags of merchandise and a bag of popcorn. "You wouldn't believe the deals they had on all this stuff!" I was about to question her but didn't, due to the sudden sound of music. I would describe the circus but Ashley swears that I won't be able to describe it right.

*Ashley's p.o.v*

The moment I heard the music my eyes shot to the ring. Four people in skin tight, black and white suits front flipped out from the tunnels. As they did so smoke bellowed out from the tunnels as a man emerged from one of the tunnels. He was dressed in black dress pants, a matching long sleeve button up, and a black and white striped overcoat. On his right hand he wore a white glove, on the other he wore a white one. At the top his head was a black and white top hat that hid most of his slick back hair. He looked to be in his early thirties but I could be wrong.

"Ladies and gentlemen," The man announced with a blinding smile. "My name is sir Victor Randolph, and this is my circus of mystery!" With the snap of his fingers the smoke began to take shape.

The crowd o' d and ah' d as the smoke turned into a large trapeze set. With ease the four who had been standing by, scaled the set and began to fly through the air. "Something's missing," Victor announced as he pretended to think. "Ah, yes that's it!" Another snap and two Siberian tigers ran into the ring. Both began to prowl the circle roaring and being intimidating.

"Now now, our beautiful beast tamer here will keep these two in check," On cue a knock out of a twenty year old, strutted out. She was dressed in black skinny jeans, matching heels, and a black and white striped corset. Her hair was blonde but streaked with white. In her left hand was a black whip that she used to command the tigers.

Alex is telling me to stop going into detail and to get to the important part. The knife thrower, he matched the description of the killer. Only difference was he wasn't wearing a scarf. "Well that was easy." I smirked as the show neared its end. "Can I just jump down there and arrest him?" 

"Hold your horses, he's not the killer." Alex quickly said as he grabbed my wrist."He's got black hair and he looks a bit taller." 

"Could be a wig." I pointed out.

"Unlikely, there…" 

"Could be the heel of his boots," I interrupted. Alex shook his head making me groan. "Fine let's go question him." Before Alex could stop me I climbed over the little separator and stomped right up to the knife thrower. 

"I'm sorry miss, but if you want an autograph then you'll have to go wait in line." Victor said as he stepped between the knife thrower and me. 

"We're not here for an autograph," Alex said as he stopped next to me. "I'm Alexander Raven and this is Ashley Raven. We're investigating a murder case and believe one of your employees maybe responsible." Victor stared surprised while the knife thrower cleared his throat. 

"My name is Samuel Mysterio, Victor and I run the circus together." He extended his hand to me then to Alex. "If you'd like to speak to us then please do so after the families have left." Victor looked like he wanted to say something but Samuel kept talking. "You can even stay by our side if you want. That way you can examine our employees." With a smug and confident smirk Samuel spun around and walked over to the exit; where a table had been set up. 

"Alright let's go," I declared. "I want that beast tamer's autograph." Without giving Alex a moment to reply; I raced off to the ever so growing line.

Thirty or so, minutes later all the performers were back in the ring lined up. Alex and I stood in front of them trying to see which was the killer. Well mostly Alex because after a quick glance no one but William matched the profile. "Alex, can I speak to you for a moment?" Alex nodded then we stepped aside.

"What is it," Alex asked, sighing deeply. I smirked knowing he was frustrated. But as I had said before; Samuel was the only one who looked like the killer.

"We're wasting time here, and you know it. So, how about you stay here and keep an eye on everyone, and I'll do the real work." 

Alex rolled his eyes. "You see if you can find any other information on Victor or Samuel. I'll stay here and watch them." After dismissing everyone and a brief conversation. Alex was able to convince Victor and Samuel to let him stay. I on the other hand left to; Lucet's library to see if I could find anything useful.