by CeeCee James
“I still don’t understand where the ruby came from, though,” I said, shaking my head.
Kenny looked up, his pupils large in the dim light of the cabin. “What ruby?”
“The one I found outside the tents right after Bernie died.
Kenny blushed. “It’s mine.” His voice was hardly more than a whisper as he stared down at his hands.
“What?” Both Sally and I said it at the same time.
He glanced at his mom, a little shamefaced. “Yeah. Bernie gave it to me years ago. When I was a kid. He must have known he was going to pawn the sword and he popped out the stone and gave it to me. He told me not to tell anyone.” He swallowed hard, and his Adam’s apple jumped. “I mean, I would have told you, but then dad got me.” He shrugged and went back to inspecting his fingernails. “Anyway, I dropped it chasing after the dog.”
“I can’t believe this is really your dog,” I said. Sam stared up at me as if he knew I was talking about him. I smiled and rubbed the dog’s ears.
“Yeah. This is Rocket. My baby. He was about to be euthanized when I rescued him the other day. Took every penny I had. Rocket, say hi to Trixie.” Kenny’s face softened into an almost innocent look as he scooted down to the floor and scratched the dog’s back. “He disappeared for a couple of days. You scared me, buddy.” He kissed the dog’s neck.
“I was feeding him,” I said. Rocket’s eyes jumped between us. “He slept in the stall with my horse.”
“With Prancer?” Sally asked. “You didn’t tell me that, Trixie. You’re full of secrets.”
“Seriously, full of secrets,” Jerry added. “If you didn’t keep so many, we might be able to help you better.”
I lifted my mug to hide behind it and peeked over the rim at them. “I know how the Ringmaster feels about stray dogs. I was all kinds of nervous. Things were already messy for me.”
Rocket licked my hand and panted a doggy smile.
Kenny stroked the dog’s neck. His forehead wrinkled, and then he said, “Well, Rocket really seems to have taken to you. I want whatever makes him happy. Maybe you should keep him? After all, I’m kind of a loner right now.”
Hope sprang up in my chest. I wanted to say yes. But I remembered how Kenny’s expression softened whenever he looked Rocket. He needed that dog. I understood that. And maybe Rocket knew he was needed by Kenny, too.
Besides, I knew how tough the dog’s life would be at the circus, even if I had a snowball’s chance of the Ringmaster saying yes. Kenny’s life might be a little unstable right now, but I saw the love in his eyes for the dog. They could make a home together. Rocket’s life would be nice with Kenny.
I sighed. “You’ll never know how tempting that is, but no. You just promise me you'll take good care of him.”
“I promise. Right boy? You want to stay with me? We can do this!”
Rocket stood up and barked excitedly.
“All right. Calm down. You’d think it was a circus in here,” Sally said, dryly.
I laughed.
“So, one more question. Do you have that ruby still?” Kenny asked. “I mean, you found it, so you can keep it, but…”
“No, of course,” I said, jumping up. Rocket stood with me. I reached under my pillow and pulled out the ruby. The lamp shown through the jewel to make warm red light on my palm. I stared at it for a moment, drawing it in. Then I handed it over to Kenny.
He took it with a small smile. His palm closed over it in a way that showed he’d done it many times in the past. His eyebrow rose as he looked at me questioningly. “You sure?”
“Of course. It’s yours. I just happened to find it. I’m glad to return it to its rightful owner,” I said, sitting back on the stool. Rocket seemed reassured that I returned to my spot and sat next to me, leaning his weight against my knees.
“So, Kenny. What brought you here, anyway?” Jerry asked. His gaze darted to Sally. “I mean, besides obvious reasons.”
Kenny hefted the stone a few times before sticking it in his pocket. He sighed, a contented one, and then lifted his gaze to Jerry. “Bernie brought me here. I was going to return the jewel to him after I heard you guys were in town.”
“Well, isn’t that just serendipitous. What am I? Chopped liver?” Sally scoffed.
Kenny quickly added, “And of course to see you too, Mom.”
Sally snorted. “I’m glad I was an afterthought.”
His face flushed. “I don’t always have the right words. And I’ve sure as heck made a ton of mistakes. But I’ve had some time to think. Jail does that. And I want to figure things out with you.”
Sally’s eyes were damp as she studied him. “I’ve always loved you, boy.”
“Dad wasn’t always the kindest when he spoke about you. Honestly, it was easier to keep him on my side then to buck him and stand up for you. But I’m a man now. Dad’s gone. I can think for myself.” Kenny scooted forward until he was next to Sally. “I’d just like that chance to show you I’m a good person, too.”
“Kenny! I’ve always been glad you’re my son!” Sally’s eyes widened. “Always. You could do anything, and I’d love you.”
“I love you, too,” he answered softly.
The air was thick with emotion. I honestly didn’t know if I should leave or keep as quiet as possible to stay unnoticed. I was happy for them, but an odd part of me stung as well. Kenny didn’t realize how lucky he was. I’d love to have heard those words at some point in my life. I probably never would.
And I had to be okay with that.
Jerry seemed to know what I was thinking, because he shifted on the bunk, and when I looked, he was staring at me with solemn eyes. I tried to smile, despite my face and throat feeling tight with emotion. He waggled a finger and pointed outside. Slowly, he got up, bed springs squeaking, and opened the door.
Sally and Kenny were talking softly as I wrapped the blanket tighter around my shoulders and followed Jerry. He was waiting for me on the top step.
“Family’s hard,” he said and those simple words encompassed nearly everything I felt. I nodded, and he scooped me close into a hug. We stood there under the bright stars and even brighter moon. The wind was cold, but I barely felt it, so secure in his arms.
“You ever wish upon a star?” he asked, releasing me a bit so we could both look up.
“Yes,” I whispered.
At that moment a soft light trailed across the sky. A falling star.
“Look there! You see that?” Jerry asked, pointing up with excitement.
I nodded and smiled.
He leaned down, his lips resting against the crown of my head. “I got everything I wished for,” he said. “It was you.”
The End
Thank you for reading book 2 in the Circus series, Big Top Treachery. I hope you enjoyed Trixie’s mystery! If you haven’t had a chance, grab book one, Cirque de Slay.
Here are a few more series to whet your appetite.
Baker Street Mysteries— join Georgie, amateur sleuth and historical tour guide on her spooky, crazy adventures. As a fun bonus there’s free recipes included!
Cherry Pie or Die
Cookies and Scream
Crème Brûlée or Slay
Drizzle of Death
Slash in the Pan
Oceanside Hotel Cozy Mysteries—Maisie runs a 5 star hotel and thought she’d seen everything. Little did she know. From haunted pirate tales to Hollywood red carpet events, she has a lot to keep her busy.
Booked For Murder
Deadly Reservation
Final Check Out
Fatal Vacancy
Suite Casualty
Angel Lake Cozy Mysteries—Elise comes home to her home town to lick her wounds after a nasty divorce. Together, with her best friend Lavina, they cook up some crazy mysteries.
The Sweet Taste of Murder
The Bitter Taste of Betrayal
The Sour Taste of Suspicion
The Honeyed Taste of Deception
The Tempting Taste
of Danger
The Frosty Taste of Scandal
