by Dani Rei
“You loathsome piece of shit!” Blake struggles to stand, pain shooting through his leg. “Your high status is nothing but a lie! You’re a pathetic, worthless excuse for a leader! You’ll never be anything more than a lowlife, disgusting psychopa—”
Rex’s ringed fist slams into Blake’s gut, forcing the air from his lungs. Blake falls back, body convulsing, begging for a breath of air.
“It’s tragic, really. I planned to hire you when you were young, but your late mother wouldn’t trade you in for any amount of money in the world. Then years later, like a dream come true, you came straight to me of your own free will, so eager to join. But I was unaware of your true nature. You’re nothing but a pest, and you’ll be exterminated as such.”
A breath of air finally makes its way into Blake’s chest, and he coughs, spitting out whatever raspy curse words and threats he can manage. Ian presses his foot to Blake’s head and pushes his ear into the soil. Pain shoots into every inch of his body, but Ian is frowning at Rex, and Blake struggles to listen.
“Did I hear that right?” Ian asks. “You will deal with the Fire Goddess?”
“My children will never accept your return,” Rex responds. “Give me ten minutes to remove myself from the area, then finish the work. When it’s done, you will receive payment. However, you may not return to the mansion.”
“You promised I could!” Ian removes his foot, but everything hurts too much for Blake to move. “You swore it!”
“You wouldn’t have helped me otherwise.” Rex struts to the car, and Blake trembles as Ian and Rex continue arguing.
Memories flood his mind, of his time before joining the circus. His run-down apartment, his dead-end job, his parents who always pressured him, but they loved him. His life wasn’t perfect, but it was fine. He gave it all up to end up here. Judy tried to warn him that something was off about this troupe, and he ignored her.
Memories with Inez replace the others. He swore he’d risk it all if it meant he could stay by her side.
Looks like I kept my promise. Tears roll down his face. I took the risk, and I’m paying for it. But I got to stay by your side. I can die here knowing that you loved me. And I’ll always love you, Inez. I know you won’t let yourself be overpowered by Rex. You’ll be okay. You’ll escape that place with your own strength. You will move forward, and I’ll be watching, proud of every step.
And when you do find someone else to trust and open up to, I hope it’ll never come to this for either of you.
“In any case,” Rex barks, snapping Blake back to the present. “Now that you have the filthy dog who slept with your woman, it’s a matter of personal pleasure for you, isn’t it? Think of it as a labor of passion.”
He slips into the driver’s seat, backs onto the road, then zooms off at top speed, leaving the two in silent stillness.
“Fucking King!” Ian kicks a rock in the disappearing car’s direction. He yells at the empty road, then turns and grabs Blake’s elbow and shoves him against a nearby tree with a grin. “He’s got a point, though.” He pulls a fresh switchblade from his pocket and holds it to Blake’s face. “I could give you a nice revenge fuck before I kill you. Then I’ll go after the King and take Inez back myself.”
“And what’ll you get from it?” Blake asks. “Rex is using you. If you kill me, you’ll just prove that you’re nothing but his mindless pawn.”
Ian laughs. “Nice try, you just want to stay alive.”
“Obviously, but what good will it do you to kill me if you’re not getting your job back anyway? He dropped his end of the bargain, why bother keeping up yours? He’s going to pay you in ten, twenty minutes, anyway. You can take the money and run. No need to put blood on your hands over that piece of trash.”
“You think you’re my first kill, Pup? I’m gonna finish you off because I want to.”
He presses the knife to Blake’s throat. “Too bad, you’re pretty damn cute, but you talk too much, so I’ll make this quick.” Sharp pains burn through Blake’s neck as he yells out in pain.
Bang.
A shot rings through the air, and Ian whips around to face the road. A man in a tan suit and black ski mask holds a gun toward them, standing tall and statuesque. Ian steps back with his hands up.
“Get back!” calls a strong voice, and Blake can’t recognize who it belongs to.
Ian chuckles before he focuses on Blake. “One shot, then.”
He raises his knife, grinning back at the shooter as his wrist twists to adjust its aim. Blake squeezes his eyes shut, readying himself for the final throw that will end him before he’s rescued.
Bang.
Ian screams, and Blake opens his eyes to find the knife at hiss feet. Ian grips his wrist and yells out in pain at his bloodied hand, then at the shooter. Scarlet streams drip down and stain the dirt. Ian stares the shooter down before running off in the opposite direction as Rex.
The shooter keeps his gun aimed at Ian, stepping over to Blake but never once looking over. Soon Ian is out of sight, and the shooter puts his gun away before collapsing to his knees.
“Hey!” Blake calls. “Are you okay?”
“Damn it, that was killer on my back,” the shooter says in a much more familiar voice, and Blake’s eyes go wide.
“Hartman?”
The shooter pulls off his ski mask and smiles through his white beard, his hair a tangled mess around his face. “Didn’t expect me, did you?” He chuckles.
“You Shit Head!” Blake’s eyes tear up as he laughs. “I thought I was on someone else’s hit list!”
Hartman chuckles as he hobbles over to untie Blake’s wrists and ankles, cringing at the knife in his leg.
“We can’t take you to a hospital, they’ll want to investigate. If they do that, Rex will just bribe his way out of justice. Again. And he’ll likely find a way to get you locked up instead.”
“So, what do we do?” Blake asks as the two help each other stand and hobble to the car.
“I have a private doctor. I’ll give her a call.”
Chapter 35
R
emoving the dagger hurts more than having it stabbed, and Blake clenches his teeth on a leather belt he was offered.
Hartman’s private doctor couldn’t bring an anesthetic on such short notice, but Hartman graciously pours wine into the wound while the doctor gets stitches, much to her disdain.
After an hour of cleaning, stitching, and disinfecting, Blake can finally take a breath as he relaxes on the couch. Hartman writes a check for the doctor, an even larger sum for keeping the incident quiet. The doctor looks unsure, but she agrees and accepts her payment.
The ache in his leg is persistent, but the doctor assures him there’s little chance of permanent damage, and he’s grateful.
She helps him sit up to take a painkiller with a cup of water and demands that Hartman give him something to eat before she takes her leave.
Hartman hobbles over to Blake with his cane and a lit cigarette, tossing a small pack of cookies onto his chest.
“All right, you’re well enough. Now let’s go.”
“Go where?”
“Back to the mansion. I got a bone to pick with a King.”
IN THE FRONT SEAT, Blake stares blankly at the passing scenery. The events of this morning seem so distant, almost like a dream. If his leg weren’t sore from limping to the car, he’d almost believe it was. He’s grateful the clothes Hartman lent him are presentable, albeit a bit loose, but a blue button-up and black slacks are hardly embarrassing.
“How did you know where to find me?” he asks, munching on another cookie and trying not to cringe. And how does a rich bastard like you have such stale snacks?
“Victor called me,” Hartman responds. “I guess he knew Rex was up to something and couldn’t stop it. He gave me the coordinates from Rex’s phone, and I just had to hide before he left the spot. Lucky for us, Rex won’t get his hands dirty anymore. I knew he’d have someone else hdoi
ng his dirty work, so I wasn’t too worried. And it’s nice to know Victor isn’t as useless as he seems.”
“So, what’s the plan?”
“For now, just follow my lead. Stay quiet until I tell you to speak. Victor warned me you don’t think things through.”
Blake slouches in his seat with a heavy breath, crumpling the package as he chews the last cookie. Hartman isn’t wrong, and it’s weighing his chest down. All of this could’ve been avoided if he just knew how to keep his mouth shut. It could’ve saved him a few stitches and Inez a few bruises.
Inez. His heart races at the thought of her, in Victor’s office, hearing news of his death. Or being told nothing and running through the mansion halls, looking for him, scared out of her mind.
He shakes away the images, trying to assure himself that she’ll be okay. He’s on his way back. She won’t have to be scared for long. Even better, Rex isn’t taking Ian back after all, so at least he won’t be there to make things worse. Still, his heartbeat isn’t slowing.
“So,” he says, hoping to distract his mind. “Where did you learn to shoot?”
“I joined the army after high school. Hurt my back in battle and buried myself in office work when I got better. It wasn’t until years later that I invested in The Fools’ Circus because I heard some evil bullshit was going down. Now I need to make sure that damned Rex gets what he fucking deserves.”
“Speaking of Rex,” says Blake through gritting teeth. “He mentioned that he wanted to adopt me when I was young. Do you know what that’s about?”
Hartman’s glare softens to concern with a brief glance in Blake’s direction. “You’ve performed at parks and in front of shows since you were small. Did you really think Rex wouldn’t notice? He offered your mom quite the large sum in exchange for your adoption.”
Blake tenses. “So that was true? He tried to buy me?”
“Your mother refused, of course. But if you hadn’t been adopted so quickly after her death, you would’ve been at that mansion much sooner.”
Blake bites his lip as he glares at the road ahead. When did Rex make that offer? A pang in his chest makes his blood run cold.
If Ian kills for Rex, does that mean...? No, it had to be an accident. If Rex hired someone to kill her, he would’ve been able to adopt Blake right off the bat, right?
He takes a deep breath to calm himself. Rex is a monster. An evil piece of trash. But even he can’t control everything.
“Keep yourself together,” says Hartman. “That fucking King can smell fear. Hold your head high, and your back straight. Poker face.”
“Got it.” Blake’s mind flashes to Inez’s story, and how both of her parents died. “So, does Inez being your granddaughter have any significance in all this?”
Hartman lets out a heavy breath, and blinks as if holding back tears. “As far as you’re concerned, no. For us, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. But that talk never happened, remember? Inez doesn’t know, and right now that’s helpful. Don’t say another word about it. Not until I can finally back Rex into a fucking corner.”
“Got it.” Blake smirks to himself as they pull up to the mansion. I see where Inez gets her potty mouth from. He searches the windows for a face. Any face, really, but Inez’s face in particular.
When they reach the front door, Blake raises a hand to knock, but Hartman pushes it open without hesitating, and Blake follows close behind. A few members stare at the duo with wide eyes, as if they’re staring at ghosts.
“Where’s your King?” Hartman asks.
“In the office, sir.” Ronan gestures down the hall. “He just called Inez in for a conference.”
“Perfect.” Hartman nods, making his way over. “Follow me, Blake. And Ronan, you come too. It’s time you spoke up.”
Ronan tenses. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, sir.”
Hartman glares back at him and slams the base of his cane against the floor. “Never settle for silence! Silence gives power to the oppressor and keeps you under their foot. Get your ass in that office and speak the fuck up!”
Blake’s jaw drops as Hartman continues on his way, calling for Blake to follow him. Ronan stares at the floor. Blake puts a hand on his shoulder and offers a comforting nod. Ronan’s lips form a tight line, but he nods back, and the two follow Hartman down the hall.
Hartman opens the door without knocking. “Good afternoon, Rex. The ball was lovely! Thank you for having me!”
“Hartman!” Rex growls. “Why are you here?”
His face goes pale when he notices Blake and Ronan strolling in behind him.
Inez gasps when she sees Blake and runs over to squeeze him. Blake puts a hand on her cheek and presses his lips to hers; So sweet he might cry.
You’re alright! I’m so glad!
“I found Blake here on the side of the road and decided to give him a ride home. Was curious to see how he’s fitting in.”
“He isn’t,” Rex hisses. “He abused my Fire Goddess to the point where she refuses to admit the trauma she endured!”
“Trauma? From Blake?” Hartman glances over at Inez, still in Blake’s arms. “She ran up to hug him. I hardly think that’s the reaction of someone who’s been abused. Though come to think of it, Blake was injured when I found him. I can’t help wondering who the real culprit is.”
Inez catches her breath and grips his shirt. She stares at Blake with wide eyes while Rex and Hartman continue arguing.
“What happened?” she whispers. Her eyes fall to the large band aid on his neck and she looks ready to scream.
Blake puts a finger to her lips and gently shushes her. “I’ll explain later.”
She trembles in her spot but shuts her mouth tight and nods.
“He hurt one of my children!” Rex exclaims. “I refuse to stand by and allow it!”
“Last I checked,” Hartman grumbles, “Inez wasn’t your child.”
“That’s not the point!” Rex snarls. “He’s leaving, and I won’t follow along with any more of your nonsensical whims!”
“What a shame.” Hartman steps closer to Inez and grabs her chin, turning her head to see the bruises on her neck.
Red fills his eyes, and his nostrils flare, but he keeps his voice calm. “Tell me, dear. Who did this to you? Was it Blake?”
Inez hesitates, glancing over at Rex, whose glare burns in her direction. She takes a deep breath and stands tall, glaring back at the King. “No sir, it wasn’t. It was—”
“That’s what I thought.” Hartman releases Inez and turns back to Rex. “You see, Rex, Blake is actually an old friend of mine, and I happen to know that violence is completely out of the question for him.”
“How dare you!” Rex hisses. “You’re questioning me?”
“Of course not.” Hartman raises a hand in defense. “I’m just saying that someone else hurt her, and you need to fire the true culprit, whoever it may be.”
Rex pulls back his lips, hissing at the old man. “It’s not your decision to make!”
“No, but it is my money.” Hartman frowns. “And I was so looking forward to seeing Blake on stage. Matter of fact, if you keep him, I can double your budget. Triple if he gets a lead.”
“Corruption!” Rex shouts, slamming his hands on the desk. “You biased old man! Using your money to have things your way! Admit it, you’re just using that boy!”
“And what do you call what you’re doing? Adopting children for your personal circus. Shall I inform everyone how you found them all?”
“Everyone knows how I found them! They were lost and I saved them! I’m a hero! I gave them a choice, and they chose me! They owe me their lives!”
“Is that why you nearly killed Ronan here?”
Silence fills the office, and Blake is holding his breath. Rex’s kingly façade is slipping to madness. Blake nearly forgot about Ronan, who’s had his back to the side wall the entire time, as if trying to blend in with the reds and golds of the wallpaper. His eyes are wide, glued to the flo
or as if begging to disappear.
Hartman’s gaze softens at him, and he gestures toward Rex. “Go on.”
Ronan lifts his eyes to Hartman, then to Rex, and pulls his back from the wall. He takes a deep breath and steps forward to look Rex in the eye.
“Rex, we both know you have a twisted way of running things, and I’m sure I’m not the only one of your children aware of that fact.”
“What are you going on about?” Rex sneers. “That time you fell from the balcony? That was your own mistake.”
“No, it was yours. You didn’t think I was good enough to be on stage anymore. When I begged you to let me keep trying, you proposed a challenge. You told me that if I could walk on my hands along the balcony rail, you’d let me perform. You took advantage of the fact that I was only fifteen and wouldn’t see that as anything other than a genuine promise. And as soon as I was on the rail, you kicked me off the edge! I fell onto the first-floor roof, hit my head, and got this scar.” Ronan turns his face to display the line tracing his cheek.
“And then you left me, bleeding and broken. I was out there for two hours, yelling for help before Mishkin and Vladik found me. I cried in their arms. My lungs ached, and I couldn’t stop shaking. I was freezing, starving, and terrified. I almost ran away. I didn’t want to come back. But then I heard you wanted Melody off stage next. She was only twelve, I had to protect her!” Ronan pauses to catch his breath as his eyes water.
“I stayed to protect the others because I knew what you were before they did. I saw what you were willing to do before your status went up. You’re a fucking monster, Rex. And I won’t let you get away with this shit anymore.”
“So that’s it.” Inez steps to Ronan’s side, glaring at Rex. “That’s why Knox and Melody had Allistair minister the wedding instead of you, isn’t it? You were threatening Melody, and they don’t want anything to do with you either. She was lucky, but I wasn’t. Neither was Ronan or Mishkin. In fact, I’m curious to know how many others would love to speak up right now.”
