by Cindy Bell
“Daniella, we all know that.” Cecilia waved her hands through the air. “We are just trying to figure out how this happened.”
“Shouting isn’t going to solve any of it.” Slappy stepped forward in the crowd. “We all need to calm down. The police will be able to figure out what happened to him. For now, we just need to calm down.”
“What’s going on?” Paisley bolted through the entrance of the tent. “I just saw an ambulance leaving and there are police cars coming in.”
Everyone in the crowd turned to look at her.
“She was in a relationship with Rocco,” Joyce whispered to Brenda as she squeezed her hand.
“Are you sure?” Brenda’s eyes widened as she watched the young woman approach the clown.
“Dad? What’s happening?” Paisley glanced around at everyone else, then looked back at her father.
“I’m sorry, Paisley.” The clown’s artificial smile did nothing to hide his actual frown. “There’s been an accident, and Rocco is dead.”
“What?” Paisley’s hand raised to cover her mouth. “Are you sure?”
“There was nothing they could do for him.” He looked into her eyes. “I’m sorry.”
“No,” Paisley gasped. “This isn’t possible. He’s the most skilled trapeze artist here. How could it happen?”
“We’re trying to figure that out.” Sal stepped forward and gave her shoulder a light pat. “It will take some time to unravel everything.” He glanced up at the bar that still dangled from only one rope instead of two.
Joyce leaned close to Brenda and whispered, “If Rocco hadn’t shown up when he did, it might have been Sal that fell. He wanted to take Rocco’s place.” She met her friend’s eyes. “I wonder how he’s feeling about that now.”
“He looks stunned.” Brenda watched as Sal rubbed his hand along the back of his neck.
“Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen, excuse me. I need this whole area cleared.” A familiar voice called out before Detective Arthur Crackle stepped through the entrance of the tent. “Please leave the tent in an orderly fashion.”
“Detective Crackle is here?” Joyce suddenly stood up. “I didn’t expect that.”
“The police must have seen something that warranted calling in a detective.” Brenda stood up as well. “We should probably leave the tent.” She grabbed Joyce’s arm to guide her out of the tent.
“Yes, we should get out of the way.” Joyce glanced briefly in the direction of the center of the ring, then turned away again.
“Joyce?” Detective Crackle caught her by the arm as she passed by him.
“Detective.” Joyce stopped as his arm lingered on hers.
“We’re here as vendors.” The words bolted from Brenda’s lips as she stared at the detective. Why did she feel she needed to explain their presence?
“I see.” The detective glanced at her, then looked back at Joyce. “Are you okay? You look dazed.”
“I’m fine.” Joyce cleared her throat.
“We’re just going outside.” Brenda tipped her head towards the exit of the tent. “Stop by for a donut, will you?” As her words hung in the air between them, she realized how out of place they were in the moment. Detective Crackle obviously wasn’t there for a friendly visit.
“Thank you. I’ll do that.” Detective Crackle nodded to Brenda, then looked at Joyce once more, before he released her arm, and turned his attention towards the center of the ring.
Chapter 4
Joyce leaned on Brenda’s arm, as she led the way towards the donut truck. Her head still spun from everything that had unfolded. The presence of Detective Crackle had made things even more confusing.
“I’ll get you a nice cup of tea,” Brenda mumbled as she ushered Joyce ahead of her into the truck. “Unless you’d rather just go home. I could drive you.” Her worried gaze settled on Joyce.
“No, I’ll be fine. No need to fuss.” Joyce settled on one of the stools near the back of the truck and took a deep breath. “I want to find out what Detective Crackle discovers about all of this.”
“I’m sure he’s just here as a precaution.” Brenda shrugged as she grabbed a tea bag and began to heat up some water.
As shaken as Joyce was, she could still tell that Brenda was just as upset. She went into mother-hen mode whenever she was stressed. She would take care of everyone around her, before she admitted to needing some support herself.
“I’m so sorry that this happened, Brenda. I know it must be a shock to you, too.”
“A shock to me?” Brenda looked over at Joyce. “Maybe, but it’s nothing compared to watching it happen. I wish it hadn’t happened at all. Poor Rocco. I didn’t have the chance to meet him, but it sounds like he was pretty well known in the circus.”
“Yes, he was the star of the show.” Joyce closed her eyes. “At least, for this show.”
“Joyce, remember those two men you spotted earlier?” Brenda poured hot water into a mug and added the tea bag. “The ones who had you unsettled?”
“Yes, I remember.” Joyce opened her eyes again and accepted the mug of tea. The warmth against her palms soothed her to some degree. The scent of mint and lemon invigorated her senses.
“They were here looking for Rocco. I heard them shouting at Cecilia, after you went into the tent. She had to call Joey, you know the really tall and muscular guy we saw setting up the tent, to help her get rid of them. Maybe they found Rocco. Maybe that’s why he was distracted, and why he fell?” Brenda sat down on the stool beside Joyce’s.
“He wasn’t distracted.” Joyce took her first sip of tea. “The bar came loose. I thought it was just part of the act, until I saw him lose his grip.” She winced, then took another sip of her tea. “Thanks for this, Brenda, it’s just what I needed.”
“Of course.” Brenda frowned. “So, it really was just a terrible accident? Somehow the bar came loose?”
“No, it wasn’t.” Cecilia appeared at the top of the steps that led into the truck.
“Cecilia.” Joyce stood up, her eyes wide. “Come in, sit down.” She gestured to the empty stool she’d just vacated.
“Would you like some tea?” Brenda started towards the box of tea bags.
“No.” Cecilia covered her face with her hands for a moment, then took a deep breath. “I have to tell you that no one is allowed to leave just yet. All of the vendors must remain, along with all of the circus staff. The police will need to speak with everyone.” She shuddered as she took another breath.
“What did you mean when you said that it wasn’t an accident?” Joyce stepped over to her. “Why don’t you sit down? You’re in shock.”
“I’m fine, no I don’t need to sit. It was no accident.” Cecilia swallowed hard and blinked back tears. “The police say that someone tampered with the bar. They tampered with the bolts that attached the rope to the bar just enough that it would come apart when Rocco grabbed the bar.”
“They’re sure?” Joyce clutched at the top button on her blouse. She’d never imagined that the fall was anything but an accident. “How can they be certain?”
“I guess they can tell from looking at the bar and rope.” Cecilia’s voice shuddered as she spoke. “Rocco had no idea. He probably thought he did something wrong. He probably thought he made a mistake.” She wiped at her eyes as fresh tears began to spill down her cheeks. “I’m certain that someone on the crew must have done it. Rocco was always so rigid with them. He would insist on all of the ropes and bars being checked three times before each show. The crew would complain, but if they tried to skip any of the checks, Rocco would get downright cruel with them.” She bit into her bottom lip and drew a shaky breath. “Maybe they had too much of his abuse.”
“Did you tell the police this?” Joyce reached into her purse and pulled out a pack of tissues. As she offered them to her, she noticed a slight sway in Cecilia’s legs. “Come, you have to sit down before you collapse. Here, the stool is quite comfortable.” She pulled it over for Cecilia to sit on.
>
“Yes, thank you.” Cecilia pulled out a tissue and dabbed at her eyes, then sat down on the stool. “Yes, I told the police everything. Of course, I want to help them in every way that I can. They’ve told me that the circus can’t move on until the investigation runs its course. I told them I can’t even think about leaving, yet. I just don’t have any idea what to do about all of this. Nothing like this has ever happened at our circus.”
“I would expect falls to happen now and then.” Joyce patted her back lightly. “But for someone to loosen the bar on purpose, that is just terrible.”
“Yes, it is, and you’re right, falls do happen.” Cecilia wobbled on the stool as a sob ripped through her, then she pressed the tissue to her eyes again. “But our safety record has been pretty good. Our reputation is going to take a hit over this, no question.” She winced. “I shouldn’t even be thinking about that right now.”
“I know why it would cross your mind. But there’s nothing you can do. Try not to worry about that too much now.” Joyce took her hand and met her eyes. “You’ve had quite a shock, and you’re grieving. Your mind needs time to process that.”
“She’s right.” Brenda edged closer to both of them. “I’m sure it’s all still sinking in.”
“Will it ever?” Cecilia’s eyes widened as she looked back into Joyce’s. “I just have to wonder, am I ever going to feel normal again?” She closed her eyes tight and shuddered. “If only I’d refused to let them practice, or if something had told me to call Rocco down. If only there was a way I could have known what was about to happen, I’m sure that I could have stopped it. Rocco would still be with us.”
“The ‘what ifs’ are very hard to deal with.” Joyce’s voice softened with sympathy. She’d spent quite some time cycling through ‘what ifs’ after her husband’s death. It never gave her any comfort. “The important thing is that Rocco’s last moments were spent doing what he loved. No one could have predicted what would happen, no one could have saved him.”
“Maybe.” Cecilia nodded some. “Thank you both for your support. I have to go tell the other vendors. I appreciate your cooperation.”
“You have it.” Brenda straightened up and walked with her to the door of the truck. “Let us know if there is anything we can do to help.”
“I will, thank you.” Cecilia stepped off the truck, then glanced back over her shoulder at Brenda and Joyce. “I’m so sorry that this happened.”
“So are we.” Joyce offered her a sad smile.
“I feel so sorry for her.” Brenda turned back towards Joyce after Cecilia stepped off the truck. “Just think, she has the circus all ready to go on, and then this happens.”
“Yes, and she’s only been managing it for a few months. This would have been one of her biggest shows, she told me when we were setting up the plans for the truck.” Joyce sighed as she sat back down on the stool. “This is going to be a rough one for her to get over. I can understand why she’s worried about the reputation of the circus. No one wants to think about death when they buy a ticket for a fun event.”
“No, they don’t. That’s for sure.” Brenda leaned back against the counter. “So, it wasn’t an accident.” She took a deep breath. “What are we to make of that?”
“I’m still trying to figure out how anyone could have rigged the bar to come loose. Didn’t the set-up crew notice it? Wasn’t someone supposed to check the bars before anyone used them?” Joyce shook her head. “I can’t imagine that something like that could just get by the safety crew.”
“Which makes me wonder, just who checked the equipment this morning? Who made sure it was safe?” Brenda raised an eyebrow. “Cecilia seemed to think it was someone on the crew that sabotaged the bar. Maybe it’s true.”
“Cecilia was upset.” Joyce frowned. “But she may have a point. The crew member who checked the ropes would have the most opportunity to tamper with it.”
Chapter 5
“Ladies.” Detective Crackle appeared at the serving window. “I’m sorry it took me so long to get out here, I obviously had some things to handle.”
“Arthur.” Joyce stepped up to the window. “Have you figured out who did this to Rocco?”
“Oh no, not yet. It’s going to take some time I’m afraid.” The detective’s expression grew sterner. “There is certainly quite a bit to be suspicious about. The nuts holding two of the bolts in place on one side of the bar were missing. I don’t see how that could be an accident. Someone wanted to ensure that it would hold just long enough for someone to grab on to the bar.”
“How terrible.” Brenda pressed her hand against her stomach as it churned.
“It is, yes.” Detective Crackle tipped his head towards the tent. “There is a lot of evidence to be collected. I wondered if perhaps that offer of a donut still stood?”
“Of course.” Brenda grabbed a large box and began to fill it. “I’ve included some of the vanilla frosted donuts. I’ve tweaked the recipe. I hope you like it. I’ll make sure there’s some donuts in here for all of the officers.”
“Oh, you don’t have to do that, Brenda.” Detective Crackle waved his hand.
“Nonsense.” Joyce nodded. “All of you deserve it. I know how hard you’re going to be working to find the killer.”
“I appreciate your confidence in me, Joyce.” Detective Crackle spared her a small smile. “Untangling all of this will be quite a task. Thank you for these.” He accepted the box from Brenda and left some money on the counter. “An officer will be by shortly to take your statements. After that, you’re free to go.”
“Thank you, Arthur.” Joyce patted his hand before he could step away from the window. “We’re both so grateful that you’re here to figure this out.”
“I will figure it out.” Detective Crackle met her eyes. “I promise.”
“I’m sure you will.” Joyce winked at him as he turned away. When she turned back to face Brenda, she mouthed her words. “Not a clue.”
Brenda had to look away to hide a smile that crept up on her lips. She had to agree with Joyce, it didn’t seem as if the detective had any idea where to start. But deep down she knew that Joyce really thought very highly of him, and it looked like there might even be something romantic developing between them. Brenda knew Detective Crackle was smarter than he looked or presented himself. At least, she hoped that was the case.
“I’m sure he will ask all the right questions.”
“Yes, he probably will.” Joyce peeked out the window, then looked back at Brenda. “But there are so many people for him to speak to. We can’t go anywhere, and it doesn’t feel right to sell donuts right now. It couldn’t hurt to give him a little help, could it?”
“Joyce, I don’t know if that’s such a good idea. You’ve just had a huge shock, and I’m not sure—"
“I’ll be fine.” Joyce waved her hand. “My goal right now is to find out what happened to Rocco. That is really the only thing that could make me feel better.”
“What are you suggesting?” Brenda began to box up the remainder of the donuts.
“I think we should just take a walk around, see if there’s anything to see, anyone to talk to.” Joyce shrugged and offered an innocent smile. “Nothing more than that.”
“Hm.” Brenda furrowed a brow as she gazed at Joyce. “Somehow I think you might have something up your sleeve, but if it’s what you want to do, then I’ll be right there with you.”
“Great. Let’s lock up.” Joyce pushed the button to close the serving window, then descended the steps of the truck. Brenda followed after, pausing only to lock the door.
After a quick walk around the tent, Brenda spotted a man near a small trailer. He stood beside a pile of ropes.
“There’s someone, Joyce.” Brenda pointed out the man. “Should we see what he’s up to?”
“He doesn’t seem to be too concerned about things, does he?” Joyce nodded slowly. “Let’s see what we can find out.”
As the pair walked towards the man,
he glanced up at them and Joyce recognized him as Carter, the man who had been shouting at Cecilia shortly after Rocco’s death.
“Yeah?” His dark eyes swept from one woman to the other. “What do you want?”
“Just spotted you over here all alone, thought you might want to talk about what happened today.” Joyce shrugged. “You’re on the set-up crew, aren’t you?”
“Maybe.” Carter curled his upper lip. “Playing detective, are you?”
“Not at all.” Brenda swept her hair back over her shoulders and attempted to act casual. “It’s just we’re stuck here, with nothing to do. A little conversation can pass the time nicely.”
“Sure. Did you notice I’m all alone?” Carter raised an eyebrow. “Maybe that’s a hint, hmm?”
“No need to get upset.” Joyce pursed her lips. “If you don’t have anything to say, we can just move on.”
“Oh, I’ve got plenty to say.” He chuckled. “Everyone’s saying, it was me, Carter, he’s the one that did it, but no one wants to hear what I have to say.”
“We’ll listen.” Brenda slid her hands into her pockets.
“Absolutely.” Joyce nodded. “What happened? Are you the one that overlooked the problem with the bar?”
“I did no such thing.” Carter’s sudden, sharp tone made both women take a step back. “That’s what they want you to believe, but no, it wasn’t me.”
“We’re not saying it was. But someone let Rocco use a swing that was tampered with, right?” Brenda cleared her throat. “Someone has to be responsible.”
“That bar was attached and fine when I checked it. I don’t know why everyone is busting my chops.” Carter shrugged. He bent down and picked up one of the large ropes. As he began to coil it, he straightened back up and looked right at her. “I’m not the one that had a problem with Rocco.”
“Oh? I thought he wasn’t very kind to the set-up crew?” Brenda glanced over at Joyce, then looked back at Carter. “I’ve even heard that he could be cruel?”
