“Tony the tiger?”
“He’s grrrrreat.”
Kade grinned. “Who names these animals?”
“I honestly have no idea,” I said, internally sighing because I sensed Kade was going to ease off on his previous line of questioning.
“Isn’t Luke worried that Tony is going to take his arm off?” Kade asked, cringing as Seth leaped over Luke’s head – grabbing his hat in his jaws in the process. The crowd broke into enthusiastic applause, many of them marveling at how we’d managed to train a wild animal to not only steal a hat but also manage to perch it on his own head.
“Luke is great with the animals,” I said. “He’s never had an accident. They love him. He loves them. I wouldn’t worry about the animals.”
“Luke is your … friend, though,” Kade said, wrinkling his nose. “I would think you’d want him in one piece.”
It was a pointed statement. “Luke is the best friend I’ve ever had,” I agreed. “He’s got a mile-long trail of charm following him wherever he goes. He’s always happy, and he has the best smile.
“He’s also good at his job,” I continued. “Luke finds joy in working with the animals. Luke finds thrills swinging from the trapeze, and that’s really what I came to watch because he only gets to do it once a week. Luke finds his greatest joy in making people laugh, though. That’s why he fills in as ringmaster whenever he can.”
“I thought Luke just liked being the center of attention,” Kade countered.
I grinned as Luke played off Seth’s theft of his clothes for maximum laughs in the middle of the ring. He designed this bit so the crowd could see his rock hard abs by the time he was done.
“Luke does like being the center of attention,” I conceded. “Look at him, though. He was born for it.”
“I’m especially impressed that he’s managed to get down to his skivvies and flex for everyone,” Kade deadpanned.
“Don’t sell yourself short,” I said. “If you really apply yourself, you might be able to strip down in front of a crowd and flex, too.”
Kade snorted. “Do I look like the kind of guy who wants to strip for everyone to see?”
I looked him up and down. “You look like the kind of guy who has no problem showing off his body.”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
“I … .” Hmm. What was I supposed to say here?
“For the record, if you ever want to see me in my skivvies, all you have to do is ask,” Kade said.
“I … well … I’ll take that under advisement.”
“Aren’t you going to make me the same offer?” Kade pressed.
My cheeks burned under his pointed gaze. “I thought you were here to watch the big show.”
“Maybe I like watching you more.”
Oh, well, crap on toast. He was really starting to get to me. And he knew it.
AN HOUR later the show was building to its crescendo and Kade’s attention was rapt on the ring. He cast me the occasional glance, almost as if he was making sure I hadn’t abandoned him, but otherwise he enjoyed the performances.
As the trapeze artists readied themselves for their death-defying stunts, Kade turned his full attention back to me and practically jumped out of his skin when he saw Seth – er, Tony, I mean – planted next to me on the ground so I could pet him. He looked as if he was ready to crap his pants.
“How did that tiger get over here?” Kade asked, peering closer, although his face looked as though he wanted to run in the other direction.
“He knows me,” I said, rubbing the spot behind Seth’s ear that was guaranteed to make him purr. Seth is a good guy in human form, but I love him in tiger form. “He won’t hurt anyone. He likes when I pet him.”
“He recognizes you?” Kade seemed surprised by the suggestion.
“Tony is a smart boy,” I cooed, knowing the falsetto tone of my voice was enough to make Seth want to sharpen his claws on my face. “He knows who loves him.”
Seth preened under the words and rubbed his face against my midriff.
“He certainly looks friendly,” Kade said, taking another step closer. “I … can I pet him?”
“Sure.”
“Will he like it?”
“He won’t hurt you,” I said. “It’s okay. Trust me.”
Kade searched my face for a moment, almost as if he was trying to make up his mind about petting the tiger and trusting me in one fell swoop. Finally, he reached a tentative hand out and stroked Seth’s soft fur.
“Wow,” Kade breathed, closing the rest of the distance and standing directly next to Seth. “I never thought I would be able to do something like this.”
“Pet a tiger?”
“All of it,” Kade replied. “I’m petting a tiger while talking to a mind reader, while the circus’ biggest heartthrob is flying through the air behind me. It’s all so … surreal.”
“Luke is not the circus’ biggest heartthrob,” I said. “He wishes he was, but that title belongs to someone else.”
Seth rubbed his head against me again, convinced I was about to give him his due.
“And who is the circus’ biggest heartthrob?” Kade asked.
I pointed toward the ringmaster, his blond hair gleaming under the light as his teeth practically sparkled. He looked like a game show host – which was what he was going for – and swallowed my laugh as Kade studied the man in question.
“He can’t be a heartthrob,” Kade argued. “He’s too smarmy.”
“Ah, but the middle-aged women love him. He has a bigger fan contingent than Luke, Seth and Rodrigo combined.”
Seth growled at my side, the rumbling low and menacing. Kade snatched his hand away.
“Is he going to bite?”
“He’s just feeling antsy,” I soothed, stroking Seth again. “Notice I said that Kit had the biggest fan club because middle-aged women love him. I didn’t say I was a fan.”
Seth relaxed, pressing his head against my side and prodding me for a few more strokes.
“Kit? I don’t think I’ve met him yet.”
“Yes. Kit Caboodle.”
Kade chuckled. “You’re making that up.”
“I am not making that up,” I said. “He is probably making that up, but I have to go by the information on his tax forms.”
“Who would name themselves Kit Caboodle?”
“You’ll have to ask him yourself,” I replied. “Everyone here has asked – when he deigns to grace us with his presence outside of work, that is – and he refuses to answer.”
“Is that why I haven’t seen him? He doesn’t like hanging out with you guys?”
“He only likes hanging out with himself,” I said. “I think he’s in a very romantic relationship … with his hand.”
A wide grin split Kade’s face. “Nice. Are you taking lessons from Luke?”
“Not if I can help it.”
“How much longer?” Kade asked, turning his attention back to the ring.
“Only about ten minutes.”
“I guess that means I need to get outside.” Kade seemed reluctant to leave. “Do you want me to walk you back to your trailer?”
“Thank you, but no,” I said. “I have to wait for Luke.”
“Of course you do.” Kade’s words were spoken without malice, and yet there was an edge to them. “I guess I will see you later.”
“Be careful,” I said. “It’s going to be a jungle out there when you’re trying to herd these people off the grounds.”
“Something tells me I’ll survive.”
Something told me I was going to have to watch him to make sure – especially if Dale Morgan decided to make another appearance. It wasn’t a matter of whether he showed up. It was a matter of when.
AN HOUR later I was loitering outside the big tent, the night quiet as I waited for Luke. I’d scoured the grounds for any sign of Dale, but he wasn’t here. If he was smart, he’d flee the area and either wait for us to leave or run far away to hide. E
vil is never smart, just for the record.
Luke takes forever to put himself together after a performance. I’m used to his routine. Part of his dallying is due to putting on a show. He’s supposed to be herding the animals back to their cages. In reality, he likes to look at himself in the mirror and make sure he scrubs any trace of makeup away so he won’t get a zit.
He’s weird that way.
I was lost in my own thoughts, indecision about the next course of action regarding Dale Morgan muddying my mind, when the hair on the back of my neck jumped alive. I turned swiftly, scanning the darkness for a hint of movement. There was nothing there and yet … .
Someone watched me. I could feel it. I couldn’t ascertain from where, though, and more importantly I couldn’t get a mental image of who was out there … waiting. It could be anyone. Just because someone was staring, that didn’t necessarily mean their intentions were nefarious.
“What’s up, Buttercup?” Luke jumped out of the tent’s side flap, jarring me.
“I … .” I collected myself. “I’ve been waiting for you for what feels like forever.”
“Perfection takes time,” Luke said, nonplussed. “Did you see me?”
“You were great,” I said, falling into step next to him as we made our way to our trailers. “You can always tell when you’re having a good time, and you were having a great time tonight.”
“You looked as if you were having a great time, too.”
“What?”
“You and Kade seemed … chummy … while you were watching the show,” Luke prodded. “How did that happen?”
“We ran into each other outside. There’s really nothing ‘chummy’ about any of it.” I was glad it was dark because I didn’t want Luke to see the color climbing my cheeks. They were burning. If it were daylight, Luke would see my embarrassment and commence a series of loud proclamations that he “knew it all along” for prying ears to hear from one end of the circus grounds to the other.
“I don’t believe you,” Luke said. “I’m in too good of a mood to argue with you, though.”
“Good,” I said. “If you were going to argue with me, I wouldn’t cook you dinner.”
“Oh, don’t be like that,” Luke whined. “If you don’t cook for me I’ll die. Where will you be without a best friend?”
He had a point. “Do you want hamburgers tonight? I don’t want to do anything fancy.”
“That sounds good,” Luke said, slinging an arm over my shoulder.
I glanced around again, almost sure I could feel someone following us.
“Can I ask you one more question without you threatening to withhold my dinner?” Luke asked.
I didn’t bother hiding my dramatic sigh. “What?”
“When are you going to hop onto Kade’s Bony Express?”
“I’m going to slip poison into your burger, I swear,” I muttered.
Twelve
I was in the middle of a really nice dream – no, the dirty details are not for public consumption – when screams jolted me from my sleep. I jumped out of bed and threw open the door of my trailer, my eyes slowly adjusting as I scanned for assailants.
Was Dale Morgan back?
“What’s going on?” Luke asked, trudging out of his trailer and running a hand through his sleep-tousled hair.
“I don’t know. I … .”
Another scream cut me off and Luke and I booked in the direction of the sound. It was dawn and the light was still muted. When we rounded the corner of Nixie and Naida’s trailer, we found the pixies standing next to a prone body on the ground.
The screams came from Naida.
“Knock it off!” Nixie was flustered, and for lack of anyone else to take it out on she zeroed in on her twin. “You’re not helping the situation.”
“What’s going on?” I asked.
Nixie pointed to the body for emphasis, lifting her eyebrows as if to say, “Someone is dead, you moron.”
I ignored the look and edged around the body, dropping to my knees to see it up close. My heart rolled when I recognized him. “It’s Johnny.”
“Who is Johnny?”
I glanced up at the sound of Kade’s voice. I was so discombobulated I hadn’t felt him approach. “I … .”
“He’s one of the janitors,” Luke answered.
Kade edged past Luke and moved to my side, kneeling so he could study the scene with a trained eye. “I don’t see any wounds.”
I didn’t either. That didn’t mean his death wasn’t violent, though. “He looks pale,” I said, talking to myself even though others were within earshot. “He’s usually not this pale.”
“Well, death will do that to you,” Kade said, shifting so he could look over Johnny’s back. “I don’t see a cause of death here.”
“It was probably vampires,” Nixie said. “They’re little, blood-sucking demons.”
I shot her a death look, and it took her a second to realize what she said.
“I mean … um … in a book it would be a vampire,” Nixie offered lamely.
“I didn’t realize we were in a book,” Kade countered.
“We’re not,” Nixie said. “I just … my imagination runs away with me sometimes.”
“Along with your mouth,” I grumbled.
Kade shifted his eyes to me. It wasn’t until then that I realized exactly what I was wearing. My pajama bottoms were tiny and pink, the cotton shorts riding low on my hips as the plain tank top lifted high enough to bare my midriff. Because I wasn’t wearing a bra, and the morning was still chilly, Kade had twin points of reference on my chest as he looked me up and down.
“We need to call the police,” Kade said finally, lifting an eyebrow as I crossed my arms over my chest to cover myself. “Does anyone remember the last time they saw Johnny?”
“He usually works late,” Luke supplied. “He cleans the grounds while we’re sleeping.”
“Was that an answer?”
Kade was obviously grumpy in the morning. Of course, he could also be grumpy because of the dead body. Either way, he was not in a good mood.
“I saw Johnny when Poet and I were walking back to the trailers last night,” Luke replied, making a face. He wasn’t a morning person either. “He was over by the concession stands.”
“What was he doing?”
“Sweeping.”
“How can you be sure?” Kade pressed.
“Because he had a broom and he wasn’t using it to play Quidditch,” Luke shot back, his agitation getting the better of him.
I reached over and grabbed his wrist, sending a silent warning in the hope he would rein in his temper. When Kade’s eyes traveled back to my chest I yanked my arm away and covered myself.
“Did you see him, Poet?” Kade asked.
Had I? I shook my head. “I was listening to Luke talk about … .” Hmm. I didn’t want to finish that sentence.
“Talk about what?”
“The Bony Express,” Luke said, smirking.
Kade wasn’t moved by Luke’s wit and charm. “Do you really think now is the time to make jokes? Your friend is dead on the ground here.”
Luke had the grace to look abashed. “I’m sorry. That was uncalled for.”
Kade’s gaze bounced around the assembled workers. We were starting to draw a crowd. “Did anyone see Johnny this morning?”
“Who is Johnny?”
I cringed when Nellie, the resident bearded lady, pushed into view. At four feet and five inches (in heels), Nellie was diminutive. She looked innocent enough to the casual observer – other than the beard, and the food often caught in the beard. She has a huge mouth, though. Did I mention she’s not really a lady? Nelson Adler is forty-five – and a dwarf. He’s not fond of his circus role, or his nickname.
“Not now, Nellie,” I snapped.
“Who are you?” Kade asked, his eyebrows flying up his forehead. “Why am I just meeting people now? It’s been almost a week. How can this be happening?”
“Chill
out, drama queen,” Nellie said, rolling his eyes. “I know who you are so we’re good. I don’t socialize with the minions all that much. They give me a headache.”
“Who are you?” Kade wasn’t about to be pushed off topic.
“I’m Nellie Adler.”
“And you’re the … .”
“Bearded Lady,” Luke supplied.
“Stuff it,” Nellie hissed. “You know I don’t like labels.”
He had no problem labeling everyone else. This was turning into a nightmare. Who would have thought discovering a dead body wasn’t going to be the worst thing to happen this morning?
“Okay, this is getting out of hand,” Kade said, getting to his feet. “We need to call the police and get them out here.”
“We can’t do that.”
Everyone took a few steps back at the sound of Max’s voice. His gaze latched onto mine briefly before traveling to Kade as he moved in our direction.
“Why can’t we do that?” Kade asked, confused.
“In situations like this we … .”
Hide the body, burn it in a fire pit, pretend it didn’t happen … take your pick.
“Handle it discreetly,” Luke supplied.
“Yes, we handle it discreetly,” Max said, nodding.
“I don’t know what that means,” Kade said.
“I’ll handle the police involvement,” Max suggested. “It’s my job.”
“I’m head of security,” Kade countered. “Technically, it’s my job.”
“Not in this case,” Max replied, his tone stiff. “I knew Johnny. I personally hired him. I will handle this.”
“Why can’t we both handle it?” Kade asked.
I could tell Max was frustrated by Kade’s refusal to let this go. We all knew how Johnny died – well, except for Kade – and that reason was paranormal, not mortal. Johnny’s body was drained of blood. There were any number of beings that could have done it. Under normal circumstances, Raven would cast a spell to lead us to the culprit. We obviously couldn’t do that in front of Kade. We also couldn’t turn Johnny’s body over to the police. They might find a few … abnormalities. No one wanted to explain that.
mystic caravan mystery 01 - freaky days Page 10
