Circus Wolf

by Lynde Lakes

  ****

  Hugh let loose with a gush of air in great relief when the tigress turned and leapt up on the pedestal. It pawed the air a few times. He cracked his whip and it returned to the cage. He closed the door with a slam. Thank you, God, he prayed on another tremendous exhale of relief. But it was no time to rest on his laurels. He had to finish the act. He quickly covered the cage with the drapes, waved his whip across the top, and again said, “Abracadabra”.

  When he removed the drape, sure enough, Tigra in her sexy strips of fur and curvy beauty was crouched inside the cage and the tiger was gone. The trick had worked! And he was still alive!

  To a burst of applause, he assisted Tigra out of the cage and, holding hands, they bowed. Her hand in his felt so right, but this fantastic entertainer was a circus star and he was a roustabout, someone who did the dirty work and filled in when needed. He tightened his jaw and tried to tell himself his momentary elation at her touch was caused by relief to have survived his first solo encounter with a tiger.

  ****

  Vance Skull Kilman, garbed in his usual black, tight-fitting leather aerialist attire, had watched every move of Tigra’s act from above with his Scorpio intensity and concentration as he dramatically removed his cape in a big swirl of red and black satin. But no one was watching him. Not even his assistant, Gabriella Devaux, a woman he’d had to constantly remind himself, that in order to survive, he had to forget was female. All eyes were still on Tigra, as they should be. She was great! He hadn’t even seen her perform the switch.

  He hungered for the day he would finally bite into that lovely neck, make her his, and whisk her away into his world of darkness.

  Anger rose in him. He didn’t like the way Tigra held onto the new guy’s hand or the way she looked at him. He’d gotten rid of Rolo. If this guy didn’t keep his hands off his woman, he’d be next. No one had better stand in the way of the ultimate seduction, because if he couldn’t have her, he’d destroy everyone with ties to the circus, including family and paid guests. But right now he had to keep his mind on performing. It was his cover and his act was featured next. Later, he would check on his bounty and make sure it was still secure. It would take lots of money for two vampires to live elegantly into eternity. Secure his treasure first, then reap his revenge.

  Chapter Eight

  Heading out of the Big Top on the run after the show, Tigra couldn’t contain her smile. “You did great tonight, Hugh. You show exceptional promise as a handler and an entertainer. I liked the powerful way you related to the tiger. Where did you learn that?”

  He laughed. “I felt a connection and went with it.”

  She’d felt it too and it scared the hell out of her. The prophecy for the year of the tiger promised a friendship that would develop into something more personal with exciting consequences. No! She dare not dream of such nonsense. Romantic thoughts of him were impossible! She chose to put all of her energy into her circus family. When Tigra and Hugh reached her caravan steps, the police were waiting. “What’s this all about?” she asked the officers.

  “There was a break-in at the museum yesterday and valuable property was stolen,” the bulldog-faced investigator said as he shifted his solid weight.

  “You’re probably wasting your time here,” Tigra said. “During set-up none of us have time to leave the premises, let alone visit a museum. What brought you here?”

  “Since the newspaper already spilled the beans, I don’t suppose it’ll hurt to tell you. Sawdust was discovered on the roof at the point of entry near one of the AC units.”

  It was probably a lie. She suspected the truth was, as usual, that while the circus was in town the carnies would get blamed for any wrong-doing.

  If the cops wanted to play games, she’d play too. They didn’t expect her to be smart. “It’s been windy. Maybe the sawdust blew across town and landed up there. And then the misting rain made it stick.” The grasping for straws reasoning sounded ridiculous even to her ears.

  “Not likely, Miss. And we have other evidence I’m not at liberty to share at this point in the investigation. We’re checking every inch of the circus premises. We’ve searched most of the caravans and would like to check yours and your assistant’s now.”

  She shrugged. “My place gets messy while I’m getting ready to perform and I haven’t had time to tidy up, so don’t expect things to be in order.”

  She glanced at Hugh. He hadn’t yet been hired at the time of the robbery and would’ve been free to go wherever he wanted, but she wasn’t about to make trouble for her new hire. Especially one who showed such promise as a performer. Besides, he didn’t strike her as a thief. But who was this man and why had he joined the circus? The more she knew about this roustabout the more murky and difficult decisions about this handsome new hire seemed. She hoped keeping quiet about him wasn’t going against her interests and the interests of the circus.

  She needed to be cooperative; the sooner they found the thief, the sooner the spotlight would be off the circus. And her. But she couldn’t throw an innocent man to the dogs.

  Her caravan was messy before the cops, but after they finished ransacking the place it looked like a hurricane had torn through it. Of course, they didn’t find anything. She tagged along as they headed for Hugh’s unit.

  The officer blocked her way as she headed up the steps. “You two wait outside.” She sat down on the steps and Hugh joined her. “They’re not going to find anything, right?” she whispered.

  “Of course not.”

  “So why do you look so tense?”

  “Simple. I don’t like anyone, especially cops, digging through my personal items. It isn’t unheard of for dirty cops to plant stuff.”

  “Your comment isn’t comforting.” After all, she’d only know Hugh a few days. What did she really know about him? The officers took so long she feared they might’ve found something incriminating. She was surprised at how suspicious she was of Hugh. He’d told her he was trusting; she’d never been. Life had taught her to trust no one. Who was this man? The question repeated over and over in her mind.

  ****

  Skull watched from his window as the police swarmed the nearby caravans. He wished he’d thought to plant something incriminating in Hugh’s trailer. The cops finished and were heading for his place.

  They pounded on his door like storm troopers then ordered him outside. He waited on the steps of his caravan while the police messed up his spotless unit, confident he’d purged it of all evidence of his vampire existence and the robbery. He’d get even with the pigs for invading his space. Although he’d never forgive them, he was used to it. It happened in every new town after his robberies. And he knew they’d be back. They always showed up a minimum of twice. And when he found his victim and took his due, they’d come around again. But they could come a hundred times and still they’d find nothing—meticulousness was his trademark and why he’d never been caught. That’s part of why he’d chosen the circus life; it gave him the perfect excuse for moving on.

  He saw Tigra and the new guy, Hugh, watching as the police finally left the grounds. They were laughing, perhaps as relieved as he felt. They were getting along too well. After he satisfied his nocturnal cravings tonight, he’d sabotage the new roustabout’s work. Again. With Hugh's surprising talents, fouling him wouldn't be easy.

  ****

  The following day, Tigra frowned when her cell phone rang, interrupting the training session. She looked down at the screen. “I have to take this. It’s the boss.”

  She listened a moment. “It’s Rolo,” Coleman said. “He’s gone.”

  All heat drained from her face, and then her knees gave and she crumpled to the ground.

  Hugh bent and took the limply held cell phone from her hands, and after shoving it into his pocket, he gathered her into his arms and carried her inside his caravan. “It’s Rolo isn’t it?” His words were husky and heavy with compassion.

  She nodded, filled with gut-gripping grief. H
ugh gently laid her down on his day bed and poured her a large tin cup of water.

  She gulped it down. “I’m going to find Rolo’s killer,” she said, past the constriction still lodged in her throat. She hadn’t meant to say that out loud. She had to handle this carefully and quietly. Her burning desire to discover the truth about Rolo’s murder and his and Candy’s personality-shifts could be dangerous, even deadly. Between the killings and the thefts, a bright spotlight had been focused on the circus—and her.

  Hugh tucked a small pillow behind her head and kissed her forehead. Something beyond concern flickered in his eyes. “I’ll help you. But rest now and then we’ll devise a plan to catch the one responsible for his death.”

  Hugh’s deep voice vibrated through her, touching her with his sincerity. No, no, getting him involved would be impossible. Now with the news putting a spotlight on the trail of murders across the country and their suspicions that it might have been done by a shifter, like a vampire or werewolf, she had to guard her dual nature even more closely. No one knew she was a shifter except Madam Mystic. Madam Mystic was as closed mouthed as they came and a good friend. Although it was more important than ever to guard her secret, she couldn’t let the deaths of Rolo and Candy go unpunished. She wanted the guilty bastard to burn in hell.

  ****

  Hugh opened and closed his fist. He should stay out of this; he was well aware the greatest danger he faced in life was his curiosity and unwavering protective nature. Damon had told him many times his gentle soul was his Achilles heel. He raked back his hair, feeling the conflict within himself and his inner werewolf. Because of his lycanthrope curse, he needed to keep a low profile. But dammit, even angry, she looked irresistible. Her feral beauty reached out to touch him like leaping flames. The way her eyes lit up every time they got together lifted his spirits. She was steady, yet full of surprises; each time he saw her, he noticed more depth and abundance of character. And it touched his heart how generously she encouraged and validated him.

  This wasn’t the time to think of himself. His decision should be based on her needs. He wondered about the slight scar in her eyebrow, but now wasn’t the time to ask. He studied her eyes, felt her pain, saw her resolve, and admired her grit. She was tough. Nothing like her soft curves suggested. And she was smart, strong, brave, and tenacious. If she were a wolf, she’d be an Alpha. In addition, this intriguing woman was totally frustrating. Damn. He spent far too much time thinking about her naked. And now her vulnerability was twisting his guts. He was being sucked in. What was he thinking? He couldn’t let himself be drawn in this time. Didn’t he have enough to contend with learning a new job, fitting in with strange people and challenging surroundings? Besides, she hadn’t asked for his help and probably didn’t want it. In spite of the ferocity in her determined expression, he felt driven to at least keep an eye on her.

  Her cell phone rang. Hugh answered it. He listened then paused. “It’s the boss, wondering why you cut him off.” Then he continued his conversation. “Yes, Sir. The news shook her up a bit. But don’t worry I’ll stay with her until she feels better.”

  He snapped the cell phone closed and stared down at her trembling lips, feeling an urge to quiet them with his own. “Does Rolo have family? Someone to handle arrangements?”

  A lone tear trickled down her cheek. “Circus and Carney folks are usually the only family unit most of us know. And we take care of our own.”

  The pain and loneliness in her tone twisted his heart. “Now that I’m one of the family, you can count on me. Just let me know what needs to be done.”

  She met his gaze and without thinking he bent and kissed away her lone tear. She stiffened. “I’m sorry, Tigra. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.” Now he felt like a letch again. “I’ll be going now. But if you need me—”

  “Hugh, stop! This is your caravan.”

  He glanced around at the mess left by the police, drawers open, clothes tossed about. Yes, it was his place all right. Real smooth, Hugh. He cleared his throat. “I just meant, I’d get out of your hair and let you rest here a while.”

  “I’m okay now. I’ll head back to my own quarters. But thanks for being there for me, Hugh.”

  “At least let me walk you back to your caravan.” He offered his hand, but she ignored it and got up under her own power. He followed her down the steps, ready to grab her if she stumbled. They walked side by side, not touching, but he felt the electricity surging between them. At her door, he had the greatest urge to kiss her again. “Want me to come inside until you get settled? I could get you water and massage your back.”

  “I’m fine. I’ll talk to you later,” she said and disappeared inside her caravan.

  He stood staring at the door for a few seconds, then headed down the arcade with its milling crowds, inhaling popcorn, caramel, and the scents of oily machinery and excited humans. Splashes of color and movement of whirling rides weaved its magical spell around him. Barkers squawked through their megaphones. Calliope music blared from the carousel. The din from the midway penetrated his thrashing thoughts. He had to help Tigra. And to do that he needed information.

  Restless, and as if on remote control, his feet took him deeper into the arcade. Then he spied Madam Mystic’s tent. The police had talked to her. Maybe he could wheedle some information from her. It would be worth a try.

  The flap of the tent was open; the inside, like their caravans, looked like a hurricane had whipped through it. The Amazon African grumbled as she put things back in order, her gold earrings brushing her strong ebony jawbone.

  When he stepped inside she turned. “Back so soon, my brother? Good. Plop down your money and state your concerns.”

  “Just a social call. Now that I’m part of the circus family it’s time we get to know each other better.”

  Her laugh was harsh. “We’re a traveling bunch of misfits and don’t accept outsiders well.” She glanced at him sardonically and lit three candles. “Besides, I know you well enough.”

  He heard the humor in her calypso tone and tried not to take offense. “Perhaps I have a certain magnetism you’ve yet to appreciate—and mysterious hidden qualities.”

  “Hidden from me? I doubt it.” She winked. “If you can stand the clutter, sit down. Want some tea? You look like a man with a tremendous thirst. ”

  Wariness slithered through him. “No, no thank you. We’re all concerned about the police coming through the grounds like storm troopers, invading our caravans, upsetting our schedules, and interfering with business. Can you tell me what the cops know that they aren’t telling?”

  “They’re wondering the same about all of us. But they didn’t cross my palm with any dinario.” She frowned. “By the way, neither have you. And Madam Mystic has a rule…no money no talk. So, fork over the green or be on your way.”

  “I’m sure when you peek into your crystal ball you’ll see my pay day isn’t until the end of the week. And it won’t be much, only enough to buy the barest essentials.”

  She waved her hand across the crystal and stared at it a minute. “You can’t hoodwink me. You have some bucks tucked away, and a very wealthy brother.”

  He gazed at the crystal and saw nothing but the clear glass. “How do you know those things?”

  She smiled. “I make it a point to learn a bit about all the Circus-Carney family.”

  “Then you’re aware what the police are looking for and who has it?”

  “Perhaps, but I mind my own business. With your secrets, you should be glad I’m closed-mouthed. Now back to the subject of money. You get paid to be a roustabout and jack of all trades and I get paid to tell the future—and often the past. You don’t work for free and neither do I. So, call your brother to help you out.”

  Resentment shot through Hugh like a hot poker. “I earn my own way. If money is an issue, I’ll leave my watch with you as a pawn until I get paid.” He took it off and pushed it toward her.

  She pushed it back. “You’ll need your wat
ch. Working with Tigra and the tigers, requires perfect timing.” She looked him up and down. “I’ll let you run a tab. Five bucks a visit to be paid in full at each paycheck or I’ll cast a curse on you.”

  He shook his head. Another curse, that’s all I need. I should run like hell out of here.

  “You could leave,” she said with humor ringing in her voice, “but you’ll only come back and by then the price will have soared like a sky-rocket. So agree to pay me, and I’ll give you a reading you’ll never forget.”

  The big, buxom African was an accomplished scammer. “What did you mean earlier when you said that sometimes you read the past?”

  She waved her hand across the crystal Ball and peered deeper into it. “I see a dog. No, no, it’s a wolf...a werewolf. I see bubbling mud…”

  A chill slid down Hugh’s spine. “Stop! I don’t want to hear about the past. I want to know who killed Rolo and who the thief was who stole the golden arrowhead from the museum.”

  “But that is the past, my friend. Make up your mind. What is it you really want?”

  “Dammit. Future or past, I want the name of the murderer and the name of the thief.”

  “Is he not the same?”

  “It’s a he?”

  “Such a request for info has many ramifications. When a mystic knows things they must tread carefully. I do not answer questions that can snake back and grab me by the throat.”

  “Then forget it; you’re of no help to me.”

  She met his gaze with an eerie intensity. “I see death close by.”

  The smoke from the candles thickened. His heart pounded wildly. She’s sucking me in again. “Exactly what do you mean?”

  “The future is a maze of uncertainty.”

  “Hell. I don’t need a mystic to tell me that.”

  It was clear the fortune teller knew something about the murders and theft, but for self-preservation was refusing to talk. He couldn’t blame her. Why would he expect the truth anyway? Maybe the whole band of closed-mouthed traveling entertainers was a den of liars.