Kade’s face reflected surprise at the conversational shift. “What do you mean?”
“I mean that we have a problem. This site isn’t like our normal sites.”
Kade craned his neck as he glanced around, reality finally settling on his broad shoulders. “Oh, I see what you mean.”
Luke turned serious. “Yeah, this is going to be interesting.”
“We need to come up with a plan before we do anything else,” I supplied. “We only want to do the work once, so we need to make some tough decisions.”
“Let’s do that.” Kade grabbed my hand as I moved to turn, linking his fingers with mine as he fell into step with me. “We’re really okay.”
“I still shouldn’t have said it. What a stupid thing to say.”
Kade was congenial. “I was lying, though. I didn’t want you to know I was torturing Luke.”
“Torturing Luke is essentially the official Mystic Caravan hobby. You don’t need to lie about it. I’m not going to get involved.”
“I heard that,” Luke growled from in front of us. “You’ll have to get involved if he won’t stop being a douche. I won’t stand for anything less.”
Sadly, I thought that was probably true. “You guys are on your own.”
“You won’t say that if I wrestle him to the ground and make him eat mud,” Luke warned.
“Maybe not, but I look forward to seeing that. If you guys could be shirtless when you’re doing it that would make it even better.”
Luke and Kade offered up twin expressions of disgust.
“You are a total pervert,” Luke complained.
“You don’t have a problem when you’re the pervert.”
“That’s because I’m funny.”
“That’s not exactly how I see it.”
Luke held up his hand to silence me. “I can’t even look at you right now. Our friendship is tarnished and you’re in the doghouse.”
Kade snorted. “That’s kind of funny because you’re a wolf when you want to be, which makes you the dog.”
Luke’s expression was withering. “Ugh. You two really found each other, didn’t you? It’s so disgusting.”
Kade cast me a sidelong look. “I don’t think we’re disgusting.”
I smiled. “Me either. I think we’re totally adorable.”
“I’m totally going to puke,” Luke complained. “It’s not going to be a small amount of vomit either. It’s going to be a huge pile of it. Then I’m going to rub your noses in it to teach you that you’re disgusting. That’s right, I’m going to start treating you like puppies. In fact … someone get me a rolled-up newspaper. You two clearly need a spanking.”
Kade snickered as he tightened his grip on my hand, legitimately amused. “And all is right with the world.”
“WHAT ARE WE going to do?”
Nelson “Nellie” Adler wasn’t one to waste time standing around when there was work to be done. In addition to being our bearded lady – he’s a dwarf, but the real kind from a parallel plane of existence – he also fancied himself in charge when the mood struck. Today he wore a flowery summer dress that blew up a bit when the breeze decided to kick in. I could only hope he was wearing underwear with so many people watching us. What? It’s not always a given.
Kade shot Nellie a quelling look to silence him before he got up a full head of steam. “That’s what we’re here to discuss.” He glanced over his shoulder, making eye contact with one of the craft show artisans and raising his hand in what I’m sure he thought was a friendly greeting. It looked anything but. All he was missing was a clown costume and razor-sharp teeth to make it appear we were in a horror movie.
“Yeah, that wasn’t creepy at all,” Nellie drawled. “Seriously, man, what are we going to do? We can’t erect the dreamcatcher with this many people watching, and our usual setup won’t work on this site.”
“The dreamcatcher is the least of our worries to start,” I offered. I was second in command at Mystic Caravan, behind only Max when it came to making decisions. Kade could overrule me on security issues, but he usually left the day-to-day circus operations to me. “We need to come up with a plan that allows us to box ourselves in and keep people out when necessary.”
“Why would we want to do that?” Melissa asked. She was the newest member of our happy circus contingent. She was also the youngest. That meant she was often eager and enthusiastic without understanding why she felt any of those things. She was still catching up when it came to procedure.
“Because we don’t want anyone prying into our business,” Raven replied. “We have certain things to cover up.”
“Not the least of which is the fact that we don’t really have animals,” Nellie said. “We have to put that tent specifically at the back corner over there so anyone who tries to get close stands out.”
I followed his finger with my gaze. “That’s a good idea.” I nodded in agreement. “For this go around, I think we should put our line of trailers back there with the animal tent. That way we’ll be on top of things if we have any looky-loos.”
Mark Lane, the greasy conman who ran the midway, immediately balked. “We’re usually at the back.”
“And that’s generally fine, because we have woods backing up to us in your location.” I fought to keep my voice even. Mark always knew the right buttons to push when he wanted to set me off. I didn’t think this would turn into an example of that, but I wouldn’t put it past him. “We don’t have that this time, so we have to be open to change.”
Mark made a face. “I don’t like change.”
“Yes, well, if I cared what you thought I might try to fix your feigned outrage,” I shot back. “You can’t always get what you want, Mark. The real world doesn’t work that way.”
Mark dramatically rolled his eyes. “Like we live in the real world.”
I ignored his tone and focused on the rest of the group. “We’ll put our trailers at the back and buffer the animal tent between them. Someone would have to be crazy to try to enter.”
“I don’t understand what the big deal is,” Melissa prodded. “There aren’t any animals in there, so it’s not as if some random kid is going to be eaten.”
“No, but the fact that we don’t really have animals is the problem,” Kade said calmly. “We don’t want people to know we have shifters rather than real animals.”
Realization dawned on Melissa’s face. “Oh. I get it.”
“And in record time, too,” Raven drawled, cocking a challenging eyebrow when I pinned a dark look on her. “What? She’s slow. It’s not my fault you added a slow person to the mix. That’s on you.”
So much for Raven playing nice when it came to business. I shook my head to keep from snapping at her and instead held up my hands to calm everyone. “I had no idea that we were going to be in the middle of a city-wide festival when they changed our location.”
“What did they tell you?” Kade asked.
“They mentioned a carnival and crafts fair. I thought we could deal with that. This is so much more than I was picturing, though.”
“I’ll say it is,” Nellie said. “They’ve got a classic car show going down at the end there. A huge carnival. I mean, this is double the size of any carnival I’ve seen in recent years. They’ve got the crafts show. They’ve got a flea market on the other side. Then, over there, they’ve got one of those food truck rallies. There are, like, fifty food trucks.”
“It’s not just that we’re surrounded on two sides,” Kade added. “We’re in the middle of a huge festival. Right smack dab in the window. At least if we were on the end we’d be afforded some privacy.”
“So what do we do?” Nixie asked, her aquamarine hair gleaming under the sun. “How are we supposed to fight whatever comes for us – and something always comes for us – when everyone is watching us as if we’re the main act?”
We were definitely in a pickle. “I don’t know,” I said after a beat. We can only take it one step at a time. For starters, we’re putting the anima
l tents and our trailers at the back. I want the midway trailers put to the east side and the clown trailers to the west.”
Kade kept his eyes on me so he wouldn’t have to inadvertently look at a clown. He was terrified of them, which I found funny most days, but there was a method to my madness today. That method played right into his fears. “Why do you want the clowns over there?”
“Because people are afraid of them,” Luke answered. “You’re not the only one afraid of clowns.”
Kade balked. “I’m not afraid of clowns. I simply find them unnatural.”
“I totally believe you.” I patted his arm as a form of solace. “Much like you, though, most people are uncomfortable around clowns. If we put them in the spot right over there, that will keep people from trying to cut behind them in an effort to visit the animal tents.”
“That will also keep them away from us,” Raven noted. “That’s smart. We’ll move the main tents to the front and build our hideaway in the back. It’s the only thing we can do.”
“I still don’t like it,” Mark complained. “That puts my people on the front line.”
“Yes, and your people don’t exactly engender friendliness in others,” I pointed out. “That’s what we want. It’s not like other locations. We’ve got carnies, crafters and flea market folk on our doorstep. They’re going to be spending nights out here, too.”
“Oh.” Mark cracked his knuckles. “I didn’t even think about that. You’re right.”
“I am. We’re all going to be on our best behavior. We have no other choice.”
Nellie raised his hand. “Does that include me?”
“That especially includes you.”
Nellie scowled. “I can already tell I’m going to hate this place.”
I wasn’t sure I agreed. The location intrigued me. That didn’t mean I wasn’t concerned. “Let’s get unpacked. The sooner we do that, the sooner we won’t be the center of attention.”
“I don’t know,” Kade grumbled, his gaze focused on the people watching us from across the way. They didn’t even bother to hide their interest. “I have a feeling we’re going to be the center of attention no matter what.”
Unfortunately, I had a very strong feeling that he was right.
3
Three
The change in our layout wasn’t so drastic that more than a few people should have been agitated. We’re creatures of habit, though, so everyone was thrown for a loop.
That included me.
“Luke’s trailer is on the wrong side.” I scratched at the back of my head to straighten the scarf I wore over my hair – I’m a fortune teller, so my clothing choices can be best described as bohemian chic with a dash of gypsy melodrama thrown in. On moving days I opt for cargo pants and sneakers. On circus days I wear ankle-length skirts with bells and scarves. It was hot and I was distracted today, so I opted for the scarf … and I was starting to regret it.
“What are you doing?” Kade followed me out of my trailer and grabbed my hand before I could dislodge the scarf.
“What are you doing?” I challenged, my agitation firing.
Kade cocked an eyebrow. “I’m trying to keep you from turning your hair into a messy bird’s nest.”
“Well, if you don’t like my hair … .”
Kade held up a finger to quiet me. “I like your hair however you do it. I simply know that you will melt down if you mess up your hair. I want to head that off before it happens.”
“Oh.” I pursed my lips. I wanted to be annoyed that he thought he knew me so well, but I kind of liked it. “This is weird, right? This whole set up is weird. I’m not sure we can leave it like this.”
Kade moved his hand to my back, rubbing soothing circles as he surveyed the row of trailers. “I think it’s okay. It looks professional and cuts off wanderers from the animal tent should they make it that far in.”
“But … Luke’s trailer is supposed to be on the other side.” I pointed for emphasis. “Now he’ll be on my right when I’m sitting in the living room rather than my left. It’s all wrong.”
When Kade didn’t immediately speak, I risked a glance in his direction and found him smirking. I slapped his arm, annoyed.
“It’s not funny!”
“I didn’t realize how OCD you were before this.” Kade refused to hide his smile. “It’s kind of cute. It’s kind of weird, but it’s kind of cute.”
“I’m not OCD,” I grumbled, crossing my arms over my chest. “This is weird. I don’t like weird. I like things in their proper place.”
“Which is OCD.”
“Oh, I can’t even talk to you.” I moved to walk away, but Kade snagged me around the waist before I could escape. “Knock it off!” I smacked at his hands.
Kade refused to let go, instead drawing me back so I was pressed against his chest and he could rest his chin on my shoulder. “I said I thought it was cute.”
“Yes, but you didn’t mean it.”
“Don’t tell me what I mean.” Kade’s voice was low, even a bit playful, but I sensed an edge I wasn’t aware of seconds before. “I mean what I say. I also like to mess around and tease you. It’s okay to enjoy both. It’s okay to be annoyed by both. There’s no reason to get worked up about it.”
It took me a moment to realize he was referring to our minor kerfuffle from the afternoon. “I didn’t mean … .”
Kade cut me off with a shake of his head. “I know. You don’t have to be afraid to say what you’re feeling to me.”
“That’s not what I was doing.”
“I saw the look on your face. You were afraid for a few seconds. You thought maybe I’d take it the wrong way. The thing is, I want you to feel free to say what you want without worrying that’s going to somehow derail us.”
I ran my tongue over my lips as I debated how to respond. “I guess I didn’t realize I was doing it,” I hedged. “It’s not that I’m afraid of you, it’s just … things are going so well.”
“And you feel as if the bottom is going to drop out,” Kade surmised. “It’s okay, Poet. Things are going well and we’re both happy about that. I’m not going anywhere.” He rubbed his cheek against mine, and I couldn’t stop myself from giggling thanks to his scratchy stubble. “I understand why you did what you did. We’re in a different place. I want you to let it go.”
“I thought I had let it go,” I admitted. “I didn’t realize I hadn’t until that moment of panic.”
“Well, hopefully there will be fewer moments of panic going forward.” Kade swayed, keeping me pressed tightly against him. “I’m happy, too. Don’t be afraid … and don’t hold anything back. It’s okay. It’s going to stay okay. I promise.”
I sighed. He had a calming effect that I couldn’t put a name to. It was interesting and terrifying all the same. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I still think Luke needs to move his trailer,” I added, knowing it would lighten the mood.
Kade chuckled. “Why don’t you bring it up with him over dinner? Something tells me you’re not getting your way on this one.”
Something told me he was right. Still, I wasn’t about to give up the fight without a good browbeating. “Do you want to place a wager on it?”
Kade, intrigued, linked his fingers with mine as we fell into step together. “What did you have in mind?”
“I was thinking we could bet massages.”
Kade chuckled. “I think you can persuade me to play. What are the terms?”
“I win, you massage me. You win, I massage you. I think it’s pretty simple.”
“And what do we need to happen to force us to massage each other?”
I bit the inside of my cheek as the skin on the back of my neck flushed hot. “I think we can work something out on that front regardless.”
“That’s what I was hoping you’d say.”
DUE TO THE CHANGE IN layout, the food preparation area had been moved to the opposite end of our row. Usually it was in front
of my trailer, which made things convenient for me. Because we had to switch things up this go around, the kitchen area was now in front of Nellie’s trailer, and he seemed to think that made him head of the circus if his demeanor was any indication.
“Good evening, Poet.” He beamed as he leaned back in his chair, his dress crawling up his hairy thighs and threatening to give me a gander of something I didn’t want to see.
“Keep the mouse in its house,” I warned, tugging his skirt down. “The crafters over there have kids in their camping area. We don’t want them getting an eyeful.”
“That’s true,” Nellie said. “They’d be traumatized for life if they saw the king outside of his castle.”
“You’re sick.”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
I turned my attention to Nixie, Naida and Raven as they toiled in the kitchen area, releasing Kade’s hand so I could help. “I’ll be back in a little bit. See if you can get Luke to agree to move his trailer.”
Kade balked. “What makes you think I’m going to do that?”
“Because even though you want to win the massage you’re debating about whether or not it’s going to be worth it to put up with my whining over the next few days.”
“You’re not much of a whiner,” Kade countered.
“No, but what I lack in quantity I make up for in quality when I put my mind to it.”
“Good to know.” Kade pressed a quick kiss to the corner of my mouth before peeling off to join the men around the bonfire. That left me to question the women without anyone looking over my shoulder.
I opted not to beat around the bush. “What do you think of this setup?”
Raven quirked an eyebrow as she worked on a cucumber, onion and tomato salad. “I think we did the best we could do,” she said after a beat. “Why? What are you worried about?”
“Well, for starters, I’m worried about the dreamcatcher.” I moved to the grill so I could help Naida with the hot dogs and hamburgers. “I don’t think we can risk camping here without erecting it. This place is thick with paranormals, and because there’s going to be so many people in this area for the festival we’ll be open to attack if we don’t do something to protect ourselves.”
[Mystic Caravan Mystery 05.0] Freaky Places Page 3
