Circus of the Dead: Book 1

by Kimberly Loth

  “That costume is amazing,” he says.

  Butterflies flutter in my stomach. “Thank you.”

  The circus lights sparkle behind him, and I don’t know what else to say. He looks so dashing standing there.

  “You know, lighting Samuel on fire probably wasn’t the smartest move.”

  I give him a grin. “But it was fun.”

  “Well, I certainly enjoyed watching it.”

  I swallow. “You were there?”

  “For all three shows. You’re very good.”

  “Thank you.”

  He stands there awkwardly for a moment and then lets out a breath. “Would you like to hang out with me the next full moon?” He looks up at the sky, which hasn’t started to lighten yet, but I plan on being tucked up tight in my boat by then. “Tonight probably isn’t a good idea.”

  I hesitate. “Maybe. I don’t know. I’m not sure I’ll be here then.” Though I probably will be. After getting entangled with Samuel though, I don’t know if I want to immediately jump in with someone else. I need breathing room to focus on my real goal. To get out of here. And I can only do that by myself.

  He closes the distance between us, and his hair falls across his forehead. I sort of want to run my fingers through it. This is not good.

  “But if you are. Will you?”

  “Sure.” I’ll probably regret this decision.

  A grin splits his face. “Okay then. See you in a couple of weeks.” He turns and saunters away. I can’t help but smile as I make my way back to my own boat. I’m a complete lost cause.

  Halfway down the docks, a hand snakes around my waist and pulls me tight against a hard body.

  “I think I like this costume better,” Samuel purrs into my ear.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  I jerk out of his arms, and he smiles a cocky grin at me.

  “Did you heal so quickly?” I ask, backing away from him.

  He points to his legs, which don’t look any worse for the wear. “I’m an Obeah man. But I had no idea you were so feisty. I have to admit it turned me on.”

  I take another step away from him. “Me setting you on fire?”

  “Oh, yes, I do love a good challenge. Now the challenge has been set. What will it take to convince you to move out of your little shack and into my house?”

  I snort. “Keep dreaming, buddy. It will never happen. That ship sailed when you refused to let me go.”

  “I’m a reasonable man. I understand these things come with a price. I’m willing to deal.”

  I falter for a second. It can’t possibly be that easy. I look up at him and his smoldering eyes, and I understand. “What makes you think I’m just going to prostitute myself in exchange for something?”

  He has no idea what he’s asking of me.

  “Everyone has a price.”

  “I want to go back to California and never see this place again.” I cross my arms and can’t believe the words are coming out of my mouth.

  He chuckles like I’m a child asking for ice cream. “I’m afraid that is not something I’m willing to do, but we could negotiate a night off the island. Perhaps a girls’ trip to New Orleans.”

  A night off? He can’t be that dumb. All I need to do is hit the mainland, and I’ll never come back.

  “Sorry, buddy, one night is not worth sleeping with you.”

  He waves his hand. “No, you will do that because you want to, not because I offered you a deal. A price for a night off would be a kiss. That’s all.”

  “A kiss.”

  I’ve fiercely protected my heart, and I want it to be special. I’m not kissing anyone until I know he’s worth it. Samuel is definitely not worth it.

  He chuckles. “What’s the matter? You don’t want to give me your first kiss? I underestimated your need to get out of here.”

  “How did you know?”

  He closes the distance and runs a finger along my jaw.

  “Obeah man. I know more than you think.”

  “Then you know what a kiss means for me.”

  “Of course. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have asked you for it. It has to mean something.”

  A night in New Orleans meant freedom.

  He drops his lips and whispers in my ear. “Surely you can see the loophole. Get off the island, ditch Juliette, and hop on a plane. What are you waiting for?”

  I jerk away. “Why would you…”

  His eyes are deadly serious as he puts a finger to his lips. A sign to keep quiet.

  He’s helping me.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  I close the distance between us and plant my lips on his. I try not to think about the fact that I’ve given up my first kiss for anything less than what I should’ve. But, if Samuel’s helping me, that means he’s one of the good guys, but it still feels like I’ve cheated myself.

  Samuel is motionless for a moment. Like he can’t quite believe I just did that, but the moment breaks, and his arms pull me tight against his chest, and our lips move frantically against one another. His tongue teases my lips, and I let him in. Desire grows in my stomach, and I weave my fingers through his hair and press my body into his. Definitely a good first kiss.

  He breaks away suddenly, a crooked grin on those luscious lips. “Told you,” is all he says.

  He turns on his heels and saunters away. I want to run after him and kiss him again, but I’ve got bigger things on my mind.

  “I want my night off to be tomorrow,” I yell after him. I can’t believe I’m getting out of here. If Samuel isn’t the one trapping me, then who is? And why can Samuel give me a night off? The mystery almost makes me want to stay and figure it out.

  Almost.

  He stops and turns his head slightly. “I’ll arrange a boat.”

  Then, he winks at me and disappears into the trees. The sky starts to lighten, and I hurry to my boat. A night off tomorrow will do me no good if I die tonight. The smells of the swamp replace the circus smells.

  I stop dead just as my boat comes into view.

  Benny sits on my porch, cleaning his fingernails with his silver knife. My stomach knots. That’s the knife that nearly killed me.

  “You should leave,” I say, my heart pounding. He could kill me.

  “I should, but I won’t. Go inside and lock the door.”

  I keep my eye on him all the way inside. He doesn’t move from his spot. I lock the door and sink down on the other side. All of my plans will be pointless if Benny kills me when the sun rises.

  Birds caw and chitter outside my window.

  Light filters in through my back glass slider, and Benny hammers on the door. “Callie, let me in.”

  I snort. “No.”

  He pounds harder, and I back away. I have nothing to push up against it.

  “Go away,” I yell.

  “I have to pop you,” he growls.

  I go into the bathroom and lock that door as well. Even if he breaks down the front door, it will take him longer, and maybe by then, someone else will have died and he won’t make it to me before he disappears.

  The noise continues on the door, and my mouth goes dry. I can’t die tonight. I’m so close to freedom.

  Then, all at once, the sound dies. I let out a breath.

  I’m safe once again.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  The next day, after I’ve gotten some sleep, I plan my outfit carefully. Samuel said I could leave at sunset. With any luck, I’ll be on a plane before the morning. I wear board shorts with deep pockets. I take the cash Mom gave me and bury it in one pocket and my emergency credit card in the other. I wear a pair of tennis shoes Juliette loaned me. I’ll mail them back once I get to L.A.

  I scarf down a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It’s not great, but it will give me energy to make it through the night without worrying about my stomach.

  “Open up,” Juliette shouts and knocks on my door.

  I hope she won’t be too angry with me after tonight. I don’t see how she could
be. She knows I just want to go home.

  Juliette stands on my porch, all smiles. “Girl, just got your note. What’s the big surprise?”

  “Come on, I’ll show you.”

  I lead her down to the docks where Elias awaits, whistling his dumb song. I point to the boat. He glowers at me. “This isn’t fair.”

  “What’s not?” Juliette asks.

  “Night off in New Orleans.” I should’ve told her so she could prepare, but I wanted to surprise her.

  Her mouth drops open. “No way.”

  “Way. Get in the boat, and let’s go.”

  She jumps in, and I follow her with the ferryman’s eyes following me.

  “How on earth did you score this?” Juliette asks. “Oh man, everyone is going to be so jealous.”

  “Just a little deal with Samuel.”

  She gives me a look. “You know, Samuel’s deals are never on the up and up. Mama told me to never negotiate with him because there’s always a catch.”

  I wave my hand. “This wasn’t that big of a deal. He wanted a kiss, and I wanted a night off. There really wasn’t much else to it. I don’t see how this can backfire.” I don’t tell her I’m totally planning to escape.

  A sickening feeling settles in my stomach. Like it can’t be that easy. Samuel knows I want to go home, and he implied that he knew I was going to. Surely, he’ll put in obstacles for me to take off. But I’m resourceful and ready to face whatever it is he throws at me. I’m going to get on an airplane or die trying. Either that, or he really does mean to help me.

  Juliette gives me a somber look. “You kissed Samuel?”

  “Yeah.”

  “And?” she asks, her lips twitching.

  “And nothing. I did it so I could get out of this freaking place.”

  Juliette grins. “Yeah, right. If it weren’t for Mama’s warnings, I would’ve totally tried that already. He’s the sexiest man I’ve ever met. I want to know about his kiss.”

  I blush. “It was…I don’t know. Intense.” I don’t know how to explain to her that even though I enjoyed the kiss, there is no way in hell that I’ll fall for him or let it happen again. It doesn’t matter. I’m never setting foot back on that island.

  She dissolves into giggles.

  “Well, it can’t have been as intense as mine,” Juliette finally gets out.

  “What do you mean?” I stop laughing. Pretty sure my jaw has dropped open.

  “Victor kissed me last night.”

  “Get out. What about, you know, his vampire fangs?”

  “Not a problem.” She sighs. “I think I’m in love.”

  I realize we haven’t left yet. “Elias, let’s go.” Creeper is probably listening to our conversation.

  He doesn’t move, and I turn back around. “Come on.”

  He picks at his teeth and sneers at me. “Can’t. Waiting for one more.” He points down the path, and I get the chills. Samuel is sauntering down to us, hands tucked into his pockets, a smug grin on his face.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Samuel deftly hops into the boat and sits next to me, putting his arm around my back.

  He drops his lips to my ear. “You didn’t think I was going to let you get away that easily, now, did you?”

  “You tricked me.” I want to slap him.

  He shrugs. “No, I didn’t. I never told you I wasn’t coming with.”

  “But you made it seem like…” Like he was helping me. Bastard. I can’t believe I fell for it.

  “I know. I wanted that kiss. Plus a night in New Orleans will be a good date, don’t you think?”

  “This is not a date. Juliette and I are going out tonight, and you aren’t welcome.”

  “Too bad. I’m coming along, anyway.”

  I ignore him for the rest of the ride to land. The boat knocks against the docks, and we scramble out. A waiting car drives us into the city.

  I think through the possibilities of escape. I have to ditch them, but I have no idea how. The easiest way would be to get them drunk and leave them at a bar. I don’t know if it will work on Samuel, but it’s worth a shot. I hate that I’m thinking of taking advantage of Juliette that way, but I don’t know how else to lose them.

  The driver tells us he’ll pick us up at three, and Juliette walks down the street, her arms flung open. She doesn’t seem bothered by Samuel’s company. “I’ve never been off the island. A whole night in the city. What on earth are we going to do?”

  I head for Bourbon Street, but Juliette spots Café Dumond.

  “Oh my gosh, we have to go. Mama talks about how amazing their beignets are.”

  “Come on, Juliette, we get one night, and you want to eat donuts? We should head to the bars.”

  She grips my arm. “Please. It won’t take long.”

  I roll my eyes and follow her to the little café. They are good, but I’m antsy. We wander in and out of shops and finally make our way to the bars. Samuel never takes his eyes off of me.

  I pick a bar that looks like it has mostly college kids. We’ll be less likely to be carded when we’re surrounded by others who look our age. I watch the bartender. He doesn’t ask for an ID from a single one of them.

  I order tequila shots and pray he doesn’t ask me for ID. He barely looks at me. I ask him to make one of them apple juice. He looks at me funny, and I put on my best ditsy voice.

  “Look, I’m pregnant, and I don’t want anyone to know yet. My best friend over there just got engaged, and we’re partying tonight. Can you help me out?”

  The bartender winks. “I hear you, sister. Yours will be the blue shot glass tonight with apple juice, got it?”

  I heave a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”

  Juliette stares at the glasses I set in front of them.

  “What?” I ask.

  “Um. I’ve never had alcohol before.” She drops her eyes. Huh.

  “Really?”

  “Yeah, Mama’s really funny about it. None of the locals are allowed to give it to us, or they risk her wrath.”

  “Well, tonight you’ll get to experience the joys of drunkenness. Your mom didn’t warn me off it.”

  I hand her a glass, and she throws it back and swallows. Her face scrunches up, and she gags. I drink mine down and wince like it hurts, but the bartender did me a solid. It’s only apple juice. Samuel stares at the shot glass in front of him.

  “What? You can’t handle tequila?” I raise my eyebrows at him.

  He gives me a smirk and takes the shot.

  “That was awful,” Juliette says. Her breath already smells like tequila. She’s going to be in so much trouble.

  One more shot, and she’s on the dance floor making a complete fool of herself. Samuel still hasn’t left my side.

  “That didn’t work like you thought it would, did it?”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m going to get more.”

  “You’re not drunk like Juliette.”

  I stumble a little on purpose. “I can hold my alcohol pretty well. But I’m slightly tipsy.”

  I head back to the bar and put on my ditsy voice again. “See that guy over there?” The bartender nods. “He’s my boyfriend, and he gets a little violent when he’s drunk. Any chance you can slip me out of here and into a cab or an Uber?”

  The bartender gives me a look like you stupid girl, what are you doing with a violent man? “Sure, but, hon, maybe you should reconsider your relationship. You’ve got a baby to think of.”

  I sigh like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders. “I know. My mama’s gonna come down from Arkansas and get me in a couple of weeks, but I don’t have anywhere else to go for now.”

  “I’ll order you a car and come get you when it’s here. I’ll make sure it comes around the back.”

  I let out a breath. “Thank you.”

  He nods, and I almost turn to leave. “Oh, I forgot my drinks. I told him I was bringing back more shots.”

  I set the shots down in front of
Samuel, but he doesn’t reach for one. Juliette is still lost on the dance floor. I avoid looking at the bartender and try not to look nervous. Samuel reaches for my hand, but I jerk it away. He smoothly moves it to the table and grabs my blue shot glass. I snatch it away from him and drink it quickly, the apple just a little too sweet, but some spills on his hand. He sniffs and licks it off his fingers.

  “Clever.”

  I roll my eyes but don’t respond. A few minutes later, the bartender comes over to the table. “Ma’am, your card didn’t go through. You want to try that again?”

  “Sure.” I grab my purse and follow him back to the bar. Samuel watches me the whole time. There is no way I’m getting out of here.

  As soon as we clear the bar on the other side, the bartender grabs my hand and drags me through the kitchen doors. A chair scrapes across the floor, and footsteps pound behind us.

  “He’s coming,” I say.

  The bartender pulls me along faster, but Samuel catches up to us and yanks me backwards. The bartender points to the back door. “The car is back there.”

  He hauls off and punches Samuel in the gut. Samuel doubles over and loses his grip on me. I run and push open the door, listening for footsteps behind me. The car is waiting, and I rush to the door, but it’s locked. I hit the window, and the driver looks up, surprised.

  The door behind me opens just as the driver unlocks the door. I wrench the door open, and Samuel yells.

  I slam the door shut, and he grabs for the handle.

  “Go,” I yell to the driver.

  He looks at Samuel pounding on the window and takes off.

  We did it.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  We fly out onto a main street, and the driver slows and turns down his blasting rap music.

  “Are you okay?” he asks.

  “Just peachy.” I slump in my seat. He looks in his rearview mirror, but I ignore him. “To the airport, please.”

  “You sure it’s open?”