Circus of Shadows: A Deadly Performance

Chapter 11: A Foreign Clue from the Post Office

While Connie was sitting in a quiet corner of the Haven Arms, just finishing her meal, contemplating where to begin her second day on the investigation, she felt a gentle tap on her shoulder. As she turned around it was Mr Richard Jones, the husband of the couple who ran Haven's Post Office. As she looked up to him he asked if he could take a seat while he was bearing an earnest expression.

"Detective Black," he began, "I believe we may have something of interest for you back in our sorting office. Two days before the murder at the circus took place, we received a letter and a parcel from France, it was addressed to Mr Ralph Ortiz. The thing is he never showed to collect it before he died so we still have it. I thought it was best to inform you of this, as since the shocking news of his death I thought you may now want to come and retrieve it?"

Detective Black became extremely eager to pick up the parcel, she sat up sharply "What time can I come by in the morning?" Connie asked impatiently.

A letter and parcel addressed to Mr Ralph Ortiz from a French address could hold some valuable clues about the events that preceded his movements or actions before his death.

"Anytime, Detective," Richard Jones the postmaster began "My wife, Elizabeth, and I will be there from seven o'clock tomorrow."

"Thank you, Mr Jones," Detective Black replied. "I'd very much like to see the letter and parcel. I'll swing by the post office first thing in the morning to meet with you and your wife to examine them."

Mr Jones nodded appreciatively and handed her a slip of paper with their phone number on. "We will have everything ready for you, we thought it might be relevant to the case, it's been sitting here, waiting for a recipient, ever since. I hope you didn't mind me interrupting you during your meal for this."

Detective Black made sure Richard knew her gratitude and acceptance to approach her anytime with developments on Mr Ortiz's murder.

With a hinge of anticipation, Connie was beginning to wonder all the possible scenarios that could play out once the parcel was opened. The French connection could be a significant piece of evidence, and she was determined to follow this lead, across the English Channel if necessary.

The next morning, Detective Connie Black made her way through the town, down the High Street and opposite the entrance to the park was the post office. The sun was just beginning to cast is golden light over the town, and Connie's anticipation grew as she approached the entrance to the post office.

Mrs Elizabeth Jones, Richard's wife greeted her with a warm smile as she entered their post office. She led her to a small back room, where the uncollected parcel and letter awaited Detective Black.

Connie then pulled a pair of latex gloves from her pocket and put them on, she carefully opened the package. Inside she found a meticulously crafted ringmasters robe. It's red and white stripes were vibrant, the golden accents gleamed in the rooms soft light. The level of detail and stitch work in the costume was remarkable.

Detective Black then turned and picked up the letter, and like the parcel it was addressed to Mr Ralph Ortiz, it was written in elegant handwriting. It read: "To Mr Ralph Ortiz, acceptance of your contract to join the Carnival of Curiosity Circus." Signed Madame Felicity Fontaine x.

The letter outlined the terms and conditions of the contract as a contortionist and fire breather. The signature at the bottom confirmed that Miss Felicity Fontaine had indeed accepted the contract offer.

But what caught Connie's attention the most was a small slip of paper that had fallen out of the parcel that contained the glorious robe.
It read: "A small gift of gratitude for such an amazing opportunity Mr Ortiz," it was when she turned it over there was another cryptic message "Looking forward to seeing you again, Madame Hattie, I hope everything is in place?"

Detective Connie's mind raced with questions. Why was Madame Hattie involved in arranging contracts for the circus performers? What was meant by "seeing you again" and "hope everything is in place."
What did this mean for Luna Alvarez, was Felicity Fontaine coming to perform a double act with Luna, or was Miss Fontaine coming to replace Miss Alvarez?

The ringmaster's robe and contract raised many more questions than answers. The secrets that lay hidden within these items added another layer of complexity to the investigation. Connie knew she needed to find a way to speak or meet with Madame Felicity Fontaine. This would help to uncover the truth behind her connection with Madame Hattie and the murder of Mr Ortiz. She also hoped to identify if Miss Alvarez was aware of Felicity's pending arrival.

As Connie was about to leave the post office she thanked the postmasters, Elizabeth and Richard Jones for their vital information. Connie knew the circus murder mystery was far from over. However with each new discovery, she knew she was one step closer to solving the case that enshrouded her town of Haven.