Circus of Shadows: A Deadly Performance

Chapter 12: A "Magnificent" Time to Start a New Chapter

Detective Connie Black exited the post office, her thoughts still very much consumed by her discoveries in the sorting room. As she strolled towards the peaceful square of Haven to take the robe, contract and letter back to her office her attention was transferred to a surprising sight.

It was Marco the Magnificent, the escapologist, who was walking across the square, arm in arm, with an older lady she didn't recognise. It wasn't just the fact Connie didn't recognise the older lady with Marco that aroused her suspicion, but it was unusual for circus performers to venture into town.

Then they headed around the corner and into the doctors surgery, which really captured Detective Black's focus. She was curious as the circus have their own medical team on sight so why have they come into Haven?

She watched as Marco and the lady, still locking arms headed inside. What could be the issue that meant they couldn't see the on-site Doctor at the circus, and who was the lady with Marco?

Detective Black wrestled with the idea to head in after them, but as a seasoned detective she decided against it, but not recognising the lady with Marco was troubling her the most.

While waiting on a bench in the square for them to reappear, her memory recalled the conversation she had with Ms Delights about two shadows she had seen behind the circus tent. It had included a male and a female figure. Could Marco and the mystery woman be the very shadows she had observed? Although there was nothing significant to tie them to this sighting yet it was something that couldn't be excluded. If it was them, what were they doing outside the tent?

Connie knew however insignificant this lead could turn out, she had to follow up on this unexpected sighting and development.

The circus performers had many more secrets than she had initially thought and she knew she needed to perhaps take a firmer approach to unmask their truths. With determination in her stride, perhaps it was time, to become the ringmaster herself at the circus that was beginning to unfold in solving Ralph Ortiz's murder.

Detective Black thought she could visit the surgery another time for answers, but in the hope of catching Marco and his companion leaving she wanted to stay close so she headed to seek solace from a trusted friend.

As Detective Black continued to wait and observe the doctors surgery, hoping to see them leave, she decided to make the most of her time by visiting Mr Rupert Fowkes, the local bookstore owner.
She had known him very well and he was a trusted friend from her days as a junior reporter where he had served as the editor for the Haven Herald for nearly 12 years.

The quaint bookshop, nestled among the other charming stores within the town's square, had always been a treasure trove of local stories and knowledge.

Mr Fowkes was up high on a ladder organising the shelves filled with books of all genres. His expression was one of slight concern when he turned and looked down, after hearing the door bell ring as the door opened, to see it was his old colleague Connie.

"Connie" he climbed down the ladder to greet her, "it's been a while. How are you and what brings you to my humble bookshop this morning?"

Connie smiled warmly and replied "Its to do with the case I am working actually, I'm trying to gather as much information as possible from the community.
Were you at the circus that night? You haven't seen or heard anything unusual relating to the circus by any chance?"

Mr Fowkes squinted a couple of times as he digested the question. "The tragic murder of the circus's ringmaster, yes I was there in attendance on that chilling evening. It's been the talk of the town, as I'm sure you can imagine." He said in a reflective tone.

"You knew what it was like when we were at the Herald. People can't stop sharing their stories and speculations, as we all tend to do. But the one main thing that caught my attention was the sudden absence I understand of those incredible acrobatic twins." Rupert mentioned with an inquisitive manner.

"They performed so brilliantly in the first couple of acts that everyone was left wanting more. Then they suddenly seem to vanish during the second half, it was as if they had never been there at all. It was very similar with the juggling contortionist, Luna Alvarez wasn't it? I mean she left the animal guy with the snakes out in the circle all alone looking quite lost. It was as if a shadow or spell had been cast over the tent that night. As I reflect everything didn't seem as it should." Mr Fowkes seemed troubled and bore a slightly confused demeanour.

Detective Connie respected her old boss' opinions and she listened very carefully to his every word. The acrobat twins, Felix and Sofia, were becoming a recurring theme. Their sudden disappearance already reaching the streets of Haven and was continuing to raise questions. She was aware that uncovering their hidden talents as a vanishing act, needed resolving before it escalated.

Detective Black was unsure at this point whether to mention the awkward looking conversation she felt she witnessed in the Haven Arms last night with Rupert and Dr Roundhouse but thought it was best to not rouse any suspicion.

"Do you have any other observations? I would welcome and be grateful for any words of wisdom too, Rupert." Detective Black asked leaning on her friend for counsel.

"I'm afraid I don't really, I mean if I remember correctly Gabriella Giggles was making everyone laugh, mimicking the performers in the centre circle, she had the children in particular, in fits of giggles." Rupert began.

"They loved it when she was creating funny animals from the candy floss, that she was selling on her store. She even gestured to Victor Miguel, when Luna Alvarez didn't show, that she could take over her role in their act." Mr Fowkes recalled with a chuckle.

"She appeared none the wiser of what was unfolding back stage or what tragedy was about to happen moments later, when the lights suddenly faded. When they came back up again Mr Ortiz lie dead in the circle, sending shockwaves throughout the tent. She crashed to her knees and looked a shadow of herself. I think it was the tightrope walker who was soon there hugging and consoling Gabriella." He recalled in a hushed tone.

"You have been more than helpful as always." Detective Black showing her gratitude to an old friend.

They then began to reminisce about their time at the Herald and shared stories and memories, it was a welcome distraction from the circus for Connie who had been working tirelessly for two days.

Rupert, I think could see Connie needed this distraction. Mr Fowkes elaborated and informed Connie of how there is a young man, who now works at the Herald, who was in a very similar position to that of what Connie occupied when she was there. He shares many similar qualities as that Connie had shown back before she uncovered the largest investigation that had occurred here in Haven until recent events. His name was Boden Mack and had only been with the Herald for just under 18 months, he advised her to reach out to him.

Connie then looked at her watch and realised that they had been speaking for nearly 40 minutes and although it was a relief to have had a conversation that wasn't about the circus she was annoyed with herself that she had missed Marco and his mystery lady friend.

However she was grateful to Mr Fowkes, just as much for his information he could provide on the case as equally for his distraction from the investigation.

Connie left with a renewed determination after his encouraging words. Rupert thought she was perhaps the only detective who could solve this case and said she must remember that.

Rupert had also managed to pique Detective Connie's interest that she may just have a young protégé and ally in the young reporter from the Haven Herald to reach out to.

Mr Fowkes had revealed two suspects that it seemed Detective Black could now rule out of her enquiries. Gabriella Giggles as her alibi, of performing at the time, was confirmed by Rupert. It also seemed that he cleared the name of Bella the Brave for being the Murderer of Mr Ortiz too, but Connie was still not 100% convinced of Bella's innocence just yet.