Circus of Shadows: A Deadly Performance

Chapter 15: Seeking Answers and Unveiling Luna's World

The Latin American performer, Luna Alvarez the Juggling Contortionist, was involved in a upsetting exchange yesterday with Victor Miguel. He was angry that she didn't turn up and perform in their act the night before, the fateful night Ralph Ortiz was killed.

Victor had promised Luna's mother before Luna left for the 'Carnival of Curiosity' that he would look after her. She was full of wonder and excitement, her dreams of performing in a circus were becoming a reality, and her mother felt she needed someone to look out for her.

Detective Connie Black wanted to hear Luna's perspective on this relationship with Victor and how it might be connected to the murder.

As she arrived at Miss Alvarez's trailer she was greeted by the colourful and vibrant interior reflecting her heritage. The trailer was filled with mementos and pictures from her own country, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Luna was a striking figure with long dark hair and fiery spirit. She welcomed Connie inside, and the detective wasted no time in getting to the heart of the matter.

"Luna, I'd like to discuss your recent argument with Victor," Connie began, taking a seat across from Miss Alvarez. "Can you tell me why you were so upset with Victor and why you ran off like you did?"

Luna hesitated for moment, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. "I just hoped Victor would have understood that being here is my dream, performing in the circus means everything to me. I will do anything, sorry, would of done anything for Ralph." Luna described. "He gave me my break and helped me realise my dream, when I couldn't take to the stage the other night, Victor of all people, I would of hoped, knew it must of been serious for me not to take my place.

Connie couldn't shift the notion that a part of her believes that this argument between Victor and Luna could of been staged. Something she had to park for the time being, but would return if more evidence was to arise.

Detective Black moving the conversation forward then asked about her confrontation with Mr Ortiz and the nature of their fight that occurred a few weeks ago.

"It was a storm in a teacup," Luna shrugging off the seriousness of this incident, "it began with Victor defending me as Mr Ortiz wanted to push me, further in our act, to take on a more riskier stunt. He was also questioning my commitment to his circus as I had missed a few sessions feeling under the weather. Victor was concerned for my safety and general well-being and before you knew it we were all arguing our point in a passionate and fiery exchange. All was forgotten in the morning and we haven't spoke of it since"

Detective Black sensed that Luna's lack of eye contact as she was telling this tale meant that this might not of been the whole story. "You and Victor, how do you see your relationship?" Connie enquired.

Luna's eyes lit up with a warmth, "He's my rock, he made my mother a promise and he has not let her down, it can feel at times that he is too over protective, but he means well."

The argument with Mr Ortiz was a clear example, and Connie noted the complex emotions of this and could see she knew Victor was on hand for her when and however she needed it. She cherished their bond and you could see Victor had been a guiding presence for Luna.

Luna's words were beginning to shed light on the intricate dynamics of the circus community where performers were not only colleagues, but a tight knit family.

The warmth in Luna's eyes moments earlier soon evaporated as the atmosphere in Miss Alvarez's colourful trailer grew tense as Detective Black was keen to shift focus. Connie inquired about the fire-breathing contortionist, Madame Felicity Fontaine as she was a critical aspect of the investigation.

"Luna, were you aware of Miss Felicity Fontaine and her contract with Mr Ralph Ortiz before his death." Connie asked, her gaze fixed on the performer.

Luna hesitated, and a nervous energy radiated from her, she fidgeted with a trinket on her shelf, unable to meet Connie's eyes directly. "I...I had heard her name, but I didn't know much about her at all. Mr Ortiz didn't share many details."

Connie noticed Luna's discomfort but pressed on, "There were rumours that Mr Ortiz had plans to replace you with Miss Fontaine, how did that make you feel?" Connie probed further "Or was he thinking you needed a support act, someone to perform with?"

Luna again couldn't hold Detective Black's gaze as her eyes darted around her trailer, her discomfort palpable. Miss Alvarez took a deep breath and finally admitted, "There were discussions, I didn't like what was being suggested. Ralph and I had an argument about this last week, he refused to promise anything, I felt crushed and betrayed."

Connie jumped straight on this. "So the argument you had last week with Mr Ortiz was about Madame Felicity Fontaine and potential changes to the circus line up?"

Luna nodded reluctantly. "Yes, it was. I felt like he was trying to replace me, and I couldn't let that happen, the circus is..was...no, is my life, and I worked so hard to earn my place here. Im so annoyed with my... I mean Mr Ortiz."

Connie understood the depth of Luna Alvarez's attachment to the "Carnival of Curiosity" and her fear of being replaced and losing her identity. Her apprehension of answering Detective Blacks questions and her unresolved tensions were clearly apparent as Luna's struggles to answer her final questions without stumbling and repeating were telling. Connie had to seriously consider these emotions as potential motives for the murder of Mr Ortiz and was Victor Miguel her co conspirator.