Circus of Shadows: A Deadly Performance

Chapter 16: Seeking Answers and Unmasking Madame Hattie

Detective Connie Black had gathered significant evidence in her pursuit, now it was time to confront Madame Hattie. The mysterious mother figure of the circus was the longest serving performer of 'The Carnival of Curiosity Circus, this was her 23rd year touring.

Instead of visiting Madame Hattie in her trailer where she was always consulting her tarot cards or losing herself in any of her multiple crystal balls, she thought a 'neutral' location would be better suited. They sat down on the back row in the auditorium which was cold and gloomy.

"Madame Hattie," Connie began, "I have a few questions for you regarding Madame Felicity Fontaine and the parcel we intercepted at the post office here in Haven."

Madame Hattie lost her eccentric aura and her dark eyes bore into Connie as she shuffled away slightly. "What would you like to know, Detective?" Madame Hattie replied

Detective Black didn't waste any time and asked, "What is your connection with Miss Fontaine, and what is your relationship with her?"

Madame Hattie gazing up to the very highest point of the red and white tent that surrounded them and revealed, "Felicity is my niece, she reached out to me a few years ago intrigued by my life here at the circus and was hoping for an opportunity to join our world one day. I obviously wanted to help her and discussed with Ralph about a role for her here, but he declined. We have spoken and written to each other a few times since then."

Connie's curiosity deepened as she continued, "What changed his mind?" Madame Hattie shrugged and shook her head.

"In the parcel," Connie continued. "We found a cryptic note along side the contract acceptance from your niece that read. "Can't wait to see you again, which I assume, was clearly as simple as looking forward to seeing her aunt again. It went on however to mention, I hope everything is in place? What was the meaning behind those messages and the gift of the beautifully hand crafted robe?"

Madame Hattie's expression now more enigmatic, something Connie had become accustomed too, and she replied, "Those messages were simply about Madame Felicity's excitement to see me again after so many years. She couldn't wait to see me and begin her journey as the newest recruit in Mr Ortiz's Circus. She wanted to make sure everything was 'in place' for her arrival."

Connie carefully analysed Madame Hattie's responses and the evidence at hand, it did seem all too convenient, she pressed Madame Hattie further.

"Look I need to know if you or your niece Felicity had any involvement in the murder of Mr Ortiz, your in a relatively strong position of power and cryptic messages make this a valid line of inquiry."

Madame Hattie's eyes held a hint of sadness as she responded, "Detective, I assure you, neither Felicity nor I had any involvement in Mr Ortiz's murder. Why would we? We only wished to be part of the 'Carnival of Curiosity' circus and to share our talents with the world which he was the creator of."

Detective Black was troubled and couldn't shake the second part of the cryptic message that was uncovered in the parcel at the post office.

"Madame Hattie, I need you to explain further the meaning of the message that Miss Fontaine sent you 'Is everything in place?' Is this related to Mr Ortiz, or is there other significance to those words?"

Madame Hattie sighed her expression revealing the weight of her knowledge. "I understand why it may seem ominous, Detective, but the message was merely about ensuring that Felicity's acceptance into the circus after two long years of waiting was all in hand. There was no sinister intent behind those words more an expression of disbelief that this was really about to happen."

Connie nodded in acceptance of this account but remained a little skeptical. Connie then wanted to find out what Madame Hattie knew of the circumstances that provided her niece this golden opportunity.

"Why was Felicity Fontaine contracted to join the circus, and under what circumstances?"

Madame Hattie attempted to explain, "Felicity has always dreamt of joining me one day touring with the circus. I was so desperate to help her realise her dream. As for Mr Ortiz's plans, I was aware he saw her potential and unique talents. Whether that meant replacing Miss Alvarez as they were both contortionists, or forming a formidable double act, I couldn't say for certain." Madame Hattie recalled.
"If it helps I know when I first approached Ralph a couple of years ago about Felicity, Jessica Delights was keen to make it a double act."

Connie continued her questioning, digging into the history between Madame Hattie and Mr Ortiz. "Can you tell me more about your relationship with Ralph Ortiz? Were there ever any conflicts between the two of you?"

Madame Hattie gazed up at the stars that she could see at the point of the big top as she reminisced, "Mr Ortiz and I had a complex relationship over a long history together. We both shared a deep passion for the circus, but our visions and methods often clashed. There were times when we disagreed on the direction of the circus and the acts we should feature. Despite our differences, we respected each other immensely as colleagues and always worked well together."

The detective noted the nuances of their relationship and the potential for friction but couldn't discern any clear motive from Madame Hattie's recollections. She couldn't quite go as far to 100% rule her out entirely as the lines between the performers and the murder victim grew increasingly blurred.