Circus of Shadows: A Deadly Performance

Chapter 22: The Twins' Arrest

Detective Connie Black had intercepted Felix and Sofia, the acrobat twins, as they emerged from the overturned truck. She was aware that they had been missing for almost 72 hours now and it was crucial to prevent the Bauer twins from becoming a flight risk.

Serious suspects in the murder investigation of Mr Ralph Ortiz or not, Detective Black was relieved she found them safely but could now also speak with them to gain vital information. Without delay Detective Black arrested them both and transported them to the local police station in Haven for further questioning. She knew that separating them would not be a good idea. She wanted them to feel comfortable to allow her to get to the bottom of their sudden disappearance, their connection to the shadows seen behind the circus tent, and any potential shadows involved in Mr Ortiz's investigation were not taken lightly.

As Connie Black had now settled into the interrogation room with Mr Bauer, she looked at him sternly. "Felix you and your sister have been missing for several days, and your sudden reappearance has raised many questions. Where have you been? Why did you go into hiding in the first place?"

Felix, first hesitated before responding, "Detective, we left because we were afraid for our safety. We saw something and heard things that night, something we couldn't explain. We then ran off into the forest to avoid any trouble."

Connie probed further, "What did you see that night, Felix? What can you tell me about the shadows that have been seen behind the circus tent?"

Mr Felix Bauer exchanged a glance with his sister, and they seemed to share a silent understanding as perhaps only twins can. "We saw the shadows, Detective. They were lurking behind the tent, and they looked like they didn't belong, although we can only be certain that there was one and not two. We went to investigate, but we were scared off by a man's voice warning us to stay away."

As Connie continued her interrogation, she delved into the twins history. She learned that they had been acrobatic performers for most of their lives, their parents having been strong gymnasts themselves supported their children travelling them all over the country showcasing their talents. Felix and Sofia were deeply committed to their craft and back in their homeland of Germany the Bauer twins had represented their Country to a high standard in many gymnastic competitions. They were very proud to become members of the circus community especially the one circus that their parents had longed for them to join.

Sofia's interrogation revealed similar information, but Sofia did add, "We love the circus, Detective, and we wouldn't have left willingly if it weren't for the fear of what we had witnessed that night. We want to help you solve this mystery, but we were too scared to come forward until now."

Detective Black couldn't help but feel a sense of sympathy towards the twins, who had been thrust into a web of deception and danger. The reappearance of the Bauer twins, surprisingly, had threw up more questions than answers and wasn't providing the clues Connie had hoped to unravel the mystery of Mr Ortiz's murder.

"Let's talk more about your relationship with Mr Ralph Ortiz," Connie began. "Is it true that just a few nights before his death, you were seen arguing with him in his trailer? Witnesses I have since spoken with have said they have heard you Mr Bauer, threaten him, saying you would make him pay if he tried to get rid, and force Miss Luna Alvarez out of the circus."

Felix tried to share another glance at Sofia before he responded, "Yes, Detective, it's true. We had a heated argument that I am certain most of my fellow performers would of heard. He had been pushing us to perform one of our acts with more danger and add another layer of difficulty. I was concerned for Sofia's safety as what he was asking us to do has had a history of complications and had caused many injuries in the past. Mr Ortiz had let slip that he was already letting Luna Alvarez leave the circus and did we want to join her? We saw this as a threat to our future, Luna was our friend and we didn't want to see her forced out. When we knew how hard she worked to get here, and how much she strived to be the very best contortionist she could be."

Connie made a mental note of this as she could visibly see how recalling this argument for Felix was once again causing him some concern but did notice a hint of a twinkle in his eye when defending Miss Alvarez. But it all seemed far to convenient she thought.

Detective Black then turned to Sofia and questioned her further. "Why weren't you in place for your final act on that night? Did you have any knowledge of what was going to happen just a few short moments later? Did you intentionally avoid being up there in the first place?"

Sofia hesitated and began to shed a tear, she managed to soon compose herself before answering, "We didn't know what was going to happen that night, Detective, we were not there as we had been warned off. We were making our way to the forest. By the time we had got back it was too late, Mr Ortiz had been found dead in the centre ring. We had no knowledge of the events that were about to transpire."

Connie considered Sofia's response carefully, remembering back to Mr Edwards, from the Meat Haven butcher's, account that he witnessed someone running in the direction of the forest close to the end of the show. She then went on to ask, "Mr Ortiz was known, as you have stated, for pushing his performers acts to their limits. Did you ever consider that he pushed you? Armed with the knowledge of Luna, your friend, being unfairly dismissed, did you two consider legal action against him like Miss Bella Fonseca had? Or were you seeking another course of action?"

Felix spoke up immediately, not letting his sister have a chance to reply, "We were concerned about our safety, especially as the stunt he wanted Sofia to perform had a history of going horribly wrong. We hadn't decided on a course of action at this point but legal counsel wasn't even in our thoughts. We had made no concrete plans on what we were going to do next. We knew though, we all had to make a stand together."

Not entirely satisfied with their answers and, still with more questions to present to them she decided to keep the Bauer twins in custody overnight. She knew she needed that key piece of information to link them to the murder, or at least why they were on the run for nearly three days. Something didn't add up with their story and their disappearance, and Detective Black was passionate in her beliefs that she would obtain the key to unlock the mystery soon.