Circus of Shadows: A Deadly Performance

Chapter 25: Family Ties?

Detective Connie Black left Mr Ortiz's trailer behind, locking the door as she left, knowing that not before too long she would be back inside. Her hope that his trailer would reveal some hidden secrets and revelations did not fail to disappoint.

She first made her way across the, now very familiar, trailer courtyard to Madame Hattie's trailer to inquire about the photograph she discovered in the picture frame above the desk of Mr Ortiz.

However she was met with an empty trailer, Madame Hattie was no where to be seen. After making some inquiries with her fellow circus performers she was made aware that Madame Hattie had left before sunrise. Upon questioning further, Detective Black had found out she had left, to make the train journey to the south coast to pick up her niece, Madame Felicity Fontaine who was due in from France today.

Frustration was evident in Detective Blacks face, that even armed with the knowledge of the photograph and its concealed elements to solving the case, she would have to wait to identify the boy and connections they all shared.

With the shocking discovery that Luna Alvarez was pregnant, which explained the reasons of missed sessions and unable to fulfil her role in some performances. Detective Black wanted to delve a little deeper into why this was kept secret from her and why the identity of the father was secret.

Detective Black wanted to speak with Victor Miguel as although this revelation diminished the motive for Luna to be the main suspect, it only elevated her suspicions that Victor Miguel, who would do anything for Luna, was now a key suspect. Connie knew from her previous experiences that Victor was never to far away from Luna.

Detective Black knew Ms Jessica Delights, who she had now discovered had a relationship with Mr Ortiz, was also the former trainer and choreographer. This made her a key person of interest as she firmly believed that Ms Delights was now the ace in her pack and was hoping to play this hand to gather more crucial intelligence.

Detective Black decided to take these new revelations and some key possessions, especially Mr Ortiz's Diary, back to the office for further inspection and to carefully plan her next move.

Back at the station, Detective Black decided to continue her questioning of the Bauer Twins who were still in custody. Felix had been cooperative during their previous interaction, and she hoped he might provide more information about the circus and it's secrets, especially the unfolding complexities surrounding Luna's pregnancy and the identity of the father.

As Connie entered the interrogation room, she was prepared to ask the difficult questions, seeking the truth as armed in the knowledge that Felix and Luna were now in a secret relationship. The revelations from Mr Ortiz's trailer added a new layer of intrigue to the case, knowing that Felix had a hidden agenda and extra motivation in his conflict with Mr Ortiz over Luna being forced to leave the circus.

Detective Black sat across from Felix Bauer in the stark confines of the gloomy room, the air was tense, charged with a weighty silence that hung between them. It was time to confront the acrobat about the revelations that had surfaced in her search of Ralph Ortiz's trailer.

With a measured tone, Connie delved into the heart of the matter, probing Felix's motivations and actions. She laid out the evidence pointing toward his heated altercation with Mr Ortiz over Luna's replacement, emphasising his potential motive in the tragic event that had shaken the circus. This had only been heightened on the knowledge that Mr Bauer and Miss Alvarez were secretly dating, and therefore had greater reason to be upset and angry at his perceived view of betrayal to Luna by Ralph.

Felix, usually composed and agile, appeared visibly shaken by the allegations. His eyes darted, betraying a hint of unease, but he maintained a veneer of composure. Yet as the interrogation progressed, highlighting he was no where to be seen at the time of the murder. She reminded him that he had admitted they had left the circus and were scared off, it became evident that Connie's line of questioning was unsettling him.

Connie then, thought this was the time to drop that bombshell. With a calculated move, she revealed the crucial piece of information that she had carefully withheld until this moment-her knowledge of Felix's paternity in Luna's pregnancy. The revelation landed like a thunderbolt, casting a stark light on Felix Bauer's predicament.

The acrobats facade cracked. Shock washed over his features, swiftly followed by a mix of fear and desperation. His attempts at maintaining composure faltered as the weight of Connie's accusations settled upon him.

Connie watched as the truth was beginning to surface, slowly unraveling the mystery behind his and his sisters disappearance. Felix, now confronted with the enormity of the situation, found himself ensnared in a web of his own making. His silence spoke volumes, confirming Connie's suspicions and tightening the net around him.

Detective Black, resolute in her pursuit for justice, felt this tipped the scales, making it a pivotal turning point in the investigation.