Circus of Shadows: A Deadly Performance

Chapter 43: Unraveling Enigmas: The Elusive Lombardi's

Detective Black emerged from the dimly lit ambiance of the big top, her mind racing with the details gleaned from her conversation with Ms Delights. The absence of fingerprints on the murder weapon perplexing her but driving her forward with more velocity.

With a determination in her stride, she made her way toward the trailer courtyard, her gaze fixed on Rosa Lombardi's abode. Rumours about her elusive nature had circulated among the circus grounds.

The revelations from Madame Hattie about Rosa and Marco Lombardi's exclusion from the circus deeds by Lorenzo Ortiz sent Detective Black's mind spinning with questions. She knew it was time to dig deeper into the tangled history of the Carnival of Curiosity.

With a determination burning inside her, Connie ventured across the courtyard to the entrance to Mrs Lombardi's trailer. She rapped her knuckles on the door, the faint sounds of movement from within alerting her that someone was home.

"Mrs Rosa Lombardi may I have a word?" Her tone courteous yet held an undertone of assertion.

"Detective Black?" Rosa answered, a cautious look in her eyes. "It nice to finally have the pleasure" Rosa said shuffling slightly uncomfortably in her chair.

"May I come in and speak with you, Mrs Lombardi?" Connie asked, her voice steady yet inquisitive.

As they sat inside the modest trailer, Connie wasted no time delving into the past. "I found some newspaper clippings in Ralph Ortiz's trailer," Connie began "The tragedy of events that occurred in Riverdale" Rosa looking troubled by this revelation who couldn't maintain her gaze with Detective Black. "I've learned about your history, Mrs Lombardi. Can you tell me more about your connection with Lorenzo Ortiz and your exclusion from the circus deeds?"

Rosa's eyes now flickering with a mixture of emotions. "Lorenzo was once my partner in life and here at the circus. We shared dreams of creating something spectacular together, taking the touring circus to new heights that have never been reached before. But life took unexpected turns."

"Can you elaborate further Mrs Lombardi?"

Looking at a family picture on the wall in her trailer with Lorenzo and herself holding baby Marco she wiped a tear from her eye. "We had a beautiful boy and I had to take a step back as Marco was now my priority. When Lorenzo decided to set off into the sunset with Hilda Olsen his new girlfriend and left us behind, life carried on, so Marco and I moved back to Italy to rebuild our lives."

"Can you explain to me please why you and Marco were removed from the circus ownership?" Connie probed gently again.

"It was a cold and cruel move by Lorenzo. He cut us out after his infidelity, his betrayal drove us out and back to my home in Monte Sorrento but we needed money as I couldn't support our son Marco, on my own." Rosa revealed, her voice tinged with bitterness, conscious not to reveal too much.

Detective Black noted the unease of recalling these events with an unresolved emotion clear in Rosa's eyes. "And how did it make you feel being blackmailed by Lorenzo?"

"Detective, do you have a son?" Rosa enquired. "You would do anything to protect them. If I had to relinquish my share in my empire and dreams with Lorenzo to provide security for Marco I would go through all the pain once again."

Detective Black took a moment to digest that statement before probing further once more. "And how does this connect to Mr Ralph Ortiz's murder?"

Rosa's expression shifted, displaying a mix of sadness and confusion. "Ralph Ortiz's death.... I have no reason to harm him. He was a very troubled man with many complexities, he had a few grievances with the circus community. However, I harboured no ill will towards him, after all it was he who welcomed me back to the Carnival of Curiosity."