Circus of Shadows: A Deadly Performance

Chapter 48: Deciphering the Circus Deeds

Detective Black approached the centre ring of the big top, where Ms Delights had just finishing orchestrating the performers during the morning's rehearsals. She had witnessed as they were infusing the air with the elegance of movement and the harmonies of Jessica's passionate instructions. As the session had drew to a close, Detective Black found a moment to approach the seasoned choreographer.

"Ms Delights, do you have a minute?" Detective Black asked, her tone courteous, yet tinged with a hint of suspicion.

Ms Delights, her eyes reflecting years of grace and wisdom, turned to face the detective with a warm smile. "Of course, Detective. What can I help you with?"

"I couldn't help but notice your return to training the ensemble," Detective Black began, choosing her words carefully. "Quite convenient, given the recent changes in personnel."

Ms Delights' smile didn't waver. "Yes, a fortunate turn of events. The circus is my home, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to restore its wonder," she replied, her words carrying a sense of sincerity.

Detective Black despite her lingering suspicions, maintained a courteous demeanour. "I wish you all the best in this new position, Ms Delights. I'm sure you'll bring back the magic that this circus deserves once again."

With a polite nod, Detective Black bid her farewell and departed the circus grounds to head for the police station, her mind abuzz with the mysteries surrounding the circus. The return of Ms Jessica Delights to her former role added another layer of intrigue to the enigmatic dynamics within the Carnival of Curiosity.

As she returned to her desk, she stared out of her window overlooking the town, lost in thought. Her attention was brought back to the room as her colleague informed her that Harrison and Hyde solicitors had requested she drop by.

Detective Black arrived at Harrison and Hyde Solicitors, eager for any updates regarding the deeds of the Carnival of Curiosity. As she stepped into the firm's quite plush office space, the scent of polished wood and leather greeted her.

Miss Claire Cleverly, Oscar Harrison's, sharp-eyed PA welcomed Detective Black warmly. "Detective, thank you for coming. Oscar has sent his apologies but he is out of town for a few days, but we've made some headway with the documents you provided."

"Any findings?" inquired Detective Black, her curiosity piqued.

"Yes indeed," Claire nodded eagerly, gesturing towards the paperwork scattered across the table. "We discovered an interesting anomaly in the deeds. It seems there was an amendment made just a year ago."

Detective Black leaned in, intrigued. "What kind of amendment?

"It appears that a clause concerning the ownership shares was altered," Miss Cleverly explained. "The circus was initially split evenly between Mr Ralph Ortiz and Mr Marco Lombardi. But a year ago, a significant portion of Marco's share was transferred to Mrs Rosa Lombardi, Marco's mother.

Detective Black's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Rosa Lombardi? Lorenzo Ortiz's former partner? The one person he cut out of the deeds all those years ago?"

"Exactly," Claire confirmed. "It's an unexpected development. It seems Rosa acquired a more significant stake in the Circus just a few months before the unfortunate events unfolded."

Detective Black's mind buzzed with the new possibilities and what this meant to investigation .

"Thank you, Claire," Detective Black said, gathering her thoughts. "This provides a fresh perspective. I'll certainly need to delve deeper into this aspect of the case."

"So were the deeds fully owned by Lorenzo Ortiz when he cruelly blackmailed Rosa Lombardi to give hers up in exchange for money?" Detective Black proposed.