Circus of Shadows: A Deadly Performance

Chapter 62: Changing Tides of Circus Ownership

Detective Black stepped into the bustling circus tent, the lively atmosphere of rehearsals enveloping the air with a whirlwind of activity. As she scanned the vibrant scene, Madame Hattie reemerged from backstage, her demeanour serene amidst the flurry of performers practicing their routines and back after her search for Bella.

"Detective Black, what brings you here today?" Madame Hattie inquired, greeting her with a warm smile.

"Just passing through, Madame Hattie," Detective Black replied with a polite nod. "Seems like quite the busy day for rehearsals."

Madame Hattie chuckled softly. "Always is! Keeps everyone on their toes."

Their conversation paused momentarily as Detective Black observed the ongoing rehearsals. Her attention caught a glimpse of Rosa Lombardi, standing by Ms. Delights with an intensity in her gaze that hinted at concealed concern which was aimed at her son Marco.

"Excuse me for a moment," Detective Black murmured to Madame Hattie before approaching Marco, who was overseeing the end to one of the acts.

"Marco, could I have a word? Somewhere discreet?" she requested, gesturing subtly for privacy.

Marco nodded, excusing himself from the ongoing rehearsals, and followed Detective Black to a quieter corner of the tent, away from prying eyes.

As they settled into a more private space, Detective Black couldn't shake the feeling of Rosa's watchful eyes. There was an unspoken tension lingering in the air, a palpable sense that the circumstances were far from ordinary.

Rosa was clearly still rattled by the detective's line of questions and concerned with what she had appeared to have found out. But she appeared more at unease by the prospect Detective Black, was now speaking with Marco, and she couldn't interject or direct Marco on how to reply.

Marco's curiosity was evident in his probing gaze.
"Detective, is this about my missing knife?" Marco questioned, his brow furrowing in concern. "Has it been found? It's getting close to our re-opening."

Detective Black, careful not to reveal her true intentions, gently deflected the question. "Actually, I'm here to discuss a few other matters, Marco. I've been gathering some information about the events that led up to Ralph's passing. Can you explain how your relationship developed?"

A hint of surprise flickered across Marco's face at the unexpected turn of conversation. "Ralph," he began, his tone reflecting a mix of nostalgia and sadness. "When my mother and I returned here after the fire in Riverdale, it was tough, especially between myself and Ralph. There was this lingering tension, unresolved issues from the past."

He paused, recollecting the challenging times. "We had disagreements over our father, Lorenzo, and his treatment of my mother Rosa, and cutting her from the circus deeds. It was like carrying the weight of the past on both of our shoulders. Especially for Ralph at the beginning as he had just lost his mother, Hilda, that night too and he was still so young."

Detective Black nodded empathetically, urging Marco to continue.

"But with time and the guidance of Jessica Delights," Marco continued, his voice softer now, "we managed to forge some sort of working relationship. It wasn't easy, Detective, but gradually, we began to understand each other, we wanted the same things for the circus ultimately. It was almost like forming a brotherly bond, slowly but steadily."

Detective Black observed Marco's contemplative expression, taking in the weight of their complicated history. She probed further, "And during this time, did you and Ralph have any particular disagreements or incidents that stand out?"