Circus of Shadows: A Deadly Performance

Chapter 63: Seeking Clarity Amidst the Shadows

Detective Black, after her conversation with Marco, felt a sense of urgency to find Bella. Her concern grew when she couldn't locate Bella at the rehearsals. Instead, she bumped into Gabriella Giggles, who informed her about Bella's absence, stirring up the detective's worry.

Detective Black asked, "Have you any idea where Bella might be?"

Gabriella shook her head, her painted smile fading slightly. "No, Detective. She's not been herself lately. I haven't seen her since last night. Should we be worried?"

Detective Black's concern deepened. "I hope not. But right now, I need your help with something, Gabriella. There's a lead I want to follow up on."

Meanwhile, Marco, reeling from the revelations about his mother and the circus's ownership, was struggling to contain his emotions. He felt a whirlwind of emotions-anger, confusion, and hurt. Instead of confronting his mother immediately, he sought solace in the wisdom of Madame Hattie.

Madame Hattie noticed Marco's troubled expression as he entered her trailer. "Marco, you seem perturbed. What's on your mind?"

Marco hesitated, then divulged, "Detective Black told me something that's shaken me up. It's about the circus, about my mother. I don't understand why she wouldn't tell me. Or why she has done what's she done."

Madame Hattie, perceptive as ever, listened intently to Marco's concerns. "Sometimes, there are reasons beyond our immediate understanding. Have you spoken to her about this?"

Marco sighed, "No, not yet. I'm not sure how to."

Madame Hattie, sensing Marco's inner turmoil, gestured for him to sit. "Marco, I've seen you grow up in this circus, and your mother and I go way back. You know you can always confide in me."

Marco nodded, his eyes searching for answers. "Detective Black mentioned something about the circus deeds. My mother apparently has made some changes and, well... it will come out soon, but she never told me about any amendments. I just can't wrap my head around why she'd do that."

Madame Hattie shuffled her deck of tarot cards thoughtfully. "The cards might offer some guidance. Sometimes, things happen for reasons beyond our immediate understanding."

As she laid the cards out, she explained their significance to Marco. "This spread can help us understand the unseen forces at play, but remember, Marco, they offer guidance, not definitive answers."

Marco took a deep breath, observing the cards and their patterns, hoping for some clarity about his mother's actions. The cards revealed layers of meaning, subtly nudging Marco to consider perspectives he hadn't yet explored.

Madame Hattie interpreted the cards with care, "It appears that there are hidden truths, motivations, and unexpected changes around you. Sometimes, people shield the truth to protect loved ones or carry burdens in silence."

Marco listened intently, processing the insights. "So, my mother might have kept this from me to protect me somehow?"

Madame Hattie nodded gently, "Possibly, Marco. But it's essential to communicate openly. The truth, though difficult, can often pave the way for understanding and resolution."

Marco thanked Madame Hattie for her guidance, leaving with a bit more clarity and a resolve to have an honest conversation with his mother.

Marco left Madame Hattie's trailer, a mix of emotions swirling within him. He noticed Detective Black engaged in conversation with Gabriella Giggles, the circus clown, sitting on a bench near the coconut shy stall. Choosing to give them space, he decided to take a solitary stroll out of the circus grounds and through Haven, hoping the fresh air would help clear his mind.