Circus of Shadows: A Deadly Performance

Chapter 70: Shadows of Doubt

Detective Black spotted Felix Bauer just outside Luna's trailer, talking with a few of the circus performers. She approached him with a firm but composed demeanour.

"Felix, could I have a word with you?" she asked, maintaining a neutral expression.

Felix glanced at her, nodding slightly. "Sure, Detective. What do you need?"

"Would you mind coming with me for a moment? I'd like to find a quiet spot to talk," she suggested, gesturing towards a quieter area within the circus grounds.

Felix followed, his expression wary but compliant. They found a bench tucked away from the bustling activities. The detective remained silent for a moment, observing Felix's demeanour.

"I wanted to update you on the investigation," she began. "The rucksack you mentioned missing has been found."

Felix's eyes widened subtly, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. "Oh? Where was it?"

"In the forest, not far from here," she replied, watching his reaction closely. "But before I reveal its contents, I'd like to hear from you first Mr Bauer. Do you have any idea why it might have been hidden there or what could have led to its disappearance?"

Felix hesitated for a moment, visibly processing her words. "I'm not sure, Detective. I told you I lost it, but I didn't expect it to be found," he responded, his voice strained hiding the fact he remembered where it was left and Ms Delights was unsuccessful in her search for it.

The detective noted his unease and continued her observation, seeking any signs of apprehension or evasion in his posture or expressions. "The contents are quite interesting. Care to share why you had them inside?"

Felix's eyes flickered briefly, a hint of concern surfacing. "I'm not certain, Detective. I honestly don't know what might have been in there," he replied, keeping his composure.

Detective Black remained composed, noting his reactions and making mental notes of his responses. "Well, it's intriguing. Some documents and a particular item of interest. I'll need you to explain a few things once we have a look together back at the station then," she stated calmly, preparing to reveal the contents and delve deeper into the matter.

Felix nodded hesitantly, his apprehension evident as he wasn't prepared to inspect the rucksack back at the station. The detective's mind buzzed with questions, keen to uncover more as the investigation progressed.

Detective Black stepped into a more interrogation manner as her gaze now firmly fixed on Felix. "Felix, we found something rather interesting in your possession," she started, her tone composed yet insistent.

Felix shifted uncomfortably, his eyes darting around the the interrogation room. "I... I don't know what you're talking about."

"Mr Ralph Ortiz's contracts for all his circus performers," Detective Black continued, sliding printed copies of these papers across the table. "They were found in your bag. Care to explain why?"

Felix's face turned pale, a flicker of panic crossing his features. "I-I didn't know they were there. In my bag? Are you sure? I didn't put those contracts in there, I've never touched them."

Detective Black leaned in, fixing a penetrating gaze on Felix. "These contracts were stolen from Ralph's trailer. Do you have any idea how they ended up in your possession?"

Felix hesitated, his mind racing. "I was just trying to find my rucksack. It was missing, and I needed it back," he stammered, trying to find an explanation. "I didn't know they were inside."

Detective Black arched an eyebrow skeptically. "Your rucksack, the one you were so keen to recover. Are you telling me you didn't know what was in it?"

Felix's gaze faltered, his words coming out in a hurried manner. "I swear, Detective, I didn't put them there. I didn't steal those contracts. I don't know how they got into my bag."