How Things Are

forty-six

It was too silent when we exited the city. I couldn't tell whether or not Lucas was disappointed in me. It was the third time I did something without asking if I counted accidentally gambling his car away. But that wasn't me. Being with these guys is more stressful than it was on my own.

There are a few shortcuts we can take from here that will get us to Derek's territory but they drive everywhere so I'm not sure whether they know or not.

Either way, we'll end up crossing another gang territory. The problem is the closer we get to Derek's territory we're likely to find out if he's gaining allies. Though no one will go against Lucas, it won't stop them from pushing buttons if paid a high price.

That's what's annoying about Derek. He fights dirty. His kingdom is big because of how cruel he is to people. When we get closer there will be spies within other gangs watching out for us. Ready to report to him.

Lucas is no fool though. He's a strategist. I'm sure he anticipated this and has counter-plans in wait. He's remained quiet long enough you'd think he doesn't have a care in the world.

Teedo wouldn't tell me anything when I asked earlier where we were headed. Mafia thrives on information. Just because they drive doesn't mean they won't know which way to go. Especially for one of Lucas's assassins or bounty hunters. It's what they do. Live in the blood money they make with the finer things in life.

I'm lost in my dark thoughts, following the feet in front of me. Joey starts humming a creepy tune. I look up and realize he's humming to music nobody can see. It feels like something horrible is about to sneak up behind me.

The music comes from within the trees on the road we've been traveling. Lucas, our all-mighty leader, turns towards the forest. Joey and I look at each other but we follow with everyone else.

My grip on my Kitana has never been tighter. My brother told me horror stories that would give me nightmares. Children are being led in the forest for various reasons. Canable witches lived in edible houses. I wasn't sure what a witch was but I wasn't about to be eaten by anyone.
Then Simon would say giant wolves lived here. Their breath was so awful it could knock down a brick house, killing whoever was inside.

I can't recall anything he told me about music but the louder it got the more cautious we became.

Lucas led us to a clearing. We could finally see what was making that creepy music.

"It's a circus." Joey sounded too excited for how I felt at the moment.

"A what?"

"You know. A circus!"

I look at him and then back at the big tent. Around there were odd-looking strangers. Someone shoved a sword down his throat, then pulled it out uninjured. My eyes pop out.

I looked past him there was a woman breathing fire. "Impossible," I mumbled

"OH, it's possible." I jump at a man wearing a large hat. He snuck up from behind me somehow. He tilts his hat and claps his hands twice. "Alright, everyone. We have guests. Let's not spoil the show."

Everyone looks our way and then enters the tent. It was like one of Simon's stories coming true. That lady was a dragon! I watched her walking in the tent. "Perhaps not all dragons have wings," I mumble

The man with the large hat looks at me as if I'm odd then approaches Lucas. "How may I help you today Don Lucas?"

Lucas greats him back. "We need a ride, Ringmaster"

"Streight to the point then." He smiles wide. "I heard what happened to your old ride."

Lucas doesn't fall for Ringmasters teasing. "Then you should know where I need to be."

"How about you and your friends enjoy the show? It'll start shortly." He speaks so fast and direct Lucas doesn't have time to interrupt. "Then you can rest here for the night. I'll get you that ride tomorrow yes?"

Lucas glares at him. Ringmaster holds all the cards. Providing us hospitality and only letting us go if we agree to his wishes. It's how every Gang leader keeps their place. If he just gave in the rest of this circus would disrespect him.

"Come now. It's been a while since they've been able to perform." Ringmaster says excitedly

"Very well," Lucas says. "My men need their rest and I'm sure you need to prepare."

The look they gave one another was as if they were old friends. We all follow him into the tent, finding seats already circling the tent. In the middle was a stage where Ringmaster stood.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Boys and girls! Welcome to my circus!" The mischievous way he speaks makes my skin crawl.

He leaves the stage only to introduce a man taming a snake with an instrument. The Snake Charmer plays different tunes and the snake dances to each one.

When he leaves the Dragon lady walks out. A tiger follows her. She set fire hoops then makes the tiger jump through them. I don't like it. It was cruel.

Next a disfigured man comes and stretches in weird positions. It grossed me out.

When the sword swallower came all I could think was 'what a useless way to use a sword.' But it was talented.

Ringmaster introduced what he called 'his sky dancer'. She elegantly glided through the ropes that hung on the ceiling.

He brought out other strange looking people but to each their own.

The last act was a clown and I nearly fainted if I wasn't terrified of Lucas more. The stories my brother told me about them just to make me come home early or not stay up too late. There's too many. I stone my face and wait until Ringmaster comes back to end the show with his own slight of hand magic. He must've been a good pick pocket.

When it's over I realized I'm the only one truly lost in the performance. Everyone else nodded off or was talking among themselves. Lucas wasn't paying attention at all and was on his tablet.

Ringmaster approached me. "You enjoyed it I see."

"I did." His smile grows

"What was your favorite?"

"I'm debating between the Snake Charmer or Sky Dancer."

"I see. Those are a crowd favorite." He hums "Any suggestions?"

"Get rid of the tiger and have the knife thrower do more tricks."

He laughs "I see. Well the tiger was expensive so he'll be staying." He looks me up and down "Did you like my magic?"

I smile "I could do that."

He looks surprised "Could you now?"

I hand him back his watch. "I could."

He laughs loud enough to get Lucas attention "Alright." He pats my head like I'm a child then turns to Lucas "Let's get you that ride Lucas."