Escape from Doom! (Mr. Tophat)

Chapter 3

Bartholomew walked the carnival grounds, looking all over for any sign of Amani and where she could have run off to. Where could the little lady be hiding now? Mr. Tophat hates to be kept waiting. When he's kept waiting, things only get worse for the person who keeps him waiting. Amani should know this by now. She's been married to the man for quite a bit of time now. She knows the consequences of doing something to anger him, Bartholomew thought to himself as he continued to look for Amani.

Amani ran through the many attractions and rides, knowing exactly where to avoid running, due to the mindless slaves that her husband had walking around the carnival grounds; part taking in his dirty work. Amani kept running and stopped for a moment, looking around for a safe place to hide, when a hand reached out from the tent behind her, grabbing hold of her, pulling her inside.

Amani let out a scream of terror that was cut short when her husband placed his hand over her mouth.

"Now Amani, you know you have been a very bad girl. And running away is only going to make your punishment that much worse," Mr. Tophat said. "What do you have to say for yourself?" Mr. Tophat removed his hand from his wife's lips, waiting for her to respond to him.

"I couldn't allow you to hurt that little girl all those years ago. And I can't allow you to do so now," Amani argued.

"Do you not know how much of a threat she is to us," Mr. Tophat said growing annoyed with his wife.

"You mean YOU! That girl is a threat to you and all that you have created for a very big price that you had to pay. I unfortunately had to pay the price as well. I can't cross over and be free, because you made sure that I remain stuck here by your side," Amani said.

"You are my wife! You are to stay beside me. You are to help me keep this carnival going. But instead, you are protecting that girl," Mr. Tophat screamed.

"Because she is the only one who can end my torment that you put me through. I won't have you bring any harm to her, or make her one of your mindless slaves," Amani screamed back.

"Oh Amani, there is only so much that you can do to keep that girl safe from me. But you are growing pretty weak. I know you are from all these years of denying the darkness flowing through you, slowly poisoning you, wanting to break free and have you enjoy the wonderful strength and power that this carnival has to offer. The darkness of the Carnival is poisoning you until you learn to accept it and embrace it like I have. Tell me Amani, how much longer do you think you can keep up this fight and not give into the urge that is gnawing at you right now? Wouldn't it be easier if you were to just give in and join me by my side in running this carnival together as the happy married couple we are," Mr. Tophat asked. "I mean think about it, you and I can be Mr. and Mrs. Tophat. Don't you like the way that sounds?"

"I don't want to become Mrs. Tophat. I don't want to continue to live like this Marcus. I want to be free, so that way I can finally rest. I'm no good to you or your carnival anyway. So, why keep me around," Amani asked.

Mr. Tophat looked deep into Amani's eyes before finally speaking up. "The moment you and I were pronounced husband and wife, you became mine. I'm not willing to give up what is mine. Now darling wife, be good and help your husband get ready for the show tonight. And if you happen to see that girl, Rachel wandering around, I want you to bring her to me."

"What makes you think that the girl, Rachel will show up tonight for your little show? What if she never shows up again," Amani asked.

"Oh I know she will show up. I have a few tricks up my sleeve to draw little Rachel back to the carnival of doom," Mr. Tophat said in a sinister tone while grabbing hold of his wife's arm, leading her away to his office where her screams could be heard by those outside of his office.