by Cindy Bell
“Detective.” Brenda leaned out through the window some to make sure she had his attention. “The person who told me about this was very concerned about revealing that it happened. This person indicated it might be safer not to mention it.”
“Ah, and I guess you aren’t willing to tell me who that person is.” Detective Crackle’s lips drew into a tight, grim line.
“I would prefer not to, the person wanted to keep it quiet.” Brenda cleared her throat. “But I will tell you anything more I might come across.”
“Good.” Detective Crackle nodded. “I will hold you to that.”
“Good morning Arthur, Brenda.” Joyce smiled as she walked up to the truck.
Brenda met her eyes.
“Morning Joyce. I was just telling Detective Crackle about what we’ve discovered so far.”
“Well, I have something new to add to the list.” Joyce glanced between the two of them, then continued. “According to Cecilia, the equipment is checked about twenty minutes before a practice or a show. If Carter checked the nuts and bolts as he claims, and they were tight, then the person who loosened and removed the nuts had a very short amount of time to do so. I would say twenty to thirty minutes, because Rocco was late to arrive.” She raised an eyebrow. “Which means that whoever did this had to be in fairly close proximity to the tent before it happened.”
“Yes, I’m aware.” Detective Crackle turned to look at her. “Unfortunately, we know that the majority of our suspects were close by when this happened. I’ve already tried to narrow down the suspect list based on the timeline. Of course, Carter is still a top suspect. He may be lying about checking the nuts and bolts either out of laziness, or because he is the one who removed them in the first place.”
“But it seems like a huge risk to take, when you are the one responsible for checking the equipment. He had to know that fingers would be pointed at him.” Brenda shook her head as she mulled over the possibility. “I just don’t see him getting much benefit from Rocco’s death. Sure, he might have been a jerk to him, but that doesn’t usually lead to murder.”
“You would be surprised. But maybe there is more of a motive that we don’t know about.” Detective Crackle turned his attention to Joyce, and his voice softened slightly. “How about you, Joyce? Have you noticed anyone acting strangely around here? Perhaps someone absent that was here before?”
“I’ve only just arrived. I was having coffee with Cecilia.” Joyce frowned as she looked over at the big tent. “I hate to think that all of the work and effort she put into getting this show arranged is going to go to waste. Do you think the circus will have to be canceled altogether?” She looked back at him.
“I can’t say for sure. We need to see how the investigation unfolds. The crime scene is done being processed, but we have a few places to search today. Rocco’s trailer, and a few others. Once that is completed, it might be possible for the show to go on.” Detective Crackle shrugged.
“No matter what, they won’t have the turnout they would have, once the news of this gets out.” Brenda frowned. “My husband is worried that something else might happen.”
“I doubt it will.” Detective Crackle lifted his eyebrows. “From what I can tell this was a targeted attack on Rocco.”
“I thought he was overreacting a little.” Brenda narrowed her eyes.
“We have put in place extra security, just as an extra precaution, especially during the show today.” Detective Crackle nodded.
“That’s good.” Brenda smiled.
“Yes. I don’t think we necessarily need it, but it will make people feel safer.” Detective Crackle shrugged.
“I’m sure it will.” Brenda nodded.
“Ladies, I have some more people to interview. Please keep me informed of anything you observe or overhear.” Detective Crackle locked his eyes to Brenda’s. “And if that anonymous person is ever ready to speak directly to me about Rocco, I will be all ears.”
“I’ll make sure I convey that information.” Brenda forced a smile to her lips. From the tension in Detective Crackle’s expression she could guess that he still wasn’t pleased with her.
“Good luck, Arthur.” Joyce gave his shoulder a light pat. “We’re counting on you to solve this.”
“I’m sure.” Detective Crackle grinned as he looked at Joyce. “That’s why you’re conducting an investigation of your own.”
“Only trying to help.” Joyce winked at him, then ascended the steps into the truck.
As the detective walked away, Brenda turned towards Joyce.
“Did you see the way he smiled at you?”
“Don’t start, Brenda.” Joyce rolled her eyes and laughed. “The show is going to start soon. I’m sorry I am so late.”
“Don’t worry about that.” Brenda wiped off the counter. “I think I might just stay in the truck while the show is on.”
“Why?” Joyce’s eyes widened. “I thought you were looking forward to seeing it?”
“I was. But it just doesn’t feel right, with Sophie not being here to see it.” Brenda gazed out through the serving window. “This is something she would love, and it wouldn’t be fair for me to enjoy it without her.”
“I understand.” Joyce gave her a light hug. “If that’s what you think is best. I’m curious to see how Rocco will be honored. Cecilia said she wrote a nice speech about him. Maybe I can learn a few more details about his life from it.”
“Good idea.” Brenda nodded and managed a smile. “But don’t forget to have fun, too!”
Joyce stepped into the tent just as the lights began to dim. She was a bit startled by the sudden change. As she reached out for something to grab on to, her fingers sank into soft material, and then the firmness of an arm.
“Are you all right there?” Slappy spoke up as he placed his other hand on the small of her back.
The lights flashed bright, and the sudden sight of the clown staring at her nearly took Joyce’s breath away. She stumbled back but held on to his arm to keep herself from falling.
“Slappy!”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.” Slappy frowned.
“It’s okay, thank you for helping me. I was just a little startled.” Joyce looked up at the flickering lights. “Is this always how it starts?”
“Yes, it was Cecilia’s idea. A little light show to give the performers an extra few minutes to prepare, and signal to the audience that it’s time to pay attention. I rather like it.” Slappy looked up at the sparkling lights.
“It’s beautiful.” Joyce nodded, then straightened up. “I guess I’d better find a seat.”
“Right over there are some empty spots.” Slappy pointed towards a bleacher that was only half full.
“Thanks, Slappy.” Joyce smiled at him as he walked towards the center ring.
Joyce laughed as she saw his large shoes slapping at the ground. Once she settled on the bench, she was ready to enjoy the show. However, her thoughts shifted to her conversations that morning.
Something Detective Crackle said hung in Joyce’s mind. Would it be possible to find out who killed Rocco before the circus moved on? They couldn’t be kept there forever. She couldn’t imagine the pressure that Detective Crackle must be under. Yet, he didn’t let it show. He spoke and acted as if he had everything under control. Whether he did or not, she couldn’t be sure. But she hoped it was the case.
While the attention of the crowd focused on the action in the center of the ring, which included juggling clowns, and clowns on unicycles, Joyce swept her gaze over the crowd and the sides of the tent. She knew that people relaxed when they didn’t think they were being watched, and that might be the moment that someone made a mistake. She noticed Paisley in the shadows near the edge of the bleachers. She had her arms crossed as she stared at the clowns. No matter what funny thing they did, she didn’t crack a smile. In fact, it appeared that she might be glaring. As Joyce continued to watch her, Cecilia walked up to Paisley. The two began to exchange words. Joyc
e had to lean forward and squint, but she could make out some of what they said.
“I don’t want to be here.” Paisley frowned.
“Why not? Why wouldn’t you want to honor Rocco’s memory?” Cecilia gestured to the gathered crowd. “Everyone else is here because they want to be.”
“It’s wrong. He just died, and we’re already performing again. It’s just wrong.” Paisley slapped her hands against her thighs and stared at the other woman. “You know it’s wrong.”
“I don’t think it’s wrong, or I wouldn’t be here.” Cecilia placed one hand on Paisley’s shoulder and leaned closer to her. “You don’t want to be here? Then don’t be.” She gestured to the opening of the tent not far from them. “No one is holding you hostage.”
Joyce held her breath as she guessed that their conversation was about to take an ugly turn. She noted that their interaction appeared more like a mother and daughter relationship, instead of a boss and employee relationship. That made sense if Paisley had grown up with the circus. Paisley threw her hands up in the air, then stormed off towards the opening. Joyce stared at the clowns. She really did want to see the show. But she knew that when someone was upset, sometimes they would be willing to say a lot more. Her late husband used to take emotional opportunities to ask hard questions of suspects in crimes that he investigated. He said it was the best time to potentially find out the truth.
Joyce reluctantly stood up and crossed behind the bleachers towards the same exit that Paisley had taken. As she stepped out of the noise of the tent, she was a little startled by the sudden quiet. Just about everyone was inside. She paused just outside, and glanced around. Wherever Paisley had gone, she was out of sight. Disappointed, but still determined to try to find her, she began to wander along the outside of the tent.
Joyce caught a glimpse of Joey as he made his way into the tent. He glanced back over his shoulder once, then disappeared inside. Joyce stared after him for a moment, then a sound to her right drew her attention. Whimpering? She followed the sound for a few steps until she reached a trailer roped off by police tape. She guessed it must be Rocco’s trailer. Upon further inspection, she caught sight of Paisley seated on an overturned bucket not far from the trailer. She had her face buried in her hands as her shoulders trembled.
“Paisley?” Joyce inched towards her, aware that Paisley wouldn’t be pleased by a stranger invading her privacy.
“What?” Paisley looked up swiftly. Though her cheeks were flushed, her eyes were dry. “The donut lady?” She blinked as she stared at her.
“Yes. Joyce.” She stepped up beside her. “I’m sorry to bother you, but I just wanted to make sure that you’re okay.”
“I’m sorry, but I am most certainly not okay.” Paisley took a deep breath, then looked in the direction of the trailer. “I thought maybe coming here would help. But it doesn’t.”
“I know you must miss him.” Joyce crouched down beside her, despite the ache it ignited in her hip. “If you want to talk about it, I’m a good listener. I know it can be hard to talk to people who knew you both so well.”
“What can I talk about?” Paisley shrugged, then looked up at the sky. “He’s gone. Dead. Just like that.” She snapped her fingers. “One minute he was flying, the next he’s gone.”
“It’s terrible.” Joyce closed her eyes as she recalled the sight of him falling. “For someone to die so unexpectedly, so young. It’s a very difficult thing to come to terms with.”
“What if I can’t?” Paisley looked over at Joyce. “What if I can’t come to terms with it? What if I feel like this for the rest of my life?”
“Everyone processes grief a little differently. But in time, you will begin to heal.” Joyce straightened up as the ache in her hip became too uncomfortable to endure. “It happens slowly, and you never really stop missing them, but you find ways to enjoy life again.” Her throat grew dry as she thought of her late husband. He had meant the world to her, and it still stunned her sometimes when she returned home, and he wasn’t there.
“I’ll never enjoy anything again.” Paisley buried her face in her hands once more.
“You will, darling, it might not feel that way now, but you will.” Joyce’s voice softened. “When my husband passed away—"
“That’s not it.” Paisley suddenly stood up as anger flashed across her face.
Joyce took a slight step back as she gazed at the enraged, young woman.
Chapter 11
Outside the tent, not a person was in sight. Brenda took the quiet as an opportunity to do some extra cleaning in the truck. She was scrubbing out the sink when she heard a familiar voice call out to her.
“Mommy. Mommy, are you in there?” Sophie’s head bounced into view in the serving window, then disappeared. When she jumped again, she squealed. “There you are!”
“Sophie?” Brenda hurried to the window with a laugh. “What are you doing here?” She looked past her daughter, to see her husband a few steps behind her.
“We came to see the circus.” Charlie folded his arms across his chest as he smiled at her.
“You did?” Brenda stepped down from the truck and gasped as Sophie ran into her for a hug. “But I thought you didn’t think you would make it?”
“I thought about what you said, about it being a once in a lifetime experience. It really is, so I moved some things around.” Charlie shoved his hands into his pockets. “She’ll never get to see a show with such a small audience, and I know that they will probably be putting on very special acts to honor Rocco. I didn’t want her to miss out.”
“Oh Charlie, I am so happy you two are here.” Brenda pulled away from Sophie so that she could hug her husband.
“You can join us, right?” Charlie glanced past her at the truck.
“Yes, of course. There won’t be many, if any, customers while the show is on. Let me just lock everything up. It’ll only take a few minutes.” Brenda hurried back up onto the truck and rushed to get everything put away. Her heart pounded with excitement. Just moments before she had been prepared for a boring hour or two, but now she was faced with the prospect of a very special memory shared with her husband and her daughter. As she joined them in front of the truck again, she overheard Charlie telling Sophie about his own experience at the circus.
“Daddy, did you really get to talk to the clowns?” Sophie’s eyes widened.
“Yes, I really did.” Charlie smiled.
“I bet you might have a chance today, too, Sophie. There are many clowns here at this circus.” Brenda steered her gently towards the tent. “We’d better get in there, it’s already started, but don’t worry we haven’t missed much.”
“Here are some empty spots.” Charlie directed them to a few empty seats.
“Where is Joyce?” Brenda peered up and down the bleachers. “I don’t see her anywhere.”
“I’m sure she’s here somewhere.” Charlie wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Let’s just try to enjoy the show, okay?”
“Yes.” Brenda slipped her hand into Sophie’s and smiled. “Look Sophie, see that clown over there? His name is Slappy.”
“Slappy?” Sophie giggled. “That’s a silly name.”
“Yes, it is.” Brenda grinned. As the clowns ran around in a circle, music blared, and from somewhere near the top of the tent, a horn sounded. All of the clowns froze, with Slappy front and center.
Slappy shaded his eyes with his hand as he looked over the audience.
“I need a very special helper for this part of the show. Sorry, only one.” He squinted and walked back and forth in front of the bleachers. “I need someone who is brave, and someone who is strong.”
“I’m brave.” Sophie waved her hand in the air, as did several other children. “I’m strong, too. Right, Mommy?” She grinned as she looked up at Brenda. “I always help carry the groceries.”
“Yes, you’re very strong.” Brenda smiled and wrapped an arm around her.
“Oh. Who is that there?” Slappy st
opped a few feet away from Sophie. “Did you say you were brave? And strong?”
“Yes, I am.” Sophie grinned as she jumped to her feet. “I can do it, I can, I promise!” She jumped up and down with excitement.
“Wonderful. Come and be my helper.” Slappy held out his gloved hand to her.
As Brenda watched Sophie being led towards the center ring, and heard her daughter’s excited squeal, she couldn’t help but grin. She looked over at Charlie and found him smiling just as wide. He took her hand as she fumbled for her phone in her purse with the other hand.
“Hurry, make sure you get a picture.” Charlie squeezed her hand. “I think I’m more excited than she is.”
“Not sure if that’s possible.” Brenda laughed as Sophie high-fived Slappy and several of the other clowns.
“When you’re right, you’re right.” Charlie leaned close to her and winked. “She is loving this.”
“I’m just happy she’s happy.” Brenda kissed his cheek. “Thank you for being such an awesome person.”
“I do try.” Charlie grinned, then turned his attention back to the show.
Slappy had Sophie jump between a few rings on the floor. Then he had her lead a parade while the clowns acted like various animals.
“Look how serious she looks.” Brenda laughed.
Suddenly Slappy scooped Sophie up into his arms, which inspired a squeal out of her. He tossed her gently to the next clown in line, and they continued to pass her down from clown to clown. Sophie laughed and clapped her hands.
“It’s always tough juggling the kids.” Slappy laughed loudly and slapped his hands against his knees. Then he turned around just in time to catch Sophie. As he set her on his shoulders, Sophie curled her small fingers into the clown’s red wig as she tried to steady herself.
“Hey, not the hair,” Slappy shrieked, then laughed as he set her down on the ground again. “Great job, Sophie. Thanks for your help. You can go on back to your seat now.” He waved to her, then gasped. “Oh wait. I forgot one thing.” He pointed to the flower on his suit. “You have to smell the flower.”