After a good night’s sleep Giles decided that it was now time to start the ball rolling and give the circus prior warning that he would soon be giving everyone an explanation of his findings for trying to bring someone to justice. Today would be the final preparation day for the circus to have everything ready for the opening of the short season at Alexandra Park.
Laura was still fatigued after her drive from Scotland and she was advised to remain in the flat and take it easy; while Giles paid a short visit to the racecourse at Ally Pally. Freddie was going to the racecourse at Sandown Park to have a word with some of the staff. Laura would be on her own for an hour or two, but Giles promised he’d not be away too long.
The vastness of the Big Top had a somewhat eerie atmosphere when Giles entered to find a small group making sure that the seating arrangements were in good order. He couldn’t help but feel the surge of adrenalin as he looked upwards and caught sight of the trapeze which would be in action at the climax of the show. The time was fast approaching when the accidents that had bedevilled the circus for the past six months or so, might almost be at an end. The burden was his: it was going to be up to him to bring the disasters, and in particular the murders, to a final conclusion.
Biting his lip, Giles left the tented emptiness and went over to the booth where Madame Eva Zigana was quietly preparing for visitors wishing their fortunes to be told.
‘I’m sorry to barge in like this, Eva, but there is something I want to ask of you.’
‘If I can help you it will give me great satisfaction, Giles.’
‘You were one of those I questioned in the old control tower at RAF Winkleigh.’
‘That’s correct, Giles. I was one of the suspects and I expect that I still am?’
‘For what I am about to say I have to confirm that you will be asked to attend a news conference along with all the other suspects. It will be held very soon when I intend to put my cards on the table, Eva, and reveal the identity of…’ Giles discontinued his discourse as he watched the lines appear on the smooth skin of the fortune- teller’s face.
Madame Zigana did not answer for several seconds. She stared at Giles, the frown on her brow expressing her immediate feelings. ‘You will be insisting that I, along with other suspects, attend a meeting to give you the opportunity to name one of us as the guilty person and yet you wish to ask a favour of me?’
‘Not quite true, Madame. I will not be insisting that you attend the conference. That will be done by Ramon, your circus supremo. He will ensure that everyone is there before any revelation is made. The other part of your enquiry is true, Eva. I do wish to ask a favour of you. I have a very strong reason for wanting your presence when I ultimately make my allegations, and I wouldn’t be asking you to grant me a favour if I thought you were criminally involved…and I have a good idea that the favour I ask will be something you will enjoy doing as a teller of fortunes.’
The furrows on Eva’s brow disappeared as she turned her head to one side and gave Giles a smile. ‘Please tell me what you want of me?’
‘Thank you, Eva. There will come a time when I will give you a sealed envelope. In that envelope there will be a prediction – similar to what a mentalist magician might do. The prediction will be the name of the person I believe to be guilty. I do not wish the envelope to be opened unless I can produce sufficient evidence to support my claim in a manner which will convince those who are innocent, or…’ the pause was dramatic, ‘…or,’ he repeated. ‘In the event of my death! I depend on you to carry out my wishes.’
‘Are you reasonably confident that you can bring the guilty person to justice, Professor Dawson, or do you anticipate that there is a fifty-fifty chance that you might die in the attempt?’
‘You, my dear Eva, are the most likely person to make an accurate forecast of what the immediate future may hold for me. I’ll leave that prediction in your capable hands.’ Giles moved towards the door of the booth, stopped and turned back; with tongue in cheek he said ‘Just a little piece of advice, Madame. As one exponent of the art of magic to another can I possibly ask you to look into your crystal ball and, with a touch of levity, dream up an ending that gives me a better than fifty-fifty chance?’ With those words Giles left to make a few more calls.
Lizzie Lisbet, the equestrian artiste, was with her mare in the circus stable when Giles called in to speak to her. Everything was set fair for the London opening. Both horse and rider were in good form and Giles made sure that Lizzie was informed as to what he intended doing and that he wanted her to be in attendance at the conference when it was called.
His next visit was to Gayle Serpis. She was wearing a full-length body-stocking and was engaged in some gentle stretching exercises as she prepared for her twice-daily act on the swaying pole complete with trapeze. She was willing to attend any press conference which was called and was intrigued that there was a distinct possibility that the circus disasters might be nearing an end and a guilty person might be brought to justice.
There was only one more visit to make before returning to the flat. Giles thought it prudent to call on Ramon, take him into his confidence and put him in the picture regarding the way things were going.
‘I came to wish you the best of luck for tomorrow when the new season begins. I know you’ll be a bit apprehensive, Ramon, but I may soon have some better news for you’
‘That’s kind of you, Professor, very kind indeed. I’m sure we need all the good luck we can get and if you have some better news for me that would definitely help.’
‘I believe I’m on the verge of solving the problem your circus has and I will be calling a press conference as soon as I’m confident of making an announcement. When that happens I want you to direct all those who were listed as suspects to attend that conference which will probably be held across the park in Alexandra Palace. I’ll contact the Press and give them the information.’
‘Have you really come to a decision, Professor?’
‘I’m sorry but that will depend on what may take place at that meeting. I hope to be able to clarify things when we all meet in the Palace.’
They shook hands and Giles left to walk the short distance to the Alexandra Palace railway station. He was looking forward to getting back to Laura who would probably be rested by now.
With the first part of his strategy to reveal the identity of the killer now complete, Giles was annoyed that the journey to his London flat seemed to take longer than he wished. It crossed his mind that it might not be a bad idea to renew his driving experience and purchase a car. The money he’d received from Ramon would certainly come in handy for that…unless he was forced to return it due to his inability to reach a successful conclusion.
He was still musing over everything when he got back to the flat. That was short-lived as once again he was in for a rude surprise. Laura’s car was gone.
He let himself in only to discover a note on the dining table. It was addressed to Freddie and was written in a hurried scrawl.
Dear Freddie,
A phone message from someone at the circus has asked me to come as quickly as possible. Giles has had a nasty accident and he may be in intensive care.
Laura
Giles wasted no time in calling a cab. Luckily he was able to have the assistance of the cabbie, Colin Forbes, who drove him to Ally Pally in record time. Despite the friendly chat the journey to the circus was a nightmare for Giles. Someone had made a hoax call – but for what purpose? Laura could now be in grave danger. If that was the case it would constitute a threat to Giles unless…? Was this another shot across his bows? Was someone trying to make him pull out of his effort to solve the impossible?
The black cab had hardly stopped when Giles jumped out and rushed to where he thought the rest area might be. It was empty and there was no sign of nurse or doctor. He wandered around asking everyone he bumped into but nobody had seen Laura. Some didn’t know who she was. He was frantic and although contemplating the worst scenario he trie
d to stay calm and reason things out.
The entire centre of the racecourse was teeming with what seemed hundreds of men apparently occupied in fine-tuning preparation of the giant tent and clearing all the un-needed steel poles, ropes and clutter. None looked to be a threat to Giles or the missing Laura and that at least was a comfort to him.
Giles pushed his way through the working throng until, by a strange quirk of fate, he heard a voice that was distinctly recognisable. The sound came from the trailer of the equestrian youngster, Lizzie, and Giles almost fell in the door, without waiting for an answer to his knock.
The relief etched on Laura’s face was matched by the calm, now shown by Giles, as they embraced each other.
‘I’m so glad you’re safe and well, Giles. I hurried here as quickly as I could. Were you involved in an accident?’
‘No I wasn’t. I read the note you left for Freddie and I came here by taxi. I can’t understand who called you…or why? Was it a man or a woman, Laura?’
‘I think it was a man’s voice but I’m not certain. I can’t swear to it.’
‘Well, I’m certainly ready to swear to it.’ Giles was furious as he continued. ‘Whoever called you was intent on mischief and I’m damned if I’m going to allow that to happen again. I may be out of the frying pan and into the fire but it’s the person responsible who is going to be burned.
They spent a little time with the young girl from Devon. After explaining what the next steps would be they thanked her for the time she’d devoted to Laura.
The drive back to the flat was less stressful than the trip Giles had made by cab after reading Laura’s note. He was adamant that it was now or never as far as throwing down the gauntlet was concerned; and the quicker it was done the better. If he was correct in his assumption about the killer, he was sure that the only way to prevent another death was to carry out his proposals at the conference. The prospect of a third murder was horrific especially if it was within his power to prevent it happening.
The first thing Giles did when they were safely back in the London flat was pour drinks for everyone, after which they sat down and talked over how he was going to approach the confrontation with all those on that suspect list. Obtaining a conviction sustainable in court would probably require a confession in some form or other. His explanation to Laura was met with strong opposition as she considered it life threatening but Giles insisted that it might be the best way to bring this whole matter to an end.
Chapter 24
THROW DOWN THE GAUNTLET
There was a distinct buzz of excitement and anticipation in the Conference Hall of Alexandra Palace when Giles and Ramon entered to make their announcements to the circus elite. Members of the Press were in attendance to learn if a solution to the criminal problems of the Tropicana Circus was imminent and, hopefully, to hear the identity of the murderer.
All the named suspects were there including the magician’s assistant, Annette Wagner, who had replaced the first murder victim Allison Somerfield. Lizzie Lisbet, the equestrian rider of Bianca; and Gayle Serpis, the acrobat on the swaying pole and trapeze; plus the replacement ringmaster, Mark Kimberley, were also in attendance.
The meeting opened when Ramon got to his feet. He looked a little uneasy as his gaze searched around the sea of faces seated before him and, without saying anything, he brought out a cigar. Taking plenty of time he put a light to the Havana, took several puffs and blew a few smoke rings into the air.
‘Some five or six months ago,’ he began. ‘I was going through hell because of the number of strange accidents that were taking place in my circus. I was under the impression that someone in this show was deliberately causing these disasters to force me to relinquish my control of this great spectacle. I was at my wits’ end until a unique opportunity came about.’ He paused, took another few puffs of his cigar and turned to look at Giles.
‘When this gentleman, Professor Giles Dawson, invited circus owners and stage magicians to a meeting, to highlight the possibility of introducing illusions into the circus ring, I grasped at the chance to ask for his help.’ He paused once more and, placing a hand on Giles’ shoulder, he nodded and took a puff of his cigar before continuing.
‘Professor Dawson had been renowned in most of the daily and evening newspapers because of an outstanding performance in solving a fourteen year old mystery. I believed he was the best person to break this hoodoo…this gauntlet of fear I was under and, when he accepted my offer, I prayed that a time would come when a meeting of this sort would take place. I do not know how successful he has been, but I’m confident he will be able to provide us with all the essential facts. How much still remains to be resolved will become clearer this evening. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the historian of the Great Illusionists, Professor Giles Dawson.’
Rising to a muted applause Giles took the large cigar handed to him by Senhor Mordomo but made no attempt to have it lit. He looked out to the group facing him and could see Laura and Freddie sitting among the journalists just behind the suspects. ‘When I first took on this intractable task,’ he said. ‘I was instantly reminded of an adage by a distinguished author. I believe it was G.K. Chesterton who said that “If a job was worth doing, it was worth doing badly.” That Chestertonian paradox has constantly been with me and there were many occasions when I despaired…when I was aware I was doing badly. I recently made a promise to Senhor Mordomo when the circus was in York. I told him that if I was unable to solve his problem by midsummer, I would repay him the bulk of the retainer he gave me.’
‘So you’ve given up the ghost, Professor?’ yelled one journalist. ‘How much are you going to repay?’ shouted another.
Holding up a hand to silence the hecklers, Giles waited until he was ready to continue. ‘You were all called here tonight so that I can keep the promise I made and, even though we’re a few weeks short of midsummer, I am going to do just that.’
‘First, I’d like to take you through all that I’ve gleaned from start to finish before finally revealing my conclusion. After that I may be asking for a little helpful co-operation from the guilty person. That person… the instigator of all the accidents and the murderer of Allison – the magician’s assistant, and Sebastian – the ringmaster, is here in this room tonight.’
The commotion following that last statement grew rapidly into a hullabaloo as several journalists raised their arms.
‘When I’ve explained what my early thoughts were, I’ll give you all a chance to ask questions. In the meantime please bear with me.’ Giles bent down to speak to the circus boss after Ramon had calmed the situation somewhat. The Portuguese owner produced a lighter which he handed to the historian. Giles took his time while lighting his cigar, then handed the lighter back.
‘At the very beginning,’ he said. ‘I had to admit I was confused by the sheer size of the problem I was being asked to investigate. The numbers involved were so great, when taking into account the complement employed in the circus, that I came to the conclusion the complexity of the situation was beyond my control.’ He paused to draw on his cigar. ‘I repeat,’ he said. ‘Beyond my control, that is, until Senhor Mordomo came to my rescue and lightened my load.’ Giles took another puff, blew out the cigar smoke and smiled. ‘Senhor Mordomo produced a list of suspects for me and I have that in my pocket. The murderer’s name is on that slip of paper.’
The hubbub in the hall reached disturbing proportions and Giles had difficulty in bringing back a resumption of order to the proceedings.
When peace was restored Giles asked one of the attendants in the hall for an ashtray. He took another draw on the tobacco leaf before placing the cigar in the ashtray. ‘My first encounter with an accident was on hearing from Hank, the circus funambulist, about his fall from a vibrating wire. That was quickly followed by one of the worst things a tented show could possibly suffer…that of fire. The fire happened during a hilarious performance by Chuck and his clowns and fortunately took place in a hanger where
it was dealt with speedily.’ He picked up the cigar, tapped it with his fingers to knock the ash into the tray, took a look at the glowing end then put it down again.
‘After the fire, there were the lacerations to Leonardo on the staircase of swords and the impending disaster when the tiger, Khan, ended up with the magician’s assistant in the same cage. Both of those incidents could have resulted in death. I am also reminded, when thinking of the Royal Bengal Tiger, about the times when Khan’s cage has been left open in mysterious circumstances. Looking back at the variety of misfortunes it was distinctly possible than any one of several people could be responsible for all of them, or a different person might have carried out each one. It was all confusion until two incidents happened which seemed to be connected. The first of these was a note left in my trailer with four names on it. They were the names of well-known people in entertainment who had changed their names from the ones they were given at birth.’
The silence in the room was electric as Giles stopped to have a sip of water from the glass in front of him.
‘The second of the two incidents,’ Giles persisted. ‘Was a written conundrum posted on the notice board in the old control tower of RAF Winkleigh.’
One of the journalists raised a hand which, for the moment, Giles ignored. ‘In every line of that conundrum,’ he continued. ‘There was a clear-cut reference to people, places and objects, with double names or double meanings. It had to be either a help pointing me in the right direction or an attempt by someone to lead me up the garden path.’ He stopped and pointed to the hack with the hand raised.
‘Geoff Granger, The Daily Telegraph.’
‘Yes, Mr. Granger I’ll take a question from you at this stage.’
‘Thank you, Professor. I believe I’m correct in saying that part of the conundrum was directing you to visit some remote island where you might find the secret you were searching for. Is that true and, if so, did you go there?’
Gauntlet of Fear Page 29