Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 31355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 157(@200wpm)___ 125(@250wpm)___ 105(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 31355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 157(@200wpm)___ 125(@250wpm)___ 105(@300wpm)
“Can we talk?” I asked, my tone casual but firm. His eyes flicked to Dante, who hovered in the shadows, ready to intervene if necessary.
“What do you need, Ava?” Larry replied, his tone guarded.
“I found something interesting,” I said, my voice low, leaning in to show him a photo of the hidden stash. “Care to explain?”
His face paled, eyes darting around the room as he realized the noose was tightening.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he stood, backing me out of the doorway and closing it in my face.
“Well—“
“I’m not leaving until he comes out.” I backed away, ducking behind a few bales of hay stacked near Larry’s makeshift office under one of the administrative tents.
The circus grounds were a hive of activity, and after an hour of waiting, Larry finally opened his door when a man in a cheap navy business suit with a pink bow tie knocked. Just before Larry closed the door behind them I shoved my way past the visitor and into Larry’s office.
“What is this?” he snarled, trying to bluster his way out.
“This is the end of you,” Dante said, stepping forward with a quiet menace. The confrontation was tense, Larry’s desperation clear as he realized his downfall was imminent.
The audience, oblivious to the danger, continued to applaud the performance in the distance. Dante twisted Larry’s wrists with twine from the hay bale and as I watched, the rush of adrenaline left me breathless, the realization of the danger we’d overcome washing over me. Dante’s hand found mine as we walked in the direction of the Big Top.
“We did it,” I whispered, squeezing his hand. Larry trailing after us, his hands tied behind his back.
“Yes, we did,” Dante replied before he dipped to place a quick kiss on my lips.
Chapter Nine
Dante
“This is it.” I grit as I neared the entrance of the Big Top.
The audience, oblivious to the drama about to unfold, chattered excitedly, their faces lit with anticipation for the special performance. I scanned the crowd, ensuring we had clear lines of sight and easy access to the stage. The tension in the air was thick, each second stretching into an eternity.
Ava’s gaze caught mine from across the tent, her eyes full of determination and something else—something that sent a thrill through me despite the gravity of the situation. She signaled towards the back lot, where Larry paced just over her shoulder. My heart pounded with anticipation, every muscle in my body coiled and ready to spring into action.
The moment had come. My eyes scanned the crowd, the performers, and finally landed on Ava, her determined gaze meeting mine across the sea of faces. We had rehearsed this moment endlessly in our minds, and now it was time to act.
I nodded to her, and she took a deep breath, her resolve evident. As the spotlight swung towards the center ring, we moved. I could feel the eyes of the audience shift from the performers to us as we stepped into the light, interrupting the show.
"Ladies and gentlemen," I began, my voice carrying over the murmur of confusion. "We apologize for the interruption, but there are urgent matters that must be addressed."
Ava stepped forward, holding up the files we had gathered, her voice strong and clear. "We have evidence of serious crimes committed within this circus. Corruption, fraud, and worse. We can no longer remain silent."
Larry stood frozen, his face paling as Ava laid out the evidence before the gathered audience. The documents were passed around, the proof irrefutable. He tried to deny it, his voice growing desperate, but each denial was met with more damning evidence.
"These are lies!" he shouted, but his voice wavered. "You have no proof!"
"We have all the proof we need," Ava countered, stepping closer. The tension was thick, the air charged with electricity. “And we’ve already called the police.”
Larry’s desperation turned to rage. He must have broken the twine holding his wrists bound because in the next moment he lunged at Ava, his face twisted in anger. Instinctively, I moved to intercept him, grappling with the man as chaos erupted around us. The audience screamed, some trying to flee, others watching in stunned silence.
The sounds of the circus fading into a blur of grunts and shouts. Just as I thought we had him subdued, he broke free and swung a heavy fist, aimed directly at Ava. Without thinking, I threw myself in front of her, taking the blow meant for her. Pain exploded in my side, sharp and searing. I collapsed to the ground, the world tilting as blood pooled around me. The sounds of the struggle dimmed, replaced by the pounding of my heart in my ears. Ava's face appeared above me, her eyes wide with fear and guilt.
"Dante!" she cried, her voice trembling. She knelt beside me, her hands pressing desperately against the wound. "Stay with me, please."