Chapter 3 #2
“Of course they do, hot stuff,” Carlotta purrs, and I can practically see her pupils turning into little pulsating hearts.
Jump gestures to the woman in silver. “And this is Celeste Vale, Milo’s assistant.”
Celeste’s smile lights up her entire face, warm and genuine. “Pleasure to meet you all.”
Carlotta doesn’t waste a second. She steps forward, her eyes locked on Milo like he’s the last dessert at a buffet.
“You know, I’d love to volunteer for your act.
I’m excellent at making things disappear—just ask my last three husbands.
” She shoots Celeste a pointed look. “And then I could take her place. You should see me in a push-up bra. It’s a gravity-defying act all on its own. ”
True story. Although, thankfully, her boobs dwell somewhere near her hips on most days.
Mayor Nash clears his throat so loudly it could register on the Richter scale.
“What?” Carlotta grunts at him. “I was just being helpful. I’m one of the best citizens Honey Hollow has to offer. Jump here said so himself.”
I’m not sure Jump said that, but I’m also not about to correct her.
Milo leans toward the man. “Always performing, aren’t you?”
Jump chuckles, though the sound comes out slightly strained.
“Excuse me,” Milo says, turning back to Carlotta. He takes her hand and kisses the back of it with so much drama it would make a Regency romance hero green with envy. “I need to prepare for my act. But I’ll keep your generous offer in mind.”
He sweeps away, his cape billowing behind him like a red tsunami chasing him down.
Carlotta groans and moans and looks about ready to faint.
Celeste laughs, completely unbothered by the whole exchange. She leans in and gives Jump a quick hug and pinches his cheeks. “I just love this man to death.”
Jump gives a dark laugh, and something in his tone makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and take notice. “You, my love,” he says with a wink, “are a pretty little liar.”
A flash of light near the red curtain catches my eye, and I spot two women, a redhead and a brunette, both in glittery leotards, having what looks like a terse conversation.
The brunette’s arms are crossed, and the redhead keeps glancing over her shoulder as if she’s worried someone might overhear while they continue to bicker.
Before Celeste can leave, the two women head our way, and Jump catches the brunette by the arm. “Whoa, ladies. We’ve got some VIPs I absolutely need you to meet.”
The brunette is tall and striking, with long dark hair pulled into a sleek braid and cheekbones I might be moved to kill for.
She moves like a dancer, controlled, graceful, and just a little bit dangerous.
I can’t help but notice the glittering knives holstered at her hips, each one looking sharp enough to do some serious damage.
Jump gestures to her with all the drama a ringmaster can bring. “This lovely lady is Lethal Lavinia. Best knife thrower this side of the Mississippi.” He leans our way. “Though I keep telling her she should smile more during her act. The audience loves a little charm with their danger.”
Lavinia’s expression could stop a charging bull. She doesn’t say a word, just scowls in his direction with enough venom to make me take a step back.
I guess the smile is a no-go.
Jump doesn’t seem bothered in the slightest. He turns to the redhead beside her, his grin widening. “And this is our little Poppy. Our lead aerialist and the only person in this circus who makes flying look far too easy.”
Poppy gives a polite nod our way. She’s got bright red curls that catch the light like flames, freckled shoulders, and a lean, muscular build that says she’s spent half her life defying gravity.
She offers a quick smile, but there’s something tight in the way she holds herself, as if she’s bracing for a blow.
Jump grins at her, and there’s something just a little too sharp in his expression. “Of course, Poppy here has been known to upstage me now and then. Isn’t that right, darling?”
Poppy’s eyes sharpen his way. “Oh, honey, there isn’t a soul alive who could upstage you.”
And for some reason, when she says the words, they don’t sound like a compliment.
The lights flicker overhead, and the crowd erupts in gasps and applause as everyone scrambles toward their seats.
Jump straightens his top hat and adjusts his crimson tailcoat. “Well, folks, time to put on the best show this town has ever seen. Wish me luck!”
Mayor Nash takes Carlotta’s hand in a grip that says you’re staying right here. “I’m keeping an eye on you myself. Now let’s go get our seats.”
“Lot, help!” Carlotta calls out in a panic as he hauls her away. “Sexy? Cause a distraction or a commotion, or whatever you benchwarmers do best!”
And just like that, they’re swallowed by the crowd.
Everett chuckles, low and amused. “All right, Lemon. Let’s take our seats. Maybe even score one or two of those animal cracker cookies everyone is raving about.”
“You’re lucky your wife has connections,” I tease.
We take off as well, and soon enough we’re settled in the front row (apparently my husband, the benchwarmer, pulled a few strings), and Lyla Nell immediately climbs into Noah’s lap, bouncing with excitement.
“I’ve got the entire sheriff’s department patrolling the grounds,” Noah says, his voice low enough that only Everett and I can hear. “This night is bound to run smoothly.”
I make a face as the lights dim and the music swells into something dramatic and ominous.
Noah thinks the night will run smoothly. And yet, somewhere out there, the ghost of an elephant begs to differ.