Count Castillo's Circus Freaks was one of those circuses that used both modern and traditional elements. They used no animals except trained dogs, and horses were used for pleasure riding and hauling wagons. Their red and white big top could almost have rivalled some of Atlanta's taller buildings, and the compound itself was enough to take one's breath away. Their wagons ranged from small to almost big enough to transport a house, and every wagon was equipped with all the mod cons one could desire, from solar panels to all the latest electronics. Horses and dogs trotted or ran past, and my eyes searched for a distinctive palomino coat as the ringmaster, Count Castillo (his real name, by the way - he'd had it changed legally a few years ago) led me through the cacophony. "That little horse of yours is quite a charmer," he said. "I'd almost break my own rules and have him perform, but as you know, we only use dogs."39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXn8ODwl5Gw
"Well, Potato is almost a dog in a horse's body," I said. "I mean, why not use him in your shows and have him as a special, one of a kind?"
Castillo stroked his curled and waxed moustaches thoughtfully. "I don't see why not," he said at last. "The caveat, my dear, is that you'd have to join us as well."
"So long as my fiance is welcome," I said.39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJy2RJIB49j
"Of course," Castillo assured me. "Believe me, my dear, your fiance is more than welcome to join us when we reach Richmond." He paused as we came to the tents where the horses were tethered at night. It was a milling mass of horseflesh, and Castillo - in whom I had confided everything, knowing immediately I could trust him despite his flamboyant nature - waved his hand expansively. "He's here somewhere," he said. "Have you a way of calling him?"39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSARm9ZQfAO
I nodded, heart thumping. "Spud!" I called, before using the three toned whistle I'd taught him to recognise in the event we ever got separated. I'd never had to use it before, but I prayed that training would hold now.
There was a joyful whinny, and then I found myself all but bowled over by one very happy palomino gelding, who proceeded to nuzzle me in a near-smothering outpouring of affection. If he could purr, he probably would have, and hot tears stung my eyes as I finally wrestled him off me long enough to hug him tightly around the next, pressing my face against his coat, basking in the warmth of his body. He draped his head over my shoulder, tail swishing contentedly as he hugged me in his own way - one foreleg lifted and curled around my body. It was something else I'd taught him, and I smiled through my tear as I tightened my hold. "Missed you too, spud," I said against his fur.
Eventually, we parted, but Potato, refusing to let me go even for a moment, butted my side impatiently, and I laughed as I got on his back. "Better?" I asked, and he whickered in acknowledgement. "Well," I said to a widely smiling Castillo, "it's settled. You've got yourselves two new performers. Got a spare wagon?"39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqTYHmUuoH
39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPa5MhEKoR5
Three days later, Potato and I did our first show, and there were gasps of awe and wonder as I led him through his vast repetoire of tricks. Having been billed as "The Horse who's really a Dog, and his Amazing Human Sidekick", we drew a huge crowd. In fact, Castillo told me afterwards, we'd sold out, for the first time in the circus's ten year history. "I'd always been looking for talent to outshine my rivals," he told me, as we sat on the back step of the cream and gold painted wagon he'd procured for me. Other than the paint scheme, it had been a blank canvas, and I'd gotten to work decorating it with a will. It now felt like the perfect little home away from home - barring the empty spot in the double bed, but that was sure to be fixed soon. We would be in Virginia on the morrow. "You and Potato are the breath of fresh air we needed," Castillo added. "I don't suppose I can convince you two to stay after the season?"39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yIT7yKDoC
"I'd rather spend my days travelling from place to place and sleeping in a wagon," I said firmly. "That beats dealing with a spiteful sister and vindictive ex fiance."39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLuipr62ro
Castillo nodded, his face grim. My first performance had been marred by controversy; Bess, now spiteful after I'd turned down her false reconciliation, had sicced the authorities on the circus to try and get it shut down. But since Circus Freaks had a legitmate license, and had gotten the necessary permit to allow Potato to perform, there was nothing to be done. Bess had been furious, and now Rob was getting in on the act. He had, in fact, sent a lawyer to the circus that morning, trying to slap a cease-and-desist on me to stop me from performing. Again, Castillo had stymied that attempt, producing a legitimate bill of sale stating I was Potato's legal owner, and therefore, I was allowed to do with him as I wished. Rob's lawyer had left in disgust, warning me that, if I crossed state lines, I'd face even more trouble; Virginia was not circus friendly. "He can screw himself, and her too," Castillo said sternly. "In fact, they're more than welcome to each other. They're both cut from the same cloth."39Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3TmxCz7WK
I had to laugh at that metaphor. Bess had in fact married Rob the day after I left, and by all reports was perfectly happy. Rob seemed to think the world of her, and since he couldn't very well deny his new wife happiness, he'd decided to please her by dragging me back to be their slave. "It's a match made in hell," I said. "But is it going to be bad in Virginia?"
"Virginia was where I learnt my craft," Castillo told me. "In fact, my older brother was ringmaster before he handed the reins to me, and unless much has changed in the last ten years, I doubt we're going to find a nasty reception."
I sighed in relief. "Good."
Castillo squeezed my shoulder gently. "You're with family," he said. "We look out for our own."
But as he left, I felt a chill pass down my spine. Even though Bess and Rob were now married, neither of them were prepared to let me go. They'd put all sorts of roadblocks in my way to stop me from living out the rest of my days in happy, careless freedom. In their minds, if they couldn't have me, then neither could anyone else. If they had to engage in legal chicanery to get the circus shut down, then they'd pull out all stops.
I shook the thought off. Tomorrow we'd be in Richmond. And Richmond was were Jesse was. Coincidentally, there were also more than a few courthouses in Richmond, and before the day was out, Jesse and I would be husband and wife, just as we'd planned before everything turned to shit.
ns 15.158.61.17da2
