the audience with the stage lights and sunglasses on. It might have been filled with sasquatch, for all I know.” He arched an eyebrow at her and smirked. “Why, did I say something that struck a chord, perhaps?”
She poked him in the ribs again. “All that crap about choices.”
“It’s true, isn’t it? No one is inherently good or evil. And the choices we make aren’t either. Not without understanding more of the context behind it all.” He finished mopping up the puddle and picked up the bucket of water and walked off stage. She followed him. “Certainly, you of all people should understand that. What with your choice to murder Duncan, and soon Ringmaster.”
“Yeah, yeah.” She reached out for his hand.
He eyed her curiously. “What is it, Cora?”
“I just…” She sighed. “I don’t know.”
“You need some comfort and distraction, and you came to me. I’m flattered.” He chuckled and pulled her into his arms. “Come. Let’s go for a walk.” His voice dropped low, becoming husky, dripping with sin like hot wax. “And then I will get you falling-down drunk, bring you back to my boxcar, and using my strings, bend you into unnatural shapes and do unspeakable things to your prone, helpless body.”
Her face went hot. She mustered her best glare. “I could rip you to pieces. You know that.”
“But you like when I do terrible things to you.” He grinned viciously. “And it is such a surefire way to distract you, isn’t it?”
“I—I—”
“But ice cream comes first!” He struck suddenly in the other direction, yanking her along by her hand.
He whistled a cheery tune as they burst out of the entrance to his tent. She squinted against the sunlight as he draped an arm around her shoulder and began to stroll into the park.
“You’re in a good mood.”
“Why wouldn’t I be? We’re going to win this silly vote of yours, Ringmaster will die, Harrow Faire will be set free, and we can explore the world! I have a beautiful woman at my side who says she loves me. It’s a beautiful day, it’s nearly October, and I have the promise of ice cream, alcohol, and twisted, kinky sex ahead of me. Why would I be moody?”
She rolled her eyes again. “You don’t get it.”
“Oh, I do. But trust me, cupcake, if I spent every moment of my day worrying about your existential crisis du jour, I would burst into flames.” He grinned. “I honestly don’t understand how you do it, being so dramatic all the time.”
“I’m not—” She shoved him. “I’m not being dramatic. I had a portion of my personality replaced with Harrow Faire, and—”
“Which part? Have you figured it out yet? Because I certainly haven’t noticed a difference. Well, save for the fact that you have been terribly moody the past two days.” He tapped his finger on his chin. “Did it take your sense of humor, I wonder?”
“Listen to me, you knockoff, skinny-ass, stick-figure pimp, don’t make me take the fencepost over there and turn you into the world’s most overdressed scarecrow.” She pointed at him accusatorially.
He cackled. “Oh, that’s a good one! I’m glad that bit of you is still there. And, as a point of fact, you like my skinny ass.” He grinned and jumped at her. Before she could do anything, he had her scooped up in his arms.
“Gah! Simon! Let me down!”
“Why?” He tossed her in the air an inch and caught her again. She squeaked and threw her arms around his neck. “Afraid I’m going to drop you?”
“Yes! Or drop me in something.”
“You don’t trust me?” He pouted. “I’m insulted.”
“Where are we going?”
“Hm. See, I’ve had a change of plans. A little detour. I know what’ll cheer you up. But I want you to shut your eyes.”
“Why?” She shot him a wary look. “What’re you up to?”
“Nothing.” He smiled innocently. Or at least, he tried. It was a pathetic attempt. “Just shut your eyes. We’re almost there. It’s a surprise.”
With a long, beleaguered sigh, she did as he asked and shut her eyes. “Don’t do anything stupid, Simon.”
“Me? Never.” He walked in silence for another few moments before he climbed up onto something that sounded like wooden stairs. She held on to him a little tighter. “Ready?”
“For what?”
“Opa!”
And with that, he threw her. She screamed as she hurtled through the air and down and—
Splash.
Cold water hit her like a slap in the face. She sank into the liquid. She opened her eyes and struggled to right herself. Her feet found