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Greg nods. “Ed was a great man, always helping out and making sure we were safe and accounted for. We became close, and one night after we’d had a bit too much to drink, he handed me that card and told me not to lose it. He said it would come in handy when I needed it, and all I had to do was hold it and help would come. I always thought he meant like . . . theoretically, not actual help.” He tucks the card into his breast pocket and pats it. “Anyways, he died the next morning. Bomb dropped on us. I was lucky enough to be out at the wall. Ed? Not so much.”
His words are pained, as if the memory itself carries a heavy weight. I don’t doubt it does. He speaks of Ed in a particular way, as if they were brothers. Losing someone like that sticks with you.
I pat his knee. “Even in death, Ed is taking care of you,” I tell him. “And now it’s our turn to do the same.”
When we arrive at the cirque, there’s a welcome party waiting for us. Since the kids arrived, it’s been like this. They wake and realize we’re gone, then they wait until we return safely, both to make sure we’re okay and to help whoever comes with us. Sometimes, it’s no one. Lately, it’s been other children. Tonight, it’s a veteran who needs a purpose.
Greg’s eyes light up when the kids come rushing forward, gushing excitedly about how they are happy he’s there and asking if he brought any sweets. He glances at me, confused, and I smile.
“They all have their own nightmares, Greg. They are here to heal.” I tilt my head. “They could use someone to look after them, kind of like Ed used to do for you.”
His face contorts with emotion, and in the low light of the circus bulbs, I see his eyes glisten.
“I can do that,” he rasps. “Something so innocent shouldn’t have demons.”
“But they do,” I murmur. “We all do.” I rest my hand on his shoulder. “But together, we can overcome them.”
Greg nods. “I’ll protect them with my life.”
“I know you will,” I answer with a smile. I see hope in his eyes, a newfound purpose giving him something to reach for. This is what he needed. This is the home he sought. Now he’s here, where he belongs.
It’s not often our call ends without bloodshed, but for tonight, I’m thankful it did. I’m thankful I am here to see Greg laugh with a crowd of children begging to check his many pockets for candy.
I’m also grateful that he gave Club his gun without hesitation.
Chapter
Forty-Four
Sleep came easily that night. I spent it wrapped around Heart, but when I awake the next morning, I’m alone in my tent. I stretch and pull on some loose clothing, the need to be comfortable strong today. I put my hair up on the top of my head in a bun and step out into the sunshine. It’s strange to think there’s a sense of doom hanging over us and that Roger could mess this all up, but for today, we’re in a different town, far from the cops who found us, and the sun is shining.
I go in search of the others but find their tents empty. No doubt they are off completing their tasks for the day. Today, I don’t have anything to do, as we’re already set up and everyone has their tasks. Later, I’ll find Hilda and we’ll ask the cards for clarification on the looming threat, but for now, there’s nothing to do but enjoy myself.
I don’t find any of the men in the food tent, nor in any of the surrounding ones. When I ask Dr. Louie if he’s seen them, he informs me that Diamond and Heart went to hang up posters around town for the show but that he thought he saw Club and Spade in the circus tent, so that’s where I head. I wonder if they are practicing a new act. I love when they try something new. It seems as if they are never happy with the same old performances. They are always learning and pushing themselves harder. When I enter the circus tent, however, it’s empty save for long ribbons hanging from the rafters.
I frown, looking up at the new streamers in confusion. I touch them and find they are soft but sturdy, the bright red fabric clearly meant for something other than decoration. The ribbons are wide when I pull them open but easily scrunch together. As I look at them, the other ribbon suddenly jerks away and wraps around me, capturing me. When I see Club’s teasing face through the ribbons around me, I relax. For a moment, I reached for the knife at my hip.
“What are you doing?” I laugh, trying to free myself and failing. “Is this your attempt to capture me?”
“It isn’t an attempt if I’m successful,” he teases, leaning in for a kiss. “Good morning.”
“Good morning,” I reply. “Is this for something new?”
He nods. “Spade had the wonderful idea of trying an aerial silk act. I’m not so sure myself. Being in the air is usually Heart’s thing.”
“Heart would love this,” Spade says as he appears behind Club. He, too, leans in to kiss me. “But he’s not the only one who can fly.”
“I prefer to have my feet on the ground,” Club reasons. “I don’t think this is for me.”
“Nonsense.” Spade tsks. He reaches for the silk I’m not wrapped up in and tugs. “I saw this act at another circus we passed before you came along, Ember, and I’ve been searching for the silks ever since. I finally found them, so now you get to witness our attempts.”
Club rolls his eyes. “How exciting.”
Spade taps his shoulder, running his eyes over him in a lingering way that heats my skin. “You’re limber enough, so this should be easy for you, sword swallower. Don’t discount yourself just yet.” He eyes me. “I’d wager Queen would also be great at it.”
I perk up. “I can try.” Then I remember Dr. Louie’s warning. “As long as I don’t drop too hard on my leg. Dr. Louie says I need to be careful.”
Spade nods. “Then you will wait. When he clears you, we’ll string you up in silks.” When my eyes darken with his words, he clears his throat. “Of course, we could always suspend you without danger of injury.”
