Black Paradise Circus #1: Secrets Under the Big Top

By CS Patra

The women of Portman's Creamery are back and ready to take on their toughest case yet. Led by Irene and Chrissie Garcia-Galvan, they are group of seven women who solve cases using their ice cream shop as a front. Follow them as they enter the Black Paradise Circus.
When children start disappearing throughout the country, the only clue that ties them together is the Black Paradise Circus. The girls go to investigate yet come across very little evidence. Irene, frustrated with the police's handling of the case, decided to go behind the law's back. It also means going behind the deal they made with their friend, Detective Chase Owen. Bit by bit, they begin to learn to the story of the circus. They find more with their secret investigation. But how long can they keep this up? And how far can they go before it's too late?

Warning for violence.

• Language: English
• Publisher: CS Patra
• Release date: Jun 9, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311080028

CS Patra

Grace Templeton has been writing for a long time and is the author of many series. Her books include the Operation: Genome series, The Reaper's Apprentices series, Cirque Macabre series, The Portman's Creamery Mysteries, Patterns and Parallels series, and the recently added Ghosts of Burning Inn. She currently lives in NC.

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Under the Big Top

(Book One: The Black Paradise Circus Mystery)

CS Patra

Cover by: Pro Ebook Covers

Editing: Proofreading by the Page

Formatting: Iamgigpower

For My Winky

Chapter 1

It was only eight in the morning when Portman’s Creamery opened up for business. Normally they started around eleven, but they had to make their ice cream early on. They never wanted to use old ice cream the next day. Everything had to be fresh and ready for their customers. On the outside, it looked like a normal ice cream shop. The busiest times were in the summer and they usually added hot items to their menu during winter. It was conveniently located between a pawn shop and an appliance store. They were a small store but the business was booming now and had soon started to sell their products in other areas. There were even talks of opening more stores in other locations. That was what the general public knew about them. A rare few knew what really went down when the lights went out.

The shop belonged to Irene and Chrissie Garcia-Galvan. For years, they had been trying to get their private detective agency running but didn’t have enough money. With what they pooled together, they bought an old shop downtown and named it Portman’s Creamery. The name had come from an old truck that Irene used to see drive by their house. It had the name Portman on it and somehow it stuck with her. They worked together to get the shop rolling and business started to pour in. Within a few weeks, they met the rest of their workers; Pippa Langham, Becca Miyamoto, Mary Beth Pearson, Stacey McKinnon, and Winky Smith. It wasn’t long that they learned that their new employees were great with mysteries. From there, the detective agency was born. The big problem then was getting clients for that. While everyone was anxious to get ice cream, no one ever had a murder, kidnapping, or lost item that needed to be found. It was difficult to spread the word then.

This morning, after the ice cream had been made and set up, most of the girls were busy reading and finishing up their studies. They had cleaned up the floor and tables and had stuffed the napkin dispensers. Now that everything was done, they had settled down. When Irene flipped the sign to say OPEN in front, she took a quick look at her store and let out a happy sigh. Things were going smoothly now.

What do you think of the new flavor? Irene asked. Cotton candy sounds unoriginal but the pieces of cotton candy should make it stand out.

I took a look at the sugar intake in that ice cream. This stuff will go straight to my thighs if I eat it every day. Chrissie said. I was wondering why you picked cotton candy as the flavor of the month. You’ve never been that fond of it.

I don’t know. Something about it told me that this needed to be flavor of the month. I haven’t had cotton candy prior to making the ice cream. I didn’t really like cotton candy on its own but in ice cream, it somehow works. Irene tried a little bit of it. I hope the rest of our customers enjoy it!

You seem to be in a good mood. Stacey noticed, looking up from her books. I haven’t seen you smile like that since we created that chocolate éclair ice cream. What gives?

Nothing. Irene waved her hand off. It’s getting warmer so that means more customers. You guys are nearing the end of your classes so you’ll be able to help out. We haven’t had many mysteries but that’s okay. It still feels so good.

The girls had busy lives outside of solving cases. Four of them were still in graduate school, trying to get their degrees. Chrissie and Irene had an ice cream parlor to run. While Winky was retired, she did other things in her spare time such as help out the needy or participating in community events. He hated dropping all his tough cases on them but they had helped him out when he needed it. As much as his boss hated to admit it, the girls were good. They were a little unconventional sometimes but they got the job done. That was what mattered.

Anyone feel like reading about Puritan art for me? Becca asked, holding out her book. I’m waiting till we get to the Italian Renaissance. Then I’m going to be interested in art history again.

Oh, it’s not that bad. Mary Beth took a quick look at it. It’s different from what I’m used to but it’s not awful either.

I’m not complaining about the artwork itself. I’m complaining about the text that follows it. She groaned, trying to read the next couple of paragraphs. I swear, whoever wrote this book tried to make art as boring as possible and they almost succeeded.

On the plus side, once you get through that class, you’ll be free help out in the shop. Chrissie reminded them. I know you’re looking forward to all the kids coming here while you’re on your summer break.

Well, we’re almost on break now! If I get through this bit of homework and turn it in, I’ll be free. Stacey stretched her arms out. I don’t want to think about accounting for the next few weeks. You can ask me to do the books later. Right now, I want to forget about school.

We don’t have any cases either. Pippa added, sweeping up the floor. She had put her books aside and decided to finish cleaning the store. There was so much chemistry that she could study. She didn’t want to try and figure out certain equations now. On the flip side, more customers also mean we get more money. The weather’s getting warmer and people want their ice cream so they’re ready to pay for it.

I know. Irene said. If we don’t get a case, we may have to work overtime. That means waking up earlier than usual just so we can make the ice cream.

Really? Winky sighed. I wanted to catch up on my sleep now.

I’m sorry, Winky, but we do need extra money. I want to open at least two more stores in the city. I went to see the new area last week and it’s perfect. One would be in downtown and the other would be closer to the mall. The main issue would be trying to find someone to run them, but we can worry about that later. I just need to go to the bank, take care of a few more issues, and they will belong to us.

I’m glad to hear that. Chrissie said. I can’t believe our little shop is expanding. If only our detective agency was getting the same treatment.

The door opened at that moment and everyone pretended to work. Chrissie made sure that they had enough cones and cups to use before facing their first customer. Welcome to Portman’s Creamery, how may I_ She stopped when she saw who it was. Wow, you look awful!

It was Detective Chase Owen looking more glum than usual. He hadn’t shaved in a few days, his dark blonde hair was barely combed, and he didn’t have that twinkle in his eyes. He tried to smile as he entered the shop. Hey, guys. Are you busy?

Not really. Come on in. Irene greeted him. Normally you’d never be able to catch us sitting around but’s been relatively smooth and slow. We’ve had a few customers but it’s not too bad.

Oh, good. You think you have some time for me?

We always have time for our friends. Pippa patted the top of a table. Especially if those friends bring us those cases to solve.

Chase was their friend and the one person they could always rely on. They had met a long time ago and he was the first one to learn about their detective agency. In the beginning, he had been skeptical about their skills but soon realized they were good. They could see what the police sometimes had a tendency to miss. After a while, his colleagues began to hire them whenever they had cases that were tough. They had a few rules they needed to follow first before they could do anything in a crime scene. For one, they could not gather evidence, question suspects, or do anything until Chase or another police officer gave permission. Another thing they couldn’t do was keep information from the police. It felt like a lot but it made their relationship work. They got business and the police got their cases solved. For that reason, they tried to keep the relationship as strong as possible.

He looked at each one and marveled how different they were, physically and mentally. Irene was taller than Chrissie, had light brown hair, and had a boxy figure while Chrissie was petite, had hair so brown that it was almost black, and was not very muscular. Pippa had short black hair and was just as small as Chrissie though not as dainty. Becca had her thick black hair tied back, her almond shaped eyes were focused on some art in her book, and her skin was white like the store walls. Mary Beth’s head was covered with thick brown curls that were falling over her shoulders. Stacey was tall, blonde, and wearing far too much perfume this morning. Winky looked ready to fall asleep on the counter, her blue eyes barely open. It was amazing how well this group came together despite all their differences.

How have things been with you, Chase? Winky asked. I was trying to get some more sleep or watch some TV during my down time. Maybe I can take up needlepoint again.

Chase slid down into a booth. Well, you may not be able to do any of that. Things are going to change for you guys. He looked over at Chrissie. Can I have a butterscotch sundae, please? I’m in the mood for one.

Um, sure. Chrissie went behind the counter to prepare it. Normally, he would have more enthusiasm when he wanted a sundae but he sounded different. It was as though he had a ton of things on his mind. A small sundae is okay?

Yeah, keep it small. He stared down at the table top. I won’t take too long.

The girls waited for him to start talking but he didn’t. Even when he got the sundae, he didn’t tell them what was going on. Chase had that troubled look on his face and was staring down at his sundae. It was clear that he had another case bothering him. Once in a while, he poked the sundae with his spoon but didn’t put any of it in his mouth. He had lost his appetite but still wanted something.

All right, spill it. Chrissie sat down. If you want our help, just say the word and we are at your service.

I do want your help but I’m not sure how much good it will do.

What do you mean by that?

It’s just that I have a weird case for you. Everyone at work is baffled by it. I got it this morning and looked over all the notes. Normally, I’d try to find out more information but there wasn’t much. I asked the chief if I could take my break early. He realized I was coming here so he let me go. I have to be quick and be back by ten so here goes. Chase began. First off, I have free tickets to the circus for all of you.

Winky blinked. Okay, that does not sound like it has anything to do with murder or kidnappings or anything with mysteries. Unless there’s a killer clown on the loose, I don’t see what’s so dangerous about circuses. She narrowed her eyes. Is there a killer clown in this circus?

Chase sighed. There is no killer clown. Rather, I’m looking for a runaway.

Oh, a runaway. We haven’t had one of those in a while! Pippa exclaimed. Who are we looking for?

Actually, runaway may not be the right word. That’s what the chief is using but I think there’s more to it. He showed them the photo of a young Chinese girl. It looked like a photo that had been taken on a school picture day. This is Becky Wu. She was reported missing about a week ago. According to her parents, she had gone to a friend’s house to play one evening. When she didn’t come home, they called the friend and found out that Becky never made it there. The local police were called in and they searched around the area. They could not find her.

Where did she disappear from? Chrissie asked.

San Antonio.

Irene raised her eyebrows. Texas is a little too far from here. How did you get the case?

Well, some eyewitnesses spotted Becky in the Black Paradise Circus. They have been traveling North America for the past month and are in town for the next few days. That’s why I got free tickets to the show. The chief says that the circus gave it to us in hopes that we could clear their name. Apparently, this is getting around town and people have heard about it. They want us to assure the public that nothing shady is going on. I thought this might be a good time to investigate. If Becky is there, I need to know why.

He sighed again and looked down at his coffee. The girls knew what this meant; he wasn’t done. There was far more to this case than just a runaway. Very rarely did a case get under his skin like it was doing now. He didn’t know how he was going to explain the rest.

What’s wrong, Chase? Becca asked.

She’s not the only one that people have noticed in this circus. He took a spoon and stirred the coffee. I’ve heard reports of other missing boys and girls found there. People claimed that the kids were doing labor that was too much for them. It’s just making me wonder if they willingly joined the circus or if they were forced into it.

Are they performers? Mary Beth asked.

Oh, yes. I have heard stories about children on the tightrope and the trapeze. Some of them even tame the wild animals. The worst part is that they are inexperienced in these areas. A lot of them fall down and get hurt. Those are the ones that survive, of course. It makes me wonder how a circus is able to keep them employed. The victims range from ten to sixteen years old. Legally, most of them should not be allowed to work. I’m trying to get some background information on the circus but I’m coming up with nothing incriminating. He went on. I know this isn’t enough. The eyewitnesses aren’t completely reliable. They’ve got their own share of issues; drug problems, struggles with their relationships, depression, all of that. I’m not trying to judge anyone but it’s hard to know if they really saw this.

So you want us to check this circus out. Pippa realized. You want us to find the missing kids and figure out how the circus is connected with this.

"That’s right. Now if you’re busy,