Every Memory of You

By Linda Mooney

Traveling with the circus since he was twelve, the carny life was all Toby Pach knew, the only place he fit in. From strong man to clean-up crew, he had many jobs, but he spent most of his time working with the elephants, who he had more in common with than most people knew.

When Toby sees the newest act and member of the family, a dark-haired beauty named Kai, he's enamored. Could she be the one who will accept him, both sides of him?

Kai Omanpang, one half of a knife-throwing act, is tired of traveling from one Big Top to another. She's ready to settle down, ready to put down some roots, but she can't convince her father of that. Maybe this circus will be different, and they will be part of the main event after all. When she meets Tobias the Mighty, she's intrigued by the gentle giant, but he has secrets. 

With an unexpected onslaught of protestors, shootings, and a string of bad luck, something's got to give. Is it the newcomers' fault? Or is it time to hang up the ringmaster hat once and for all? Circuses are a dying pastime, but the memories they incur will last a lifetime.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Linda Mooney
• Release date: Jul 29, 2017
• ISBN: 9781941321744

Linda Mooney

Linda loves to write sensuously erotic romance with a fantasy, paranormal, or science fiction flair. Her technique is often described as being as visual as a motion picture or graphic novel. A wife, mother, grandmother, and retired Kindergarten and music teacher, she lives in a small south Texas town near the Gulf coast where she delves into other worlds filled with daring exploits, adventure, and intense love. She has numerous best sellers, including 10 consecutive #1s. In 2009, she was named Whiskey Creek Press Torrid's Author of the Year, and her book My Strength, My Power, My Love was named the 2009 WCPT Book of the Year. In 2011, her book Lord of Thunder was named the Epic Ebook "Eppie" Award Winner for Best Erotic Sci-Fi Romance. In addition, she write naughty erotic romances under the name of Carolyn Gregg, and horror under the pseudonym of Gail Smith. For more information about Linda Mooney books and titles, and to sign up for her newsletter, please visit her website. http://www.LindaMooney.com

Book preview

Chapter 1

Toby

Hey, you! Tubby!

Toby Pach turned around to look at the line of customers waiting near the ticket office. One in particular, a man wearing a muscle shirt and a sweaty ball cap, waved for his attention. Pointing to himself, he made the facial gesture Me?

Yeah, you, fat boy! C’mere!

Setting his plastic pails on the ground, he went over to see what the guy wanted.

My name’s Toby, he cordially informed the customer.

Yeah, yeah, okay. Listen, we’ve been standing in line for nearly twenty minutes. When is this fleabag circus supposed to start?

Toby pointed to the sign suction-cupped to the kiosk’s window. In case the guy was illiterate, he told him, Tickets go on sale at seven. The show begins at eight.

The man checked his cell phone. It’s ten minutes till seven. You’d think they’d go ahead and open up with this many people already waiting in line, he grumbled.

Toby went back to retrieve his pails. He didn’t care to let the guy know that everybody in the show had more than one job. Aimee, the girl who usually sold tickets, was also the circus’s sword- and fire-swallower. If it was ten until seven, that usually meant she’d just finished up her act over on the carnival sideshow and was cleaning up before heading over to the ticket booth.

Yo! Tubby! Can you let the owner know we’re getting a little impatient out here? the man yelled again.

Taking a deep breath, Toby gave the man a nod. I’ll let them know.

He carried the pails around the side tent where Jimmy Singman was busy brushing down the show ponies, and set them down next to the tackle box. Here’s their feed when you’re done. By the way, have you seen Aimee? The rubes are getting restless.

Big crowd?

Looks like it will be.

Jimmy shook his head. Tanny and I’ve been busy getting ready. Let ‘em wait. It’s good for the blood pressure.

Toby snorted. How about Mr. B? I need to talk to him about something.

Jimmy paused to look at him. Last I heard, he’d gone into town to pick up the new act.

A new act?

Yeah. Some kind of knife-throwing act he acquired after the Horchow went under. They’re supposed to arrive sometime around six-thirtyish. The man glanced at his watch. It’s seven now. They should be back before show time. If not, Giff told me to be ringmaster.

As if right on cue, they caught the sound of the canned music as it began playing in the Big Top a hundred yards away. Despite the countless number of times Toby had heard it, those first few strains always sent a thrill of excitement through him.

Hey.

Toby glanced back at Jimmy. The man was adjusting the feathered cap atop the palomino’s harness. Speaking of show time, don’t you need to be getting ready, too?

Grinning, Toby gave him a little salute and sauntered over to where the other animals were located a further distance away. Darius was already there, outfitting the three female elephants with their blankets and headgear in preparation for the Grand Parade.

"Hey! I was just about to come looking f Chapter 2

Kai

She stared out at the passing sight of vast, flat land as the bus motored down the highway. It seemed to go on and on, to the end of the world. She could imagine it suddenly dropping off the edge the way a tablecloth did, allowing some of the greens and browns to hang over the sides.

In the window she saw her father’s reflection. The man was seated beside her and reading a magazine he’d picked up at the bus terminal. He must have sensed her watching him and glanced up to give her a smile.

We should be arriving in time, he commented.

I’m not concerned about that, she admitted.

He closed his magazine and laid it in his lap. I know why you’re concerned, he gently said. And you know I am equally concerned.

Circuses are dying, she told him. Again. Probably for the hundredth time. They don’t draw people like they used to. People would rather spend time in front of television and movie screens, rather than leave their comfortable homes to see something from a bygone era.

That may be true in some cases, but you can’t speak for everyone. There are still a few old fogies like me who enjoy a good high-wire act and watching lion tamers. Besides, it’s our—

Heritage. I know, I know, she finished for him. But you know as well as I do that at some point there will be no more circuses to go to. When this next one folds, who’ll take us in? For that matter, why must we continue to go from one Big Top to another? I’m tired of being on the road all the time. Why can’t we find a nice town where we can settle down?

And do what? Her father held out his hands. How will we earn a living? I don’t know any other skill other than knife throwing.

You can learn a new skill. I can find something to help pay the bills.

Like what?

I can be a waitress. I’ll take whatever I can get. I’m not picky. We can’t afford to be picky, as long as we have some source of income.

Her father let out a long sigh. This was an argument they’d had before, but she already knew what his response would be. He was resolute. The circus was his life. He’d been born in it, he’d grown up in it, and he knew of no other way to survive.

I know you’re tired of this life, he began.

Kai held up a hand to stop him from saying anything further. Just…let me say this one more thing, and then I’ll be quiet.

For now, her father added, and smiled.

She returned the smile. "For now. If, if we find a town where we think we could be happy and make a life there, would you at least be willing to consider it?"

He reached over and patted her hand. Yes, I will consider it. I will give it serious consideration.

She didn’t ask him if he meant what he said. Her father never made a promise he didn’t keep. Although she realized he didn’t commit to actually settling in any location, he was at least willing to keep the idea in the back of his mind. And that was good enough for her. For now.

She glanced out the window again as they passed more buildings. They were nearing town.

"I wonder how long this job will last." She watched his reflection in the glass.

The older man shrugged his shoulders. Time will tell. From the tone of his voice, she knew this conversation was over.

Kai sat back in her seat and pressed her head against the headrest. I should be glad we have a job. I should be grateful Mr. Deter was able to find us another place to go. At least we have a place to stay. We’ll have a roof over our heads, and we can put food on table.

Her argument was sound, but it didn’t stop the wistfulness that continued to flail its wings in her chest. She should be content, but she wasn’t. And sometimes she felt guilty for having these feelings.

Kai! Look!

She followed her father’s finger to where it pointed out the window. In the distance, a familiar sight. Seeing the enormous red and white striped circus tent sent a shiver up her spine, and she silently cursed herself for this inward show of emotion. But it was a feeling she couldn’t deny. In spite of her desire to no longer be a part of the show, she knew she’d never be able to be rid of the thrill of excitement that gripped her whenever she saw a Big Top.

They passed what looked like the road leading to where the canvas had been erected. The banners and pennants hung limp on their poles in the still summer air. From what she could gather, it looked like there might be a large crowd gathering.

Is this their first show here? she asked.

I don’t know. But from the number of vehicles parked out in that field, I would suspect as much.

They lost sight of the tent as they entered the town. The bus slowed. Kai slipped her purse strap over her head as her father stuffed the magazine in the seat pocket in front of him, leaving it there for the next passenger. The vehicle pulled into the terminal and came to a stop.

All out for Jennings! the driver announced over the PA system.

Kai and her father, along with a few other passengers, disembarked. A porter was already pulling their luggage from the belly of the bus when a thin, older man approached them.

Omanpang?

Her father grinned and held out a hand. Yes. I’m Ashan Omanpang. You’re Mr. Beckwith?

The man gave a nod as he shook it. Gifford Beckwith, owner and proprietor of Beckwith’s Amazing Circus. And you must be Kai. Beckwith held out his hand to her, and they shook. As soon as you’ve collected your things, my Jeep’s over there.

Kai noticed how her father took his valise containing his knives. The man would abandon his own clothing for his valuable instruments. She grabbed her one suitcase, and Mr. Beckwith picked up her father’s. They followed the man to his vehicle where everything went into the back.

I hope you didn’t have to wait too long for us to arrive, Ashan commented as they climbed into their seats. Kai sat in the back as her father took the front passenger side.

Almost an hour, Beckwith answered, and pulled out of the parking lot.

Kai watched for the Big Top as her father and their new boss conversed, listening in and soaking up what she could as they zipped through town until they reached the outskirts and the one road branching off toward the horizon.

How many do you have in your employ, if I may ask? her father inquired.

"Twenty-eight. You and your daughter will make it an even thirty.

So few?

We’re small, but we’re self-sufficient. You do know that you’ll be required to do more than just your one act, don’t you? Everyone there wears at least two hats. Some a third and a fourth.

Kai glanced up to see Beckwith look at her via the rearview mirror. Of course. We’ve pulled our weight in the past.

What were you required to do when you were with Deter?

Kai helped with the livestock, Ashan answered, smiling proudly. She has a way with the animals. But the one thing she’s not good at is cooking. Trust me, you don’t want to take that risk.

Father! Kai admonished.

Beckwith chuckled at the