The Mida Book Four: Perilous Choices

By Kimberly Sigafus

Veronica’s large Victorian home sat on a hill in Freeport, Illinois. Known as The Chapman House, the upscale brothel gave men fine wine, beautiful woman, and a night of pleasure.
She had everything she could ever want...a beautiful home, more money than she could ever spend, and a man who loved her.
But she couldn’t stay.
It was 1893, and her past had reared its ugly head in the form of her brother, Adam. After years of searching for her, he had found her in this most unlikely of places. This time he wouldn’t be leaving without her.
Blamed for the death of her father, Veronica was to be brought back to Rock Island to be hung for her crime. Her explanations fell on deaf ears as Adam would make her pay for having to live his life alone.
Not even the help of Buffalo Bill Cody or the mystical carnies would make a difference this time. Would she choose to die for a crime she would do again if given the chance, or live the rest of her life as the mystical carnival’s fat lady?
She just had to find another way out.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kimberly Sigafus
• Release date: Oct 7, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370354504

Kimberly Sigafus

Native American author, Kimberly Sigafus, is from Freeport, Illinois. An internationally-published, award-winning author, her writing includes both Native American fiction and non-fiction. A hybrid author, Kim is both traditionally and self-published.She’s won several awards for her work, including the Lena D. Myers Award for historical writing, and the Faith and Freedom Award for her eagle photography and accompanying poem. Her book, Native Writers, Voices of Power, which was co-written with writing partner Lyle Ernst, was recognized by the USA Best Book Awards in the children's non-fiction category. The book was also a finalist for the Next Generation Indie Book Awards. An Ojibwa, her family is from the White Earth Indian Reservation in Minnesota. She crafts dream catchers and talking feathers, and drums and sings. In her native Ojibwa regalia, Kim travels around the Midwest presenting Native American programs. An accomplished speaker, Kim has spoken at libraries, conferences, retreats, individual group gathers, and reading councils. Kim is married, and her and Andy have six grown children. They reside in a 120 year-old Victorian house with their two dogs and Benny, their lovable cat. The author can be reached through her website: kimberlysigafus.com. Her print books can be obtained through Amazon.com.

Book preview

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I couldn’t have finished this book without the help of the following people:

The Stephenson County Genealogy Society – for their help in researching Freeport, Illinois’ prominent families of 1893.

The Stephenson County Historical Society – for helping me set the book in the late 1800’s.

Saige Chelberg – who got a preliminary look at a very rough manuscript and helped shape it up enough to send to the Beta Readers.

My Beta Readers - Donna Scholtes, Terrie Miller, Fred Waiss, and Kathy Erdman – who took time out of their busy lives to make sure the book flowed, made sense, and fit within the ongoing storyline of The Mida series.

Editor Jill Austin – My editing and formatting wizard. Her last look made sure the book was ready to be released to the wonderful readers who keep The Mida series alive.

And Lori Perkins – a friend to both Lyle and I. We are better people for knowing her.

The Mida Series

These books can be found on the author’s website

kimberlysigafus.com

CHAPTER 0

Lyle walked along a dirt path with flowers on both sides. Fragrant rose bushes of every color met his gaze as he glanced up at the road ahead.

John and Mesa were the first to meet him as he took a turn to the right and crossed over from his human life. When he saw them, he grinned and reached out his hand to clasp John’s.

Mesa gave him the smile he had written about and given her. They were old friends, after having gone through her story way back in the beginning. John was smiling; genuinely glad to finally meet the man who started it all.

John and Mesa, said Lyle. I feel like we’re old friends.

We are, replied John.

There was a muttering in the wind and Lyle paused and looked behind him.

They want us to come back, he said, and glanced at Mesa who reached out to hug him.

One of us can’t, she whispered, and he nodded, taking her hands in his.

I’ll miss the beer and the Cubs, he muttered, and John laughed and clasped him on the shoulder.

There’s so much more here, he said and Lyle smiled.

Sorry I couldn’t get you back into the story before I left, he said. I couldn’t talk her into it.

John shrugged. Not sure I should come back at this point.

Mesa nodded. I know what you mean.

People will be upset if you don’t get back into the story, Mesa, Lyle pointed out. They told me that before I left.

I know, but Kim knows what she’s doing. We just have to trust her now.

I do, said Lyle, but I’m not sure she trusts herself enough to do all of you justice now that I’m not there to support her.

She misses you, replied Mesa.

I don’t know why, answered Lyle, I haven’t left her.

She knows that, but it’s not the same.

That’s true I guess.

There was a moment of silence and then John nudged her.

Oh, wait…I have some questions for you, said Mesa, pulling sheets of paper out of her pocket.

You had to write them down? asked John with a laugh.

Mesa grinned back. My memory seems a little fuzzy these days.

Maybe that’s because Kim hasn’t decided whether or not to bring you back, replied Lyle.

Maybe. She took a deep breath to begin. Okay, the first one is from Carlotta. She says she enjoys her sexy character. Did you pattern her after someone?

Lyle smiled. I named her. She was actually patterned after Kim’s mother.

What? Really? John shook his head. I had no idea.

Lyle nodded. When we started all this, we searched the internet for pictures of what would become the eight main characters. Then we gathered all our pictures and character backstories into a large three-ring binder. With two people writing the series, it was nice to be able to go back and keep everything straight by looking in there. We used to pass it back and forth.

I didn’t know about that, said John, and Lyle nodded.

Kim’s mom was a dancer in a carnival in the 1960’s. That’s where she met Kim’s dad. He used to wrestle bears.

Well, there’s a story there, I’m sure, but let’s move on, said Mesa. Sarah wants to know why you chose Wisconsin for her book.

That was my decision as well. I was working on another book set in the 1960’s music scene in Wisconsin, and thought that would be a great place for our next Mida book.

Was it always the intention to keep the books in the Midwest? asked John.

Most of them are set there, but we planned to branch out for a couple of them.

Mesa glanced down at the paper again. Connor wants to know why his character is bald.

Lyle laughed. I had a picture of him in my mind and looked for an actor that resembled him on the internet. When I found him, Connor was born. I think it’s important for people to remember that even though he’s nothing to look at, he has a heart of gold.

Sometimes you have to look beyond what the person looks like on the outside, said John. He is my best friend.

Yes, he’s a good man, replied Mesa. Okay now, Carter wants to know how you assigned all the characters their gifts.

Kim and I decided that we would take their strengths from their real lives and enhance them, replied Lyle. Carter was a doctor before he joined the carnival; it made sense for him to become a healer within the carnival. Kim created his character. He looks like Errol Flynn.

Yes, he does, remarked Mesa. She glanced back down at her list. Frank wants to know if all the ‘C’ names mean something special. Carlotta, Connor, Carter…

Frank is Kim’s character, replied Lyle. His looks are patterned after the actor Christian Bale.

And the answer to the question is…?

Yup.

Yup?

Yup.

That’s all you’re going to say about it? asked John, frowning.

Yup.

They laughed, and Mesa went on with her list.

Okay, this book is Veronica’s story. I know you left when the story was just getting started. How much of the storyline did you two have planned out before that happened?

Kim sent me the first three chapters. As of The Mida Book Three, she was writing pretty much by herself. We were having weekly storyline meetings and I received every chapter as she finished it, so I could do the edits. We talked constantly, throwing ideas back and forth, with her writing them up. We didn’t always agree, but that was okay. She started writing this book last summer. By that time, I knew I wasn’t feeling well. She did, too, and took on most of the writing and editing herself. A long time ago, we sat down and planned out the eight books to the extent of where every character was from and why they ran from their life to join the carnival.

Lyle suddenly became very quiet, and Mesa reached out to touch his arm. What’s wrong?

He shook his head. When I left last September, she quit writing. She couldn’t imagine finishing the series without me. She was devastated. Not only were we writing partners but best friends. A few months later, she became very ill. The doctor’s thought she also had cancer. The same kind I had. Tests proved them wrong, thankfully, but she was ill for several months. It’s only recently that she has been able to get moving on the series again.

Well, thank God, said John. Where would we all be if she had quit writing?

I shudder to think, replied Mesa. She glanced back down at the paper in her hand. I don’t know if you want to take this next question.

Who is it from?

Stretch.

Ah…another character I created. Kim and I were standing in line at the Burger King in Dubuque, Iowa behind a really tall man. I asked him how tall he was and he replied six feet twelve inches. I said, ‘You mean seven feet tall?’ and he smiled and shook his head. He said again he was six feet twelve inches tall. It was there Stretch was born.

Well, he wants to know if he can come back into the storyline.

Hmm…we did banish him. I have no idea if Kim has anything else planned for him. I guess only time will tell.

Mesa glanced down at the list. My last comment is from Tony.

Alright.

He wants to thank you for his storyline. Out of all the characters in the series, he has grown the most.

Lyle nodded. I like the kid. He grew up in a river town like I did. There’s never much to do there but get into trouble. But he has proven to be a wonderful character and I enjoyed writing him.

There was a flash of light behind John and Mesa, and Lyle took a step toward it.

I have to go, he said, glancing at the light and then back at them. John and Mesa nodded as he started walking down the path again.

Oh, Lyle.

He stopped and turned around, frowning. Yes, Mesa?

About Jiibay…

Lyle smiled and then turned around to start walking again. There’s more to him than what you think, he said. You’ll find out something important about him in this book.

John and Mesa watched Lyle disappear over the little hill. A flash of light lit up the sky and then it was gone.

The breeze picked up and uneasiness overwhelmed them. It was as if they were no longer welcome there.

We’d better get back to the story, whispered Mesa and John nodded. Together they walked the same path Lyle had been on a moment earlier and headed for the hill. They stopped at the top and smiled into the world of lush greenness and color below.

Thank you, my friend, said Mesa closing her eyes, for creating this world for us.

The wind picked up then and they could hear soft laughter in the air.

You’re welcome, they heard, and they smiled. John leaned over to kiss Mesa and together they turned back around to face the path they had just come from.

Gazing into each other’s eyes, they smiled. A moment later they faded away.

DEDICATION

There have been a lot of people who have come and gone in my life…

…but your light I will miss the most, my friend.

I dedicate this book to my writing partner, Lyle Ernst.

October 31, 1938 – September 30, 2016

In your memory, The Mida series will go on.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Chapter 0

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

About Author Kim Sigafus

The Work

CHAPTER 1

Tony stood on his trailer steps in bare feet, with a pair of blue jeans on but no shirt. He had black and red lines running down the side of his face from his forehead to his chin, and his hair was in a loose braid. There were black Native designs encircling each bicep and one across his chest. He looked every inch of a Native American brave straight out of a book, and he hated it.

He was from Farmingdale, Iowa, for cripes sake. It was a small town and he grew up with what most people would see as a normal life. He lived with his grandmother, and he had a girlfriend and friends down at the local bar. He had an easy life back then and he sure missed it now.

No one could have ever made him believe he would end up living with a carnival, let alone being top dog there. He had known nothing about hard work, and now he knew nothing but.

He always knew he was Native American, but he hadn’t cared about it in his old life. Now it meant everything; power, responsibility, and the fear that goes along with living life on someone else’s terms.

He had lost two women in his life; his girlfriend and his mother. While he missed the love of his girlfriend, he missed the idea of having a mother. In some ways, his life was much easier when she was here. He hadn’t known her very well, but since her death, he wondered what their relationship could have been over time. But there was no way to know that now. She had been taken from him and his life was what it was and there wasn’t anything he could do about it.

Tony shifted restlessly as he peered out over the carnival midway. He couldn’t see anything in the darkness but he knew dawn was coming soon and he wondered where they were going next.

The carnival wouldn’t move unless he went to sleep. Night would last forever, waiting for him to rest.

He sat down on the second from the top step and looked around. The camp wasn’t lit; everyone else was asleep. Closing his eyes, he settled his head in his hand and sighed.

A dark entity watched from the shadows behind Carlotta’s tent. He could see Tony sitting in the darkness and a grim look crossed his face.

He had failed again to take over the carnival. And he almost wasn’t able to save himself from the last encounter with the carnies.

He glanced up at Carlotta’s trailer window. He knew she was asleep. There was nothing stopping him from entering and taking her. Walking around the trailer, he stopped at the bottom of her steps. The wooden stairs would creak if he tried to walk up there. He could just pop in and take her by surprise, but she would alert the whole camp and he might not get out of there in one piece.

He growled and turned away. He wasn’t as strong as he once was. Sarah had taken power from him in their last encounter, and she probably had no idea he couldn’t get it back. Now that she had it, he was pretty sure she had no idea what that would mean for her.

He glanced down at the dark brown leather pants with fringe along the sides. He wasn’t wearing much else; there was no need. Not human, he didn’t feel the necessity to clothe himself properly.

A beaded, sheathed, hand-carved knife hung from the leather belt he had tied around his waist. Tony didn’t have this beauty, he thought, reaching down to pull it out. It gleamed in the moonlight, and he turned it over and tested its sharpness on his own hand. He cut himself, but there was no blood and the wound soon closed up again. He shoved the knife back into its sheath. He didn’t think trying to use a knife on Carlotta would be a good idea, especially with Tony awake.

His long black hair hung straight down his back and fluttered in the light breeze. Eagle feathers were threaded throughout and they danced in the air around him. His black eyes were watchful, glancing around at every sound as he debated what to do next.

He’d lost the element of surprise. He realized both Tony and Sarah would now know when he was around. He had to think of a different way to handle things. He wanted the carnival and he wouldn’t let those two stand in his way.

A light went on across the midway and he froze as he realized whose tent that was. Taking a step toward it, he stopped. He could see a figure sit up in bed and then whip their head around to look his way. Even though he didn’t think they could see him, he stepped back into the shadows and waited.

Sarah sat frozen. She could see Jiibay standing in the shadows of Carlotta’s trailer and fear struck her. She held her breath as she tried to figure out what to do next. Her next move could cost someone their life.

Wait…how could she see him? She blinked and sat back, forgetting she had told herself not to move. She was looking through the tent wall and she could see him plain as day. How was that happening?

A noise caught Tony’s attention and he raised his head to see a possum skittle by the bottom of the trailer steps. The hair rose on the back of his neck and he quickly stood up. Glancing over at Carlotta’s trailer, he froze.

Jiibay.

Tony walked down the steps and headed over to the Cajun Wiccan’s trailer. Sarah, watching Jiibay, could also see Tony heading down his trailer steps toward the dark entity. She quickly got up and grabbed her blue robe, slipping it on. There was no way she was going to let Tony face Jiibay alone. Glancing over at her sleeping husband, she slipped quietly through the tent flap opening.

Jiibay saw Tony and Sarah heading his way and knew they realized he was in camp. With a low growl he raised his hand to the side. It was time to go. He opened and closed his hand, and a moment later he was gone.

When Sarah got to Carlotta’s trailer, Tony was already there. There was no sign of Jiibay.

Where is he? she whispered.

Tony shrugged. I could have sworn he was here. I could feel him.

Sarah nodded. Me, too.

Tony gazed at her silently for a moment and Sarah frowned.

What?

He shook his head but didn’t answer.

What? she asked again, a little louder this time. When he shushed her, she grimaced, glancing up a Carlotta’s trailer.

What’s the matter? she whispered.

You.

Me? What about me?

How did you know Jiibay was here?

Well, I could see him.

Were you awake?

No. I woke up for some reason and then saw him through the tent wall.

How?

Sarah went silent for a moment. I don’t know, she admitted.

You have picked up some new gifts.

She nodded. I realize that.

Jiibay’s gifts.

Sarah sighed and didn’t look at him. Yes.

Tony stepped forward and looked her in the eye. Sarah, are you going to be a threat to this carnival?

Excuse me?

You heard me.

I would never hurt anyone.

You carry a part of Jiibay within you.

But I am still me.

Are you? You are different.

You don’t trust me?

The question is, do you trust yourself?

Sarah opened her mouth and then closed it again. She took a step back and fiddled with her robe sash.

I have no plans to hurt anyone, she replied stiffly.

Tony sighed. Look, I am responsible for the carnival and its people. I just need to be sure what side you’re on here.

Side?

Jiibay has a lot to offer you.

At the expense of my soul? She laughed. I think not.

Then I can count on you to help me defeat him?

Absolutely.

You are still one of, ‘The Eight?’

Yes, I am.

Tony nodded. I had to ask.

I know.

Tony gazed into her eyes looking for signs of deception but there were none. Hoping he was reading her right, he relaxed for a moment and looked up in the sky. Dawn was waiting for both of them now.

We’d better go, he said, taking a step back.

Good idea. Maybe I can get a little more sleep. She looked around her and then back at Tony.

Do you think he’ll return?

Tony shook his head. Not tonight. He knows we’re going to move soon. Actually, he is playing it smart. This is the best time for him to get his hands on us. We are most vulnerable when we are just about to move or when we first arrive in a new place.

I guess that’s so. Sarah turned to go when Tony reached out to touch her arm.

Hey, do you know where we’re heading next?

Sarah shook her head. Do you?

Nope.

Well, I guess we’ll find out soon.

Tony turned and headed back to his trailer to go to sleep. He entered slowly, looking around and then sighed when he saw he was alone. Lying on the bed he closed his eyes, hoping for some much-needed rest. A few minutes later, he was out.

Sarah walked back to her tent and stepped through its opening. Slipping off her robe, she lay back down next to Frank.

She was asleep when Frank pushed at her. She had somehow rolled over to his side of the bed and had taken up most of it.

Bed hog, he chided her, and she smiled sleepily, snuggling next to him.

It’s Veronica’s time, isn’t it?

Sarah opened her eyes to see Frank looking at her, waiting for an answer.

A noise caught her attention and she rolled over. Glancing to the right, she gazed through her tent walls and saw Veronica step out of her tent. The large woman was in a green night gown and had her hair tied back. She watched the woman take a few steps away from her tent and look around. Then she dropped her head and started to cry. A moment later, she stepped back into her tent.

Sarah turned back to Frank. How did you know that? Could you see…?

Frank pulled her close and kissed her hair. I saw a light go on in her general direction. I guessed.

Sarah snuggled into him and closed her eyes. Yes, it’s Veronica.

Thank God it isn’t me.

Sarah smiled. I’m not sure we could live through that so soon after my experience.

Exactly what I was thinking.

She held Frank as he drifted back to sleep. A few moments later she reached down and pulled the covers up over her shoulders. Lying quietly, she stared over at Tony’s trailer. With a little smile, a blue light flashed through her eyes and she closed them, drifting off to sleep.

CHAPTER 2

Veronica never went back to sleep after being awakened in the middle of the night with the smells of dirt and manure bringing her back to a time long past. The odors eventually faded and she was left with trepidation for the next week.

She could now hear the sounds of breakfast being prepared as the camp started to wake up. The smell of bacon normally got her moving quite quickly in the morning but this time she had no appetite.

She turned over and closed her eyes. She knew where they were without anyone having to bring it to her attention. Memories of pain and panic made her wince as she pulled the covers up over her head.

Ronnie?

The carnival’s fat lady pulled the covers down to peer out and see Sarah tentatively peeking through the tent opening. They stared at each other for a moment and then Veronica pushed the covers back and swung her legs around to sit on the side of her bed.

Sarah watched her friend push the hair back from her face and look around. She sighed and took a step inside the tent, letting the flap she had been holding slip shut behind her.

Everything look the same?

Veronica glanced at her and then looked away and nodded, still not speaking.

Sarah took another step toward her. Breakfast is almost ready. She smiled and shook her head. Frank ate a pound of bacon already. I had to make some more. You’d better get out here and eat before he gets a hold of the rest of it.

I’m not hungry.

That’s not surprising.

Veronica’s eyes narrowed as she surveyed the younger woman. What do you mean?

I know we’re here for you.

Is that so?

Sarah clasped her hands in front of her. Is there anything I can do for you?

You could leave me alone.

Sarah stared at her a moment and then smiled. I could do that, she conceded. But I won’t.

Veronica’s eyes widened and then she frowned. No?

Nope.

Why not?

You need me.

Excuse me?

I said…

I heard you, said Veronica, pushing the bed covers away as she stood up. I was just wondering why you think that.

I’m your friend. And you can’t go through this alone.

I’m not so sure I want your help, said Veronica bluntly.

Why?

Veronica walked over and picked up her brush. Because I don’t know who you are anymore, she said, taking down her hair. She started to brush her curls in short, even strokes.

Sarah stared at her a moment, frowning. I’m the same person I have always been.

Veronica shrugged. Maybe. That remains to be seen.

Neither of the women spoke for a moment, and then Veronica looked up to see Sarah staring at the ground.

You’re my friend, Ronnie, she said quietly. I can’t believe you don’t trust me.

You can’t blame me for that, Veronica pointed out, under the circumstances.

Yes, I can.

Veronica frowned. What is that supposed to mean?

Out of everyone here, you know me better than anyone else, Sarah pointed out. We’ve had some really deep heart to heart talks. Having a part of Jiibay inside me won’t change the core of who I am.

How do you know that?

Because I won’t let it.

Veronica winced at Sarah’s sharp tone and watched her turn around to leave. She opened her mouth to speak but then closed it again as Sarah pushed through the tent flap opening and left.

Perhaps she had been a little hard on Sarah. It wasn’t her fault that she had a connection to Jiibay no one understood. But it made everyone, including her, fearful and watchful. They knew she could hurt them if she wanted, and she could decide to help the dark entity out in his desire to take over the carnival.

Veronica sighed. What did it matter to her at this point? No matter what she decided to do from now on, she would probably be dead by the end of the week.

******

Frank was sipping his coffee under the kitchen tent when his wife walked by. She didn’t look at him, but went straight over to the dishes and started cleaning up.

He knew something was wrong, but he didn’t move. She’d been a little moody lately but he knew she would come to him if she needed something. If she took too long, he would approach her this afternoon.

He was scared to death when he woke up in the early morning hours smelling dirt and manure. He thought he’d been brought back to his own time and he was still trying to move on from everything that happened when Sarah was brought home. He wasn’t ready to deal with his own issues and hoped whoever moved the carnival knew that.

He picked up his coffee cup and drained it. It was going to be a long week for everyone involved. Since he had started his life as a carny, the carnival had never gone back this far in time. He wondered what their week was going to be like.

He glanced over at Connor who was sitting quietly at a picnic table alone. He had no coffee in front of him and he was staring pensively out past the trailers. Tony was nowhere in sight, which was unusual since they were seldom seen without the other these days.

Connor suddenly got up and started walking back to the encampment area where the little tents and wagons were. He was moving a little slower than usual, noted Frank, which for him was basically a crawl at this point. Frank wondered if he was feeling alright.

Frank.

Frank looked up to see Lee approaching. The man sat down next to the creature whisperer and smiled.

I bet you’re glad we’re not here for you, said Lee, reaching for the last piece of bacon on Frank’s plate. Frank scowled at him and shook his head.

Get your own food, he growled, pulling his plate away from Lee’s sticky fingers. Since when do you eat, anyway?

Lee shrugged. I’m in human form and I happen to like bacon, he answered, licking his fingers. He glanced over at Sarah who was wiping up a table. Is there any more?

Frank shrugged. I don’t know; go ask her.

Lee shook his head. She seems a little preoccupied.

Grumpy, you mean.

Lee smiled. Yeah, I’ve learned my lesson. I don’t bother women when they’re moody.

I bet. Frank smiled. I wouldn’t approach Carlotta if she’s not in the mood for company.

Lee shuddered and shook his head. I’ve been down that path too many times. She’s always in a snit when I’m around.

She can be dangerous…

I can handle her.

Oh, really?

Both men looked up to see Carlotta standing next to them.

Lee sighed. I hate it when she does that.

Frank laughed. You’d better get used to it.

Carlotta sat down next to Lee and smiled at him. They seemed to come to an understanding between them, if only for the time being. He drove her nuts most of the time and she knew half the time he wanted to throttle her.

So, she said, arranging her heavy brown skirt around her, do either of ya know where we are or what era we’re in?

Frank took in her white floral print blouse with leg-o’-mutton sleeves that was tucked into her skirt. She had on lace-up black boots, and her long black hair was up in a bun. Perched on top of it was a straw boater hat with a blue ribbon.

The 1800’s? he guessed, glancing at Lee who nodded. Both men were dressed for work. Lee was in a pair of dungarees and a blue work shirt and Frank was in a pair of Levi overalls. Both wore work boots and both needed a shave.

Lee, do ya know? asked Carlotta.

Lee hesitated. He did, but it was not his place to tell them. This was always something the carnies had to figure out on their own.

He turned to glance at Carlotta who was giving him a 100-watt smile, and he almost faltered.