The Menagerie Locket

By Joe R Meyer

Fucini's family circus has been in the family for decades enthralling families with Lions, Tigers , clowns and the stars of the show Freaks. This was circus was no Barnum and Bailey's as it held a sinister secret that can not get out. Jewel, a kind of freak herself must solve the mystery along with her friends detective Cooley, her friends the

• Language: English
• Publisher: Joseph Meyer Creatives
• Release date: Mar 17, 2024
• ISBN: 9798869186348

Book preview

Prologue

This Story will take you in the depths of the circus, the life of the roustabouts, the freaks, and performers but with a twist. I often wonder what those in the circus do in their free time, what debaucheries do they take part in. I find that maybe the life of a freak is not so freakish but maybe very ordinary like you and me. Together let’s solve this mystery going into the paranormal, circus life and even the mystical. The characters involved come together to solve the mystery, going deep and beyond to places one could not imagine. This story is for those who wanted to be transported to a world that once existed but no longer with each character a resemblance of those I know. Like most writers’ life often imitates art with those I have met and even those I have not met, but wished I had as there is a world beyond our world. The characters and story take place in the local circus, hit with tragedy and in search of answers looking to a local cop who searched for the culprits of who done it, only to find the answers were not as straightforward but turning bizarre with each turn, turning to the freaks for answers. The journey takes you on the road with the bearded lady, Dog Boy, the Pin Heads, and many other beloved freaks. Taking place in the Fucini circus in the late seventies early eighties surrounded by a traditional circus, but not your typical circus, this one has secrets, ones that kill. You’ll come along with Jewel, Detective Cooley, freaks of all kinds taking into a world of spirits, mystics and the supernatural. This story was written for those who want to know what goes on behind closed doors, what goes bump in the night, but the circus is no ordinary world, it’s not just fun and games but a world unlike anything most of us are used too. This world is one does not know personally unless you have worked or trained in the circus, but from glimpses in the news, documentaries and those who speak of the circus, they are a family, one big family made of unique individuals, personalities and talents. The Fucini Circus is no different than any other circus except they are no Barnum’s or Vargas but a small home town circus , but one that is recognized in its own right, come along and join Fucini’s circus, you won’t regret it or maybe you will.

Dedication

This second creation from my imagination is dedicated to the people who inspire me to think outside the box. My wife Delia and my daughter Mikaylah. But this inspiration would not have been possible without the times I was taken to the circus by my father and mother who allowed me to see the true circus, the one that doesn’t exist today. The fondness of the performers who to this day allow me to remember the excitement, although at the time growing up it felt so natural not special, but today the circus is very special, and it pains me my daughter will not know the true circus. My family inspires me each day to be creative, to think of stories and bring them to life. This book is for you in hopes you will know and get a glimpse into my imagination, something I carry with me each day.

Circus dogs jump when the trainer cracks his whip, but the really well-trained dog isthe one that turns his somersault when there is no whip

-George Orwell

1

Death of the Circus

Dead of night, a squealy scream was heard across the courtyard as it echoed along the line of trailers and tents as lights flickered on and off waking those in the dead of sleep. Each of the freaks stood looking out their window noticing that one trailers doors was open belonging to Uma and Francisco Betancourt, brother, and sister duo. Uma and Frank’s trailer is always quiet, each member of the Fuchini family circus rubbing sleep out of their eyes making their way to their home. The crowd waited outside calling out to Uma and Frank, but no one appeared, when Belinda Jones, the bearded lady stepped out from the crowd. Belinda a stout woman about five feet five in height, weighing a hefty two hundred pounds with a long immaculate red beard. Belinda immediately took charge, calling for Uma and Frank, but again no answer. The crowd murmured with concern as they ushered Belinda to go inside and investigate. Uma and Frank, the sweetest brother and sister act, a pair of midgets both standing at about four feet three. Both having the cutest button noses, brown hair and memorizing green eyes which brought the crowds far and wide. Belinda’s hand trembled as she continued to call inside not having a good feeling, stepping on the rickety steps as the weight of Belinda bucked under her feet. The trailer dark reaching for a light switch flipping it with a snap of finger, but the power was out. The miniatures accommodations scattered the floor with everything a miniature version from the sink, kitchen table and the tiny john as Belinda looked straight seeing Frank and Uma’s bedrooms in the distance. Letting out a scream, startled by one of Uma’s clown figurines, that she loved to collect as the home was filled with years of her collection. Startled by the scream, no one dared enter leaving Belinda be as she made her way into the dark.

Frank…Uma, Are you guys, okay?

Stepping into Frank’s room first, Belinda pushed open the door, finding it strangely empty, peeking her head inside as the bed was still made. Uma’s room directly across from Frank’s by design with Uma and Frank when they picked out the trailer, they were inseparable.

Uma…, Are you, there?

The room was dark as Belinda reached for the light switch, but still no luck power but only a glimmer of moonlight. Each step closer revealing the disheveled room approaching her bed, a hand draped over the bed, a bloody hand. Letting out a scream running over to Uma’s dead body. The crowd outside alarmed by another scream, now rushing in but many unable to fit due to the small courters, as the fattest man upset over not being included in the commotion.

Everyone out,. Ordered Belinda.

What did you see,. Shouts from the crowd asking.

Folks, Uma…is…is, DEAD,. Said Belinda followed by gasps.

Get Fuchini over here and call the police,

Has anyone seen Frank?

He’s not here,

Belinda knew it was unnatural for Uma and Frank to be apart, both orphans who hadn’t lived apart from each other since the age of twelve since their mother died crossing the street and their father died on the account of the drink. Both living through so much tragedy as they fought to survive almost dying on the streets themselves until Fucini found them offering them jobs in his circus called Fuchini’s Family Circus, The Greatest show west of Mississippi. The police arrived where the circus was, the trailers were located on the outskirts of Los Angeles nestled in Wilmington near the railroad and salt air from the sea. The area was overcome by the smell of sulfur coming from the chimney tops of the surrounding factories near the port of Los Angeles. It was the only place they could live on the account that neighbors past demanded that the so-called freaks be not allowed into their clean neighborhoods to dirty up their town. The Circus loved and hated at the same time, bringing over one hundred performers, freaks, staff, and the menagerie. The year is nineteen hundred and seventy-nine. Fucini having been in business for over close to fifty years having completed with those rats Barnum and Bailey who had everything money could buy. Fuchini well into his eighties at this point coming out each night as ringmaster. There were no misses, she was long and dead putting her through hell never willing to give up the circus and suffering financial ruin many times, having gone bankrupt twice.

On the scene Officer Mick Cooley is familiar with the circus having had made multiple runs in’s with the circus over the years on account of the noise level complaints. Bringing his new partner and rookie Jack Spellman. Entering Uma and Frank’s home attempting to turn on the light but still no power flashing a light into Uma’s bedroom seeing a ghastly sight peeking his head in seeing a bloody mess. Flashing light across the room, seeing the walls covered in blood stepping inside hearing the crunch of glass under his feet, looking down and confirming but noticing strangely pine needles scattered across the floor. Cooley also noticed something strange a bloody handprint on the glass window taking a picture. The handprint was no ordinary handprint but appeared to have long slender inhuman fingers. Officer Cooley knew Uma and Frank having had many pleasant interactions with them both always seeing them together like two peas in a pod.

The power finally turned on as Cooley stood overlooking Uma’s room seeing there was much more blood loss than thought looking at Uma’s body. Her tiny body and face covered with large deep lacerations, but it was her face Cooley would never forget, a look of fright stretched across her face as Cooley reached down closing her eyes. Cooley exited the room waiting for the morgue to arrive, appearing green as the crowd waited for answers. Surrounded by every member of the circus as Cooley attempted to make it to his vehicle.

What happened to our Uma?

I am sorry folks, but it appears to be murder,

Murdered!

WHAT, oh god could have done such a thing?

Cooley looking over at Belinda signaling to send everyone home, until his investigation was complete. The crowds refused to disburse as they waited until Uma’s body was wheeled away, still perplexed over Frank’s disappearance but hopeful he was alive. The morning soon arrived as the sun beat down on Uma’s and Franks rusted trailer once again piquing the interest of the family as they stood outside waiting for Belinda to allow each to go inside and inspect for themselves.

No one is going inside,. Belinda ordered.

The crowd was angered at Belinda’s refusal to allow entry when a scream arose that appeared to be coming from the pier. It was Delores also known as Miss Amazonian, the tallest women in the world. The screaming continued, then a call for help as the crowds ran towards the pier seeing Delores standing on the ledge of the pier seeing a large object floating. It was Frank floating face down dead, Delores stood frozen when Cecil the clown jumped in and pulled Franks small frame out of the water placing him on the edge. Badly beat, still in his pajamas as small crustaceans were beginning to eat at him.

Why would anyone want to hurt Uma and Frank?

The crowd stood around Frank’s body and wept remembering no one had told Fucini about the recent deaths looking up at Belinda.

Has anyone told Fucini?

Are you nuts, he would have heart attack knowing two of his biggest stars were dead,.

FINE, I will tell him,. Said Belinda.

It was then that Bernardo stepped forward and pushed the crowd aside, picking up Frank with his large burly arms and placing him briefly on his stomach to rest as he breathed heavily. Bernardo the worlds fattest man weighing nearly six hundred pounds loved Frank knowing him for years crying into Frank.

2

The Show

Word spread fast among the circus, the freaks in turmoil and unsure how the show would go on without Frank and Uma as this scandal would surely bankrupt the circus. Excitement always in the air on the night of the show, filled with sights and smells, everyone loved the freaks a mainstay kept separate from the rest of the circus often too frightening for children. The freaks were the show with over twenty to count from the bearded lady, fattest man and women, Dog boy, camel girl, Lobster Boy, Chian and Yang Siamese twins and others. The show begins at seven, but the crowds arriving at three drawing the crowds to the Menagerie, face painting for the kiddies, hotdogs, popcorn served hot and ready. The day was particularly warm, hitting triple digits in Long Beach. The performers felt the heat as the clowns retouched their paint many times as it melted off minutes later. The cool breeze from the nearby ocean cooled the restless crowds as they began to enter the big top.

Step right up, Step right up boys and girls and see the greatest show west of the Mississippi enthralled with the great Fuchini,"

The host a short stout portly man in a bright red suit, long flowy white beard almost resembling father Christmas named Harold welcomed the crowds. Fuchini chose Harold by design, claiming he even had Saint Nick as a part of his circus and in Fuchini’s eyes whatever brought the crowds in is what mattered. The canvas tents blistered inside but a quick shift in temperature quickly came a cool breeze lifted the weathered tent signaling the crowds to come in. It was a full house as Fucini started the show in his glistening red suit, top hat and gold buttons accompanied with his cane.

Bring out the clowns!

Sparky the clown led his battalion of clowns to give a great performance as there must have been at least twenty different clowns, tall, short, round in a array of colors, gigantic shoes, suspenders and the most spectacular noses and make up, one even resembling the famous Ronnie McDonald, a distant cousin of Ronald and a slightly skewed Bozo the clown.

Parked alongside the circus stood a fleet of box cars, a caboose, train and all the equipment to house the beasts, in addition to housing on the train for the talent, staff and freaks. Not only was the money good for Fucini but good for the freaks as well, many living lives of envy as they would homes, and some were even married with families back home. Fucini loved his freaks, taking care of each of them, personally finding each one of them. The lights gently dimmed, and the drum roll began to roll as the crowd nested comfortably in their seats with popcorn, hotdogs, and beer in hand ready for the show. The clowns gleefully run out to start the show in mini tricycles, mini cars and the many colors or personalization for each clown. By far Bobo was the favorite, having the most spectacular makeup and the biggest most colorful green hair, a big red nose, oversized red shoes as he led the pack of clowns. The sounds of horns, squeaks and funny sounds rang throughout the big top as the sound of children’s laughter filled the room. The show quickly moved through each act as Fucini was a stickler for keeping his circus on time with each show as the crowds begged or more.

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, give a warm welcome for our very own extraordinaire ring master Fucini,. Stepping out once again, this time with the most magnificent bull whip, cracking it as he took a bow as the crowed rejoiced with claps and whistles. Introducing the next act, horses cracking his whip as Arabian, Friesian and miniature horses pranced out with elegance. Each steed bowing its head to the crowds as they each encircled the ring dancing with pride performing summersaults with great precision. Followed by acrobats as they each balanced themselves on the glistening white, jet black and brown steeds performing maneuvers as acrobats rode two horses at a time as the crowds roared louder and louder. Fucini loved the horses he raised since ponies. The acrobats slender and small wearing sparkling red, white and blue leotards rode and jumped from steed to steed when suddenly the most wonderful surprise emerged a pint-sized zebra galloped into the ring. Riden by the beautiful Julieanne Montgomery, a star in her own right elegantly stood on the zebra as it pranced around while Julieanne waved to the crowd.

That is our very own Julieann Montgomery, our star!

Raised in the circus since the age of nine, a child of his once star acrobat Bethany Montgomery who unfortunately passed when Juliann was only fifteen years old. The horses whisked to the back leaving a trail of dust behind as Fucini cracked his whip signaling his prized tigers and lions. Older, having been with the circus over ten years, slightly worn with missing patches of fur and thin. From the crowds one could not tell their age, but Fucini had a small trick painting strips to disguise their age, who would be the wiser in his eyes. Leading the large beasts to the ring, Fuchini cracked his whips, as the tiger and lions snarled and roared with defiance. With the snap of his fingers, circles of Fire appeared, alarming and mystifying the patrons as fire lit up like magic. The fire and lions circled the ring as the beasts jumped through rings of fire effortlessly. Fuchini quite spry for his age moved around the circle keeping an eye on each animal never turning his back, but within him fear struck him knowing any moment his beasts could turn on him always respecting their true nature. Fuchini was a showman, always has been from a young age when his father Fucini senior taught him everything coming from a long line of ring master’s back to the eighteen hundreds.

The show moved quickly without a hitch as the show began to wind down after almost two hours when the top went completely pitch.

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls we ask for your silence,

Two aeriest appeared on the top of the highest polls reaching the top of the big top as a tight rope sparkled from above. The two trained