Chapter 2

A week after I got home, my childhood friend, Jake, called.

"Bro, are you free this Friday? The town circus is putting on a show, and I got us two 'special' tickets!"

I thought back to my strange house call last week. "I already checked it out for you," I retorted. "It's just a bunch of old, sick, and weak animals. Nothing to see."

Jake chuckled into the phone. "Nah, who said anything about watching animals? We're going for the beautiful performers, man!"

I suddenly remembered the woman who'd come out in just a bikini top and sheer wrap last week. Daisy, was it?

Well… she certainly had a lot going on.

"Fine. Come by my office on Friday." Being a small business owner meant I was chained to the store, barely making ends meet, with no money to hire help.

Jake laughed. "That's the spirit! Your little shop's practically empty anyway, nothing to look at there."

"Gotta go, a client just walked in."

"You're lying…"

I hung up.

I wasn't lying to Jake. A client really had walked in.

It was Eleanor Vance.

Today, she wore a stunning strapless green gown, her fiery red hair loosely swept up with a clip, two delicate strands framing her face, a look both seductive and sweet.

Eleanor held up a small box, smiling. "Dr. Miller, I specially came to thank you. That lion you saw last time has started eating again. If I didn't think you'd blush, I'd practically nominate you for an award."

I managed a faint smile. "Don't mention it. I'm just glad he's doing better."

Eleanor ran a hand through her hair. "Well, I won't keep you from your work. Come see a show sometime. We're open every day except this Friday."

My mind went blank for a second.

I nodded mechanically, watching Eleanor sway her hips as she walked out the door, my thoughts miles away.

I just couldn't snap out of it.

I remembered Jake had invited me for this Friday. Why did Eleanor say they wouldn't be open to guests that day?

I pulled out my phone. Jake had sent me a picture of the tickets.

Right there, it clearly read: "This Friday, July 28th, 'Charm Circus' welcomes you."

My heart pounded with anticipation.

I grew increasingly curious about what kind of "special show" Jake's tickets were for!