Do you like stories with mystery and suspense? Strange and “wyrd” ones? Well, if you do, keep reading and enjoy Eggcentricsagas. If you are just joining Eggcentricsagas, you might want to start from the beginning: A La Mano: Part 1-The Treasure
Before Edward emerged from the forest, in the dim light, he could see that the Strong Man was wrestling with another girl. The pretty blonde with the long, wavy hair. The one he suspected knew something about the fortune-teller’s disappearance. It seemed that George had his own ideas about how to extract information from the ladies. As he and Rajiv stepped out of the woods and approached the couple, the magic man understood that George had other ideas on his mind than just extracting information. Disgust filled Edward’s heart and mind. I must save her from this animal. He and Rajiv could not overpower the brute by themselves. Edward had to think quickly.
In their struggle, the couple had not noticed that they had spectators. Edward stopped walking and threw up his cane to stop Rajiv. He signaled the boy to keep quiet and move back into the trees. George was forcing a kiss upon the girl and starting to paw her as Edward called out in a familiar and comfortable tone, “Hey, George! Good times are over! Big Boss wants to see you. Something about Madame Glass and her whereabouts!” Concentrating, the magician skillfully focused his intention into George’s mind.
It worked. The Strong Man stopped what he was doing and looked over. Edward had confounded his simple brain. Being released by him, the girl distanced herself from George. Uncertain whether Edward was her savior or another beast, she quivered between them and the neighboring forest. The illusionist watched her glance furtively into the shadowy woods. He knew that she was considering her odds.
George looked lustfully at the girl and then back at Edward. Frowning, he barked, “Can’t it wait?”
Continuing with his manipulation, Edward sashayed into the clearing. “Nope. The people are all worked up again. They are demanding your hide. In fact, one of them may have gone to the police. With your colorful past and all… Arrests, warrants… Good thing Big Boss has your back… He wants to have a conference with you.” He added authoritatively, “Pronto.” Turning towards the girl, in a way that George could not see his expression, Edward smiled as disarmingly as he could and winked. Then he directed her, “You too. It’s getting dark out here. Time to get back to camp,” and motioned her over.
Turning back to George, Edward resumed his tale. “He’s in the business car. Seemed pretty upset and impatient when I left. And sweaty. He sure hates being kept waiting. But especially when he is hot.” Grinning, the magician added confidentially, “You know how he gets… When he starts tapping that foot…” Demonstrating, Edward sharply rapped his walking stick against a nearby rock. Then with a theatrical flourish of his cane, the illusionist indicated that the Strong Man should lead the way. Considering his options, George hesitated momentarily and then reluctantly started back to the carnival grounds with Edward, Charlotte, Rajiv, and Kapi following.
As they tramped through the darkened woods, Edward split his attention. He devised his plan and kept his mind on George. Almost positive, that Big Boss would not be in his office, he would work that to his advantage. Upon their arrival, besides the psychic’s tent, the tornado had done no other damage except clearing out the grounds of townspeople and most of the carnies. It was dark and deserted when they arrived at the business car. Pretending to be peeved at the boss’s absence, Edward shook his head. “Must already be in his sleeping car. Not gonna be happy…”
The Strong Man reacted accordingly. “It’s not my fault. I told you, I don’t know where she is. Ask her.” He gave Charlotte a cruel stare, and she shrank behind Edward.
Edward clapped George’s back amiably. “Don’t worry, buddy, I’ll talk to Big Boss first and soften him up.”
George seemed grateful for Edward’s help. “But what about her?”
“Don’t worry about her. I will question her later.” The magic man steered the strong man away as he called over his shoulder to the boy, “Rajiv, take her to our train car. After I help George with his problems, I’ll be back.” Winking at them, he then proceeded to propel his burly companion smoothly towards their destination.
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Her brow furrowed, Charlotte followed the men and boy through the carnival grounds, attempting to process what had just happened to her. The brawny ogre’s odd behavior and repulsive advances befuddled her. His wrestling outfit, including old-fashioned laced boots, also puzzled her, but she was curious about the friendly, handsome man with his walking stick and piercing green eyes. However, what mystified her the most was the boy wearing a white turban. How could she have dreamed of him beforehand?
Why are they all dressed in vintage clothing? Of course, I am too, she thought as she looked down and surveyed her costume.
Taking in the strange locale, she felt like she was still at the carnival. But everything seemed dated. Like she had walked into an antique store or an old theater. The few people she spotted by the pitched tents in the dark distance were all clad in what she considered turn of the century clothing. A man sporting a woolen cap, collared shirt, baggy trousers with suspenders, and knee-high boots eyed their group suspiciously as they passed by.
When the men departed to find Big Boss, Charlotte accompanied the East Indian boy and his monkey. When they finally arrived at the designated spot, she ran her hands through her hair. Where am I, and how did I get here? Charlotte thought. A revelation came to her. This is not the carnival that I came to with Betsy.
Next: The Magician’s Hat: Part 9-The Heart of the Matter
