Circus Escape (6 page)

"You're making this worse for yourself," said Kris, raising Cate's claws.

"What are you doing?" yelled Jim.

"Winning." Joy smiled to herself. "I've got a little surprise for you both."

A series of razors moved out of the six remaining legs. Then Joy made Sally move around in a circle, getting faster and faster. "You've all heard of a spinning spider. The Golden Orb."

Joy moved Sally forward. Razors sharp enough to cut metal moved out from each leg, one after the other as Sally spun around. Joy began to feel dizzy and her head throbbed, but she kept her Spider on course.

Spinning towards Cate.

One claw dropped to the ground and then the other spun away as the razors shaved their way towards the body of the crab.

*~*~*

Air fanned around Nessie's face. Hot air, tainted with exhaust fumes and dust. The inside of her nostrils burned. Her awareness pulled away from the darkness, slowly. "What happened?"

A man fanned his hat over her face. "You missed the best fight."

Nessie groaned. She felt like she'd been steamrolled and her head had been fogged with steam. Then she remembered. Sally on the ground. Her legs being snipped off.

"Sally?" She sat forward. Her stomach contracted and she swallowed hard.

The man whistled. "Now that is some mecha beauty. I'm going to back that one in the future. A spider winning? Who ever thought that a spider would beat a crab?"

"She won?" Nessie asked, her hand on her head and her eyes squinted closed against the throb in her mind.

"Won?" The man let out a loud whoop. "She more than bloody won! Take a look." He helped Nessie to stand.

Nessie sighed in relief as she saw Joy standing on top of Sally waving to the crowd. Cate Crab was a gutted mess. Kris kicked at the broken metal parts of Cate lying in the dirt.

"Joy." Nessie smiled.
She did it
. Then she fainted once more, this time missing the seat behind her.

*~*~*

"Easy now." A nurse rushed over to Nessie's side to help her sit up. "Ya had a nasty fall."

Nessie groaned as the throb in her head set in like a winter's storm. She groaned again as she flopped back into the pillows. The tent was a small first aid area, and Nessie lay on the only bed. The floor was a dusty tarpaulin and a simple gas lamp hung from the ceiling. There was some light outside still creeping in through the cracks, but it was edged with red in the last light of the day.

"I'm OK," said Nessie, her breath short from the exertion.

"I'm sure ya are, but ya better stay here for a bit. I don't want ya to be brought back on a stretcher." She waved her finger at Nessie in warning.

"No, no. Of course, no." Nessie moved trying to find a more comfortable position.
Sally had won
. Which meant that she had winnings to collect, and Joy was expecting her to turn up.
Joy
. She had to go and see Joy. She swung her legs over the side of the bed.

"No, you don't."

"Excuse me, but I have a very important date with a young woman, and I don't want to keep her waiting," said Nessie. The spin of the world slowed as she paused at the edge of the bed. The nurse tut-tutted at Nessie, but didn't stop her from getting up.

Nessie's back ached, making it difficult to move. But she didn't let that stop her. She wanted to see Joy, but first the winnings. She'd feel much more comfortable with the money back in her purse.

Nessie brushed down her skirt, making sure that it hung neatly. "Thank you, ma'am."

"Ya better take it easy, girl. Don't wanna see ya back 'ere." She glared at Nessie.

Nessie simply nodded her head in acknowledgment and walked out.

*~*~*

"You're done. Finished. I own you now," Jim yelled. He paced angrily back and forth near where a damaged Sally Spider was parked in the garage. "What were you thinking?"

Joy kept her mouth closed. She wasn't about to say anything. She'd never seen Jim this angry. She expected him to rant a little, but not this eruption of anger.

"No, don't tell me." He ran his hands though this dark hair. "I don't want to know what goes on in that crazy head of yours."

Joy kept standing, her shoulders back, but the more Jim spoke the more her stomach knotted.
Done for
. Her debt was beyond ridiculous now, at least at a level based on what she earned couldn't be paid back in two lifetimes. She glanced over at Sally.
But worth it
.

Jim slammed his hand down into the side of the wall. Then he shook his hand furiously. "I sure as hell own Sally. You're never going to Operate another Mecha."

"No." The realisation hit Joy hard in the stomach, and she doubled over slightly. "I have to be able to drive."

"Yeah well, you had simple instructions, and that was to lose."

"It's only a one fight. You know that Sally's career is better off if she wins the main fight." Heat burned behind her eyes. She'd been riding the cloud of elation after winning the fight, but now she'd crashed.
I did the right thing
.

"One fight?!" He turned and glared at her. "You just had to lose
one
fight."

"Did you owe someone a favor? Got into debt?" Joy spat back. Jim's face reddened. It was as if he'd become a lava flow, and she could see the steam coming out of his ears, nose and mouth. "Sally's just as much my mecha as yours. She's my design."

The veins on Jim's neck stood out. His cheeks puffed out as if full of hot air and were about to burst. He stepped towards Joy, lifting his hand. "How dare you …"

"What is going on in here?" Nessie asked, her voice firm and sharp. She walked up and stood between Jim and Joy.

"Get out of my way," said Jim.

Nessie raised her eyebrow and refused to move. She held up the wrecking bar she'd picked up when walking into the garage. Jim didn't come any closer.

"Now what seems to be the issue here? I thought Sally fought beautifully."

"Nothing that concerns you, lady. Now beat it." Jim puffed. His stale breath caused Nessie to wrinkle her nose.

Nessie held up the wrecking bar. "Oh, I'm not going anywhere until this is sorted out."

"Jim wanted me to lose the fight, but I didn't. Now he's claiming two life debts," said Joy, grateful that Nessie was here, but unsure how she could really help. Dressed in a long dress, tight waist, she didn't look like someone who could win a fight—even holding a wrecking bar.

"You tried to fix the fight?" asked Nessie.

"I ordered it. I can do that. I'm the boss." Jim took a step closer to her.

"Oh no." Nessie moved the bar backwards as if getting ready to take a swipe at him. It was enough to make him hesitate. "Don't come any closer. Trust me. I want to hit you, so stand there and let's sort this out like civilized people."

Jim spat on the ground.

Nessie gave him a stern look. "You will do well to remember I want to hit you." She kept the wrecking bar raised.

Workers had come to look, but they kept their distance, watching and waiting. Joy hated that they were witnessing this.
But now I guess I'm one of them
. Her eyes welled with hot tears at the thought.
Don't cry
. She took a deep breath. Jim had stopped threatening her and she could handle herself in a fight, but she wasn't sure how things would go if she had to keep an eye out for Nessie. She broadened her stance and flexed her hands by the side of her body.

"Right, tell me Mr. Jim," said Nessie. "How much does Joy owe you."

"A lot. Too much to pay in a lifetime." He spat and glared at both women.

"How much?" Nessie repeated, keeping her face nonplussed at his disgusting habits. "Keep in mind that if it's two life debts that you've been ripping her off and others around here, and well I'm sure I can get someone into look at your accounts." She let the bar fall into her hand.

Jim swallowed hard. "It's none of your business."

Joy's skin prickled and she flexed her hands once more.
Just one punch
.

"No, it is," said Nessie.

"If you can't do business with the men, then you should get out."

"Well now, I met an interesting person outside. Now what was his name? Oh, that's right. Mr. Jenkins."

Jim's eyes widened.

"He is waiting outside for you, but if you are much longer he will be coming in, and you know how little he likes to talk."

"Yeah, right."

"He told me a thing or two which I find rather interesting. First was the debt you have with him. Second, that you've not paid your workers for some time."

"So what? They owe me," he growled. Sweat beaded on his forehead.

"These are your options. Take the money I give you, then go out and clear your debt with Mr. Jenkins. I've spoken to him, and I know the amount. But this will clear the debt you have with Joy, and I will now own half of your business."

Joy couldn't believe it.
Nessie could be my boss?

"Ya dreaming, sweetheart."

"Or you wait in here for Mr. Jenkins."

Jim laughed. "I'm not scared of you."

"Mr. Jenkins is ready for you," called out Nessie. She stepped back, pulling Joy with her.

"Where is the mole?" Footsteps thudded on the concrete floor.

"I didn't mean it. I'll take the money," said Jim to Nessie.

"Too late." Nessie looked at him. "You had appropriate time to accept the offer. You made your choice clear."

"A man can change his mind."

"There you are, old chap," said Mr. Jenkins. "We have some talking to do." His men grabbed Jim before he could run away.

"No, no, I've got your money," said Jim as he struggled against being held. "That bitch took it from me."

"That bitch is my daughter," said Mr. Jenkins as he folded his arms over his chest.

Joy gasped.
Daughter?

"Sorry, I … I … I didn't mean …"

"Take him away. I don't want my daughter to witness this." The men dragged Jim away.

"Please go easy on him Father," said Nessie.

"After the threats he gave you, I will make sure he gets what he deserves."

"And you will sort out the paperwork tonight."

"Your mother isn't going to like this."

"I can afford to do it myself. Besides, mother doesn't know that you've been gambling again or the sort of people you've been keeping company with. It's not what you want to be talked about right before the election." Nessie smiled sweetly at her father.

Mr. Jenkins groaned. "Don't go doing anything else until I've sorted this out." He strode off.

Joy stared after him. Her mouth open wide. "What … was … how?"

Nessie laughed and dropped the wrecking bar on the ground. "Close your mouth or you'll end up catching flies."

"Was that really your father?"

"Yes. With his help, I can afford to buy this Mecha Circus thanks to me putting a bet on Sally winning and you
actually
winning." She put her hands on her hips. "I can't believe you thought about losing. Do you know how much money I would've lost?"

Joy took a deep breath. "I'm glad I didn't lose then."

"So am I. Now thanks to you, I have my own money."

"Really?" Joy didn't want to get excited too soon. She'd already crashed from the elation of winning and didn't want a second crash within a few hours.

"Yes. For certain."

"Oi. Get outta here," Joy grumbled to the lackeys hanging around. They didn't stay to be asked twice and hurried away.

Joy stepped in close to Nessie and looked into her brown eyes. They were like the perfect pools of rich oil. She ran her hands up the bare skin of Nessie's arms, feeling her skin come alive with bumps.

"Thank you." Joy leaned in and softly kissed Nessie, finally getting a full taste of her salty pomegranate flavour. She pulled Nessie into her and felt her relax into the embrace.

"Excuse me," a boy stammered.

Joy glared over at the boy, ready to give him one angry lecture for the interruption.

The boy looked down to the ground. "Mr. Jenkins … I mean, your father wants to speak to you, Nessie."

"Tell him I'm coming," said Nessie.

The boy hurried away.

"Can't you stay?" asked Joy. Now the fight was over, her debt gone, she had a chance to get to know Nessie some more. The Mecha outfit would probably be leaving tomorrow. She wanted more time with Nessie.

"I'm a businesswoman now," said Nessie, stepping away. "Don't worry. You'll see me again."

"Promise?"

"Yes." Nessie's eyelashes fluttered, transferring the same movement to Joy's heart. "But I don't need to promise."

"But you'll be gone soon."

Nessie put her finger on Joy's lips. Joy's pulse thundered.

"I've got paperwork to sort out. If all goes well, we leave tomorrow," said Nessie.

Joy moved Nessie's finger away from her lips. "We? Tomorra?"

Nessie smiled. Patted down her dress. "I'm coming out on the circuit. It's part of the deal with my father."

"You're sure?"

"I've never been more sure." Nessie smiled.

"Good. I look forward to seeing you later," said Joy.

"Me too."

*~*~*

Nessie dropped her suitcases in the hallway next to the door of the parlor. It was time to say goodbye to her mother. Her father had done an excellent job at getting the paperwork done quickly, and they were leaving today. There wasn't any point staying longer. The Mechas could be fixed during space travel to the next moon. Not much fighting could be done tonight on account of damage that the Mechas had received the previous night. Delaying the departure meant losing money, and Nessie was determined to show that she would run a Mecha Circus with profit and honesty.

Kris had stormed off when she learned that Nessie was her new boss, but Joy assured her that Kris would settle down. She was a great Operator and worth keeping. Nessie's stomach twisted.
I have a lot to learn
. Not for the first time since deciding on this journey, she wondered if this was the right thing to do.
It's not going to be easy
. But at least she had Joy by her side, and that would make all the difference. Simply thinking of Joy eased the tightness in her stomach. She entered the sitting room.