Seeing Danger (Sinclair and Raven #2)(80)

They walked down several steps and onto the floor along with the other patrons. Divided into two parts, the audience was to stand on the outer rim, which formed a circle around a raised platform that Dev guessed the actors would perform on.

“Move for the Duke of Raven and his party, if you please!”

James groaned as several other patrons were shuffled back to allow them to the front of a row.

“No, really, there is no need—”

“Only royalty is higher than you, your Grace. I will not have anyone saying Mr. Rolland’s Circus of Strange and Ridiculous Curiosities does not look after its distinguished guests.”

“One word, Sinclair.”

Dev raised his hands as James glared at him. They shuffled to the front, adults at the back and children placed securely before them.

“No one moves or touches anything, is that understood?”

“Yes, Dev,” his siblings said.

“That goes for you too, Samantha,” James added.

“Oooh, it's starting!” Somer squealed as Mr. Rolland appeared suddenly above them on a raised platform.

“Please brace yourselves, as the platform you are currently standing upon is about to start moving!”

“Dev, we’re moving!”

“I can feel that, Warwick.”

“Prepare to be dazzled by the delights of Mr. Rolland's performers!” Mr. Rolland said as slowly the lights went out around them, with only the raised platform still lit. Dev watched as Mr. Rolland was lowered and then a large woman slowly appeared above them, rising out of the mists that now floated around her.

“I am the bearded woman from Venezuela!”

“More like Putney,” Dev muttered.



Lilly saw the show for what it was, a group of people that were very clever at the art of disguise, and she loved every ridiculous minute of it. She loved watching the children laugh and squeal with delight, and she loved that she wasn't afraid of the dark because Dev had his hand on her waist, reassuring her that he was close. But most of all she loved being there with all of them, part of these wonderful families.

“I believe you're enjoying yourself, Miss Braithwaite.”

“I admit I am. It is a novelty for me, and seeing it through the eyes of the children makes it all the more fun.” Turning her head slightly, she brushed his lips with her own. “But most of all I'm so happy to be here with you and the families.” His green eyes seemed to glow at her. He didn't speak, just smiled and returned the kiss.

“I will not spoil it for you then, and tell you what I can see.”

“Is that hard? Seeing everything that others cannot?”

“Sometimes, but I'm used to it now. Besides, I get to see those dimples of yours when you smile, no matter how far away from me you are.”

“I must remember you see everything,” Lilly muttered. “I will be able to hide nothing from you.”

She saw the flash of his white teeth and then felt his hand stroke her bottom.

“It's the mermaid, Lilly!”

“I can see that, Dorrie, and she is very beautiful, don't you think, especially her blue tail.”

“It sparkles,” Samantha gasped, clutching her hands to her chest as the mermaid reached the top of the platform, where she proceeded to splash around in a small pool of water.

“She is a very talented mermaid. In fact, I think I may have heard her sing one night while I swam off the cliffs of my home,” James said.

“Was that her, do you think?” Cam said, appearing to ponder James's words. “I have heard the singing, but was unsure of its source.”

The children were nodding in agreement, stating they too had heard the singing and vowed that it was indeed this mermaid and her family.

“Ooh, do you think she lives near Oak’s Knoll, Dev?”

“Mermaids are a bit like migratory birds, I believe, Dorrie. They move around to the warmest climates as the seasons change.”

Warwick nodded. “That makes sense. I wouldn't want to freeze my—”

“Thank you, Warwick,” Devon said quickly. “I believe we understand your meaning.”

“You have tears running down your cheeks, Lilly. Is it because the mermaid is so beautiful?”

Nodding at Dorrie, Lilly bit her lip. She had never laughed so much in her life.

“I hear fire,” Eden said softly.

“I smell smoke.” Cam spoke at the same time as his sister.

“How far away?” Devon asked.

“Just starting, but we need to move now,” Eden replied.

James ducked under the barrier and then climbed up on the stage beside the mermaid as quickly as he could.

“There is a fire, we all need to leave the building. Please move calmly to the entrance at once.”

Lilly looked at the entrance. It was some distance away, but she could as yet not see the fire or smell smoke. The building was made of wood, and would ignite in minutes, but with Eden and Cam's warning, they would surely get out before the fire took hold.

“James, look up!”

Eden's scream made them glance skyward, in time to see a lit torch come hurtling toward the Duke.

“Jump!” Dev roared.

Lilly watched the Duke fly through the air to land at his wife's feet. Devon and Cam grabbed an arm each and steadied him.