Chapter 1

The final act just finished and the audience cheered with glee and excitement. The show had been great, with everyone giving wonderful performances entrancing the visitors. Anne and WD had shown their new routine for the first time and it had been a hit. Now, as the spectators were clearing the bleachers, the troupe gathered together, cleaning up the ring before going to their usual bar for celebrations. It was their last show for the week and everyone was excited to have a day off the next day.
WD had his arm slung around his sister's shoulders, laughing at a joke Lettie had just made.
Philip bid the last visitor a good night and turned to join his friends with cleaning up. He stopped for a short moment, to enjoy the view of his family laughing and thought to himself how happy he was that he had found his place, his home.
Anne smiled at him and waved him towards them. He still could not believe that while finding family, he had also found love. Even WD had eventually given them his blessing and treated Philip like a brother… with the promise to end his life if he ever so much as hurt a hair on his sister of course.
The troupe all knew about his parents and how difficult his childhood with them had been and all had shared their story with him as well.
Only Anne and WD had been reluctant and nobody had pressured them into telling them their past. It was their past to keep and they would open up whenever they were ready. All that was important was that they were part of the circus now and happy amongst their family.
But Philip had seen the scars on Anne's back and noticed sudden and loud noises sometimes made her flinch. He'd seen how protective WD was of Anne, especially around men. But it was not his place to force an explanation out of them, he would know when they want him to know. Until then, all he could do was make them feel part of their family and hold Anne and let her know how beautiful she was every day.
The last ropes were put away and the group slowly dispersed through the back entry of the tent, wanting to change out of their costumes before heading off to the bar.
It was only Philip, WD, Anne, Lettie and Constantine that had remained to clean up the bleachers before heading out.
"Wasn't this show amazing today? It never ceases to amaze me how in awe those stuck up white people can be of us when they are in here." Anne chuckled.
Her brother gave a hearty laugh and threw a piece of peanut shell at his sister "You know… I bet they are always in awe of us. This is just the only time they are allowed to show it. God forbid they actually accept us and enjoy seeing us outside the tent."
None of the performers had noticed that a figure had stepped back into the ring, staring at the remaining circus troupe. Philip noticed the man first, not liking the arrogant sneer on his face and the way he looked over Anne's body.
"Excuse me sir, the show has finished a little while ago and I have to ask you to leave." He said politely.
At his words his friends turned around and Philip noticed how Anne paled immediately and WD pushed her protectively behind his back. Did they know this man?
"Now, now… no need to be rude. I'm just here for what is mine. I was in town for business and saw your posters. Rather amazing what you have established here, sir. Mr Carlyle right? My friend told me about quite a bit about you. Wealthy man with family high up in society but chose to hang around this mob of freaks. See, I am from rather far away, but I have connections that tell me all I need to know. I was only supposed to be here for a business meeting but your little circus caught my eyes. Looks like you have something that belongs to me, something I lost a little while ago and I would like it back." The man sneered and Philip noticed how Anne disappeared further behind her brothers back, who now tried to walk slowly backwards towards the other end of the bleacher and make an unnoticed exit.
Philip frowned "I have no idea what you might be talking about. Everything here belongs to Mr P.T. Barnum and his crew. What is it you said you lost?"
Suddenly a piercing scream was heard and everyone turned around to see Anne being grabbed and pulled away from her brother's protection towards a strong man, another holding back WD. WD had slowly walked his sister backwards towards the other side of the bleachers so they could climb down unnoticed and exit through the backside of the tent. However, nobody had noticed that a group of men had been waiting in the shadows of the bleachers, grabbing Anne when they arrived at the end of them. WD had tried to fight but was also held down by the men.
"Anne!" Philip yelled and was at the other side of the bleachers within a few jumps. He tried to pry her out of the stranger's hands but was thrown back when a punch landed in his face. Anne was kicking and screaming to be let go and WD was struggling as much as he could under the hands of two strong men.
Meanwhile, the other man was watching the commotion from the other side of the tent with a smirk on his face.

To be continued...