Part 2

The atmosphere backstage at the circus was peculiar. White horses, fancily groomed, whinnied loudly, eager to perform. Fierce lions growled angrily at their tamer through the large, jail-like fence. People barked orders at one another, desperate to get everything and everyone ready for the show. Chuck tried his hardest to blend in with the crowd. For once, his clumsiness was going to come in handy.

"So… where do we meet Casey?" Chuck asked Sarah quietly.

"He's taking care of some… uh… pre-show business," Sarah answered, choosing her words carefully in case someone around them overheard the conversation.

Just as Chuck was about to speak again, his eyes fell upon a tanned woman, dressed in a gymnast costume much like Sarah's. As soon as he saw her, he had a flash.

"Chuck!" Sarah whispered harshly, pulling him aside. "What did you see, Chuck?"

"That woman over there," he said, pointing discreetly, "she's one of the agents. Julia Banderones. She was captured about eight months ago after an incident in Argentina. She may appear innocent, but she's highly dangerous."

"Greetings everyone!" a powerful yet cheerful voice boomed over the sound system. "Let the show begin!"

oOo

Chuck stood nervously just behind the curtain. He'd gone over the plan several times in his head.

When they introduce the clowns, I walk out. I act like a clown. Use my stupidity and clumsiness. I exit the stage, see if I flash on any more people. If not, I go to the car. If I do, I tell Casey and Sarah… then I go to the car. Either way, I end up at the car and I stay in the car… Why do they always tell me to wait in the car?

"Ladies and gentlemen! Introducing the clowns!"

Right on cue, Chuck dashed out from behind the curtain. At first, the bright lights and applauding crowd seems slightly overwhelming. It brought back memories of his lame high school speeches and performances, which usually ended with people throwing food at him.

At last, the sound and excitement of the crowd died down, and Chuck eyes adjusted to the lights.

"Heeello everyone!" Chuck greeted the crowd, exaggerating a stupid accent. My name is… uh… Charlie Bonono!"

It wasn't until then that Chuck realised that there was another clown standing beside him. Dressed in a similar vibrant, over-sized costume to his own, was Casey. Chuck's eyes widened at the sight of his serious, stern, sometimes violent companion in such ridiculous clothing and make up.

"And this is my besssst buddy… uh… Mr Petunia!" Chuck exclaimed to the audience, trying hard to contain his laughter.

Casey shot him a withering look. "Watch it Bartowski!" he hissed. "I may be dressed like something out of a cartoon, but I'm still carrying weapons!"

oOo

Meanwhile, backstage, Sarah was drying to get the dirt on her co-performer. This Julie appeared to be an innocent, happy performer, but her darkness did show. Sarah could identify differences between her and the others. She had a wickedness about her, a secretly sly personality. As a way to spark a conversation and get more details, Sarah accidently-on-purpose collided with the young woman.

"I am so sorry," Sarah said apologetically. "Oh! You must be one of the women I'm doing the trapeze performance with."

Julie's eyes scanned Sarah from head to toe. "I've never met you before. You must be new here."

"Yes. I… uh… heard that one of your performers was sick. I was asked to come in as back up," Sarah lied, hoping the woman would take the story as fact.

"Very well then," Julie drawled, tossing her brown hair to the side. "See you out there." With that, she pushed her way past Sarah, through the crowd, and walked off.

oOo

Chuck was thoroughly enjoying his time as a clown. Every time Charlie Bonono played a trick on Mr Petunia, the entire audience erupted with laughter. Casey, however, did not seem to be sharing Chuck's excitement and joy. He was now soaked with water, covered in cream pie and sporting a massive hole in the back of his trousers.

"Hey Charlie," Casey drawled in a falsely innocent voice, "it's time to ay bye bye to all the lovely people."

"But Mr Petunia! I'm having so much fun!" Chuck yelled, prancing around like some sort of pathetic pony.

"Charlie, if you don't, you'll be in for a little… shock," Casey said, gesturing discreetly to the Taser hidden safely in his belt.

"Oh… Oh!" Chuck exclaimed, realising what cruel punishment he was in for if he didn't obey. "Yes. Well, it looks like have to go guys because… uh… it's way past Mr Petunia's bedtime and he gets really grumpy when he's tired. Bye everyone! Stay in school kids!"

Thank you for the reviews. I hope you have enjoyed part 1 & 2. Part 3 will be coming soon.