Chapter 26

Searching

Taryn waited anxiously in the wings for Sylvie to finish her act. Sylvie looked very tired, but determined, she could run herself into the ground if she wasn't careful! Taryn was practically dancing on her hooves from nervousness. If she made one mistake, just one! Then Halls would take her to the cleaners. Her "keeper" Big John stood next to her, one hand firmly on her collar reigns so that she couldn't bolt or be seen by anyone. They had been stuck in her cell until she had managed to convince him that she wouldn't be seen. Now they were behind the stadium seats, near the tent walls, looking through people's feet. It made for a surprisingly effective hiding place, as there was no way anyone could see her through the forest of legs. To keep her from gasping or shouting, Taryn was wearing her ball gag from the trip. Big John had been a bit surprised when she had suggested wearing it, but it at least ended one of his main objections to this escapade, that she would shout for help. He just didn't get that she didn't need to shout for help. The viral videos no doubt already streaming their way to cyberspace would do that for her.  All she wanted is to make sure Sylvie didn't get hurt while performing.

Sylvie came around her last barrel and raced over the finish line. That was it! It was over now. Taryn pumped her fist but bit back the cheer that threatened to escape. She didn't want to get hurt now! Big John was smiling slightly at her exuberance as he began to lead her away. Following the tug on her collar, Taryn gave one last glimpse of Sylvie's flushed, sweaty face before the legs completely obscured her again.

Big John strode through the back portions of the camp quickly to avoid unwanted eyes. They made it back to her cell without incident and Big John opened the door. He grunted in surprise and stepped to the side. Wondering why he had done that, Taryn peeked around the corner and saw a small, mousy woman clutching a large sack to her chest, peering around behind her glasses.

"Can I help you?" Taryn asked, or tried to. She had forgotten about the ball gag, so all she actually managed was "Mmm m mmm ymmm?"

The woman spun around and almost dropped her satchel in shock at Taryn. The look on her face at Taryn's appearance was so comical, Big John burst out laughing, while Taryn struggled to hold back a fit of giggles. Flushing in embarrassment, the woman glanced reproachfully at John.

"Come on John. Give me a break. I've never seen them before, remember?" she said in a mid-western drawl.

"S-sorry Sandy," Big John hiccupped, "But the look on your face was so funny." He dissolved into another fit of laughter.

Sandy just sighed heavily and then turned to Taryn. She jerked slightly when she saw the ball gag in her mouth. "Wh-what's with the gag, John?" She asked in surprise.

Big John glanced over at her and then back to Sandy. "It's just a precaution, Sandy. Taryn here wanted to see her friend run, but nobody wants her seen yet. I took her under the stands, but didn't want her making any noise."

Sandy gave a sickly smile at that. "Oh." She managed. She gathered herself back up. "Could you please remove the gag?" she asked.

Big John shrugged and reached around behind Taryn.  A moment later the gag was loosened and Taryn spat it out. Working out the slight ache in her jaw, Taryn waggled it from side to side to work saliva back in there. "Thank you." She managed.

Sandy gave her a sweet smile before opening the satchel. "Ms. Taryn, Payroll isn't officially until tomorrow, but Mr. Nightshade wanted me to give you and Sylvie your earnings tonight."

Taryn was immediately on guard. This was how Nightshade was going to make them stay; he was going to bribe her with money to see that she wanted to stay. Well, no matter what pittance-. Taryn's thought chopped off immediately as Sandy pulled out an enormous wad of bills. She set them on the table in front of her.

"That is eight hundred and ninety-eight dollars." Sandy said clinically. "Your pay is lower than an actual performers, of course, but is higher than most of our standard employees because of your…unique abilities." Sandy stumbled a little over that, but quickly caught herself and moved on. "Because of it, Mr. Nightshade has directed me to give you a four percent increase in allowance over the standard rate."

Taryn felt numb when Sandy announced how much she had earned. Eight hundred and ninety-eight dollars. That was more money than she had ever made. Shakily, she reached out and collected the bills, staring at the face of Benjamin Franklin as he smiled up at her from on top. There had to have been some mistake. Even allowing for a bribe, this was a tremendous amount of cash. How had Nightshade come into it? Various thoughts came into her mind. Nightshade had stolen the cash; it had come from her town when he had, for all intents and purposes, held it up; he was the eccentric son of a billionaire; or the money had come from drugs. Taryn remembered overhearing Sylvie's father talking to Ben about Nightshade possibly dealing in drugs. Now, Taryn was sure of it.

Some of what she had been thinking must have shown on her face, because Sandy was smiling. "None of the money you see is tainted; Nightshade makes sure we earn only clean money. This is some of the cash we earned in our last few stops, I assure you."

Taryn raised an eyebrow at that, and Sandy just shook her head. "God's you are stubborn." She smiled as she said it though, so Taryn wasn't sure if she was upset or not. "This money is clean. It's not dirty money that you so fear. Oh, by the way, Nightshade has asked me to extend an offer to you." Taryn felt her ears come to quivering points. "I understand that you want to share this money with your mother at home, yes?"

Almost unwillingly Taryn nodded.

"Well, I can arrange a direct deposit into an untraceable account that can feed the pay into your mother's bank. From there, the money is hers for whatever she needs…her doctor visits, medicine, and such. There would be a small deductible from the pay, for you, for your daily living expenses." How much do you want deducted for yourself?"

Taryn was a bit surprised, but thought quickly. "Perhaps a hundred of that could be for me. The rest I want sent to my mother."

Sandy jotted down a note in her book, removed one hundred dollars in twenties, and then placed the rest in her satchel. "The money will be wired directly to your mother. You can check later if you like."

Taryn nodded firmly. "I would. It's not that I don't trust you, but…"

"But you don't." Sandy finished for her. She was nodding in approval, Taryn thought. "Smart. OK. Well, I'll get this sent. Oh, and Taryn?"

Taryn looked at her, wondering what was next.

Sandy gave her a sunny smile. "Welcome to the show."

Taryn was in the mess tent when she saw her friend come plodding in after the show. She had needed somewhere to think about things, knew that the mess tent would be deserted at the point. Especially with most people eating at the carnival's many fast food spots. Fortunately, this one was off limits to customers, and could only be used by employees. Plus, it was far enough back from the rest of the show that it was fairly secluded. Taryn had made it there and found it completely deserted, even the cooks were gone. Taryn was glad of the solitude. It gave her time to think about Nightshade's offer. He had some very valid points. Other than starring as the prime attraction in a laboratory for scientists, what kind of future awaited her at home? Hiding out in barns, coming out only at night like some common thief? And what of her mother? How could she possibly support her? Taryn ate enough oatmeal for three people; her mother was bedridden and lived solely on the checks from the insurance company. There was no way she could support her daughter's food and need for space. In Taryn's mind she played the one ride they had had together. She looked so happy, riding on my back. Taryn thought wistfully. Taryn realized that she wanted to have her mom ride around on her back. She wanted to feel that connection and give her that freedom that she had lost. But then Nightshade's words came back to her. How would you, a centaur, be able to care for her? And food. Just you alone eat enough for two or three people. What kind of strain on her precious income is that? Do you think she could afford to feed you day in and day out? Of course! Taryn wanted to shout it. Of course she can, but the ugly worm of truth crawled into her ear and whispered that she was lying to herself.

Taryn wanted to scream at herself in disgust for even thinking that when Sylvie walked in. All at once Taryn forgot about herself and rushed to Sylvie's side. She looked terrible, her face had a slightly haggard look to it and her eyes spoke of her exhaustion. The last time Taryn had seen her like that Sylvie had run a marathon race and then did the relay for life for several hours. That same look had been on her face too, except for the smile that lit up her face.

"Taryn, I did it!" Sylvie said tiredly. "I went out there and did it!"

"I know." Taryn said smiling. "I saw."

Sylvie looked at her in confusion, and Taryn explained. "Big John let me sneak under the bleachers and watch your run. I had to stay quiet about it, but at least I got to see you."

Sylvie looked in wonder. "Huh, who would have thought it about him?"

Taryn nodded. "Yeah. He's cold and calculating, sure. But he's got another side to him. Either that or his twin brother is impersonating him and he's a lot nicer than the one we know."

Sylvie giggled slightly. "Now that's crazy. Sounds like something worthy of a comic book."

Taryn started laughing too, surprising herself. "Yeah, like the good brother and the evil brother. They trade places when their mission is done."

The two girls laughed until tears rolled down their faces. It felt so good to laugh again, neither had done much of it since their kidnapping. The laughs died down to giggles and the giggles gave way to gasps as they tried to suck air back into their lungs. Taryn felt a few more threaten to escape her, but she forced them back down. The sheer relief of actually laughing was a balm to her. She was almost sad when the last giggle escaped her. She wanted desperately to keep laughing, and ignore the horrible choice she had to make. All the while she was wondering if it was the right one.

"What's up Taryn?" Sylvie managed. "You look as if you're planning something." Her voice had dropped to a whisper and she was glancing around the tent. Looking, Taryn realized, for bugs or cameras that could be transmitting to Nightshade. She must be thinking I am planning an escape, Taryn thought. It wasn't a bad notion, and she had thought of a couple of plans while she had been working. However, both were highly risky, and were dependent on them knowing enough of the surrounding area to affect a successful escape. Taryn hadn't seen a map anywhere in the circus, so she had no idea where they were, other than somewhere in South America. No, she had to put escape on the back burner until they were rescued or until she could get a hold of a map. She said as much to Sylvie, and was surprised to see her nod back.

"I figured that was what was holding us up. And you're right; I haven't seen a single map of where we are. It's so frustrating. You'd think that someone would have a map that we could get a peek at." She said glumly. She walked over to the spigot in the kitchen and grabbed a mug from one of the racks. Turning back, she glanced back at her and raised an eyebrow. Taryn nodded and raised up her finger. Sylvie grabbed another mug and filled it with water and brought them back. The girls downed them in a short gulp.

"There's something else you need to know." Taryn said quietly. She had to tell her. Sylvie perked up and looked at her. "Nightshade took me out for a…walk this morning." Taryn started. She quickly summarized Nightshade's main points and his offer to her. "I'm not saying I agree with him." She said hastily, as Sylvie sat quietly, staring into her mug. She had been like that for the past few minutes, and it was starting to creep her out. "But, well. The money looks good, and it would go a long way to helping mom out. Maybe even get her the treatments she needs."

A roaring silence greeted her words. Sylvie appeared lost in thought as she stared deep into the mug, looking at it as if it might hold the answers. Taryn felt a surge of fear course through her body. It surprised her, and put her on edge. Her front hoof started to paw the ground, and she forced herself to stand still. What was taking Sylvie so long to get back to her? In all her memory, Sylvie had always spoken her mind, Even if others were sure to disagree with her. This silence was beginning to grate on Taryn.

After an age of silence, Sylvie rose her head up. "I understand." She said calmly. "But, we need to remember the plan. WE get seen, the video goes viral, and we get rescued."

Taryn glanced at her in surprise. "Why aren't you more upset?" Tayn asked incredulously. She had been fighting herself about this all day, and now Sylvie is taking as calmly as a rock?!

"I didn't say that." Sylvie said sharply. "But I was thinking of an episode of Homicide Cop I was watching with my parents the other day. A drug dealer had killed a man, and the only way they found him was by tracing the money he was funneling into an account. If Nightshade is giving money to your mother's account, then that means it can be traced." Sylvie finished triumphantly, sure of herself.

Taryn admitted that it made a certain amount of sense. Many shows today trumpeted the abilities of the cops cyber skills. A worry nagged at her though. The Chief doesn't have anywhere near that kind of capability. And there isn't a single one on the force that can hack the kind of cyber security that Nightshade is sure to have. For that matter, Taryn wasn't sure if the Chief even owned a computer, let alone worked with one. As long as Sylvie could remember, Ben Gardner had always written things down. God, I hope he can figure out how to work a computer! Taryn thought unhappily. Their whole plan was pinned on him spotting them online, or having someone tell him about the new act. She hadn't thought about what would happen if he didn't! It probably would be best not to mention that to Sylvie, Taryn decided. She looks so happy that she thought of this reason as to why I can get money from Nightshade and give it to my mom.

The fact that Sylvie was trying so hard to help gave Taryn a warm glow. Without thinking about it, she leaned across the table and hugged her tightly. "Thank-you." She said quietly. Sylvie hugged her back, but didn't speak. No further words were needed.

A soft cough interrupted them. Taryn broke apart from Sylvie and whirled towards the entrance to the tent. There stood Nightshade, still dressed in his black Ringmaster uniform. The brass buttons gleamed in the light as he strode into the tent. "Sorry to interrupt." He began smoothly.

Sure you are. Taryn thought viciously. She quelled her thoughts. He held all the cards right now, and it wouldn't be smart to get on his bad side just yet.

"I have some good news. Sylvie, the audience loved your act. They wanted an encore performance, but I discouraged that." He added hastily, seeing her look of horror. "Still, it was an excellent performance. Congratulations." He didn't extend his palm, perhaps realizing that Sylvie would not take it. However, he did snap his fingers dramatically. Sandy appeared behind him, as if summoned. Taryn suspected she had been hiding back behind the tent wall.

"Ms. Mathison. I'm afraid that while most payroll is tomorrow, I've decided to go ahead and give yours to you tonight as well as Ms. Grogan's. I understand that you already have it?" He added, addressing Taryn. She nodded reluctantly, and he gave a small smile of satisfaction.

"Excellent." He continued smoothly. "Now, you were a performer this evening, so your share is considerably higher than Ms. Grogan. Sandy, if you would please."

Sandy stepped forward and pulled an even fatter wad of bills from her back. "Ms. Mathison," She began clinically. "As a performer, your base pay is fairly high. However, you only had one performance this time, so you won't get the usual amount. Normal numbers of performances run anywhere from four to eight shows per pay period. However, as your first show was tonight, you will get a small bonus, plus additional bonuses for…unusual hiring." She hitched a moment at the end, and looked at them curiously. Sylvie was stonefaced, and Taryn was pretty sure her face mimicked Sylvie's. So, he hasn't told anyone about our 'hiring', and how it cost two people their lives! Not wanting to anger Nightshade, and perhaps earn his retribution, Taryn stayed silent.

Covering up the awkward silence, Sandy handed Sylvie the wad of cash. "That amount totals up to fourteen hundred and twelve dollars." Sandy said clinically. Taryn almost felt her jaw drop. Say what?! That was more money than she had earned in an entire summer! Sylvie's stunned expression showed she was thinking the same thing. Numbly, Taryn watched as Sylvie accepted the cash.

"There you go." Sandy said cheerily, a broad smile on her motherly face. "Welcome to the show!" Giving a wave goodbye, Sandy hurried out the tent entrance.

Nightshade watched her go and then turned back to them with a smile. "Well," he said, "That was impressive. You did extremely well tonight, Ms. Mathison." He gave her a polite bow. "There was barely any room to stand, and I expect that there will be even less room tomorrow."

His serpents smile increased slightly, putting Taryn on edge. Now what was he smiling about…? A moment later her question was answered. "Now, I'm sure you had a plan of escape. Why you would want to is, of course, beyond me. The pay and treatment here is very good. But I digress. You were, no doubt, counting on your appearance to be viewed all over the web. As it no doubt will be. Eventually. San Ricas is far too poor to boast much in the way of cell phones and computers. Our take here will be small." He gave a slightly vexed sigh at the lost money, but quickly smoothed his brow and continued on. "However, I expect that we will soon reach larger, and more modern cities. After you've been trained a bit more, of course." He turned to Sylvie. "Sally tells me that you have learned a lot, but still need more time in the ring. I, in turn, have asked her to help you reach your full potential. She promises to do so for you." Sylvie's look of absolute horror told Taryn what she thought of that idea. Nightshade had a bizarre smile on his face, as if he had told her wonderful news.

Nightshade turned to her. Taryn immediately tensed, fearing what he would tell her. "Now as for you Ms. Grogan. I am pleased to be able to tell you that your money was wired to your mother from an off-shore account. The money is there for her now. And don't worry about anyone cutting her off. The account is an untraceable one." He seemed so confident. Could it be true? Was there such a thing as a completely untraceable account? Taryn trembled as she realized that Nightshade had been one step ahead of them the whole time. By the time they had left the rural areas and made it inland to one of the cities, Nightshade would have them completely under his power. Perhaps he did already.

Nightshade gave them a small bow and then left the tent, leaving Taryn and Sylvie alone. Taryn stared after him in horror of the situation. Now what are they going to do?