Freaks: Alive, on the Inside!

“His family is obviously not doing their duty, else he would not be here,” said the equestrian director. “They have abdicated responsibility.”

Heaven knows, I didn’t stand a chance, but I swung at the man who seized Apollo—and landed on my back, with stars dancing around my head. I wasn’t sure who had hit me.

When I pulled myself to my feet, Apollo was gone.

“Make sure you’re on board this evening,” said Mr. G. Marvel. “If you want us to keep you apprised of the whereabouts of your companion, that is.”

I took my leave of them without a word because I could think of nothing civil to say. I would have to set Apollo free, or what could I tell his dear mama? How could I ever face his sister again? What would my parents think of me? Was there no one here who would take my side?

I sought out the Arabian brothers. Surely they would help me. This wasn’t some stranger baby with webbed feet, but someone a friend cared for. They were fine young men; they wouldn’t tolerate injustice.

But I had thought too highly of them.

“Sorry, old fellow,” said Frank, his tone distant despite the friendly words. “Nothing we can do. Can’t rile the boss, you know.”

“I suggest you find more-suitable friends,” Eddie said, and put an arm on his brother’s shoulder to steer him away. “That lad has lost you an excellent position.”

“He’s a better friend than you’ll ever be,” I called at their backs as they walked away. My outburst mortified me.

I retreated to my quarters and changed to my older suit of clothing. I packed my knives and my good clothes in my suitcase. I would never use them with this circus now. I had no act and no friends. I was a pariah. There was no place for me here. With no reason to show up for the evening show, I walked to the end of the train and inspected the caboose.

The door was sealed up tight with a padlock. “Are you all right?” I whispered through a crack in the door.

“Abel? Is that you?” came Apollo’s muffled voice.

“Of course it is,” I answered. “They haven’t hurt you, have they?”

“I’m hungry,” he said a little louder, and I imagined him pressed up against the door. His breathing sounded loud and stuffy, and I knew he’d been crying.

“I’ll ask them to send you something to eat,” I promised. I hoped someone would.

“They won’t really put me in a madhouse, will they?” he asked. His voice trembled.

My heart sank. “Of course not,” I said. I would do anything to stop that.

A solid roustabout with a shock of ginger hair came around the back of the train. “Hey, you!” he growled, and I left in a hurry—but not before I saw he carried a covered dish. At least my friend wouldn’t starve while I planned a way to rescue him.

As I walked back to my quarters, one of the equestrian director’s messenger boys intercepted me.

“I’ve looked for you everywhere,” he grumbled. “You’re to report to the back door of the big top.” To my dismay, he insisted on escorting me there.

That’s when I found out my servitude had already started— in the menagerie and around the big top back door with a pan and broom, cleaning up animal dung and urine-soaked sawdust. I’m doing this for Apollo, I told myself as I forked pungent elephant droppings into a wheelbarrow, else I’d shove one of these nuggets up …

Marika walked by and cleared her throat. She peeked at me, deliberately dropped a piece of paper, and moved on. I swept it to me with my broom before anyone noticed.

I am sorry, her note said. You friend was a surprise for me he frightened me. When he was drag from the wagn I saw yr friend was only little boy. If I can help I surely will. Yrs truly, M.

Despite all my troubles, I smiled. There was nothing she could do to help, but I didn’t feel quite so alone anymore.

I made plans while I swept. I’d head back to the caboose after the show. Perhaps I could waylay the man who would bring Apollo supper. When he opened the door, I’d hit him over the head. The blow might not knock him out, but it might slow him down long enough for Apollo to run by, then we’d be off.

My plans were ruined by my fellows from the dormitory car. They were ordered to escort me to our carriage. They took their duties seriously and were not above a little shoving. Their eyes were bright, and they wore fierce grins, which made me think of the menacing high spirits of a wolf pack.

As the train pulled out for the next town, the younger fellows surrounded me.

“Are you a lunatic?”

“Where did you hide that monkey boy?”