The Skeleton In Me

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Seventeen

After the show, I offered to bring Cousin back to the train. Candace was weary that I wouldn't be able to handle him, but I assured him, it was fine.

I bit back an insult, telling myself it'll all be over soon anyway.  

I had acted on impulse, seeing as having to chain Cousin up, meant having the keys to his chains.

The keys that I will be keeping, for our eventual escape.

Pretty soon Cousin and I will be far away from these people, and never seeing their faces again would be too soon.

Still, I had to figure out when to leave, and how to leave, first.

I chained Cousin to the floor of the box car and told him I'd be back as quickly as I could.

I returned to the stage, where everyone had deserted for the dining tent. I walked into Candace's dressing room, not exactly sure why, just that I was intrigued but the abundance of dresses, and boxes full of cosmetics, and wigs. I spotted a pair of scissors on the dresser, and I decided to take them, seeing as when Cousin and I escape, he'll be needing a haircut.

Int the corner, I noticed an entryway to Mr. Father's room. It was vacant, with no sign of him, or anyone else in it.

Deciding to be daring and being fueled with the urgent need to break Cousin out, I snuck into Father's room, praying I'd find some miraculous solution on just how to do that.

There was a filthy wooden desk, with one leg barely hanging on. It looked like it'd tumble over just from staring at it.

On top of the desk were papers, a few cigarette butts, and almost a dozen empty bottles, all reeking of alcohol.

I rolled my eyes and began to search through the papers. There were a few bills, a few fan letters which were used as coasters for his drinks -very classy- and some other government documents, possibly from people attempting to take legal action against the illegal absurdity that is this circus.

Of course, nothing will stop Mr. Father from continuing on, illegal or not, he will find a way to surpass all trials the public gives him.

At least, he will until Cousin and I bring him down for good.

Concluding that there was nothing of use on his desk, I walked over to the stained and tattered couch, where his coat was left. I dug my hands in the pockets, thinking I'd find a gold watch, or maybe a ring of value, but instead, I managed to pull out a blank envelope. I examined it for a moment before deciding to rip it open.

I nearly gasped when several hundred-dollar bills fell out.

I quickly collected each bill and attempted to count how many there was. I realized that there was easily quite a few thousand dollars in my hands.

My heart began to speed up when I realized this could be enough money me and Cousin needed to leave, buy him clothes, us some food, and return back to my family.

Who were several states away.

Why would Mr. Father leave this much money unguarded? He didn't seem like the type that would be careless with his money.

Still, I took it as the miracle I prayed for, and tucked the money into my shoe. Swiftly, I ran out of the room and into the dining tent before anyone realized I was gone.

I had the keys, the money, not including the money Mr. Father has payed me for each show, and now all I needed was the perfect time to take action.

I sat beside Candace, who handed me a bowl of some sort of soup, and some bread.

I grabbed the bread, and extra, and put it in a small bag. I was sure Candace knew I fed Cousin, but he also didn't mention it.