Chapter 18
Dan found him there early the next morning when he went into the tent to check on Juval. He saw nothing unusual at first. Juval was still there; it didn't look as though he'd moved a muscle all night. Dan drifed over toward him. He was in a bemused state of benevolence this morning. After a night of love and ecstasy beyond belief, he had just escorted Debra to her father's trailer. This morning, the world was lit by a rosy glow. He couldn't even find it in himself to hate Cotty Starke.
Then he grunted aloud. The chains were around the casket! The lid was down, the chains padlocked around it. He took a few running steps, vaulted over the chain, and skidded to a stop against the coffin. He stared down into Cotty's dead face. Cotty was not handsome in death; he had died violently and horribly. Dan knew it would be a waste of time to get him out and try to revive him. He turned slowly to confront Juval. The dwarf's face was devoid of all expression.
It was doubtful the full truth would ever be known, but Dan was certain he could make a close guess. Some time during the night Cotty had tried to kill the dwarf, and Juval had turned the tables. But one question stood out above all others: Had this whole vigil of Juval's been an elaborate trap to lure Cotty to his death? Dan had a feeling that it had been. But if that were true it had to mean that the dwarf knew Cotty was somehow responsible for Greer's death. And yet, why couldn't he have known? Deaf and dumb and illiterate he might be, but he was far from stupid. And i course Paula had told Cotty about the mone;. That had to be the reason he had made an attempt on Juval's life.
Dan glanced at the casket again and shivered. What a horrible revenge! Yet it was fitting. He sighed and stared past Juval. He had to call the police. Without looking at him, he paused long enough to press the little guy's shoulder in encouragement. With what he faced he was going to need it.
The deputy sheriff in charge this time was a man named Hopkins. He was lean, fiftyish, competent. If he had any built-in animosity toward carnies, he hid it well. He listened quietly as Dan told what he knew, interrupting with a shrewd question now and then. Dan went back to the attempt to push Greer off the train and told it ii chronological order.
"It's a mess, isn't it? A real bitch," Hopkins said when Dan was finished. His gaze rested o; Juval in speculation. "I guess there's no doubt h locked Starke in the coffin?"
"I'm afraid not."
Hopkins sighed. "How do I get a straight story out of a guy who can't speak, hear, read, or write
If we knew Starke had a hand in killing the other guy, it'd go easier on the dwarf."
There was a commotion among the silent carnies gathered back of the chain. Dan and the deputy turned to look. It was Paula, in slacks and sweater. A carnie held up the chain and she ducked under. She gave Dan a passing glance and strode on to the casket. Her hair was unkempt, the madonna face looked corrupt, and she trailed a cloud of gin fumes.
"That's Paula Greer, Basil Greer's wife," Dan said. He debated a moment, then took a chance. "Officer, I didn't tell you this before, but I'm sure she knew what brought on Greer's death. I'm positive she and Starke were behind the first attempt on Greer's life, the one on the train, and they somehow managed to prevent Juval from digging him out. Understand, I have nothing concrete to go on, only a hunch. But I'd be willing to stake my life that was about the way it happened."
Hopkins gave him an appraising glance, nodded briefly, then swung his gaze to Paula. He said slowly, "It's worth looking into. It's been my experience that oftentimes hunches pay off in police business. You say she's now legally the dwarf's guardian?"
Dan nodded.
"Then that gives me a legitimate reason to take her downtown and question her."
"It's obvious, at least to me, that there was a struggle here last night. Starke must have attacked Juval and Juval defended himself. You can see the marks in the dirt."
"Yeah, I saw all that. Still, locking him in that casket...." Hopkins' gaze switched to the casket.
At that moment Paula, staring down at Cotty, began to laugh. Her laughter had the climbing, scratchy sound of hysteria. She spun around to face Juval, her face contorted. "Who put the pills in the bottle this time, Juval? Who?" She giggled and clapped her hands together. "Not me! No, no, no, not me!"
Hopkins grunted and stepped up to seize her arm. Paula struggled briefly, then gradually quieted. The deputy said something to her in a low voice. She nodded without speaking.
Beside Dan, Debra said in hushed tones, "Darling, I just heard. Dear God, how many more are going to die?"
Dan shook his head and she fell silent. Deputy Sheriff Hopkins was leading Paula away. He stopped to speak to another deputy, who then moved over to stand beside Juval. Hopkins went on out with Paula, the carnies following in his wake. Soon only Dan, Debra, the deputy and Juval were left in the tent.
"What will happen to Juval, Dan?" Debra asked.
"I don't know. It's hard to figure," Dan said slowly. "If they can get Paula to implicate Starke in Greer's death, it will help. That would implicate her also, but I think she's about to fall apart. I also think the deputy is convinced that Juval acted last night in self-defense. ... Except for that business of locking Starke in the casket to die." He shuddered. "Perhaps a plea of temporary insanity. God only knows, Juval's been half out of his mind with grief since Greer died." His voice gathered strength. "But I know one thing for sure."
"What's that, darling?"
"I'm staying here and doing what I can to help Juval," he stated with some belligerence. "Since I'm not a member of the bar in good standing, I can't defend him in court, but I can see that he gets a good attorney. And I'll stick around to do whatever else I can to help him."
"Does that mean you're leaving the carnival?"
His gaze was direct. "Don't you think if s about time? Long past time?"
"Yes, Dan." Her smile was tender, understanding. "It's time for you to go."
"And you? How about you, Debbie?"
"What do you mean ? " she asked in a low voice.
"I love you. You know that."
"I...." Her glance slid away. "Yes, Dan, I know that."
"Then will go you with me?"
"Dan, everything has happened so fast." Now she looked up at him. "Not just yet. Not for a little while. For one thing, I need time to prepare Evan."
"But when you're ready, you'll come to me."
"Yes, darling," she said simply. "When I know it's time, I'll come."
As they watched the deputy lead Juval from the tent, Debra's hand crept into Dan's and clung.