Chapter 8: and the Heart Thief (Part I)

A Chapter by Melly moo

Now to claim my prize.

     “Lacy”....
     “Lacy”....
     “Lacy” The sound of her name, had me pull on my mask and exit my tent.
     “What’s going on?” I asked Betty. Slade turned and looked at me at the sound of my voice, his eyes bloodshot, mouth in a fine line and his fists clenched "I think he may be angry with me.
     “Its Lacy she’s gone” Betty answered lost in thought. I looked around and like ants everyone was scattered everywhere in search of her.
     “Everyone inside the tent now!” Rafe, our ringleader yelled at us; black eyeliner smeared under his eyes. We all bowed at his presence and rose again. His hair was a long mess of black curls like mine, he looked like a mess. His hair was normally combed back and slicked flat against his skull; eyeliner perfect and top hat not a speck of dust as he enters the ring. We all swamped inside Cyprus, no one having the balls to sit down without being told. He gestured us to sit and we did so in silence.
     “What are we going to do about Lacy?” Willow said rubbing her eyes. Everyone gasped and looked at Rafe, He would have slapped her senseless if she wasn’t a child, for speaking without being told. I could see the distain etch into is facial muscles.
     “We are going to search for her, but we do have to get home on time. We have until tonight. If she isn’t found we move on. No discussion” He said lighting a cigarette. Looking around for reactions or questions, Slade looked uneasy and Rafe noticed.
     “Slade?”
     “If I may, Master. Lacy has done this before; it’s for attention she always comes back though” even after all I do, he still fights for me so I will go unnoticed "he truly is my best friend.
     “But this is different! She normally wonders off during the day!” Clancy yelled. I shook my head and waited for the scream. It came and was ear piercing. I dared to look at what punishment she faced. A cigarette burn to the hand. Slade stared at me across the table, I could feel it, I glared back at him he had disappointment in his eyes.