Walk around and see who I run into.

You were hoping to stumble over Arabella again, or maybe one of the twins, but the first person you ran into was Mandy instead of them. She bumped into your shoulder and cursed. “Oh,” she says, your eyes meeting; she’s wearing dark stockings and a white sleeveless corset, almost completely exposed. “It’s just you.”

“Just me?” You chuckle, looking around. “Running from someone?”

“Just that little horny freak Fawkes,” Mandy closes her eyes and shifts her weight to one side as she pinches her nose. “I wasn’t running for the record. I was avoiding. I saw him waiting outside the dressing room, probably waiting so he could aCciDenTLLy walk on me.”

You draw a little breath in, becoming more serious with her. “Do I need to knock his teeth out or something? Can I do that as a private hire?”

Mandy bubbles out slightly, her eyes flashing a look at you with a grin. “I wouldn’t mind that. I think the little twerp could use a good ass kicking, but I don’t think management would like that too much.”

“That’s a shame. Would have done that for you.”

One of her eyebrows lifts in amusement. “I think there might still be a way to get back at him.”

“I’m ears,” you say, glancing at your watch. “I’ve got all the free time in the world for your plot.”

Mandy puts her hands on her hips and nods to herself. “I think we’re due for a prank.”

“Are we still hurting Fawkes?”

“Just his feelings,” Mandy glances back at you. “Interested, or should I just return to my quarters and change there?”

You shrug. “I’m game for whatever you have. As long as it doesn’t backfire and get me in trouble, or you for that matter.”

She shakes her head. “Of course not. Just follow me and my lead.”

You and Mandy go back inside the tent, taking the immediate door that leads directly to the backstage. This door leads into the preparations room, or as Mandy called it, the Clown Alley. It’s busy, but not with the activity you assumed there would have been. Everyone is chatting. Everyone.

The staff and performers are dressed casually: shorts, graphic design T-shirts, smoking, chatting, and eating! However, even as you push through the throng, you notice people are taking their leave through the same passway you used to come in. A few into the tight corridor containing most of the dressing rooms, you spot Fawkes standing near one, who jolts when he sees not just Mandy but also you.

“Mandy!” He shouts and then frowns sheepishly at you. “Y-you getting along alright?”

Mandy practically skips into the room while dragging you along. She opens the door and pushes you inside before regarding the peeping Tom. “Of course I am,” Mandy closes out Fawkes and spins on her heel to face you. She presses a finger over her lips to hush you.

“What’s the plan exactly?” you whisper, knowing she means the walls are thin here.

“We’re just gonna make it sound like we’re having a little fun, is all,” Mandy says quietly and then exclaims. “Yes, yes! Take it off!!”