Chapter 26

“So tired,” he mumbled.

Another tattoo tore itself free and leapt away into the night with an evil chuckle. Nathan grunted and a small grimace played upon his face. Something trapped under the arm that held him was trying to pull free. It wriggled and bucked against the thick wall of muscle keeping it in place. Only when he was being lowered onto his bed could it escape to join its brothers pillaging the town while its inhabitants enjoyed the show under the big top.

“So tired,” he repeated as he was laid down.

“Go to sleep. I’ll watch over you.”

“Karl?” he asked.

Sleep took him before he heard the answer.

* * * *

Another day dawned and the carnival was packing up. Nathan was helping Karl to get Floss hitched to the caravan when he caught sight of Boris marching towards them.

“Oh shit,” he said, causing Karl to look up from the bridle he was attaching.

“Don’t worry, I’ll handle this,” he said.

Nathan rested a hand on Karl’s shoulder. “No. I’d better take what’s coming.”