Discovered

The grey-haired man had his eyes on her the second she looked in his direction. Paula’s head snapped back immediately, fixing her eyes on the screen in front of her. Heat crept up her cheeks. She had a half-filled Excel® file in front of her. On the other screen, the numbers were waiting to be keyed in.

The numbers started to blur. She blinked a few times, but the font didn’t sharpen. With a sigh, she took off her glasses. Rubbing her eyes stung, but the tiny explosions of light behind her eyelids were worth it in Paula’s book. She opened her eyes again, her hands still hovering near her face. Ready to repeat the movement any second.

Damn! My make-up!

One hand grabbed the glasses, while the other stretched to reach the bag under her desk. Her fingertips could already feel the soft fabric of her toiletries bag.

“Ah!”

Her glasses rattled on the desk. A metallic taste filled her mouth and she rubbed her chin.

“Miss Fredriksen!”

She blinked several times, as if it would magically heal her extreme short-sightedness. At the same time her fingers searched for her glasses.

“Yes, Mr. Olivers?”

Eyedrop residue running down her cheeks, she jumped up. Pushing her glasses on her face, her section chief came into focus next to her desk. The grey-haired man with the bushy mustache frowned.

Shit, the walrus!

Paula made a tiny step back, imagining he would puff and blow. His face was slightly askew.

“Are you done with your beauty routine?”

“It’s … I’m sorry, Mr. Olivers. My eyes just …”

“You’re here to work. Clean up. I want the numbers done before lunch.”

Swallowing a sharp answer and a good amount of her own blood, Paula forced a smile.

“Yes, I’ll have it finished. May I …?”

“Make it quick.”

The tomato jumped, being hit by the force of the plastic fork. More stabs followed, eventually getting skewered on its prongs. The skin popped open.

“You got something there.”

Sandra pointed at Paula’s chest. Paula pulled a face.

“Do you have a tissue? I had a mishap earlier.”

“A mishap? Does it have anything to do with … this?”

Sandra handed her lunch partner the tissue. At the same time she gestured wildly toward Paula’s face. Paula rubbed vigorously on her stained shirt. She nodded halfheartedly.

“Stupid walrus! At least I’ve something to look forward to tonight.”

“Don’t you think it’s too risky?”

The stain was now bigger than before. With a flick of her hand, the wadded tissue hit the rim of the plastic box, bounced off and landed in the lid.

“So talented.”

“Haha. I’ll clean that up later. Are you coming tonight?”

Paula’s tone got lighter and a small smile was playing around her lips. Her slumped posture straightened. Sandra shook her head.

“Samuel is coming back.”

“You blow me off for a man?”

“Not just any man. My fiancé.”

“You can bring him along. He …”

“He’s not someone to enjoy something like that. Maybe …”

Paula lifted her hand. It was a graceful gesture, showing carefully manicured fingernails.

“I got it. Just enjoy your evening. As will I.”

“Hurry up, dad! We’re going to be late!”

Richard trudged half a step behind his daughter. She was dressed in a bright summer dress with floral patterns. Her smile matched her wardrobe. Richard was still wearing the suit he had worn to work.

“What was it again we are watching?”

Lisbeth turned around, pretending to pout. With a decisive movement she grabbed his hand.

Just like when she was little.

Not daring to strengthen his grip, he let go of her hand after a few steps.

“I’ve told you so many times. Now, you’ll just have to wait and see. Mom and Irvin liked it.”

Richard winced but then quickly forced a smile on his lips. His daughter’s eyes were fixed on him and he only nodded.

“I’ll be open about it. But … are you sure this in the right building?”

Richard hadn’t paid attention to where they were headed. Now they had stopped in front of a rather inconspicuous looking residential block. Around it there were small shops and cafés. Lisbeth whipped out her phone. After a few times tapping on the device, she nodded and then pointed at the simply designed stand-up banner next to the door.

“Meet Trix Trixy, Madame Découvre and Master Spanx.”

Heat crept up Richard’s neck.

But Melissa and Irvin liked it. I can’t back out now.

Lisbeth was nibbling on the tacos on their table. Richard ordered another beer while checking out the crowd around them. The place was packed. Mostly couples as far as Richard could guess. He had expected people around his daughter’s age but in that sense, it was a mixed crowd. Turning around again, he looked at the heavy red velvet curtain. It was still closed, but a circle of light already shone on its center.

“I hope they’ll start with Madam Découvre. I like her the best.”

Shouldn’t it be Madame Découvrir?

Quickly, Richard took the last sip from his beer before turning toward Lisbeth.

“So, you’ve seen her before?”

“Oh, yes! She’s touring right now. But only in the region.”

“Isn’t it boring to see the same act over and over again?”

His daughter laughed. It was quick but Richard felt some of his anxiety melt away.

She’s still my little girl.

“You might think that. But her act always feels different. You’ll see. But later, tell me honestly. If …”

Interrupted by the gong Lisbeth shut her mouth. The shine in her eyes took some time to vanish even when the lights dimmed. The crowd quieted down as well when a tall man in a top hat stepped through the gap between the curtains.

“Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to our evening of the unusual. Let yourselves be drawn into the world of the mysterious.”

He bowed flamboyantly and there was already enthusiastic applause which made Richard look around. The whispers had completely died by now. Everyone was focused on the stage.

“Please welcome our first star of the evening. Managing her menagerie. Lift the curtain for Madame Découvre!”

With the rest of the audience, Richard clapped his hands. His eyes followed the tall man, who left the stage rather agile while the curtain was drawn. The circle of light shifted. It scurried over the stage. Until the keg of light finally stopped at a figure, which lazily lounged on an armchair. Long legs dangled over an armrest, while her back arched slightly over the opposite armrest. Richard peeked at his daughter who had her eyes fixed on the woman in the tight golden sequin dress. The hair was fixed up by a hat with long feathers.

Madame Découvre sprawled. Long gloved arms stretched toward the ceiling. Her chest pushed up. She made everyone in the room focus on the lascivious movements.

“Well, look who we have here tonight.”

She finally turned her attention to the audience and got up. Richard followed her every movement. Despite the high heels she was wearing, she almost floated to the edge of the stage. Her brightly colored lips stretched into a wide smile. The tip of her tongue quickly wet the middle of her upper lip. Richard gulped.

“Are my obedient little rascals all here tonight?”

Her gaze graced him, and Richard felt a shiver go down his spine. With everyone else in the audience he confirmed her question.

“Well, then let’s hope my little furry friends are ready to help me out. Tonight I’m looking for … a walrus.”