So Over My Head by Jenny B Jones Page A

Ruthie to keep me company.”
    “She’s rehearsing. Can’t bother her now.”
    Fine. Assuming Red’s not in there, this will give me a chance to search the Fritzes’ trailer. Praying for protection of sheer creepiness,
    I follow Stewart to his home on wheels, looking behind me for Ruthie the entire way. But no help comes.
    “After you, my lady.” He opens the door with one hand and sweeps his other before him like some sort of gallant duke.
    I step inside, my nostrils flaring at the smell of stale smoke and burnt microwave popcorn.
    “It’s not much, but it’s home.” He brushes past me, taking me through the office space into the living quarters. “Would you like something to drink? A Coke? Water? A beer?”
    “I’m seventeen.”
    Stewart’s laugh reminds me of a hyena. “I won’t tell if you won’t.”
    “You know, I think my hair’s dry enough. And I’ll just borrow a towel from one of the ladies.”
    “No way.” He smiles, and I try not to shudder again. “Whatever you want, it’s yours.”
    I wind my purse strap around my hands. Just in case I need to launch a good swing toward Stewart’s head.
    “Thanks,” I say as he sets a towel and blow dryer on the tiny counter of the bathroom. He moves out, so I can step in. I pick up the beige towel and blot my neck and arms, trying to ignore his lurky presence.
    “You have beautiful hair.” He stands right there, an arm braced in the doorway. “You know, Bella. Circus life can be a lot of fun. I could—”
    “Hey, Stewart, you must be really busy.” Being a full time perv and all . “Don’t let me keep you. I know how important you are around here.”
    He moves forward until he’s blocking the door, crowding out any space left in the bathroom. I reach for a hand mirror. I am the stepdaughter of Captain Iron Jack, wrestling phenomenon, and I know how to use this thing for more than checking my lipstick.
    “I know you’ve got that boyfriend, Bella. But word is you two are having problems.” Stewart leans back against the wall, with mere inches between us. “So any time you want to stay after the show and get a few free rides on the Ferris wheel, you let me know. There are all kinds of privileges of dating a carnival manager.”
    Knock! Knock!
    I sag with relief when the door flings open.
    “Stewart?” A voice calls.
    “Sounds like someone needs you.” And it sure isn’t me.
    I pop my head out to see Luke standing in the office. His eyes flit to me then to Red Fritz’s son.
    “There’s a problem with one of the horses. The trainer said he needs you immediately.”
    Stewart’s lazy gaze travels back to me. “I’m sorry. I guess we’ll have to pick up our conversation later. But you get all nice and pretty in here, and I’ll see you after the show.” He slides out of the bathroom, his chest puffing as he passes Luke. “Don’t you have work to do?”
    When Stewart shuts the door behind him, my shoulders all but fall to the floor in relief.
    “What in the heck do you think you’re doing?” Luke demands. “Never be alone with that guy. Are you crazy?”
    “He wasn’t going to hurt me. Besides, I wanted to peek around in here.”
    “Oh, I’m sure he has plenty to show you.” Luke shoves his fingers through his hair. “When I couldn’t find you and someone told me they saw you going in here with Stewart—” He shakes his head. “You have no idea.”
    “I’m not even speaking to you, so you can just leave now.”
    “Not without you.”
    Had he not dunked me in the tank an hour ago, I might’ve found that hot. “Look, I have things to do here.”
    “Like what?”
    “I have hair to fix and drawers to open.” I wave my hand. “So unless you’re going to help, get out.”
    Luke looks back over his shoulder toward the door. “What are we looking for?”
    I make quick work of drying my hair then join Luke in the office, where he sits at a computer.
    “See anything?” I open a file drawer and thumb through each one,