Midnight Reynolds and the Phantom Circus

  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication data is on file with the publisher.

  Text copyright © 2019 by Catherine Holt

  Cover art copyright © 2019 by Ayesha Lopez

  First published in the United States of America in 2019 by Albert Whitman & Company

  ISBN 978-0-8075-5132-5 (paperback)

  ISBN 978-0-8075-5133-2 (ebook)

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  Printed in the United States of America

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  Celebrate with us in 2019!

  In memory of Marg Holt.

  My sweetest of mother-in-laws.

  You’ll always be missed.—CH

  CHAPTER ONE

  “Get me out of here!” a voice cried out.

  A bone-chilling scream split through the air as a flash of green light illuminated the low-pitched ceiling and closed-in walls. Dangling cobwebs covered every surface.

  Midnight Reynolds swallowed as skeletal fingers brushed along her skin. Then the room filled with eerie laughter, and someone else started wailing in terror. The voices around her were still screaming several minutes later when the Amazing House of Horrors Ghost Ride finally lumbered out of the dark chamber and back into the daylight before coming to a shuddering halt.

  The skinny guy who’d been operating the controls jumped down from the booth and opened the gleaming silver doors of the cars.

  “That’s it, folks. Hope you enjoyed the ride, and don’t forget to come back again. Unless you’re too scared,” he added in a low, gravelly voice, which caused a couple of nearby girls to squeal in protest.

  “Scared? Please.” Midnight’s best friend, Tabitha, snorted as she climbed out of the car to exit the Amazing House of Horrors. “I’ve been on hayrides that were creepier.”

  “And ghosts don’t actually wear white sheets with eyeholes in them,” Midnight said as she took out a tissue to clean her glasses. They were wire-rimmed, and, when combined with her brown hair, they made her look like a goblin. But when she wore them, she really could see ghosts.

  To be more precise, she could see spectral energy—tiny snowflake-like fragments that were the souls of the dead. It was a rare gift that had developed nine months ago when she’d turned twelve (at midnight on Halloween). At first she’d been terrified, but in time she learned more about her ability and how spectral energy worked.

  For instance, it gathered in areas known as Black Streams before crossing over to the Afterglow. Spectral energy was good, except when it became trapped in inanimate objects. Then it turned into something dark and dangerous known as planodiume.

  When planodiume fell into the wrong hands, it could cause untold amounts of harm. Which was why Midnight—the only person in Berry, West Virginia, who could see spectral energy—had been recruited by the Agency of Spectral Protection (ASP) to make sure planodiume wasn’t being misused.

  Midnight’s friend Tabitha was still talking about the disappointing Amazing House of Horrors ride. “They could’ve used a lot more imagination. Their skeletons weren’t even anatomically correct.” Tabitha loved everything dark and gothic. When she’d first found out about Midnight’s strange ability, she’d thought it was cool. Now she was working for the ASP too, putting her research skills to use.

  “And the fake spiders weren’t poisonous ones,” Midnight added.

  The two girls joined the milling crowds that had come to see the traveling circus. It was a perfect summer day, and the bright-orange sun hung high in the sky, surrounded by marshmallow clouds. Excited chatter rose like helium balloons as people strolled by with their corn dogs and sodas, and the air was filled with the buttery scent of popcorn.

  “What do you want to do before the show starts? And do not say ‘visit Zelda the fortune-teller.’” Tabitha flicked the poker-straight ebony hair that fell down her back. To celebrate completing seventh grade last week, her friend had added several blue streaks, along with a nonpermanent skull tattoo on her arm.

  “I wasn’t going to.” Midnight crossed her fingers as they walked past the tent where Zelda the Great was sitting. Zelda was decked in jewelry with a fringed scarf wrapped around her shoulders, while her pink lipstick stood out against her Day-Glo tan.

  Okay, so she was going to suggest visiting Zelda.

  Because if the fortune-teller really could see into the future, she might be able to help Midnight plan her summer break. Well, plan it more.

  She was already organizing her time using a new specially designed color-coded spreadsheet. Red was for her job keeping spectral energy safe. Green was for hanging out with Tabitha and having fun. And pale yellow was for times Logan might have the chance to kiss her.

  She needed help planning that last part.

  After Midnight’s older sister, Taylor, was kidnapped by her crazy, evil, planodiume-wielding boyfriend, Logan had helped save the day. Since then, he’d started working at ASP with Midnight and Tabitha. Even more exciting was that he and Midnight were now boyfriend and girlfriend.

  But that had been two months ago, and they still hadn’t locked lips. Tabitha said Midnight should just let herself be surprised, but she didn’t agree. She had enough surprises with her work as a protector. In real life, she liked things to be planned and organized.

  Plus, she’d already gone through three tubes of cherry lip gloss. Waiting to be surprised was expensive.

  Tabitha nodded toward the fortune-teller’s tent. “I bet if you went to Zelda, she’d just tell you the same thing she tells everyone. ‘You’re going to meet a stranger with blue eyes. Watch out for the number five, and whatever you do, don’t choke when you eat pizza.’”

  “Is that so?” a familiar voice said from behind them. Tabitha let out an uncharacteristic squeal as Tyson Carl approached. They’d been dating for almost as long as Midnight and Logan, and despite seeming like the opposite of one another (Tyson was really into sports), they were turning out to be a perfect match.

  “I thought we were meeting after the show.” Tabitha frowned, trying to regain her cool.

  “My fault,” another voice said. It was Logan, closely followed by his three-year-old mini-me sister, Bella. “We were planning on doing the rides, but Mom wanted me to take Bella for an hour. Hey, Midnight.”

  “Hey,” she replied, her face heating. Logan had rumpled brown hair, chocolate eyes, and a lopsided smile, and his olive skin had darkened with the fine weather.

  I hope he doesn’t know I was thinking about kissing him.

  When they’d first met, she’d hardly been able to speak in full sentences around him, and even now she sometimes lost her train of thought. Though not when they were working. When spectral energy and bad guys were involved, she was totally fine. She just had problems with everyday situations.

  Midnight self-consciously patted her denim shorts and favorite unicorn T-shirt and wondered whether she should’ve brushed her hair before putting it up in a ponytail.

  “Look what I got.” Bella thrust out a hideous rainbow-colored teddy bear that appeared to have been run over by a train. “Logan won it!”

  “It’s beautiful.” Midnight crossed her fingers, while Tabitha made a choking noise.

  “It would’ve been cheaper to take
her to the toy store.” Logan wrinkled his nose, but Bella didn’t seem to notice as she carefully patted the pastel-colored fur of her prize.

  Just then, a sharp, pinging noise rang out. Midnight, Tabitha, and Logan instantly pulled out the phone-like devices that the ASP had recently given them. Technically, they were called sonic detectors and were used to track and measure spectral energy, but Midnight and her friends had nicknamed them Pings, thanks to the short, sharp warning sound the devices made.

  The three friends checked the screens of their Pings, but no warning messages flashed up. The high-pitched noise sounded again, and Tabitha let out a soft groan and pointed to the bear that Bella was still hugging. It had some kind of mechanism under the fur that played music.

  A false alarm. Midnight, Tabitha, and Logan pocketed their devices again.

  “Okay, so that was weird.” Tyson frowned as he studied the three of them. Midnight winced. Part of their job was to be discreet. “Is there some secret club I should know about?”

  “O-of course not,” Tabitha quickly answered. “It’s er…just a new music app we were trying out.”

  “Any good?” Tyson asked, retrieving his own phone, his eyes gleaming with interest. “Perhaps I should get it.”

  “Actually,” Logan quickly cut in. “It’s pretty bad. I’m about to delete it. It takes up way too much memory.”

  “Way too much,” Tabitha parroted.

  “Sure. At least tell me you’ve figured out a way to smuggle us into the VIP section of the show,” he said, though a teasing note had returned to his voice. Midnight gave a mental sigh. That had been too close.

  “Sorry.” Tabitha shook her head. Her dad was the fire chief and had only managed to get two extra VIP tickets, which were for Midnight and Tabitha.

  “Worth a try,” Tyson said. “I guess we’ll just have to slum it with Logan’s folks.”

  “They’re probably waiting for us,” Logan said before coughing. “But Midnight, I was wondering if you wanted to go to the swimming pool on Wednesday. Um, and you can both come too. I mean, if you want to,” he added, glancing at Tabitha and Tyson.

  “Count me out. I’m staying with my grandma for a couple of days. I won’t be back until Friday.” Tyson shook his head.

  “I’ll pass.” Tabitha held out a pale white arm with pride. “Sitting in the sun isn’t my idea of a good time. That means it’ll just be you two.”

  “Oh.” Midnight’s eyes widened. A whole day with just the two of them having fun sounded…amazing. She mentally moved things around in her spreadsheet to clear some room. “S-sure. I’d like that.”

  “Cool.” Logan let out a breath and gave her a small smile as Bella tugged at his arm. “Okay, we’d better go, but we’ll see you after the show so we can arrange it.”

  “Still want to see Zelda?” Tabitha grinned as her hair fell down around her shoulders like a curtain.

  “Fine, so you were right. Sometimes not planning things is a good idea. Are you sure you didn’t want to come?”

  “One hundred and fifty percent sure. Besides, I’m planning a trip to the cemetery. They’re restoring some of the old gravestones down by the river. I want to take photographs. I was going to invite you, but somehow I think you’d rather be at the pool.”

  “I can go if you want me to,” Midnight said in an uncertain voice, but Tabitha just cut her off with a laugh.

  “Relax. I’m joking. You and Logan will have a great time.” She grinned, the blue streaks in her hair bright against the sun.

  “You’re the best.”

  “That’s what friends are for.” Tabitha shrugged, but Midnight wasn’t fooled. Tabitha pretended that she didn’t care what people thought of her, but she’d been ignored and bullied just as much as Midnight had for standing out and being different. Which was probably why neither of them took their friendship for granted. “Well, that and scoring VIP seats,” she added as her phone beeped. “It’s from my dad. He’s ready to meet us.”

  “VIP seats, here we come.” Midnight smiled as they made their way to the large circus tent at the far end of the rides and attractions.

  People of all ages were lined up, including several teachers from school, one of her stepfather’s friends dressed up as a Viking, and the woman who owned the flower shop at the mall.

  Not that Midnight was surprised. For the last two weeks, posters had been plastered all over town. The poster had a photograph of an old-fashioned ringmaster with black hair, a giant top hat, and a twirling mustache. In one hand was a coiled whip, and in the other was a megaphone.

  Step right up!

  Cirque Fantastic is here.

  Our animal-free acts will leave you

  Spellbound and Amazed!

  Fairground Attractions and Rides Galore.

  Come one, come all, to the most spectacular show on earth!

  Two days ago, a procession of trucks and trailers had snaked into town, setting up on a large stretch of parkland. Soon the place was transformed into a city of amusement tents and rides with a giant big-top tent at one end.

  “There he is,” Tabitha said as a tall man with dark hair waved them over. Mr. Wilson had a straight nose similar to Tabitha’s. Despite the warm weather, he was wearing his thick, navy fire chief blazer with gold badges and a crisp white shirt and tie.

  He greeted both the girls and nodded in the direction of the tent. “Come and meet Carlo De Rossi, the ringmaster.”

  “De Rossi?” Tabitha frowned. “Why do I know that name?”

  “Because he’s famous, and I’m a cool dad for introducing you?” Mr. Wilson suggested and quirked an eyebrow. Tabitha groaned in response.

  “For starters, anyone who calls themselves ‘a cool dad’ isn’t. And second, I remember why I know the name. There’s a De Rossi headstone in the cemetery.”

  “Why am I not surprised?” The fire chief gave his daughter an affectionate smile. Though both her parents were more the sporty type, Tabitha preferred to wear black and spend her time researching the local cemetery. Mr. Wilson grinned. “Does that make me cool?”

  “Still no,” Tabitha assured him, but returned his smile as they reached a side entrance.

  Midnight let out a gasp as they stepped inside the big top.

  The circular floor glowed white, and towering poles entwined with purple lights stretched up to the striped roof, filling the entire place with a mauve glow. From the poles, wires spun out in all directions like an intricate spider’s web. The tiered rows of seats around the outside of the ring were quickly filling with people, their phones flashing as they all took photos. To the left were the VIP seats, a row of plush velvet chairs, blocked off by a golden rope. Even Tabitha looked impressed.

  A man came forward to greet them. He had jet-black hair, a hooked Roman nose, and heavy lids over his dark eyes, and he wore a bright-blue coat with long tails down the back and more golden badges and buttons than even the fire chief. On his head was a tall black hat, and his knee-high leather boots gleamed.

  The ringmaster.

  “John.” He greeted Tabitha’s father. “How did the final safety check go?”

  “You’re all clear, but I’m going to have a couple of guys on-site the entire time. You run a tight ship.”

  “Trust me, if this were a ship, I would’ve made a couple of people walk the plank,” Carlo confided with a laugh.

  Midnight widened her eyes, but if Mr. Wilson thought the comment was funny, he gave no sign of it. Instead he just smiled. “Carlo, I’d like you to meet my daughter, Tabitha, and her friend Midnight. They’re excited to see the show.”

  “Nice to meet you both.” Carlo flashed bright-white teeth and offered the girls a flourishing bow. He was obviously a born performer. “I hope you enjoy it. We’ve traveled all around America, but we haven’t come back to Berry since the death of my great-great-grandfather many years ago.”

  “I knew it!” Tabitha grinned before seeming to notice the flicker of confusion in Carlo’s eyes. She gave an apologet
ic cough. “Sorry. I’ve seen a gravestone in the cemetery for a De Rossi and figured you must be related.”

  “Ah! I’m proud to have the same blood as Eduardo De Rossi. His father, Antonio, started Cirque Fantastic but Eduardo made it truly spectacular. He was one of the greatest showmen in the world. There he is.”

  He pointed to the full-length picture on the wall, similar to the one on the posters around town. It was easy to see the two men were related. In fact, if it wasn’t for the sports watch on Carlo’s wrist, they could’ve been the same person.

  “I’m sure you’re doing a great job of carrying on in his footsteps,” Tabitha’s dad said.

  “It’s my reverent wish to make him proud.” Carlo beamed. Just then, a solemn-looking clown with blue hair raced over and whispered something into the ringmaster’s ear. “Please excuse me. We go on in five minutes, and I have some things to attend to.” Then, with another flourishing bow, he jogged over to where a gymnast was having a heated argument with a woman holding several long, sharp knives.

  “We’d better go find our seats.” Mr. Wilson glanced at the roped-off area. The chairs were much nicer than in the tiered section, and Midnight and Tabitha grinned in approval. This was definitely the perfect way to start their summer vacation.

  Midnight scanned the huge tent until she found Logan. She gave him a small smile as he held up the ugly bear Bella had won, using its paw to wave at her.

  “Please tell me you’re not going to be pulling goofy faces at him for the entire show,” Tabitha muttered.

  “I promise,” Midnight said, though it wasn’t her fault Logan was so adorable.

  They sat down as the lights dimmed and the music that had been playing came to a halt. The buzz of conversation died away, and purple lights pulsed around the tent. A drumroll shattered the silence, and a spotlight flicked onto Carlo, who was standing in the center ring, surrounded by a circle of performers.

  The crowd hollered in approval, and Midnight and Tabitha clapped their hands. Even Mr. Wilson let out an excited shout.

  “Thank you!” Carlo called out to the audience. “In 1871, Antonio De Rossi started this circus right here in Berry. It was then taken over by his son, Eduardo—the man who made even Harry Houdini jealous with his amazing skills. I know both Antonio and Eduardo would be delighted that we’ve finally come home! Now, I have just one question for you. Are you ready for the greatest show the world’s ever seen?”