It’s time for the third story in our Brilliant Disguise venture to make it’s debut. “Seven of Swords,” by T.S. Mallow, based on the lyrics A ragged suitcase in his hand, he steals silently away from the circus grounds / And the highway’s haunted by the carnival sounds from Springsteen’s “Wild Billy’s Circus Story.”

The fire-eater – John didn’t know his name – had been passed out on Magda’s bed when they arrived. He had yet to move. Magna said he needed to recuperate, didn’t say from what.

Jonesy (rigged games) passed over the bottle of cheap tequila and John took a drink, hoping to God the alcohol would kill whatever contagions might be floating inside.

He knew for a fact Jonesy’s name was fake. He’d helped name him right after the robbery went wrong and fucking Perry had shot the cop and they’d gone into hiding. The circus had been Jonesy’s idea, transient people that didn’t ask too many questions. Hide out for a year or so, constantly on the move, that was the plan.

You can read the entire story by clicking here. This is T.S. Mallow’s first story with Jersey Devil Press, and, in fact, her first published story overall, but, if you’re nice enough, maybe she’ll bring the circus back to town again.