Mike opened his eyes.
Everything was spinning.
When he finally managed to focus, he felt a jolt in his chest.
In front of him… was someone he knew.
—Stiven…
He tried to speak.
But he couldn't.
His mouth was gagged.
—Mike… we seriously got ourselves into deep trouble —Stiven said with an ironic smile.
But his eyes told a different story.
Fear.
A lot of fear.
—Let me give you some advice… say whatever that clown wants.
Stiven lowered his gaze for a second.
—This is our private function.
—Hey… that's not nice.
The voice came out of nowhere.
Cheerful.
But empty.
—Why would you say that?
---
An uncomfortable silence.
—I'm the one who's supposed to say that… understand, Stiven?
Mike saw Stiven start to tremble.
—Well, Mike… you're awake.
That's good.
The clown took a step forward.
—Now I have to tell you something.
He leaned in slightly.
—The one doing the interrogation… is me.
His voice changed.
Colder.
—You… just have to talk.
He got even closer.
—Don't make me use force.
Mike stared at him, in disbelief.
And then he noticed it.
There wasn't just one.
There were… several clowns around.
Watching.
Waiting.
—Alright… now I'm going to remove your gag.
The clown pulled the cloth from his mouth.
Mike barely caught his breath—
—You bastard! Who do you think you are?! Ricardo is going to find out about all of this! You piece of trash!
He didn't finish.
PUNCH.
The blow slammed across his face.
—Good… that should shut you up —the clown said calmly.
Mike spat blood.
But he smiled with rage.
Another hit.
Stronger.
CRACK.
Two teeth went flying.
The metallic taste filled his mouth.
—I've got all night, Mike —the clown said calmly—. I can keep going… or we can do this the easy way.
He leaned closer.
—Tell me… the easy way… or the hard way?
Mike didn't respond.
He was in shock.
Smack!
A sharp hit to the back of his head.
—Come on… just a little tap —the clown said mockingly—. That wasn't even hard.
Mike lifted his head, dazed.
—Are you going to answer… or do you want more?
Silence.
Mike tried to break free.
Smack!
Another hit.
Stronger this time.
—I don't have time for you —the clown continued—. I still have to kidnap others from your organization…
He began walking in circles.
—Send a message to your boss Ricardo…
He stopped.
—And to the one who started all of this…
He smiled.
—Loren.
Mike felt a chill run down his spine.
—So I've made a decision —the clown said—. With you… it's going to be the hard way.
---
He reached into his pocket.
Pulled out a knife.
The blade gleamed in the air.
—I already did this with Stiven… so now I'm an expert.
He slowly turned.
—Isn't that right… Stiven?
Mike looked beside him.
Stiven was shaking.
—Y… yes… he's… an expert…
The clown clapped softly.
—You see, Mike? Fear… always tells the truth.
He stepped closer.
Very close.
—That's why… you should leave this in my hands.
Mike began to tremble.
—Let's begin.
Snap.
The sound echoed through the entire place.
---
—You know, Mike… I wanted to sing…
The clown walked as he spoke, like he was on a stage.
—But singing… isn't really my thing.
He let out a small laugh.
—Not yours either.
He stopped in front of him.
—So we'll leave that as just an idea.
He spread his arms.
—Because this private function… is almost over.
He lowered his voice.
—Just a few more leaders…
He looked upward.
—And then… we can begin.
He whispered:
—The real function.
---
—The special spectator… already gave the green light to all of this.
He placed a hand on his chest.
—And she is still waiting.
A pause.
—Two more left.
He smiled.
—It'll be easy.
---
He leaned toward Mike.
—Before we start… let me ask you something.
His eyes gleamed behind the mask.
—Why make this difficult?
The knife spun between his fingers.
—Because you see…
He moved closer.
—This clown doesn't torture.
A smile slowly formed on the mask.
—I put on… a show.
---
—A performance you will never forget.
He whispered:
—Because afterward… you'll die in it.
---
Silence.
---
—Do you understand, Mike?
No one answered.
---
—The private function cannot end… until everyone is here.
He slowly turned.
—Loren… is special.
A low chuckle.
—He'll be the last.
He raised a finger.
—Your boss Ricardo…
He shrugged.
—Doesn't matter in the end.
He pointed at himself.
—Only me.
His voice dropped to almost a whisper.
—The clown who will give this city… its show.
---
Stiven said nothing.
He couldn't.
He just listened.
Paralyzed.
---
Suddenly—
Applause.
Whistles.
Laughter.
The other clowns began to move.
Confetti fell from above.
Balloons slowly descended.
Music.
Distorted.
Old.
---
The clown stood still.
Then…
He turned his head toward them.
Mike and Stiven felt a chill.
The mask…
Moved.
As if it were alive.
Forming an impossible smile.
---
—The laughter of this function…
A pause.
---
—Will be legendary.