The New Kid

Kid Culpepper was lining up. He had one knife in his right hand, five more in his left. With a deep breath he brought his shoulders up, held it for a beat, and let it out.

“Let's see what you know, kid,” Roberto said in a whisper.

Culpepper smiled at the girl against the wall. “Sure thing, Bobbie boy,” he said to Roberto.

The girl remained very still. She saw the new guy smile at her and she didn't smile back. She wanted him to go ahead and throw the stinking blade, but then again, she didn't. Kid Culpepper was an up and comer, and a good looking one at that. He could throw a knife. Roberto would argue with many things, but even Roberto admitted that much; the kid could throw a knife. Could he throw it in front of thirty-five hundred people? Now there was an interesting question.

Kid Culpepper's smile was suddenly gone. He reset his feet and took another deep breath. The audience was as silent as it had been all night. It was the new kid's turn. They knew what Roberto could do. They had seen Roberto. But the new kid, well, this was interesting. They were absolutely silent now, watching the rookie as he took in a deep breath. Watching as he blew it out.

“Take your time, kid,” Roberto said.

Mr. Rollings shook his bald head from off stage. Having two guys hate each other was nothing new in a circus. Having knife throwers hate each other was a bit more interesting.

Kid Culpepper rapidly threw all six knives towards the girl.

The audience was silent. Cullpepper seemed frozen. Mr. Rollins shook his head.

“You got a lot to learn, kid,” Roberto said as the tent exploded in applause. “But you're good.”