The Traveling Cabaret

Cabarets are known for their unique performances, but this particular nomadic troupe offers much more than song and dance as part of their repertoire. Led by Madame Gwenivere Bordeaux, the women of The Traveling Cabaret are sometimes asked to quietly handle assassinations. One contract becomes more complicated than it may seem when vengeance, lust, and political maneuvers are involved.

Excerpt:

“You also enjoy my fine scotch and a romp in my bed before services on Sunday, but tonight you had other purposes. So.” Madame Bordeaux moved her hands to her hips and let out a soft sigh. “Out with it. What is this business?”

He didn’t enjoy the bitter taste of the disappointment now souring his mood, the corners of his mouth turning downward. She’d asked favors of him plenty of times before this, yet here he was asking for one of his own, and the Madame couldn’t manage to be civil. He kept his eyes fixed on the caravan, eyes darting toward the communal fire as a burst of laughter drifted over the air.

“I have an accountant who’s proving to be a bit of a problem. And I would like your assistance with him.” Amos shifted his weight from one foot to the other. He wasn’t sure how this would go and the last thing he wanted to do was to make the Madame angry. Irritated though he was at her hesitancy, the wrath of Madame Bordeaux was a thing oft whispered about like a demon.

“Your problems are your own, Amos. I can’t involve myself in them in that regard. You know that.” She finally looked at him, taking in his pale face and rather unremarkable features. It was his laughter that had initially drawn her to the man. Except he didn’t do much laughing these days. Madame Bordeaux suspected this largely had to do with this accountant. She still wanted no part in the matter.