Posted by Kojak on October 15, 2000 at 00:30:16:
Kojak rolled up his sleeves as he walked towards the big tent. The sun was already beating down & the wind was blowing softly. As he entered the tent a midget was excitting.."Watch where your goin kid!" "Kid?, I'm 35!" "Well congratulations!" replied Kojak...(Extra points if ya know what Elvis movie I culled that dialogue from!). "Tell me" said Kojak, "Where's the head man around here?" "That would be the Professor...he's out checkin the set-up of the tents & the animal cages..common!, I'll show ya" Kojak followed at a leasurely pace as they walked towards a truck being unloaded. "What's your name....Shorty?" "They call me Kevin but my friends call me Little Joe" "Well my name's..(thinking fast)...Charlie...Charlie Rogers" replied Kojak. "I usta be in pictures!" Quipped Little Joe.."I was in 'The Wizard of Oz! really I was!" Kojak grinned.."So you're an actor?" "Oh I do lots of things now...that was a long time ago!" "35?" "Well...I tell everyone I'm 35, actually I'm 55!" "Well you look good Little Joe!"
As they approached the truck Kojak saw a large man with a grey streaked beard & large dark gleaming eyes directing the activities with a booming voice & dramatic hand gestures. "Always the showman! That's the Professor!" Volunteered Little Joe. As they approached Kojak stepped up & offered his hand to the big man who looked at him with a glancing estimation of all that Kojak seemed to represent in the mind of the Professor. "Names Charlie Rogers, I usta work for a carnival & I need a job for a month or so..need any help here?" Professor Dark smiled the slightest smile & slowly offered his big hand to Kojak.."I can always use another hand, but we don't pay a lot & you'll earn it thats for sure." Kojak nodded, "Well I need the work & I'm not afraid to get dirty." The Professor looked at Little Joe.."Take him to the worker's tent & get him some grub & some clothes, show him the layout & we'll start in the morning." "OK Professor!" replied Little Joe. Kojak & little Joe turned & headed down the midway, already the rides were starting to be assembled & the barker's stands were setting up. As they walked along Little Joe seemed uneasy..finally he stopped & looking up at Kojak he said, "Look Charlie, you seem like a nice guy but what do you want working here?, I gotta level with you. I've worked carnivals all my life, but this one's not like the others, the Professor....well...he's got strange ideas about what makes good entertainment. We run the circuit for 6 months at a time, every summer & fall. Been doing it for 4 seasons now & every year I promise myself I'll move on..but there's something about him that keeps me here..he...he's got some kinda hold on everyone that works here..no one really talks about it..but everyone knows there's something wrong with this place..something" His words trailed off as they continued their walk through the midway. "Little Joe I appreciate what you've told me but I gotta do this...I need the money & there are..personal reasons I need to stay." "Ok Charlie...(little Joe pointed with a stubby finger) well, there's the worker's tent, right next to the dancin girls show!" Kojak smiled..well at least there would be some fringe benefits to this operation...might get some amusement along with business...business..gotta find Cruella & Cheryl!