Illustration by: Scott Murphy

EXCERPTS: CHAPTER 2: THE BIG DAY

Inside the circus everyone is present: Franklin Murphy, his half-brother, Alan Steiner, Franklin's daughter, Carolyn Murphy (now 9 years of age) and his son Alex, age 7. Both children, along with other children of company executives, sit with excitement in the front row. Close by and at each entrance are armed guards at the request of the overcautious Alan Steiner, who himself is always armed with one type weapon or another. Franklin Murphy, less paranoid, deals with last minute details before the ringmaster begins the performance.

Ringmaster: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 10th Annual Murphy Medical Appreciation Day. On behalf of Alan and Franklin, we are happy to welcome all the employees of the growing Murphy family. May 1983 be an even better year. Now, let's not wait another moment. Let the show begin.

Almost immediately, the troop of elephants march single file into the ring. Carolyn, in awe of the immense size of the noble beasts, waits for the elephants to file past her. Her favorite companion, a tan colored, mixed-breed mutt dog, is tightly in her grasp, barking as the elephants pass by. Although they seem managed, there is a sense of agitation amongst the troop. The new young, inexperienced female, introduced early to the extreme pressures of circus performing, is, in fact, starting to stray from the line of marching elephants, obviously not accustomed to the routine of circus life. One of the trainers, noticing this, takes his sharp hook (a tool used to control the beasts, almost always with a degree of pain) and aggressively tries to pull the young elephant back into line. Suddenly, startled by the painful action, the young elephant reacts with a violent motion, disrupting the procession. Almost immediately, in an overreaction, two more trainer come to the aid of the first, but it's too late. The young female, in a frenzy, starts to make her way towards the audience. In response to the confusion, spectators start rising from their seats with some starting to head towards the doors. By this time, most of the elephants have already started running in various directions, some towards the grandstands where the children are seated. Quickly, Alan Steiner reacts by grabbing a rifle from one of the security guards.

Guard: What are you doing sir? This rifle won't bring down an elephant. Besides, there are people all around.

Steiner: Stand back! (pushing the guard back) I've taken down an army of elephants in my time and one shot in the right place WILL do the job. (thinking back to his years of African big game hunting). I just need the right opportunity (as he randomly scans the various group of wandering elephants).

Guard: There are none sir; someone could get hurt.

Seemingly, consumed in his desire to kill with certain disregard for the lives of others, Steiner continues to browse the surroundings through the scope of the rifle. Meanwhile, confined to the main ring, the elephants have not yet ventured into the spectator area. In fact, most have made their way out of the tent through the entrance, safely away from the frantic spectators. Regardless, this hasn't stopped people from running from the safety of their seats. It also hasn't stopped Steiner from attempting to bag an elephant. Although most people are able to safely stay out of the way of the charging elephants, young Alex, slowed-down by his braces, has moved out into the main ring - right into the path of a charging elephant. Certain to be crushed by the immense beast, Alex, frozen with shock, waits for his demise. Suddenly, from nowhere, the large thirteenth elephant cuts off the charging beast and literally scoops up the youngster between his massive tusks, then quickly heads for the front entrance. At that point, Steiner has made his target: the large male elephant carrying young Alex.

Steiner: (talking to himself) A bull elephant, where the hell did he come from? What a trophy...this one is mine.

He aims and takes the shot and although he is sure he has hit the target, the bull elephant continues to make his way outside of the circus tent with poor, young Alex holding on for dear life. Security guards outside the tent wisely let the elephant carrying Alex make its way into the adjoining pasture. In hot pursuit, Franklin Steiner, security guards and Alan Steiner, with gun in hand, hoping to get the shot that brings the mighty beast down. Initially frightened, Alex quickly takes on a feeling of calm. He is almost enjoying this new ride regardless of the fact that the elephant is charging full speed with an army of armed people in pursuit. With one quick but gentle swipe of it's massive, grey trunk, Alex is quickly transfered from the tusks to the elephant's back, creating a safe zone to support the small boy, Alex no longer feels in danger. The event has actually turned into an exciting adventure---for Alex that is.

Alex: Yee-Ha! I'm flying!

Steiner: (listening but not hearing what young Alex is saying, Steiner tries to show he's concerned but truly just wants to take another shot) He's killing your son. I've got to take him down.

Franklin: (stopping, then grabbing the arm of Steiner, then looking eye-to-eye) You will not endanger the life of my son by taking another shot at that elephant.

Steiner: (cold-faced, without remorse...looking equally intense) You think he's going to live through this? At least if we kill the elephant before he gets away we won't have to spend hours searching for his body in the woods.

Franklin: I SAID NO!

Suddenly, the large elephant takes a sharp turn towards a wooded area at the end of the open field.

Steiner: I told you we'd lose him! Now, I need to take that shot. (Steiner raises his weapon but it is too late. the elephant has disappeared and Steiner halts his pursuit lowering his rifle). Hold up boys! (motioning to the armed guards)

Franklin: (in tears) What are you doing? NOW you decide to stop?

Steiner: I know how they think. With the dense growth as his advantage, it's likely he'll backtrack and trample us before we know what hit us. Let's just wait a few moments and slowly make our way through the forest.

Within a few moments, the sound of a large growling cat can be heard in the distant wooded area. (Note: The wild cat is an important part of the story that is explained later).

Steiner: How the hell did a wild cat also get loose? (each clueless guard looking at each other hoping to pass on the blame) Well, no matter, take down anything that comes out of there.

Slowly, Steiner and the guards, walking towards the woods, raise their weapons...ready to take a shot. Suddenly, the dead silence is broken by the sound of cracking twigs and undergrowth. The sound of rounds of ammunition being advanced into their chambers can be heard in anxious anticipation as all await what is about to appear.