(From the archive of Bellamy Veil, (year uncertain)
I’ve kept this recording in a drawer for far too long. It was never meant to see daylight, but lately there’s been a swelling interest in the origins of A. Clown — where he came from, what he is, what he hides. I know better than most that he cannot be trusted. I thought you, the audience, should finally hear for yourself. What follows is a phone interview conducted many years ago. The line crackled, the connection faded, but the words remain clear enough. You’ll notice how slippery he is. How unwilling. How he laughs when cornered.
BV: So tell me… who are you really, under the paint?
A.C.: (laughing) Under the paint? Another coat of paint. That’s all anyone ever is, Bellamy.
BV: Don’t dodge me. You’ve been seen in three towns already. The hat, the scarf, the teeth. Who are you imitating?
A.C.: Maybe I’m imitating you. Maybe you’re imitating me. Maybe we’re both bad copies of the same bad joke.
BV: Enough riddles. You’re hiding behind that grin. Everyone thinks you’re clever, but I know. I know you’re not what you claim.
A.C.: Oh, but I am exactly what I claim. A clown. That’s it. That’s everything. People keep wanting more, but there is no more. Just powder and a red nose. You want a secret where there isn’t one.
BV: Don’t lie. There’s always someone behind the mask. Always.
A.C.: (pause) Maybe it’s you. Maybe it’s always been you.
BV: (shouting now) That’s not an answer. You think this is funny?
A.C.: Oh Bellamy… you’re the only one not laughing. (bursts into long, ridiculous laughter)
(line clicks dead — call ended)
Attached are four portraits taken of A. Clown around the time of this interview: his painted grin pulled taut, the wide hat falling like a curtain, the bow tied too neatly, the eyes darting from behind a brim. Study them carefully. You’ll see what I mean.
You see the way he avoids. The way he hides in plain sight. There is something wrong here, something that refuses to reveal itself. He hangs up laughing, but you must not laugh with him. He is not what he seems. He is not who he says he is. None of them are.
And one day, you’ll see.
-BV