Mystery at Saddle Creek (13 page)

The Saddle Creek rig nabbed the best parking place at the show, even though they'd pulled in a little later than they'd hoped due to unexpected loading problems. Charlie wouldn't get on the trailer. He'd warned Bird the day before, but Kimberly was understandably upset. Finally, Hannah had to make the difficult decision to leave without him, or they'd be late.

Bird felt bad for her friend. First, she couldn't take Pastor because of the abscess, and now Charlie. Kimberly came with them anyway, because her mother Lavinia had other plans for the day and couldn't come back to get her. Just like always, Bird mused, Lavinia was too absorbed in her own life to give her daughter much thought.

Here, though, was a piece of good luck. The very best parking spot was being vacated just as they arrived. It was up on the ridge in the shade and close to both the practice and show rings.

Bird couldn't believe how busy the grounds were at seven in the morning. Classes didn't start for over an hour, yet horses were being schooled in every available area. Ponies, jumpers, hunters; kids, teens, adults; even older riders in their fifties and sixties. They came from near and far, but when Bird recognized vans from professional barns, her stomach knotted up.

“Okay, folks.” Hannah was using her take-charge teacher voice. “Check your horse first, then let's go get our numbers and riding sequence. Kimberly, you help the younger girls.” Hannah opened the drop windows on the trailer to allow in more air, and to let the horses see what was going on.

Bird felt the growing excitement around her. The Saddle Creek horses were standing tall, ears pricked to catch every sound and necks arched with tension. Their nostrils flared in an effort to smell the equine news. The people were no calmer. Julia and Liz and Kimberly were giggling about nothing and shivering with nerves, even in the growing heat of the summer day. Only Hannah was calm and in control, but she'd been taking kids to horse shows for years.

Bird ducked under the trailer partition and stood up beside Sunny as he watched all the action from his window. With so much competition, she wondered briefly why she was there.

No negative thoughts, Bird!

Easy for you to say! Yesterday you were thinking nothing BUT negative thoughts.

Today's a new day. We're gonna win big.

How can you say that? We just got here.

I've looked around. This new fashion is a killer.

What new fashion?
Bird looked across the grounds, wondering what he was talking about.

Pulling the draw-reins up tight and see-sawing on our mouths. It's making the horses angry, which makes it easy for you and me.

Bird's eyes settled on the practice ring. Sunny had a point. Everywhere she looked, horses were prancing angrily and riders were picking and pulling and fiddling with their reins.

There must be a reason everybody's doing it
, Bird considered.
Does it do any good?

A little give-and-take might be a good thing to help us drop our heads and use our hind ends, but this is ridiculous.

Hannah uses draw-reins to train horses.

But she doesn't crank them up like that. Look at that one!

Bird noticed a young woman on a pretty bay mare. The reins were so short that the mare's chin almost touched her chest. Her tail swished and her eyes flashed. Her flattened ears warned of an impending problem.

Wait for it!

The thought was barely out of Sunny's head before the mare decided she'd had enough. She couldn't buck with her head held so tight, so she leapt straight up in the air and twisted fast. The rider came off and landed in the dirt, and the trainer came running.

Now for the hard part.
Sunny was not at all amused.
She's going to be punished for reacting to cruelty.

Sure enough, the trainer took the mare by the bridle and backed her up harshly. He shook her mouth hard and yelled.

Bird winced.
I don't even want to know what he'd do if nobody was watching.

I've been there.

Wait!

What?

Bird stared at the mare.
Did you hear the name he called her?

After the swearing part? No, but I know who she is. So do you.

Bird studied the little bay mare in the ring. She had certainly not expected this.
It's Moonlight Sonata!

The same.

She's Abby Malone's eventing horse! I didn't know Moonie was showing now. I haven't heard about her for a few years.

She's a good mare, but look at her ears.
Bird noted that they lay flat on her head.
She won't stand for bad treatment. Good for her.

Maybe, but it'll go harder for her than if she accepted it.

Hannah stood in front of Sunny's window and looked up at Bird. “Are you ready to come and get your number?”

Bird nodded.

See you in a few minutes, Sunny. Don't get into any trouble.

Like I can get into trouble standing here in the trailer, tied up.

Others have done it before you.

Hannah and the girls headed to the office to get their paperwork done. On their way past Moonlight Sonata, Bird noticed that the trainer had turned his attention from the mare to the girl on the ground. Bird telegraphed the mare a message.

Don't worry, Moonie. Everything will be fine.

The mare's ears flicked, startled.
Who are you?

I'm Bird.

Sundancer's Bird?

Yes.

I've heard about you.

I've heard about you, too! You're famous for winning the Caledon Steeplechase the very last year it was run.

With Abby I could do anything. With this girl I can do nothing. It makes me sad.

The trainer held Moonie's reins in one hand. With the other, he was trying to help the girl to her feet. She was crying in pain, and Bird thought her ankle looked odd.

“Can somebody help me here?” the trainer bellowed. “Candace needs a medic!”

Two paramedics ran out to the ring. Hannah and the girls stopped to watch as Candace was strapped to a gurney and carried out. Now the trainer hopped up into the saddle, determined to teach Moonie a lesson. After backing her up across the ring, he raced her around and dragged her to a halt. He repeatedly jammed his heels into her sides and spun her in tight circles.

Let me outta here!

He's only showing off, Moonie.

He's scaring me!

Go with it, Moonie. It'll be over as soon as you give in.

I'll try.

Moonie dropped her head and slowed down, adopting a docile manner. The trainer's face broke into a wide grin. He dropped the reins to wave to the group that had gathered to watch.

I hate to make him so pleased with himself.

Agreed, but at least it's over.

I'll get him back.

Bird laughed out loud.

Hannah turned to her. “What's so funny? I'm so mad right now I could scream! Dexter Pill should know better. I'd take that mare off his hands in a minute! She's a real sweetheart.”

An idea crept into Bird's head.
Moonie, buck him off.

What?

Now. While he's so cocky.

I don't want to get in any more trouble.

Now, Moonie! Do it. I'll help if there's a problem.

Moonie didn't argue. With a mighty lurch, she launched herself into the air with her back rounded and four feet off the ground. Dexter Pill landed in precisely the same place as his student before him. Moonie stood beside him with wide eyes, looking at Bird for directions.

Everything will be fine. Don't worry.

The trainer started shouting. “Someone get in here and help me!”

Hannah rushed into the practice ring, with Dexter yelling as she approached, “Take this horse!” He was covered in dirt and he was furious. Hannah didn't hesitate.

As she led Moonie safely away from the other horses and riders in the ring, a surly, well-dressed woman in her late thirties came up to her. “You can keep her for all I care.”

Hannah stopped. “What have you got to do with this mare?”

“I'm Kelsey Woodall, Candace's mother. We leased her from Fiona Malone.'

“Of course! Moonlight Sonata.” Hannah took another look at the bay mare and rubbed her soft nose. “I thought she looked familiar. She belongs to Abby Malone.”

“Thank gawd she doesn't belong to me! You can take her away.”

Hannah was puzzled. “
I
can take her? How exactly is this my problem?”

“Well, it sure isn't mine. I wash my hands. Oh ...” The woman undid the girth and slipped off the saddle. “It's an Hermès.” She turned her back and began to walk away with the saddle braced on her hip. “The bridle's not mine,”she called over her shoulder.

Hannah looked toward Dexter Pill, who was up on his feet and brushing himself off.

Bird stepped up to Moonie and took the reins from Hannah.
So far so good.

Moonie was trembling.
I sure hope so.

Kimberly had quietly approached and now she stroked Moonie's face. “It's okay, girl,” she crooned. To Bird she said, “She's so pretty.”

I like this girl, Bird.

Bird smiled.
You see my plan, Moonie?

Hannah left Moonie with Bird and Kimberly, and approached the angry trainer. “Dexter, two things. First, are you all right?”

“I'm fine, no thanks to that crazy mare.”

“Second, Kelsey Woodall told me to take her. I have no idea about your deal with Fiona Malone, but you'd better take Moonlight Sonata back to your trailer and sort this out.”

“I'm going to call Fiona to come pick her up. This mare is on trial for a lease. Bucking is a deal-breaker. I don't have time for this.” He turned to go.

“Pardon me? I came in the ring to help you, and you treat me like this?” Hannah became even more upset. “Bird! Bring the mare here.”

Bird did as she was told. Kimberly followed.

“Hand her over to Mr. Pill.”

Bird gave him Moonie's reins. Dexter took them haughtily.

“We'll be on our way.” Hannah wiped her hands on her pants, her face flushed with anger.

I don't want to stay with him!

Step on his toe.

“Gosh darned stupid animal!” Dexter Pill hopped on one foot. “She stepped on my toe!” He smacked Moonie hard on her shoulder with his crop and Moonie shied in fear.

Bird looked at Hannah. She put her hand on Moonie's neck, and then motioned to their trailer. She raised her eyebrows in a question and put her hands together as in prayer.

Hannah's mouth tightened as she thought it over. She was a sucker for maltreated animals, and Bird didn't need to be a mind reader to see that her aunt had taken a liking to the mare.

“Take Moonie and put her on our trailer. We'll drop her off at Fiona's on the way home.”

Bird nodded happily and patted Moonie's nose.
See? You'll never see that guy's face again.

“I'm billing you for the transport,” Hannah told Dexter as he hobbled away. Her icy tone prevented any argument. “This is totally unprofessional behaviour.”

For a moment they stood and watched him go. Kimberly broke the silence. “Is there any way I could ride her today, Hannah? I mean, if nobody else is and she's here and everything?”

Bird waited.

“I have my saddle,” Kimberly pleaded. “We put it on the trailer this morning, remember? Before Charlie refused to get on? I'm dressed and everything. My entry fees were prepaid. I even have my hat.”

“Let me call Fiona.” Hannah pulled her cellphone from her pocket. “I'm sure she'll be delighted.”

Kimberly jumped up and down and squealed. “I can't believe it! Finally, some good luck!”

You be nice to Kimberly, Moonie. She's a little green.

I'll get her some ribbons. Thank you, Bird. Thank you so much.

“Bird, take Moonlight Sonata to the trailer and stay with the horses,” said Hannah, her phone still pressed to her ear. “I'll get your entry number.” Hannah walked off with Liz, Julia and Kimberly. The girls' arms were entwined and they were barely able to contain their shared joy.

16

 

GOSSIP

Tan strove to ignore his father's negative energy. His father was smart, but Tan was smarter. He could feel his brain working. Even at half capacity, he was way smarter than most people. Everything was under control. His body was healing and his mind was getting sharper every minute. He was busy devising a plan. He'd be out of here in no time.

BIRD LOADED MOONIE in the spot right beside Sundancer. It would have belonged to Charlie, had he decided to come.

Hey there, Moonie! Welcome aboard!
Bird had never seen Sunny so charming to another horse. Was he flirting?

I'm so happy to be here. Those humans really don't care about us. They're in it for the people-money.

That's not good.

Bird listened to the horses chatter as she refilled their hay nets. The ponies introduced themselves to Moonie, and soon they were exchanging horror stories from past experiences. It was a good time to get some buckets of fresh water. It was going to be a hot day.

Bird gathered two green plastic buckets from the tack room at the front of the trailer and carried them across the gravel road to the showers. There were already two horses being bathed, their grooms soaping them up and hosing them down as they gossiped loudly over the roar of the water. Bird went to the tap and began filling one of the buckets. She listened idly to the conversation.

“Dex is hopping mad. Lucky for Moonie Hannah took her. Dex might have killed her.” The chubby redhead chuckled. Bird knew she didn't mean that literally.

“No kidding! Dex has a temper for sure. None of his horses is doing much. They're all sour.” This girl was short with punky, spiked blonde hair.

“Hey, speaking of Hannah, did you hear?” The redhead stopped working. “The creep who whacked that woman? You know, the perv in the woods? He's her brother!”

“No way!” The blonde put down her sponge.

“Everybody's talking about it! You know Kenneth Bradley is Hannah's father, right? The dude who stole Sundancer last year?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, Bradley's the father of that creep.”

“Seriously?”

“It was on the radio. Which makes Hannah his sister.”

“Holy.”

Bird stood at the tap, her heart pounding in her chest. This was just what she'd feared. She'd hoped more than anything that the horse people would've been too preoccupied with the show to listen to the news this morning, but clearly that wasn't the case. She put the one full pail aside and began to fill the second, keeping her head down.

“Don't you think it's weird?” Redhead was thinking aloud.

“What?”

“Think about it: Hannah's perv brother is one suspect.”

“I think he's the one, by the way,” the blonde girl interrupted.

“Hannah's neighbour is one suspect.”

“He'll be in the hospital forever. Messed up.”

“And Hannah's stable manager is another suspect.” Redhead finished her point.

“I see where you're going with this. I don't know about the manager, by the way. Never met him.”

“And one of Hannah's students? Her mother's boyfriend is the fourth suspect.”

“The ex-cop?”

“Yeah. Isn't it weird?”

“Saddle Creek is right in the middle of it. What do you think that means?”

Redhead shrugged. “Dunno. It's just weird.”

Bird had filled the two pails. She turned her back to the grooms and picked them up.

Redhead whispered. “That girl.”

“What girl?”

“That one with weird hair, carrying the buckets!”

Bird suppressed the urge to freeze, and continued to put one foot in front of the other.

“So?”

“That's Alberta Simms! Hannah's niece!”

“Bird? Oh no! I bet she heard everything we said!”

“So what if she did? It's all true and everybody's saying it.”

“I know, but now I feel bad.”

“Get over it. She didn't hear a word. The water's too loud.”