Sundancer (24 page)

Leon shook his head. He spoke with difficulty through his split lip. “Are you inthane? Do you think I'm inthane?” His face was covered in blood and dirt. His left eye was swelling up.

He certainly looks insane, thought Bird.

“I'm never, never — read my lipth — never getting up on that horse again.”

What did I tell you, Bird girl? Right again!

With that, Leon turned and hobbled into the ring to receive his award.

All at once, Bird was aware of being watched. She looked around, trying to locate the eyes she felt on her. Cody's furtive face peeked around a nearby fencepost.

Go fast, Bird girl.

Trouble, Cody?

The horse who calls himself Silver. He wants to talk to you.
Bird quickly handed Sunny's reins to a surprised Abby.

Stay here, Sunny. This must be important.

She raced off to find Silver. When she got to the Owens stalls, the one marked “Hurricane' was empty. Bird thought fast. The wash stalls. She checked. No, not there.

Bird had no idea what Silver could want, but it must be serious for him to send Cody. She dashed up and down the busy stall area, then caught sight of the rows of horse trailers. Maybe they were taking him home.

Bird saw Cody peeking from under a trailer.

Over there, Bird girl. In the second row.
He popped back out of sight.

She ran. Around the second row, she saw the ramp of the Owens Enterprises trailer. Three grooms plus Elvin Wainright were trying unsuccessfully to load the big silver stallion. He was putting up a fuss — rearing, kicking, resisting everyone — and sidling this way and that to avoid the ramp.

I'm here, Silver. Cody found me.

What took you so long? I can't keep this up.

I ran as fast as I could.

The horse stopped fighting. The groom who was leading him panted with exertion. “Good boy, Hurricane. Now, just walk on quietly and we'll take you home.”

I'll tell you fast. The big pin. Does it sparkle?

I'm not sure. Maybe. I didn't get a good look at it.

Leon wears one with a sparkle in the middle.

He does?

And he's not wearing it now. That's all I wanted to say.

With that, the big horse walked straight on the trailer and stood quietly as the exhausted grooms secured his lead shank and lifted the ramp.

Elvin turned to Bird, a suspicious look on his face. “I don't know what just happened here. As soon as you turned up, Hurricane settled down and walked on the trailer. What did you do?”

Bird looked at him. She smiled and raised her eyebrows.

“Keep your secrets. There's something witchy about you.”

With a small chuckle, Bird turned to go. She wanted to get Sundancer home, and she needed to find a way to tell someone what Silver had told her. She was not going to let Leon get away with hurting him.

“Not so fast,” Elvin said sternly. “We're not finished talking.” Bird stopped and faced him.

“You don't fool me. I'd like to know why you stabbed Hurricane with the pin, and I'd like to know what you did to Sundancer to make him crazy when Leon rode him in the Switcheroo.”

At that exact moment, Buzz, the little brown-and-white terrier, hopped out of the truck window and lifted his leg on the trailer tire.

Bird looked at Buzz, then she looked at Elvin. She smiled. So you think I'm a witch, do you? She pointed to her chest, indicating herself, then to her head, meaning knowledge. Then she pointed to Elvin, then his dog. She mimed little legs running and horses spooking. Then she winked.

“You
are
a little witch!” exclaimed Elvin, “but you can't prove anything.” He yelled out orders to his grooms. “Bert. Get these horses home, then come back for the rest. Bill and Gord, pack everything up and wrap their legs for shipping.”

Now he glared at Bird. “I warn you. We will get what we want. If not today, then tomorrow.”

Bird had had enough of this nasty man. Shivers coursed through her body as she took off running back to the ring to find Abby and Sunny. There, she was surprised by her entire cheering section. Hannah, Julia, Eva, Stuart, the Piersons and Kimberly. Alec stood to one side, looking nervous. Everyone spoke at once.

Kimberly gushed, “You were great, Bird! Too bad about Hurricane.”

“You would've won the whole thing,” agreed Stuart. “No question.”

Laura gave her a hug. “What a treat to see you ride. Such a big horse for such a dear, dear little girl!”

Julia grabbed Bird's waist and wouldn't let go. “I'm so so so proud of you, Bird!”

“Me, too.” Pete laughed and mussed her hair. “You showed real character.”

Bird looked at Pete. She put her hand on her heart and bowed her head. She wanted to thank him for calling a foul on her behalf. “You're welcome, Bird,” said Pete. “They didn't listen to me, but not for lack of trying. That dog was a menace.”

Eva had been standing with Stuart, watching. She walked up to Bird and said crouched in front of her, looking directly into her eyes. “All my life I wanted to ride horses because I knew it would make my father proud of me. But I was too afraid of getting hurt. You are so brave, Bird. You are the girl I wanted to be. I love you, honey.”

Eva and Bird embraced. Bird felt Eva's love — pure and strong and unquestioning. Her mother said she loved her, and for the first time in her life, Bird believed it.

18
DOUBLECROSS

No one's going to hurt me real bad.

It was time to go home. The Grand Classic Event was over, and the cars and vans were lined up at the exit. It had been a long, hot day and a peaceful fatigue had settled on everyone.

The Piersons waved their goodbyes. Eva and Stuart headed off with Julia and Kimberly. Paul had yet another emergency and raced off with Alec to deal with it. Abby and Hannah packed up the tack and prepared the trailer, while Bird spent some time alone with Sunny. She lovingly brushed the sweat from his coat while they waited for the lineup at the gate to ease.

Sunny, you won the day. Congratulations.

I didn't hurt Fancy Pants. At least not badly.

I'm glad about that.

I really wanted to.

Sunny, I have so many questions on my mind.

About what?

About what Leon said — that you were dead meat. What did he mean? And Silver told me that the pin that stabbed him probably belongs to Leon.

You have to tell someone. Tell Hannah.

I'll try.

Bird girl, you must learn to talk to humans.

I said I'd try!
Bird put her brush back in the grooming kit and found the hoof pick. She thoughtfully picked the dirt and gravel out of his hooves.

Tell someone.

Bird decided not to tell Sunny what else was bothering her. He'd probably think it was silly. Alec had just walked away, without saying anything. She'd had such high hopes, too. Alec and she seemed to have been developing something. Some connection. And her performance today should've impressed him. She'd really hoped it would. But he wasn't interested. She'd have to accept it. Bird felt like an idiot. Again.

Bird led Sunny onto the trailer and clipped him in. The three exhausted females and their sleepy horse pulled out of the park just as the sun was beginning to sink in the late summer sky.

Not one of them was prepared for what they found when they got back to Saddle Creek.

Balloons and colourful crepe streamers hung from tree branches and fence posts up the lane. A long yellow banner was strung across the driveway, with “Welcome home, Sundancer, champion of the Grand Classic Event!” painted in huge, still dripping, letters.

Bird smiled as she saw her sister duck into the bushes.

After unloading him, Bird quickly tucked Sundancer in his stall with feed and water, eager to join her family inside. He took a long drink, then sighed with contentment.

Have fun at my party, Bird girl.

Do you want to come?

No. I'm beat. But it's nice that they're celebrating.

Everyone is very, very proud of you, Sunny.

I'm glad. I'm really glad.

Bird rubbed Sundancer's forehead between his eyes and smiled.
I'm especially proud that you left Leon alive.

That was probably a mistake.

Bird chuckled.

After cleaning and putting away the tack and trailer, Abby, Hannah, and Bird wearily entered the house. The festively decorated lane gave them the expectation of a surprise party, with everyone jumping out from behind chairs.

Nothing. Not a sound. The lights were off.

“Now I'm disappointed,” said Hannah.

“Me, too,” agreed Abby.

Bird heard something. She grinned. She walked over to the kitchen door and flung it open. Everybody was there: Pete and Laura Pierson, Eva and Stuart, Julia and Kimberly. And Paul and Alec.

“Surprise!” they all shouted, then began to cheer.

“I thought you had an emergency to attend,” Hannah said quietly to Paul, amid the chaos.

“I made that up. We came here as fast as we could to get ready for the surprise.” Paul looked at Hannah. “Are you mad that I lied?”

Hannah smiled. “Are you kidding? It was for a good cause.”

There was potato salad, leafy green salad, hot French bread, and steaming chicken legs on the kitchen table. On the side table rested a huge decorated cake for dessert, with “Hooray for Bird and Sunny” written carefully in green icing.

“Who made the cake?” asked Abby. “It's beautiful!”

Pete answered proudly, “My extremely talented wife.”

“How did you make it so fast?” asked Hannah, incredulously. “The show's barely over!”

Laura smiled mysteriously. “You'll never get my secrets out of me.” Then she leaned over to Bird and whispered, “I made it yesterday. Even if you hadn't done well, it still would've been an achievement to compete.”

Bird smiled broadly at Laura, and then, without even thinking, reached out and hugged her. A few days ago, this woman had been a mere acquaintance — someone to smile at or wave to in a store or on the road. Now she felt like family. Bird was grateful for her love and support, and hoped the hug would say that to Laura. Laura hugged her back — a wonderful tight squeeze. Then, she held Bird at arm's length and looked her straight in the eye. “You're a very special girl, Alberta Simms — and you must be starving.” Bird swallowed the lump in her throat, and nodded.

Everyone took a plate and loaded it up with delicious food. There was much chatter about the show and Leon and Hurricane and Sunny. The house was full of love. Bird felt included and warm inside. She caught sight of Alec across the room. He saw her and grinned. He put down his lemonade and applauded her. Bird blushed crimson. This day could not possibly get better.

There was an impatient knock on the front door. Bird froze. It could only be one person. Bird quietly followed Hannah as she went to open it.

Kenneth Bradley stood on the doorstep.

“Dad!” said Hannah, surprised. “Come on in! We're all in the kitchen.”

“Who's here?” asked Kenneth.

Hannah answered uncertainly, “Paul, Alec, Eva, Stuart, Julia, Kimberly, Abby, and the Piersons. And Bird, of course, and me.”

“Kimberly's here?” “Yes.”

“Did you ask her mother?”

Hannah furrowed her brow. “She's been with us all day, Dad. Lavinia knows that.”

“Nobody asked if Kimberly could come home with you. Lavinia's in the car. She's very angry.”

“Oh, no.” Hannah looked out and saw Lavinia sitting stiffly in

the passenger seat. Hannah waved. Lavinia didn't wave back. “Look, let me go out to the car and invite her in. You go into the kitchen and fill up a plate.”

“Actually, we're going out to dinner. I'll tell her that Kimberly is safe. She'll stay here tonight.”

From her position in the kitchen doorway, Bird felt herself growing angry on Hannah's behalf. When would people stop taking advantage of her? Of course Hannah wasn't going to say no to her father's request, but he hadn't given her much of a chance.

“Sure, Dad, Kimberly's always welcome here.” Bird heard an emptiness — an unhappiness — in her aunt's voice.

“Good.” Kenneth rocked back on his heels and smiled mirthlessly. He watched Hannah closely as he said, “Oh, one more thing. Sundancer is sold to a good stable in California. He's being picked up tomorrow morning at nine o'clock.”

Hannah's jaw literally dropped open. “Sunny? Sold?”

“Yes. Do you have a problem with that?”

“Of course I have a problem with that.”

Kenneth stood ramrod straight. “You have no right.” He spoke with a controlled anger. “The horse belongs to Owens Enterprises. You merely train him and board him. I thought that was clear.”

“We had a deal. Bird was to ride him in shows, and he was to live here.”

“That's what I said. You train and board him. We own him, so we can sell him.”

Hannah watched, dumbstruck, as her father calmly walked to his car, blithely taking all his granddaughter's hopes and dreams with him.

A million thoughts raced through Bird's mind. She needed to do something, and she needed to do it now. Hannah had to know about Silver and Leon. It might make a difference.

“Ha … nn … ah?”

Hannah turned quickly, surprised at both Bird's presence and the sound of her voice. “I'm so sorry, Bird. I'm so sorry you had to hear it like that. He's right. They own him, so they have the right to sell him. I don't think there's anything we can do.”

Bird had no intention of giving up so easily. She put her hands on Hannah's arms to keep her from walking away. “Leon … dea … d m … eat. Pin. Leon.” It was a big effort, and Bird felt exhausted.

Hannah tried to understand. “What about Leon? And dead meat? And what pin?”

Bird sighed. She'd have to think of another way to tell Hannah. But how? Speaking was simply too hard, and it wasn't fair to make Hannah guess. She'd write it down on paper. That's what she'd do. But all at once, she had another thought. Paul! He'd know what she was trying to say! Bird ran into the kitchen and found him, helping himself to another piece of chicken. She grabbed him and pulled him out into the hall.

“What's up, Bird?” he said good-naturedly as he wiped his mouth with a napkin.

Hannah answered hollowly. “My father was just here. I guess Lavinia didn't know where Kimberly was. And then he mentioned, rather casually, that Sunny is sold. Bird was trying to tell me something about Leon and dead meat and a pin, then she ran and got you, I don't know why …”

“Hold on,” Paul raised his arms to stop Hannah from continuing. “That's a lot to absorb. As for Kimberly, I know that Lavinia saw her leave with Eva and Stuart and Julia. They waved goodbye to each other.”

Bird tapped him impatiently on his arm. Frustration was welling up inside her. Why were they wasting time talking about Kimberly? She put out her hand, palm up. “P … in?”

“Pin?” Paul looked puzzled. “What pin?”

Bird trotted like a horse, then jumped up in the air howling with pain. She put her hand on her back.

“Oh, the pin that was stuck in Hurricane's back.” Bird nodded eagerly, then stuck her hand out again. “Are you asking if I have it?”

Bird nodded.

“It just so happens that I do.” Paul reached into his back pocket and brought out a small tin box. He opened it. Inside was a silver pin, about an inch and a half long, with a tiny diamond embedded in the middle. “I didn't have time to change. Good thing you asked. I'd forgotten all about it.”

Bird looked at it closely. Sure enough there was a “sparkle” in the middle, as Hurricane called it. A small diamond. “Le … on's.” Hannah and Paul glanced at each other.

“It's Leon's stock pin?” asked Hannah.

Bird nodded. She had no doubt about it.

“Why would he do that to Owens' best horse?” asked Hannah.

“For thirty thousand dollars,” asserted Paul. “Bird would have done quite well on Hurricane. He eliminated the competition.”

“How could he have done it, though? Logistically, I mean. Bird put her own saddle on Hurricane.”

“But the Owens Enterprises saddle pad remained on the horse. Leon could've stuck the pin in the saddle pad when he removed his saddle, then waited for it to stab Hurricane.”

Hannah grimaced at the thought.

“It would have moved around under the saddle when Bird was warming up, until it eventually stabbed right into his flesh.”

Hannah shook her head. “Do you think Elvin had anything to do with this?”

“It's not his style,” answered Paul. “He's a lot of things, but he wouldn't hurt a valuable horse like Hurricane. Elvin would've wanted him to win, anyway. Upped his value.”

Bird agreed with Paul's assessment. But there were a few things about Elvin that these two didn't know. She made dog yapping noises and mimed Sunny spooking at a jump.

“Are you saying that Elvin sent that dog out to ruin your ride?” asked Hannah in disbelief.

Bird put her hand on her heart and nodded forcefully. Paul pursed his lips. “I wondered if that was his dog.”

Bird said, “Bu … zz.”

“If Elvin finds out who planted the stock pin, he'll be furious.” Paul closed his fingers around the pin. “It'll be easy enough to prove if this is Leon's pin.”

Bird had more to say. “S … unn … y d … ead m … eat. Leon.”

Paul and Hannah exchanged confused glances. A second later, though, Paul dropped to his knee in front of Bird. “Bird.” He spoke with a seriousness in his tone that she was not used to hearing. “Did Leon say that Sunny was dead meat?” Bird smiled in relief, and nodded.

Paul stood again, and ran his fingers through his hair. “I'm just guessing here, but I think he meant that Sundancer is dead on paper. In other words, he's been pronounced dead — as I suspected from the first — and they've collected the insurance money for him.” Paul began to pace. “Very interesting. And now Kenneth has sold him far, far away to California. For more money. Very interesting. I'm not sure we can prove anything, though. I have no access to the insurance company.”

“What a bunch!” exclaimed Hannah. “Elvin doesn't know what Leon's up to and Leon doesn't know what Elvin's up to, and my father doesn't know what either of them are doing, but he trumps them all in the underhanded department! Should we involve the police?” she asked.

Paul considered it. Eventually, he shook his head. “We don't have enough to tell them yet. At this point, we're just speculating.”

Bird's stomach flipped and flopped. A moment ago she'd been ready to eat a big meal and finish it off with cake. Now she felt as though she might be sick. It wasn't fair! They were up against dishonest people, and the bad guys were winning. She couldn't let Sunny go to California. She had to do something — and she only had until nine the next morning.

The kitchen door opened and Eva came out. “There you are! Everybody's asking about you.”

Hannah said, “We'll be just a minute, Eva. Keep the party going.”

Eva put her hands on her hips and looked at Bird. “The guest of honour has to cut the cake. For good luck.”

Bird managed a smile for her mother's sake. Eva had no idea how much luck Bird would need.

Paul was still pacing. “I wonder what papers they're using to sell him. If they're using Prince Redwood papers, then we need to prove that they've collected insurance money on his death, and the deal is off. If they're using the passport with Sundancer as his name, then we must prove that Sundancer is really Prince Redwood. I can do that with DNA. Prince Redwood's DNA is on file because he's a registered Canadian Sport Horse. They owe me a favour at Equine Research in Guelph. I'll get a few hairs from Sunny, and trot on down to the lab.”