Sundancer (27 page)

Mack looked at it and sighed. “This gets more and more complicated. Where does this leave us now?”

Just then they heard a loud whinny. Everyone turned to look.

A big chestnut horse was trotting up the driveway. His coat was glossy and fine. His legs were long and strong. His head was held proud and his manner was regal. There was no question who this was. This was Dancer.

Abby Malone rode the old jumping champion with pride. He strutted past the house like he owned the place.

Julia ran out the kitchen door, shouting, “Abby! Hey Abby! Is that Dancer? I've only ever seen pictures of him before!” Dancer snorted and shook his silky mane. Abby nodded and waved happily as they continued trotting on toward the barn. Julia followed at a run.

“Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle,” Elvin whistled under his breath. “It's the king of them all.”

And a king he looked. Every inch of him from nose to tail. Abby halted Dancer at the stable door. She took her feet from the stirrups and slid down to the ground. “Good boy.” She patted his neck. Dancer nickered softly.

Abby looked from one person to another, then stated, “I wanted Sundancer to meet his father before he left.” She smiled, enjoying the stunned reaction all around.

“This is preposterous!” exclaimed Kenneth Bradley. “You should know better than to say a thing like that without proof.”

“I took the liberty of contacting the Canadian Sport Horse Association. They have DNA records of all registered horses on file.”

“Do you have Dancer's record with you?” asked Paul.

Abby grinned. “I just happen to have it right here.” Abby pulled a paper out of her back pocket and passed it to Paul. “Our friend Jewel from the horse show was extremely helpful.” She looked at Hannah with a smile.

Paul read it carefully, and checked back and forth between Dancer's and Sundancer's tests. Two minutes passed.

“It could very possibly be a match. I'll have to do some work at my office to be sure.” Paul handed the two reports to Mack Jones.

Dancer whinnied loudly. His deep neigh echoed throughout the neighbouring fields and farmland. All the horses on the farm returned his call. For a moment the air was full to overflowing with equine communication.

Then, there was an answering whinny from the barn, equally powerful, but slightly different in tone. Sundancer, led by Bird, stepped out into the sunshine.

The similarities were undeniable. The shape of the heads; broad at the forehead and full at the jaw, with good-sized ears and intelligent eyes. Their heights were comparable. Their coats were of identical fiery copper hue. Their legs were shapely and correct, with strong, black feet. Their tails were set at the same angle.

It was the attitude, however, that was most remarkable. Both horses had the same haughty confidence, and looked down at the people with the same arrogant cock of the head.

Dancer, you are a legend. My name is Bird.

You're the girl who talks to horses.

Yes.

I'm pleased to meet you. We've all heard tell of you.
Dancer bowed to Bird with respect.

Thank you.
Bird was touched. She lowered her head modestly.

Sundancer stepped forward. With arched necks, the two chestnuts introduced themselves. Sundancer bowed deeply to his regal sire and stayed down. Dancer then returned the compliment to his talented son.

There was no doubt left in anyone's mind. The sight of these two magnificent horses bowing in unison was conclusive. They were surely of the same blood.

Mack Jones spoke. “Do we need more proof?” He gathered up all the papers and documents. “Andy, we'll not need your services today, but send Owens Enterprises an invoice for your time.”

Mack took a notepad and pen out of his pocket, and continued: “Who rightfully owns this horse is unclear at the moment since he has no valid papers. There are penalties for that — and even graver consequences for people who commit insurance fraud. Kenneth Bradley, Elvin Wainright, you should contact your lawyers. Once we sort out this mess, you'll need them.”

Elvin and Kenneth stood together. Silent.

Mack Jones continued, “I'm appalled that after collecting two hundred and fifty thousand dollars in insurance for the death of this animal, you would have the gall to sell him for three hundred thousand more.” Mack shook his head sadly. “It's greed that tempts people, and greed that catches them. Kenneth Bradley, you, of all people, should have learned that lesson by now.”

“Sundancer. Son of Dancer.” Abby smiled at Bird. “You sure gave him the right name, Bird.”

Bird nodded shyly. She softly said, “Thank you, Ab … by.”

“Bird!” Abby saw how Bird blushed at her reaction. She decided to let it go. Bird had chosen to speak to her. She was glad. That was enough.

Hannah spoke as she gave Bird's shoulder a supportive squeeze. “The name fits perfectly, doesn't it? Tell us, Abby, how you figured this all out.”

Paul nodded. He was about to ask the same thing.

“One of Owens' ex-grooms is a friend of mine. Yesterday he let it slip that Dancer actually sired this foal.” Abby looked at Elvin and Kenneth. “I'm not telling who it is, so don't look at me like that.”

Mack said, “Keep talking, Abby. This is important.”

“I'll start at the beginning. You know that the Jameses could never keep Dancer fenced at Hogscroft. He jumped out in the night, and he'd be back in the morning. Nobody the wiser. He never caused any trouble, aside from the obvious. Mares got in foal.” She stroked Dancer's sleek neck.

“You had a Dancer foal, didn't you?” Mack prodded.

“Two. Both times were unscheduled breedings, if you know what I mean.” She smiled. “And Moonie's two fillies are fabulous. I could never have afforded the stallion fees. That's why there have never been any complaints. Dancer's the best stallion around.”

“So what you're telling us is that Dancer impregnated Princess Narnia on the Owens property?” Mack asked. “Dancer came to the Owens stables?”

Abby grinned. “Yes, exactly that. There sure is irony.”

Everyone nodded. They knew the story. Hilary James, whom everyone knew as Mousie, had won every competition she'd entered on Dancer. Samuel Owens noticed and wanted to own him. When Hilary James refused to sell, he'd become obsessed. When he couldn't own Dancer, he tried to kill him. Owens underwent treatment for mental instability, but when he was released, his need for revenge caused chaos in the area until he literally self-destructed at the opening night of the local theatre.

“Owens must have been elated to have a Dancer baby,” Mack stated.

“He never knew,” Abby asserted. “According to my source, his staff knew, but they were too afraid to admit that it could have happened under their watch. So they trumped up the story about Princess Narnia and California Dreamin'. Forged the papers. Paid people off.”

Kenneth stared at Elvin. “Is this true?”

Elvin looked like he might have a heart attack. His face was red and his eyes bulged. He blurted, “Mr. Owens would have gone crazy if he thought that a stallion had access to his stable. He would've fired everyone with no warning, no severance, no references.”

“Even for a Dancer foal?” asked Hannah.

“Nobody wanted to take the chance,” whined Elvin. “Would you? Surely you must remember? That man was a maniac. Certifiable lunatic.”

“When did it happen, Abby, this immaculate conception?” Paul wanted to know.

“Another irony. It happened the night Dancer was held prisoner on the Owens property. Owens ordered his man, Chad Smith, to steal Dancer from Hogscroft, remember? They dyed him black and called him Spirit?”

“I'd forgotten.” Paul shook his head. “Oh, the hoops he went through.”

“Well, Dancer knew there was a mare in season, and he found her. Jumped right into her stall and out again. You know they can smell them two miles away.”

“And will jump any fence along the way,” added Paul. “So how long ago was that?”

“Eight years ago, when you count the eleven-month gestation period.”

Mack nodded and put away his notebook. “Thank you very much, Abby. You've solved an intriguing riddle.” He glared at Kenneth. “Sundancer stays here. The courts will decide on his custody. And Irving Insurance will be notified immediately. Kenneth Bradley and Elvin Wainright, contact your lawyers. You will not be leaving the country any time soon.”

Stuart grinned like a boy. “What did I tell you, Hannah? Today turned out to be a very happy day.” He dropped down on one knee at Eva's feet and took her hand. “Eva, will you marry me?”

20
NINE A.M.

All my troubles are behind me.

The first day of school was beautifully bright and clear. The sky was blue, the lawns were green, and flowers of red and white and pink grew lushly in the gardens around the old red brick building.

It was almost nine o'clock, just before the bell, and Julia, Kimberly, and Bird met as planned on the wide stone steps. They all gave each other a big hug.

“Look at you, Bird,” exclaimed Kimberly as she hugged her friends. “Your haircut is too wicked for words. I love your jeans and jacket! And that colour blue is perfect on you.”

“Tha … nks, Kimby. You lo … ok great, too.” Bird felt happy from the top of her head to the tip of her toes. When Eva dropped her and Julia off, she had told them how much she loved them and how proud she was of them. And she meant it — Bird knew that. More importantly, Bird was ready, finally, to let Eva be her mother. After all this time, she thought she could trust Eva enough to allow her to try. And if Eva was willing to try, then she should try, too. It looked possible, even probable, that they could truly become a family.

Eva would never understand Bird's ability to communicate with animals, but that was okay. Most people didn't. Bird would keep her secret. It was better off left between her and the animals. But the fact that words were beginning to come freely from her lips whenever she wanted was absolutely thrilling. She fit in, for the first time that she could remember. Sunny was right, Bird thought. Now I can fly.

Kimberly was still gushing happily. “Julia, your hair is sooo pretty! I totally love that clip. You'll be the ‘it' girl of your grade!”

“Stop, Kimberly. No, no, keep going!” Julia laughed cheerfully. “You look great, too. And your sweater even matches your new cast.” Kimberly wore a bright-green cast on her healing arm. A few more weeks and it would come off.

“Pas … tor will be glad when you can ri … de again,” said Bird. “You think? Well, when I do, I'm going to be nicer to him. He's a good horse for me.”

Bird nodded. “I th … ink so, too.”

Two boys Bird and Kimberly's age walked past them, up the stone steps toward the old double doors. One had dark hair and the other sandy blonde. One did a double take when he noticed Bird, and nudged the other.

“Bird, don't look. Alec Daniels and Josh Prokosh are looking at you!”

Bird blushed.

Julia took at good look at them. “They're both hot, Bird. I never noticed how cute Alec is. And Josh … if I was just a little older …!”

“They're still looking at you, Bird.” Kimberly took a quick peek at Josh then turned away before he caught her looking.

“I kn … ow,” said Bird shyly. “I've had a cr … ush on Alec fore … ver.” As soon as the words were out of her mouth, Bird gasped. She couldn't believe she'd just admitted it! It was a hazard of being able to talk. She'd have to remember that and be more careful.

“Ooooh!” Kimberly and Julia teased her.

“Maybe he'll be in your class, Bird,” Julia wished for her sister.

“I'll find out soo … n.” Bird felt shivers of expectation and fear mingling up and down her spine. Her stomach clenched, then settled.

“I'm so glad that I'm back here again this year,” sighed Kimberly, looking at the old familiar doors the boys had just entered. “It feels so good. I didn't like CCS.”

“Because there are no boys?” Julia asked impishly.

“For sure,” answered Kimberly, laughing. “But mostly because the girls all looked at me like I was so beneath them. My mother couldn't afford it anyway — especially since she and your grandfather broke up.”

“Was Gramps going to pay?” asked Julia.

“I guess,” answered Kimberly. “He wanted me to board there. I don't think he wanted me around. Not a problem now!”

“I'm gl … ad you're here,” said Bird slowly. It still took some effort to talk, but less and less. “I need help making fr … iends. You g … uys are it.”

“Stick with us and you'll go places,” joked Julia. “What am I saying? I just got here! I don't have any friends either!”

“Three is the perfect size for a beginners clique.” Kimberly struck a haughty pose and flipped back her hair. “We won't let anybody in, then everybody will want to be our friend.”

“That's just about it.”

The three girls turned to see who'd spoken. Stuart Gilmore, the school principal, had joined them. He radiated hearty optimism.

“Welcome, ladies, to your first day of school. It's going to be a fabulous year at Forks of the Credit, I can just feel it.”

“Tha … nk you,” Bird spoke seriously. “For let … ting me come back.”

“It's a whole new ball game, Bird. This was a special summer for you. You're still the unique, remarkable young lady that you've always been, but now there are no restrictions to your growth.”

Bird glowed with warmth. “I never thought it would h … appen.”

“Just don't expect special treatment because I'll be your stepfather,” Stuart said proudly. He smiled and gave them a wink.

The school bell rang — long, loud, and harsh. Bird looked over to the bushes, where a small coyote hid from the crowd.

I'll be okay, Cody. You don't have to stay.

I want to, Bird girl. I have nothing else to do today.

Thanks. See you later.

The three girls excitedly picked up their bags, gave each other another quick hug for good luck, and ran inside. Soon they would discover what this new school year had in store.