Читать книгу Dark Days at Saddle Creek - Shelley Peterson - Страница 9
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A NEW BOARDER
Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.
— Chief Seattle, Suquamish, 1854
Bird was up very early, and was already in the kitchen when Hannah came down at six to make coffee. Bird immediately offered her a steaming cup with milk and a bit of sugar, just the way she liked it.
“Toast?” asked Bird. “Bacon and eggs? Sunday brunch?”
“What are you up to?” Hannah rubbed her eyes and yawned.
“I’m just trying to be nice.”
“Sorry, Bird. I shouldn’t be suspicious! How awful of me.” She sat down at the table and took a sip of coffee. “Delicious. Thanks, sweetheart.”
Bird sat with her. “Actually, you should be suspicious. I have an ulterior motive.”
Hannah’s sleepy eyes cleared. “Speak to me.”
“Remember yesterday? The conversation I had with Sally Johns?”
“The blond girl with braces?”
“Yes.”
“The girl with the horse at Dexter’s?”
“Yes.”
“The horse that I forbade you to rescue?”
This was not going to be easy. Bird took a deep breath and decided to go for it. “Well, he’s here.”
“Who’s here? Where?”
“The horse, Tall Sox. He’s in the barn.” Bird waited for Hannah’s reaction.
Hannah scratched her head. She took a sip of her coffee. Finally she said, “I can’t say I’m surprised. I don’t want to know how he got here. It might incriminate me.” She gave Bird a sideways look. “What’s he like?”
Bird exhaled. “He’s really nice looking, Aunt Hannah. And sensible. He has a small, deep gouge on his back where the saddle sits. I think Dexter did it, and that’s why everyone thinks he’s untrainable.”
Hannah tapped her finger on the coffee cup. “Let’s not jump to conclusions. We’re in a lot of trouble. I’m assuming you had Sally’s permission to move the horse” — Bird nodded as Hannah continued — “but you didn’t have her parents’. There are laws about things like that. I’m going to get dressed. I’ll think this over. When Paul wakes up I’ll ask his opinion.” She rose from the chair and left the room, then called back, “And Bird? Paul needs to see this gouge.”
“Right. I’ll wait here.” Bird leaned back in her chair, relieved. She couldn’t have asked for a better reaction. Paul was a veterinarian. He would fix up Tall Sox’s back.
Minutes later, Hannah and Paul came downstairs, and after Paul sleepily grabbed a coffee, they went out to the barn.
“Who’s this new gelding?” asked Cliff, the farm manager, as he met them at the door. “Why didn’t I know about him?”
Bird explained. “His name is Tall Sox. He belongs to Sally Johns. She asked me to bring him here last night because Dexter was going to euthanize him today.”
Cliff ’s eyes widened. “Why? He looks healthy and sound to me. And he’s making friends with everybody, so it’s not that he’s a nutcase.”
The four of them walked to Tall Sox’s stall and looked over the half-door.
Hi, Sox. Did you sleep well? messaged Bird.
Very well. I like it here. He stuck his nose over the stall door and sniffed Bird. She patted his head.
“He’s handsome,” said Hannah. “I’ll give him that.”
“Let me see this sore on his back,” said Paul. He’d brought his vet bag from his truck, and now he donned latex gloves. “Put him on cross ties for me, will you, Bird?”
She did as he asked, and watched as he methodically examined the animal’s back.
“There’s a pus pocket under the surface. Sitting where it is, it doesn’t drain well.” Paul cleaned the wound thoroughly and disinfected the area. “I don’t know why it hasn’t been looked after.”
“Especially with the money they charge over there,” added Hannah.
Paul stripped off his gloves. “When we get permission from his owners, put him on sulphur, Cliff, will you?”
Cliff nodded. “Ten days?”
“Yep. That should clear it up.” Paul shook his head. “I don’t know how this particular injury would occur,” he said, “unless he was poked hard with a sharp object, and the wound was kept open and allowed to fester.”
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of tires crunching across gravel. A car stopped at the door of the barn. Bird watched as Sally and a short blond woman got out. The woman did not look happy, but Bird steeled herself. She walked over to them with a welcoming smile on her face.
“Hi, Sally! And hello, Mrs. Johns. I’m Bird.”
The woman smiled feebly. “I’m Sally’s mother, but my name is Cindy Farr. Can anybody tell me what’s going on? It’s early, and Sally makes no sense at all.”
Hannah ushered them over to Tall Sox’s stall. She introduced herself and Paul, then said, “Your daughter asked for help with her horse. How much do you know about the situation?”
“Only what Sally told me on the drive over — which wasn’t much. Harold looks after the horse part of Sally’s life. She insisted I come, but I stay out of all this craziness. It’s easier that way.”
Hannah and Paul looked at each other. Cindy was not going to be much help. Paul spoke next. “We need to speak to someone who can authorize stabling and treatment for this horse.”
“That would be Sally’s father. I’ll call Harold.” Cindy Farr took a cellphone out of her small shoulder-strap purse. She pressed a number on speed dial, and handed it to her daughter.
Sally stared blankly at the phone. “What do I say?” she asked her mother. “That I stole my own horse?”
“Not my problem,” Cindy answered.
Bird could hear a man’s voice on the other end of the line. “Hello? Hello?”
Sally regained her composure. “Daddy? Sorry to call so early. I’m at Saddle Creek Farm with Tall Sox. I brought him here. They want to talk to you to get permission or something.”
“About what? You say you’re at Saddle Creek?”
“Yes.” Sally’s voice faltered. “I don’t want Tall Sox to go … anywhere. I love him.”
There was a pause, then Bird heard Sally’s father sigh loudly. “I’ll call Dexter,” he said curtly. “I know where Saddle Creek Farm is.” Sally hung up without another word, but her face told Bird everything she needed to know. This girl was worried about being in trouble. Bird knew just how she felt.
Tall Sox’s head appeared over the stall door, and Sally stepped over to stroke his nose. “You’re a good boy, aren’t you? They’re wrong about you, I just know it.”
I’m glad you all believe in me, the horse messaged.
We won’t give up, replied Bird.
Cindy fidgeted with her car keys. She was ready to leave. “I don’t want to be here when he arrives. Can Sally stay here?”
Hannah nodded. “No problem.”
Cindy kissed Sally lightly on the head as she prepared to go. “Call if you need a ride,” she said. “Good luck with your father.”
When Cindy was out of earshot, Sally whispered to Bird, “They just got a divorce.”
Cindy stepped into her car and turned it around. Bird gasped when she saw a fresh, long, deep scratch along the entire right side of the car.
“Did your mom see that?” whispered Bird.
“Thank gawd, no. I hope she doesn’t look until she gets groceries. That way she’ll think somebody did it in the parking lot.”
“You’re lucky it’s the passenger side.”
“Yeah,” Sally sniffed. “Not my fault Mom’s garage is so narrow.”
“Right,” whispered Bird. “Couldn’t possibly be your bad driving.”
“Okay, folks,” said Hannah, using her take-charge voice. “Since you’re here for the day, Sally, we’ll put you to work.”
“Can I get a banana or a muffin or something first? I didn’t have breakfast.”
“Sure. Bird, get Sally something to eat, and wake up Julia. I want the three of you out here pronto. We have a lot to do today.”
KIMBERLY AND LIZ ARRIVED shortly after, and everyone pitched in to get things done quickly — they cleaned tack, washed out the truck and trailer, and organized boots, blankets, saddle pads, and bandages. After that, they went for a quiet hack on the horses that had been at the show the day before, to calm their heads and work out any stiffness. Sally rode Charlie, and became friendly with Julia, Liz, and Kimberly.
Sally’s father didn’t arrive until noon. The girls had just returned from riding. Bird was in the tack room putting out food for the barn cats when Harold Johns strode up the aisle. “Hello?” he called out. “Hello?”
“Daddy!” cried Sally, running into his arms. “I’m having so … much … fun!”
Bird decided to stay where she was.
“I’m glad you are, Peaches!”
“The kids here are so nice, and we actually went for a ride outside! On the trails! It was so-o fun!”
“That’s wonderful.”
“What took you so long? I called hours ago.”
“Dexter said Tall Sox was still there, so I went golfing.”
“Golfing?” Sally pouted. “You thought I made it up?”
“I thought you were pulling a joke on me, like last time.” He sounded kind, but serious.
Sally dropped her voice. “It wasn’t like last time at all! Bird and I brought him here in the middle of the night because Wanda told me that Dexter was sending him away today. It was real this time.”
“I know that now, Peaches.” Harold spoke to his daughter gently. “Dexter left a dozen messages while I was golfing. A guy came to transport Tall Sox and he wasn’t there. Nobody noticed him missing until then.”
“That’s because I fixed up the stall to look like it was supposed to be empty. It worked!” She sounded happier now. “Wait ’til I tell Bird!”
In the tack room, Bird smiled. She’d congratulate Sally later, but now she wanted to listen undetected. Often you learned more that way. Like that Sally played jokes on people. Bird was glad she hadn’t known last night — she wouldn’t have gone to Moreland’s with her.
Hannah approached them from the arena, where she’d been sweeping the kick boards. “Mr. Johns? I’m Hannah Bradley, the owner of Saddle Creek Farm. I’m glad you’re here.”
“Sally, can you keep yourself busy for a few minutes?”
“Sure!” Off she ran to the wash stall, where Charlie stood waiting for his shower to be continued.
Harold Johns watched her go. “I haven’t seen her so happy for a long time.” Bird heard the scrape of a barn stool as he sat down, and another scrape when Hannah sat down on the other.
“She’s a lovely girl,” said Hannah warmly. “She’s helpful, and fits in well with the others.”
“Really?” Harold sounded surprised. “She’s had a hard time since Cindy and I split up. Maybe she’s finally finding her feet.”
Hannah got down to business. “We need to talk about your horse, Mr. Johns.”
“Go ahead. And please call me Harold.” He sat still and listened. “I’ve put my reputation at risk here, and I need to know what you want done. We don’t have a lot of time. As soon as Dexter figures out where Tall Sox is, he’ll come right over.”
“Dexter already knows he’s here. I told him when I called him back. But, please tell me, how have you put your reputation at risk?”
“By having Tall Sox in my barn without your instruction. And being party, albeit after the fact, to a horse being removed from Moreland Farm without permission. Dexter is within his rights to be very angry, as are you.”
“I see.”
“So,” continued Hannah, “before the proverbial manure hits the fan, I need to know what you wish to do.”
“What are my choices?”
“Keep Tall Sox here or send him back.”
“I’ve already decided not to keep him at all,” answered Harold. “I authorized Dexter to get rid of him, and that’s what I intend to do.”
Hannah softly replied, “That, of course, is your choice to make.” Harold sniffed. “I made a mistake buying him. I liked him a lot, and thought he looked great, but what do I know? I should’ve let Dexter choose the right horse for Sally in the first place.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Well, as soon as Tall Sox got to Moreland Farm he started to buck! Dex said he must’ve been drugged when I bought him. He told me it happens all the time. That’s why people should trust the pros to buy for them. They don’t get fooled.”
Hannah didn’t say anything.
Bird pictured the wound on Sox’s back and almost interrupted, but she clamped her mouth shut and listened. She waited for Harold to continue.
“He wasn’t cheap, either, but it seemed like a fair price. At least I thought so at the time. Dex doesn’t think he’s worth a nickel.” Harold snickered at himself. “They say a fool’s born every minute.”
“So, does Dexter have another horse in mind for Sally?”
“Yes,” Harold answered, sounding surprised that Hannah would guess. “A lovely gelding. And very well trained. Now this one is expensive!” Harold’s laugh was forced.
There was a pause. Bird strained to hear.
Hannah’s next question was cautious. “When Dexter told you that Tall Sox had no value, did you decide to put him down rather than sell him?”
“No! Why do you ask?”
Hannah paused again.
“Did Sally say that?” asked Harold.
“Yes.”
“I’m afraid my daughter has a vivid imagination. I hadn’t even considered putting him down.”
Hannah spoke thoughtfully. “I see.”
“Dexter did say that it would be best to cut my losses and move on,” said Harold. “That seems sensible to me. He’ll send Tall Sox to a sale barn for as little cost to me as possible, and then we’ll try out the more suitable horse.”
The oldest trick in the book, thought Bird. Horse dealers will often try to convince a buyer that they are the only ones to trust — especially when the buyer doesn’t know anything about horses. This way Dexter would get commissions selling and buying — selling Sox and buying a new horse for Sally — and perhaps inflate the commission to boot. But first he had to convince them that Sox wasn’t good enough.
“Let me show you something.” Hannah rose from the stool, and Harold did the same.
Bird heard their footsteps echo on the concrete hall floor. She peeked around the tack room door as Hannah led Harold to Tall Sox’s stall.
“See for yourself.” Hannah put a halter on the horse’s head, walked him out, and clipped on the cross ties in the aisle. Sox was gentle and responsive.
Bird thought it was time to become part of the action, and joined them. “Mr. Johns? I’m Bird. I went with Sally last night to get Tall Sox.”
“It’s very nice to meet you, Bird,” said Harold heartily. “I’ve seen you ride Sundancer. He’s quite the horse! I’d love to find one of those for Sally.”
Bird bit her tongue. Sally could no more handle a horse like Sunny than drive her mother’s car.
Hannah directed Harold’s attention back to Tall Sox. “Look at this. What do you think?”
Harold took a look at the oozing sore on the gelding’s back. “I’ve never seen this before!” he exclaimed.
“Dexter should have treated it,” Hannah said sadly. “And Tall Sox should not have been subjected to the pressure of a saddle on his back until it was healed.”
“The question is how he got it in the first place,” said Bird. “It sure would’ve made him buck.”
Harold stood still. “I hear you. Let’s just say that it’s opened up some questions.”
As Harold had predicted, Dexter Pill arrived in his truck and tagalong horse trailer. He came to a halt at the barn door and got out. He was tanned and fit, with a shock of short blond hair. His eyes were blue, and he was always showing his perfect teeth in a perpetual smile.
Another man sat in the passenger side of the truck. It was Ed Cage, one of Dexter’s grooms. Bird had seen him around the shows. He was as dark as Dexter was fair, and just as good-looking. All the girls were in love with him. Bird recalled that he was married, but that didn’t prevent him from being a flirt.
Hannah put her hand on Bird’s shoulder. “Be careful what you say. Just listen.”
Bird nodded. “You forget. I’m the master of silence.”
Hannah smiled, and they held eye contact for a second. Bird was indeed the master of silence. It wasn’t long ago that she hadn’t spoken at all. She had a condition called “elective mutism,” which caused her to lapse into periods where she could not utter a word aloud. She was never sure when these periods would occur, or why. Bird made a silent wish that she would never suffer another bout.
Dexter worked hard to control his feelings as he entered the barn, but Bird felt his irritation hit her like a wave.
“Harold! Good that you’re here!” Dexter grinned boyishly and stuffed his hands in his pockets. Bird understood how people considered him charming. With his easy laugh and his rancher’s down-to-earth manner, he quickly gained people’s trust. He had a reputation of getting ribbons for riders, too, which was good for business. “So,” he chuckled. “Sally’s being dramatic again. No worries! Let’s get Tall Sox back to Moreland’s and call it a day.” He indicated the waiting horse trailer.
“Dexter,” said Harold. “Come over and take a look at this.” He showed Dexter the sore. “We were just talking about how it could’ve happened.”
Dexter clacked his tongue as he examined it. He opened his eyes wide. “What have you done to this horse, Hannah?”
Hannah stared at Dexter in shock. “What are you suggesting?”
“Hannah didn’t do it!” Bird shouted. “It was like that last night in your barn, before he ever got here. I saw it!”
Dexter’s face brightened. “You admit you were there?” He smiled broadly. “You admit to trespassing and horse theft?” He laughed and pointed his finger at Bird. “Gotcha! Just kidding!”
Hannah shot her niece a knowing glance and Bird cringed. That’s why Hannah had wanted her just to listen.
Harold Johns spoke. “Let’s slow this all down. I need to have a talk with Sally and find out what she wants to do with the horse. I bought him for her, after all. He’s Sally’s horse.”
Bird sensed that Harold’s emotions were stronger than he was showing.
“Let’s be serious, here. She’s a kid, Harold,” said Dexter. He stepped closer to Harold and spoke confidentially. “I know better than she does about what she needs in a horse. And we had a plan, which I was putting into action. With your approval, I might add.”
“I understand, and I’m sorry, but things have changed.” Dexter frowned. “You leave me in a bad situation.”
“I’ll be fair to you financially.” Harold stood firm. “I always honour my debts.”
“Okay. I get that you want to give Tall Sox another chance. Let’s get him home and talk this over.” Dexter began to unclip the horse.
Harold stopped him. “I want to keep Tall Sox here. At least for now.”
“Here?” Dexter threw out his arms and looked around. “Moreland’s is a far superior facility, and you’re paid up for the month. With me as Sally’s coach, not Hannah.” He shot her a disparaging look.
“It’s my decision to make, and I’ve made it. Tall Sox stays at Saddle Creek. If I change my mind, Dexter, I’ll certainly be in touch.”
“And what about that other gelding? The owner’s turned down several offers!”
“She can take any offer she wants, and she knows it.” Harold continued to speak calmly, but his tone was increasingly firm. “I never promised to buy that gelding.”
“You’ve made the wrong decision for Sally. You’ll see.” Without another word, Dexter stalked out of the barn. Ed Cage stood beside the truck. As soon as his boss appeared, they both got in, shut the doors at the same instant, and drove away.
Bird felt the atmosphere clear with their departure, but she doubted it was the last of them.
Hannah and Harold let out their breath at the same time.
Harold spoke first. “I’m sorry you had to hear all that. And I’m sorry to have put you in this position. Thank you for stepping up.”
“I had nothing to do with it. It was Bird and Sally who brought him here.”
“But you didn’t send him back.”
Hannah considered this. “I might have, if not for the sore on his back. It made me wonder.”
“That’s what made my mind up — when Dexter tried to put the blame on you. Even a novice like me can see that the sore didn’t happen last night.”
Hannah nodded. “May we treat it? Paul, Dr. Daniels, has already looked at it, and he tells me the horse needs antibiotics and regular cleansing.”
“Absolutely. You have a new boarder. If you’ll take us.”
Hannah smiled. “Of course.”
“I’ll start paying board today. Lessons, too. Sally likes it here.”
“I really, really do!” Sally had finished bathing Charlie and came running to join them. “I’m so happy!”
“We really like Sally,” enthused Bird. “And Tall Sox, too.”
“I’m glad, Bird.” Harold Johns smiled at her as the three of them walked out of the barn.
“See you tomorrow?” called Sally.
“See you tomorrow,” answered Bird. “Oh, Sally? Can I show you where to put your tack?”
“Sure!”
Bird showed Sally into the tack room and closed the door behind them.
“I actually wanted to ask you something in private,” she said.
Sally looked wary. “What?”
“Why did you tell me that your father was going to put Tall Sox to sleep?”
“He was!”
“The truth?”
Sally looked at the floor and mumbled, “Okay, I didn’t know exactly. But I knew he was going somewhere. I don’t trust Dexter, and nobody was telling me anything.”
Bird decided to accept that. “Fair enough. But from now on be honest with me, okay?”
Sally smiled sheepishly, and nodded agreement. The girls walked out to join the adults.
Sally waved goodbye as she and her father drove away. Bird watched from the barn door and waved back, hoping that Sally could keep her promise.
Can I stay here? asked Tall Sox. Did I make a good first impression?
Looks like it, answered Bird. But I have to keep your sore cleaned out. You’re not going to like it, and it has to be done.
If you’re gentle.
And you have to eat all your food, even with the medicine stirred in.
I will.
Good. When it heals enough, I’ll get on you and find out how much you’ve been taught.
I can run fast, and I know how to jump, but I’m not ready to go into competition.
Would you like to?
Yes!
And will you be nice to Sally?
Yes, if I can stay here.
Deal.
Bird laughed in surprise as Sox leapt joyfully in his stall, playfully shook his ears, and bumped Bird gently with his soft nose. Whatever happened next, Bird knew she’d made this horse very happy.
