Racing Toward Love (Horses Heal Hearts Book 2)
Page 12
Michael nodded, grinning at Colin. He gave a signal, and two other men took Colin by the arms and dragged him out of the room.
“No, Seamus, please!” Colin screamed until his voice faded away.
Seamus looked around the room at the remaining men on Colin’s team. “So, which of you is man enough to finish what Colin started, eh?”
The men briefly looked at each other, and then stared at the ground. The useless cowards looked as if they wished the ground would swallow them up.
Seamus’s sons, Quinn and Ryan, stood at their usual posts on either side of him. Quinn, the eldest, was the most volatile of the two. He was a handsome, athletically built man, but Seamus knew Quinn’s arrogance, impulsiveness, and hair-trigger temper frequently got him into trouble. Unfortunately, Quinn took after his mother, whom Seamus loved dearly, but who was frequently impulsive and extremely passionate. While Seamus appreciated those qualities in a wife, in his expected heir and successor, the trait was a serious detriment. Seamus worried about his organization’s future under Quinn’s leadership.
At the lack of response from his cousin Colin’s associates, Quinn snorted in disgust. His upper lip curled in disdain as he said, “Not a one of you has the guts to take on a woman, her middle-aged father, and a youth who weighs less than 110 pounds?”
One of Colin’s men had the audacity to retort, “It’s not the Brady family that’s the problem, Quinn. It’s the man they’ve got protecting them. He’s got skills unlike any normal bloke I’ve ever seen.”
Quinn retorted, “He’s just one man, made of flesh and blood just like you and me.” He looked to his father. “I’ll do it, Da. Mack was my best friend, and the soldier killed him in cold blood. I want revenge.”
Seamus smiled. “You’ll have it, Quinn.” Here was the son he had hoped Quinn would be, picking up the gauntlet and finishing the task his cousin had started but then botched. “If you can find a way to convince the Bradys to lose the St Leger Stakes, the soldier is all yours.”
Quinn smiled grimly. “Consider it done.”
Seamus hoped Quinn’s confidence would lead to results. The St Leger Stakes, the third leg of the British Triple Crown, was two months away. There was no way the Bradys would be able to elude his men that long.
“I’ve seen interviews of the Brady family.” Ryan O’Reilly spoke from his position opposite Quinn. Ryan was Seamus’s younger son. Where Quinn was impulsive and arrogant, Ryan was intelligent and controlled, cool under pressure and lethal as a coiled cobra. “Her weakness seems to be her younger brother. She dotes on him like a mother hen. I think if the threat to Stephen were big enough, she’d do just about anything to save him.”
“Good Ryan, very good,” his father responded. “Work that angle to find a way to get the Bradys to comply.” He looked to Quinn. “Your brother has some insight and skills that can be useful to you. There’s no reason the two of you can’t work together to get the job done.”
“Yes, Da,” Quinn replied in a less-than-enthusiastic tone. Seamus saw Ryan attempt to hide a grin as the brothers left the room together.
~ ~ ~
After photographs had been taken, interviews given, and the crowd had disbursed, Megan allowed herself to droop. She was tired. It had been a mentally and emotionally draining day. As soon as she saw Ian approach, her face lit up, but then, recalling his determination to keep their relationship on a professional level, her smile faded. “Ian, where have you been? I looked for you after the race, but with all the excitement, I lost you in the crowd.”
“I was always close by, watching over you to make sure the O’Reillys didn’t try anything after the race. You know, now that Biscuit has won the Derby, the betting on the St Leger Stakes will be even more lucrative for them. Your family and Biscuit are still in danger.”
Megan frowned. “Yes, I know. Dad and I were talking about that a few minutes ago. He says he has a plan. He’s back at the stable with Biscuit and Stephen. Let’s go see what he was talking about.”
“Certainly. I’m curious myself about what Daniel has in mind. I’m thinking 24/7 security for the next two months, which won’t be cheap.”
“Agreed. Even with the two purses Biscuit has won, I don’t know if we can afford that.”
She saw her father as they approached Biscuit’s stall. The stallion was basking in the attention from a few close friends of the family and munching on the extra sweet feed he’d gotten as a reward for his win. Stephen had changed out of his silks and was relaxing in front of Biscuit’s stall. After spending a short time exchanging some good-natured banter with the small crowd, Daniel hinted it was time to allow Biscuit some quiet time to recover from the race. Soon, the crowd dissipated, and the Bradys and Ian were alone.
Daniel motioned for the others to come closer.
“Sit down all of you for a moment, and I’ll tell you what I’m thinking with regard to our safety over the next two months.”
“We’re all ears, Dad. What’s the plan?” Megan sat on a stack of hay bales and had made room for Ian to sit next to her. Ian avoided her obvious invitation and walked over to Biscuit to give him a pat.
Megan felt a stab to her heart. She understood Ian’s concerns about his PTSD, but hadn’t the closeness they both felt during their lovemaking meant anything to him? How did he think it felt to have the people closest to her know she’d spent the night with him, and now he was rejecting her? Ian didn’t realize his behavior toward her served to reinforce her brother’s opinion that Ian was only with the Bradys as an informant for O’Reilly.
Unaware of the undercurrent of emotion flowing between his daughter and Ian, Daniel began.
“Megan, I’ve been in touch with your mother’s family in Kentucky. I’ve explained the situation to them, and they’ve expressed an interest in helping us. Your grandparents have offered to let us take Biscuit to their farm to train for the St Leger Stakes on their grass track, and they are looking forward to housing the three of us and Ian at their place until it’s time for us to return for the race. What do you think?”
Megan’s jaw had dropped. When she regained her composure, she didn’t know quite what to say. Thankfully, Stephen stepped in.
“Dad, you haven’t spoken to our grandparents since Mom passed away. They weren’t too happy with you then, if I remember correctly. So, what’s changed?”
At her Mom’s funeral, Megan’s grandparents had made it clear they blamed her Dad for their separation from their daughter. They barely said anything to him and left abruptly immediately after.
“When I called them earlier today and explained the situation, they were willing to forgive me for the sake of you and Megan. They are particularly determined to make sure the two of you are safe and that Biscuit has a chance to make history. It doesn’t hurt that they have a sentimental connection to Biscuit because your mother was instrumental in bringing him into the world.
“They may also have some financial incentive in making sure Biscuit wins the British Triple Crown since they were the farm that bred his dam. In any event, they’re willing to take us in for the duration. I’ve started making arrangements for an airline to take us to America and have been researching customs and immigration to make sure we comply with all the rules.”
“Dad, did you say Ian was going with us?” Megan asked.
“Yes, sweetheart. When I explained how good Ian has been in protecting you to date, and that he has experience with horses, they encouraged me to bring him along. Ian can disguise himself as a new stable hand to keep his eyes on Biscuit during the day, and with his SAS experience, he can also help the Gibsons modernize their security and help them find any weaknesses in what they already have. At night, he will be staying in the main house with us to continue protecting you, me, and Stephen.”
Megan looked at Ian. He had visibly paled, and he had a look of sh
ock on his face.
“I’m flattered, Mr. Brady, but I can’t possibly leave the country right now. I’m in the process of trying a new therapy for my PTSD, and I don’t want to interrupt the counseling.”
“Hmm, that’s really unfortunate,” Daniel replied. “Is there any way you can continue the therapy with another counselor in the U.S.?”
Megan guessed that Ian was using the therapy as an excuse to avoid spending time in close quarters with her. Well, she wasn’t going to make it easy for him.
“I’ll check online to see if there are any PTSD counselors in the Lexington area who might be able to take over your therapy.” Lifting her chin, she turned to Ian. “If I find someone willing to take your case, will you come?”
“I’ll have to check with my therapist. She may think I need to stay with the same counselor throughout for the therapy to be successful.”
“But if it isn’t?”
Ian sighed. For a moment Megan felt humiliated by his obvious reluctance, but he was wrong about their relationship. They were perfect for each other, and she wasn’t going walk away from that.
“Yes, if you can find a counselor who will take over my therapy in Lexington, I will go.” It was clear he was hoping there wouldn't be a qualified therapist in the Lexington, Kentucky area.
“Excellent,” Megan said. “When I get home, I’ll start looking for one immediately.”
As she had suspected, it didn’t take Megan long to locate a therapist in Lexington who specialized in treating PTSD in military veterans, and Ian reluctantly kept his word. They were all going to Kentucky.
~ ~ ~
Ian decided it best to let Michael and Jessica know where he would be for the next six weeks. He took out his cell phone and dialed Michael’s number. He answered on the second ring.
“Ian, it’s good to hear from you. How are things going?”
“That’s why I’m calling, Mike. The Bradys have decided to take Biscuit to their relatives in Kentucky for training, and they’ve asked me to go along for security. We’re keeping things quiet, so please don’t let anyone besides Jessica know where we are.”
“Of course, Ian. Your secret is safe with us. How long will you be there?”
“We’re planning to return to the U.K. in six weeks to allow Biscuit some recovery time before the St Leger Stakes race in September.”
“Sounds like a good idea. How are you going to keep the O’Reillys from finding out that Biscuit has been taken to the U.S.?”
“I’ve advised Daniel to request that the airline transporting Biscuit keep their identities secret, citing Megan’s attempted kidnapping as justification for the unusual request. The airlines, evidently, are accustomed to disguising their more famous passengers and agreed. As we’ve planned it, only a handful of people know where we’re taking Biscuit, and you’re all people we trust.”
“Sounds like a solid plan.” Michael paused for a moment. “How are things going with Megan?”
The last thing Ian wanted to discuss with Michael today was his love life, but he had introduced Megan to Michael and Jessica, so he wasn’t terribly surprised that Michael asked. Ian, however, did not have to be entirely forthcoming.
“Megan is fine, Michael, and is looking forward to seeing her grandparents again.”
Ian heard Michael’s sigh. “That’s not really what I was asking, but I’m sure you know that. I hear that you’re not ready to talk. If that ever changes, know that you can call me any time, and I’ll be happy to listen and provide some perspective if it’s needed.”
Ian’s heart swelled at his brother’s offer of support.
“Thanks, Mike. I promise that when I’m ready to talk, you’ll be the first person I call. I love you, brother.”
I love you too. Jess sends her love as well. Take care and call us any time. Cheers.”
Ian ended the call and reflected back on the conversation as he slowly put his phone away. He and Michael had been close as children, but when their lives took very different directions, they naturally grew apart. Now that Ian was back home, he was happy he and Michael had renewed their close relationship. There was no one he felt closer to today than his brother.
Ian was also gratified that the introduction of Jessica into their family hadn’t changed the brothers’ relationship in the least. In fact, Jessica was taking a natural role as a sister to him, which felt exactly right. He allowed his thoughts to drift to the possibility of Megan fitting into their close-knit family and saw that if he allowed it, she would be a perfect fit. He shook his head as if to rid his mind of that line of thought. As much as he would love for that to happen, it couldn’t be—as long as he had PTSD. He needed to forget his dreams of a life with Megan. He didn’t deserve her.
Chapter 17
The flight to the U.S. had been uneventful. Their plane had landed at the Chicago airport, and Daniel provided all the necessary paperwork to the U.S. Customs officials. Because they were traveling from the U.K., Biscuit was required to spend three days in quarantine in a U.S. Customs livestock facility prior to being permitted to travel to Kentucky. The Bradys and Ian stayed in a nearby motel, and during that time, they finalized the details of their trip to Whiskey Ridge Stables in Lexington.
On their second day in Chicago, Megan’s grandparents arrived with a horse trailer. Ian watched Megan cheerfully greet the grandparents she hadn't seen since her mother’s funeral nearly a year ago. She seemed thrilled to be able to spend some quality time with her grandparents, and Sarah and Walter Gibson seemed equally thrilled to see Megan and Stephen again. Ian also noticed that the Gibsons seemed to be more friendly with Daniel than Megan had led Ian to believe they might be.
After the Gibsons finished greeting the Bradys, Sarah looked over at Ian with some curiosity. “Megan, dear, please introduce us to this gentleman.”
Megan blushed as if embarrassed at his presence and turned to Ian.
“Ian Stafford, I’d like to introduce you to my grandmother, Sarah Gibson and my grandfather, Walter Gibson.”
“It’s my pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Gibson,” Ian responded, extending his hand in greeting.
“Ian is providing security for us while we’re here in Kentucky,” Megan explained.
Walter shook Ian’s hand, while Sarah looked between Ian and Megan. The hint of a smile teased at the corners of her lips.
“It’s very nice to meet you, Mr. Stafford,” Sarah said. “I understand from my son-in-law you have experience in the military.” Sarah
“Yes, ma’am. I was British Special Forces for several years. I left the service almost a year ago.”
“We thank you for your service, young man,” Walter Gibson interceded. “We’re also grateful for what you’ve done for our granddaughter.”
“Anyone would have done the same, sir,” Ian responded. This conversation was becoming uncomfortable for Ian. He looked to Megan to provide a distraction, but she seemed willing to allow him to fend for himself. She flashed him a mischievous grin.
Sarah watched Ian’s interaction with Megan closely. As much as he tried not to, Ian knew he watched Megan more than he should if he were just an employed security guard. He would have to watch himself around the Gibsons, especially Sarah. She seemed to be able to read his mind when it came to Megan and his feelings for her.
Early in the morning of the fourth day of their visit, Biscuit was released, loaded on the trailer, and the group drove the six hours to Lexington. Ian had elected to travel with Megan’s grandparents who were driving the truck pulling Biscuit’s trailer. Megan, Daniel, and Stephen were following in the rental car they had procured, so they could move around while in Kentucky.
Ian knew Megan had been unhappy with him when he chose to ride in the other vehicle, but the idea of spending even six hours with Megan in the relatively close qua
rters of a compact car had felt a lot like torture, so he chose the coward’s route and avoided the situation entirely.
Unfortunately, Megan’s grandparents weren’t going to allow him any peace either.
“Mr. Stafford,” Sarah began, “what is your relationship with Megan? Are you romantically involved?”
“No, ma’am,” Ian responded in a somewhat strained voice, “Megan and I are just friends. Why do you ask?”
The woman smiled. “Don’t tell Megan this, but the son of the owners of the farm next to ours is Megan’s age and quite handsome and charming. He’s also single and available. We were planning to introduce him to Megan while she’s visiting us in the hope they’ll make a match.”
Ian grimaced, and a flash of anger passed through him at the thought of another man putting his hands on Megan, another man kissing her, or even another man holding her. He looked down to find that his fists were clenched. He was not good for her. She should find someone more deserving of her. This man might just be that person. Who was he to stand in the way? It might kill him to watch her romantically pursued by another man before his very eyes, but he had brought this on himself. Bugger!
He unclenched his fists and forced a smile.
“That’s wonderful, ma’am. I’m sure Megan will be very appreciative of your efforts on her behalf.”
Sarah eyed him thoughtfully, but she said nothing.
After six hours of driving, the terrain changed to acres of rolling pastures surrounded by black, four-rail wooden fences. Each of the pastures contained horses. Some had mares with foals alongside, and others had young blood stock not quite ready to train for racing—most likely yearlings, playing and racing each other or grazing peacefully on the lush, green grass.