by M. Garzon
I was too nervous to smile back, though. Instead, I stole a look at Dec. He was standing with his hands on his hips, never a good sign.
“Do you think he’ll come back?” I asked timidly.
“It’s hard to say. I think he’s a few cards short of a deck, though. I’m going to call the S.P.C.A. again. I want this animal out of here.” He stalked off to the house.
I spent the morning alternately berating myself and worrying about Rocky. He couldn’t go back to live with that man, who was obviously unbalanced, but what would become of him? And what if the man came back and tried to hurt him in some way?
Jaden’s arrival brought a smile to my face for the first time that day. Dec was in the barn so we visited our old haunt, the shed, for privacy.
“I hear you’ve had some excitement,” Jaden said, smoothing the worry lines from my forehead with his fingers.
I shrugged away my tension and told him the story, watching his brows creep up.
“I know,” I said in response to his expression. “It was stupid and reckless and-”
“No less than I’d expect from you,” he finished, smiling.
He pulled me closer, his warm hands splayed on my shoulder blades. “Why didn’t you call me for help when you went to get Rocky?”
“It would have taken you too long to get here,” I explained. “And... well, I didn’t want to get you in Dec’s bad books again.”
“What about you?”
“My name’s inscribed in permanent marker.” I grinned at him but sobered quickly. “Jaden... you know I blew any slim chance I had of going to Florida. I’m sorry.” I slipped my arms around him, hiding my face.
His arms closed around me, enveloping me in warmth. “What you did was more important than Florida. And our chances didn’t look good, in any case.” He took my shoulders and held me at arm’s length so he could see my face. “So how did Dec take it?”
“With his usual grace,” I said wryly. There must have been something more in my expression, though, because Jaden’s eyes narrowed.
“You’re eighteen now, Téa. If he hurts you again it’s assault, plain and simple.” His voice was hard.
I looked at him in surprise. “But he didn’t.”
He pulled me back against him. “Thank God,” he murmured into my hair.
* * *
It only took the S.P.C.A. a few days to track down Rocky’s real owner, and she immediately arranged to come and see him. I was in the tackroom when she arrived.
She extended her hand. “I’m Olivia Morin,” she introduced herself.
I shook her hand and led her into the barn, masking my surprise. In the back of my mind, I suppose I’d expected Mr. Morin’s spouse to be some mousy, nervous little person. Certainly not this competent-looking woman in a business suit. One look at Rocky, though, and that put-together package unraveled.
“Oh, Horace.” Her voice broke as she rushed into the stall and flung her arms around Rocky’s — Horace’s — neck. Horace gave a low nicker and turned his head repeatedly to nudge her with his nose, a look of wonder in his eyes. I went and swept the already-clean aisle, giving them a minute. And taking one for myself. There’s a bond between humans and horses that can be overwhelmingly strong, and from the look on Olivia’s face, she felt it as much as I did. I would have been on my knees with shock and sadness if I’d seen a horse I loved in that condition, but her obvious distress made this whole mess even more inexplicable.
Olivia came out of the stall, her face full of too many things to say. I watched her untangle her thoughts until one could come out.
“Thank you,” she whispered, her eyes bright with tears.
“You’re welcome,” I said, battling back the surge of questions inside me. There were accusations, too, that demanded release, but after seeing their reunion I couldn’t believe that Olivia had a choice about Horace’s condition.
“Would you like to come in and talk?” I asked awkwardly.
She nodded gratefully and we headed to the house. In the kitchen, I put on the kettle.
“‘Horace’ is an interesting choice of name,” I commented as I made tea.
Olivia smiled. “My young niece named him. She thought ‘Horace the horse’ was hilarious.”
I set down her cup and sat across from her.
“How did he end up like this?” I asked bluntly.
Every part of her sagged.
“My ex-husband is mentally ill and the divorce has hit him hard. I suppose he hasn’t been taking his medication, and that would make him begin to lose touch with reality. I’m sure he didn’t intend to hurt Horace; he’s not a mean person. It’s his illness that makes him act strangely.”
“He almost killed your horse,” I said tersely. “How can you defend that?”
“I’m not defending his actions,” she explained. “But I don’t blame him, I blame myself for not realizing this would happen. I wanted to think the best of Tom... I loved him once, and part of me always will. I’ll make arrangements to move Horace, but I won’t take action against Tom.”
I frowned, wondering at her tolerance.
“Maybe you’re too young to understand,” she said softly, watching me. “But haven’t you ever had a relationship that you wish had turned out differently?”
It was a slice to the heart, and I looked away quickly. My hands formed fists as I thought of my mother, who had left me far before I was ready. Of Blaze, who took half my heart with him when he died. Of the father who had never taken the time to even know me. And of Dec, whom I wished I could love without reservation, but was too afraid to. Too young? I’d already been let down by far too many relationships.
Three
The next day on the drive to school Seth flicked through radio stations too fast for me to even hear what was on.
“Would you quit it?” I snapped at him. “I need to concentrate.”
“On what?” He laughed.
It was true that our drive to school was usually pretty boring, but someone was in a hurry behind us and hugged our bumper the whole way, making me nervous. I was relieved to pull into the school’s parking lot, but the sentiment didn’t last.
“You won’t get away with it, you know,” a threatening voice growled behind us as we got out of the car.
I whirled around to see Tom Morin’s head sticking out of the window of the grey car that had been following us. He glowered at us for a second before peeling out of the parking lot. Seth and I exchanged an incredulous look before we headed for the school.
“That guy’s living on Off-His-Rocker Road,” Seth commented. “Should we tell Dec?”
I shook my head. “He’s already mad enough about this whole thing. I’m sure it’ll blow over once Horace is gone.”
Two days later, I stood in a light snowfall and patted Horace goodbye before Seth loaded him into the trailer that had been sent for him. Horace was bright-eyed and happy, although still very skinny, and I was relieved to see how easily he walked up the ramp this time.
I had time for a quick ride before dinner so I went and got Marty ready. He gave me a look as we walked into the indoor arena as if to say, ‘it’s about time’, and I chuckled and hugged his neck with one arm. It was true that I hadn’t ridden him much since the Royal, but I’d been trying to give him a break. One he apparently hadn’t appreciated.
Marty had energy to spare, so after warming up I started jumping him. Lisa and her aged pinto gelding were the only others in the arena, and they stayed out of our way. I was fully focused on Marty and got badly startled when a voice suddenly yelled, “Yeah! Now that’s talent!”
I slowed to a walk and twisted in the saddle to see Tom Morin standing behind the arena gate, watching me with a wide grin.
“Yeah!” he said again, pumping his arm into the air.
It seemed like an odd gesture given the circumstances, and I looked over at Lisa uncertainly. She walked her horse over to the gate.
“Can I help you?” she asked politely.
<
br /> “I’m just watching Téa over there,” he said excitedly, “is she good or what?”
Lisa glanced at me questioningly. The look on my face must have been answer enough because she turned back to Tom and said firmly, “I’m afraid this is a private stable. If you’d like to watch you need to make arrangements with the owner.”
That was an outright lie — something I wouldn’t have thought Lisa capable of — but I was glad for it. Tom didn’t seem put out. He waved at me gaily and left.
“Thanks,” I said lamely.
Lisa frowned at me. “Do you know that man?”
“Not really,” I admitted. I explained our acquaintance.
Lisa’s expression grew increasingly dismayed. “Be sure you tell Dec about this, okay?” she exhorted as we walked our horses. “You’re a pretty girl, you need to be cautious.”
I nodded. I understood her concern; Lisa had known us for a long time and had three daughters of her own, but I didn’t want to give Dec any more reasons to be upset.
I quickly forgot Tom’s visit when exams started at school. Seth and I were studying together one evening, and we took a break to go to the kitchen for a snack.
“There’s no food,” Seth complained. His muffled voice came from inside the fridge.
“So go get some,” I said, rummaging through the cupboard. Grocery shopping was a bit haphazard at our house. Dec usually did it, but he didn’t go often enough so Seth and I — and sometimes Gran — also made frequent forays to the store.
Seth gave me his wide-eyed puppy look. “I really, really need to study, Sis...”
“Oh, fine,” I grumbled. “I’ll go.”
I only went as far as the general store in town. I wandered through the aisles, trying to talk myself out of the bag of chocolate chip cookies I wanted while looking for something healthier. I was immersed in cracker selection when a voice spoke right in my ear, making me jump.
“You’re really good, you know.”
I spun around to find Tom Morin standing much too close to me. He was staring at me intently, apparently unaware that he had just scared the socks off me.
“It must have been fate that you were the one who came and took my horse,” he went on. He edged closer, and I backed up until I felt the shelves behind me.
I shook my head. “My friend actually found Horace. I just came along to help.” I wondered why I was even explaining. “Um, I have to go.”
I turned and walked quickly toward the cash, clutching the box of crackers to my chest. Along the way, I grabbed a pack of cheese sticks. I felt a bit silly rushing out like that, but Tom seemed to be popping up everywhere and I had to admit I was getting a tad rattled. I resigned myself to telling Dec, but I barely saw him over the next few days and when I did, the time never seemed right.
“Did you know there’s a car parked on the road and someone’s watching the barn with binoculars?” Jaden asked when he arrived on the weekend.
Seth and I exchanged a glance, and I looked up to find Dec frowning at me.
“What do you know about this?”
I sighed. “It’s Tom Morin. He’s been sort of... following me, I guess.”
Jaden immediately sat next to me on the couch and took my hand. Dec’s eyes narrowed at the sight and I spoke up quickly.
“I already talked to Olivia, and she said that Tom’s not dangerous, just a bit delusional sometimes.”
“Well, that’s a relief,” Dec said sarcastically. “You should have told me, Téa. Is he following you too?” he asked Seth.
Seth shook his head.
Jaden stood up. “I’m going to talk to him,” he said grimly.
Dec fixed him with a look. “Talk only.”
Jaden nodded and left. Ten minutes later he was back, looking shaken. “You need to call the police,” he told Dec without preamble. He walked over and put his hands on my shoulders.
“I don’t want to frighten you, querida, but I think it’s best if you’re informed. That man has pictures of you in his car, and an outline of your daily schedule.”
I felt my eyes go wide as Dec and Seth exclaimed their shock. They closed around us.
“Did he volunteer that information?” Dec asked suspiciously.
Jaden gave him a level look. “He’s not hurt, but I removed him from his car. Téa’s safety is at stake here, Dec. I’m not taking any chances.”
Dec headed for the kitchen, where I heard him pick up the phone. Jaden pulled me to the couch. Seth perched on the coffee table, which Dec was always yelling at him not to do. Jaden faced me and gently brushed a lock of hair from my face before wrapping one of my hands in both of his.
“Don’t worry,” he soothed. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”
“I’m more confused than anything,” I said. “I don’t understand why Tom is so hung up on this. Horace wasn’t even his horse.”
“The guy’s a nutbar, Sis,” Seth said. “Don’t even try to figure it out.”
Dec chose that minute to walk in, still holding the phone.
“Well, the news isn’t good,” he said. “The cops said that as long as he’s not trespassing or making threats they can’t charge him with anything. They’ll talk to him, but that’s the extent of it.”
Jaden ran a hand through his hair. “That may only serve to make him more secretive.” He frowned at Dec. “I’m leaving next week.”
Dec nodded. “She’ll be okay,” he said.
“How can you be sure? Will you be with her every minute? You’re gone so much of the time!”
Dec’s face hardened. “I have to make a living, and this is the first I’ve heard of this whole mess.” He gave me an accusing look.
Jaden looked frustrated. “I’m not leaving her here if it’s not safe.”
“How convenient,” Dec replied acidly. “I suppose you want to take her with you? For her own safety, of course.”
Jaden stared at the floor for a minute, saying nothing. The muscles on his forearms stood in sharp relief as his hands formed fists.
“You’re right,” he said finally. “I’ll stay here.”
I put my hand on his arm. “Jaden, you can’t stay just because of me.” I already felt guilty enough about all the upheaval I’d caused, and the distress in his gold-flecked eyes was only adding to my burden.
“It’s really not necessary,” Dec assured him. “Seth can watch over her at school, and I’ll make sure there’s always someone here.”
Jaden’s eyes settled back on me. He took both my hands in his.
“I’ll be extra careful,” I promised. “Don’t worry about me.”
I trudged into the barn that night, kicking myself for not having told Dec earlier. Someone had left the arena lights on, and I shut them off in irritation, plunging the barn into darkness.
“I can’t believe you told,” a voice growled.
My breath froze and I wheeled around, my heart hammering against my ribs. I crept back into the barn slowly and flicked on a light.
“Hi, Tom.” My voice came out hoarse and I swallowed quickly. “What are you doing here?”
“I came to see why you would do that, of course,” Tom exclaimed. He looked genuinely puzzled. “Why would you tell anyone about us? What we have is special.”
I felt my unease grow and suddenly felt very foolish for coming out to the barn alone. I was doing the bedtime check, no one would think to look for me for at least half an hour. After Jaden had confronted him that morning I suppose we all assumed that Tom would lay low for a while, but that obviously wasn’t the case. I was fumbling around for something to say when Seth came around the corner, but when I started toward him Tom grabbed my arm.
“No! You’re mine,” Tom howled. He sounded suddenly scary.
Seth stopped in his tracks.
“Hi, Tom.” He smiled, and when Seth smiled the whole world melted. Tom frowned at him but didn’t move.
“Téa’s my sister, and I promise I’ll take care of her for you, but you need to go n
ow because the police are coming.”
“I’ll take her with me,” Tom said, his grip on my arm tightening to the point of pain. His gaze flitted around as though he expected officers to appear at any second.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Seth said regretfully. “If you take her now they’ll know it’s you, and the two of you will never have any peace. Why don’t you come back for her tomorrow?”
Seth looked straight at me, entreating me with his eyes.
I put my hand on Tom’s chest and looked up into his face. Odd, his brown eyes looked perfectly normal. I wondered what I’d expected delusion to look like.
“Yes, come back tomorrow and we’ll go away together,” I said, fighting to still the tremble in my voice. “I’ll go pack.”
Tom nodded slowly and took another furtive look around. He slunk out of the barn without another word, and I sagged against the wall.
“Thank God. What made you come out here?” I asked Seth.
“I had a bad feeling,” he said. He came over and put an arm around me. “That was a pretty good bluff about the police, huh?”
I stared at him openmouthed. “And to think, I actually thought you could never surprise me.”
“Come on, we’d better go and lock you in the house. Dec’s gonna freak.”
* * *
Two days before Christmas Jaden was arranging my bags carefully around the polo gear in the trunk of his car, while I stood and shivered next to him. He’d been furious about my encounter with Tom — furious with Dec, Seth and me, to be sure, but most of all with himself for letting me out of his sight.
We turned in the predawn light to find Dec standing a few feet away. He had kicked and screamed over the arrangement, but finally decided that until Tom was safely dealt with he had no choice but to send me elsewhere, so I was going to Florida with Jaden.
“I want to talk to you in private,” Dec said to Jaden. He looked both severe and uneasy, an odd combination. They headed for the house.
“No, wait. Why can’t you just talk here?” I asked, starting after them.
Dec stopped and turned around. “Because Jaden and I need to talk man to man.”
I approached and stood before him. “Dec, if you only knew what a gentleman Jaden is,” I said softly, “you’d never worry.”
