Sleigh Bells Ring

by Jessica James

  “If it keeps snowing like this we’ll be able to build a snowman in the morning,” she heard one of the children saying as they gazed around in wonder.

  Jordyn went back inside, dug her boots out of the closet and threw on her coat. “I’ll be right back to help clean up,” she yelled to her mother as she grabbed a handful of cookies. “Just want to check on the horse.”

  As she tramped her way through the snow that was now beginning to stick to the ground, she couldn’t help but smile. Even if the snow was gone by tomorrow, the image of seeing all those people with smiles on their faces was something she would never forget.

  Walking past the vet’s truck, she slid open the door and heard the sound of two men talking in the stall. The overpowering fragrance of Trixie’s flowery perfume assaulted her as soon as she entered, but she didn’t see her anywhere. Jordyn usually loved inhaling the deep, earthy smells of the barn, but the overriding scent of roses made her wrinkle her nose instead.

  When she got close enough to see inside the open door of the stall, she gasped in surprise. “What happened to you?”

  Chad had blood all over his hands and splotched on his clothes. Her gaze swept the horse who seemed to be doing fine, and then to the veterinarian. “Nothing to worry about,” he assured her. “The IV just became unattached. Luckily Chad discovered it in time and was able to fix it.”

  Jordyn looked at Chad again, but he had turned away and was writing something down for the folder they kept on each horse. “Doc’s got her all fixed up, and she’s doing fine.” He nodded toward a pile of manure that had been scooped up and put in a wheelbarrow.

  Jordyn nodded with relief that the horse was on its way to a full recovery, yet something had happened that neither man seemed willing to explain.

  “Nice to see you again, Doc. Sorry you couldn’t make it up to the Lodge.” Jordyn held out her hand to the vet. “Here’s a couple of cookies, but there’s plenty of food left if you want to stop by.”

  He took one cookie and laughed. “I think I’ll do that. I’d like to wish your mother a Merry Christmas since I’m here.”

  Jordyn offered the remaining cookies to Chad, which he accepted. “Thanks. Didn’t get a chance to eat.”

  “I’ll go get you something.”

  “No...I...ah, need to talk to you.”

  The vet zipped up his coat and picked up his bag. “Call me if anything changes. Nice to see you again, Miss Jordyn.”

  Chad stopped him before he left. “And you’ll keep this quiet, right?”

  He nodded. “Sure. Not a word.”

  Confused as she was, Jordyn said her goodbyes and then re-entered the stall. “What’s going on?” She could see Chad was tense and had a strained look on his face.

  “I only left the barn for a few minutes,” he said as if to explain the answer to a question she hadn’t asked.

  Jordyn nodded as her mind went back to Trixie. “So?”

  “When I got back, the IV was wrapped all over the place and torn out, blood everywhere.”

  “Things happen...” Her eyes went back to the horse. “But I thought I did a really good job of taping it to make it secure.”

  “You did.”

  Her gaze went back to his. “What are you saying?”

  “I knew I wasn’t going to be able to stay here all night and just watch the horse, so I brought one of our foaling cameras over.” He nodded to the small, barely noticeable camera that sat on the edge of the stall between the bars. “That way I could keep an eye on her from my phone.”

  “So you saw her twisting herself up and got here right away.” Jordyn nodded. “That’s good.”

  “Not exactly.” Chad held out the camera. “Actually, I saw this.”

  He punched a button and Jordyn tried to make out the blurry images. It was hard to see, but it was obvious that someone entered the stall, pulled the tubing apart and then wrapped it around the mare’s neck to make it look like the horse had gotten tangled. It only took a matter of seconds.

  “Who would do that? Bell would have died from blood loss if you didn’t have this camera on her.”

  Chad’s face was grim. “Look again.” He started the video again, as Jordyn stared harder, trying to identify the person.

  “Look closer. Right here.” Chad pointed to the man’s neck. The color was not decipherable in the grainy black and white image, but the way it was tied and the height and movements of the man made it suddenly clear.

  “The checkered bandana...”

  Chad nodded. “Strikes again.”

  “I’ll go have him pack his things and get out of here right now.” Jordyn turned to leave.

  “Hold on.” Chad grabbed her hand to stop her. “I was thinking the same thing, but maybe we should wait.”

  His touch was gentle, but affected Jordyn like a branding iron. She pulled away and then stared at her arm before raising her gaze to meet his.

  “Wait? For what? Someone or something to get hurt or killed?”

  “What if it’s more than just him?” Chad asked. “And why is he doing this? There’s something big going on here. If you just get rid of him, we may never find out who else is involved and what they’re up to.”

  Jordyn nodded, seeing his logic, but not feeling confident about the end result.

  “The fact that we know who to keep our eye on might help us get to the bottom of this.”

  “He’s trying to hurt us,” she said. “Hurt the ranch.”

  “Yes, I think we can agree on that. But why?”

  Jordyn shrugged. “I don’t know. Why would anyone want to hurt Mom...or ruin my father’s reputation?

  Chad was silent for a long moment. “You may have just hit the nail on the head.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Ruin your father’s reputation.”

  “I still don’t follow.”

  “I guess it’s probably not so much that someone wants to ruin your father’s reputation. Maybe they just want to ruin the ranch’s reputation.”

  “That doesn’t help any. Why would they want to do that?”

  “So they can buy it at a cheaper price maybe?”

  Jordyn’s hand went to her heart and she struggled to catch her breath as she remembered the conversation with her mother earlier.

  “What’s wrong?” Chad noticed the reaction.

  “Nothing.” Jordyn shook her head. “I mean, I guess that makes sense.” She looked down and then back up, not sure how much she should tell Chad.

  “Why? Have you heard something?”

  Jordyn nodded, knowing she could trust him, and wanting to have his help. “Mom got a letter with an offer to buy.”

  “Are you kidding? Was it for a good price?”

  “Under normal conditions, no. But with everything that’s been going on the last six months, I actually think she’s talked herself into it.”

  “We can’t let that happen.”

  Jordyn glanced up at him. The tone of his voice was so confident and assertive that she felt an instant wave of relief.

  “I’ll tell you what we’re going to do,” Chad continued. “The isolation shed is empty right now.”

  “So?”

  “It’s far enough away that no one should go down there. Let’s put Bell in there so that whoever did this thinks he was successful.”

  “You mean, let him think the horse is dead?”

  “Look, only you and me and Dr. Litton know the horse is fine. Maybe someone will slip up and reveal something.”

  “I guess it’s worth a shot.”

  “Can you take her?” He pulled a rope from the stall door and hooked it to the horse’s halter. “I have a few other things to do to cover our tracks.”

  “Sure.” Jordyn took the rope and glanced in the stall. “There’s enough blood in here to make someone think the worst.”

  “Yeah, but Doc said she’s fine. We just need to let her rest and take it easy for a few days.” Chad handed her the camera. “Plus, I’ll
be able to keep an eye on her.”

  “Okay. I’ll set up the camera, get her settled, and then head back to the Lodge.”

  “Don’t tell anyone,” Chad warned. “Not even your mother. The less she knows the better.”

  Jordyn nodded but her heart sank. She didn’t want to lie. She hoped with all of the excitement, her mother would forget to ask.

  Chapter 14

  Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts.

  – Janice Maeditere

  When Jordyn opened her eyes the next morning, it took her a few minutes to figure out where she was and why she felt so relaxed. The room was full of shadows, but she smiled when she recognized her own bed. She had slept like a rock.

  The recollection of what had transpired the night before, along with thoughts of the Gala, made her bolt out of bed. She dressed quickly and braided her hair, then glanced out the window. A light layer of snow remained from the squall the night before making everything look pristine and pure. The sun was barely up so there were no footprints to disturb the smooth peaceful blanket that went on as far as the eye could see. She loved this view from her window. The shimmering waters of a small lake lay beyond the vast, unspoiled landscape, creating a vista that seemed to go on forever.

  Jordyn started to turn away, then squinted and looked again at one large scar in a far-off field that marred the unspoiled landscape. One of her father’s large bulldozers sat to the side of a large mound of dirt. Puzzled, but too sleepy to be overly curious, she headed down the stairs, following the smell of freshly brewed coffee.

  As predicted, Mrs. Dunaway was already busy in the kitchen, as were a number of other people working over the stove. “Grab a cup of coffee, honey,” she said when she saw Jordyn. “You look like you need it.”

  Still sleepy-eyed, Jordyn pulled a big mug out of the cabinet. “Wasn’t that snow beautiful last night?”

  “Yes, everyone’s talking about it.” Her mother laughed. “I love seeing the children witness their first snow.”

  “Especially this close to Christmas.” Jordyn took a big swallow of coffee and closed her eyes. “So good. Just like I remember.” Then she opened her eyes wide. “Mom, it’s Christmas Eve!”

  Her mother looked up calmly as she kneaded dough for fresh bread. “Yes, dear. It’s Christmas Eve. Lots to do.”

  “How can I help? Oh my goodness. The Gala is tonight! I can’t believe how fast time is flying by.”

  “I think they have breakfast under control in the Lodge, but we’re cooking for the guests who want to eat breakfast in their cabins. You could help with deliveries.”

  “Order for Cabin Fifteen is up,” someone yelled just then.

  “That sounds like a perfect job for me.” Jordyn took the bag to the foyer where she pulled on a pair of cowboy boots and threw on a coat. The morning air was chilly but so fresh and clean that she delighted with each breath. She counted the cabins as she walked by and then climbed the steps to Cabin Fifteen and knocked on the door. “Breakfast delivery.”

  The door opened to a smiling gentleman wearing sweatpants and a sweater. His wife stood behind him, wearing flannel pajamas with a red and white snowman pattern. “Sorry to be so lazy. We thought it would be fun to eat breakfast in our cabin.”

  Jordyn laughed. “That’s what you’re supposed to be doing on vacation. Taking it easy. Do you want me to put it on the table for you?”

  “No, I’ve got it.” The man took the package. “Thanks for bringing it, though.”

  “You’re welcome. Merry Christmas!” Jordyn started to leave, but the man spoke again in a low, grave voice. “We were sorry to hear about that horse...especially so close to Christmas.”

  Jordyn turned around, confused. “What horse?” For a moment, she forgot all about the incident of the night before.

  “The one that died.”

  “Oh...well—” Jordyn wasn’t sure what to say.

  “I’ve been coming here since I was a kid and love this place.” He cleared his throat. “But one of the ranch hands told me that ever since Mr. Dunaway died, the horses aren’t being taken care of like they used to be. I can’t really believe that’s true. They all seemed fat and healthy to me.”

  Jordyn felt her face growing red with suppressed emotion. “That’s not true at all. I’d be glad to give you a private tour of the barns later. I don’t think you’ll find horses anywhere in Montana that are more pampered than the ones here.”

  “I’d love to do that,” his wife said from behind him.

  “She’s a horse nut.” The man smiled.

  “Great. How about later this morning? Say ten?”

  The woman nodded and laughed. “Perfect. I should be dressed by then.”

  “I’ll stop by and pick you up.” Jordyn turned to leave, but paused when she hit the top step. “Just out of curiosity, can you tell me which ranch hand said something about the horse?”

  The man’s brow wrinkled as if he were trying to remember a name. “It was a big guy...Jeb, maybe?” He looked back at his wife to see if she remembered. “No, I think his name was Judd. He chews tobacco.” The woman made a face. “Spits it everywhere.”

  “Thanks and Merry Christmas.” Jordyn turned to leave. “See you later for the tour.”

  As she headed back toward the house, Jordyn took a deep breath that reflected both satisfaction and discomfort. Chad had been right about Judd. But that didn’t mean it was going to be easy to prove it.

  Chapter 15

  The only blind person at Christmas time is he who has not Christmas in his heart.

  – Helen Keller

  Jordyn stayed busy for the next two hours delivering breakfasts. Everyone was in a cheerful mood and wanted to chat—especially about the Gala that evening. The days preceding the event were always filled with activities, but Gala day was set aside to relax, go for long walks or just stay in the snug cabins in front of the fire until it was time for the big party.

  After making her last trip to the row of cabins, Jordyn started back to the house, but made a slight detour to go by the chapel her father had built. Made of stone and logs, it stood at the base of a hill and appeared as rustic and idyllic as the land itself. It was one of the first buildings he’d added and he’d done most of the work himself. It now stood as a labor of love that had withstood the testament of time. Dozens of couples had met at Painted Sky over the years and come back to say their vows in the holy spot.

  The church looked like a painting or a postcard decorated for Christmas. Swags of pine adorned with red ribbons lay on each window ledge, and even though it was daytime, flickering candlelight reflected off the glass from inside. Jordyn’s gaze swept the area and landed on the large stack of wood that would be set ablaze later to help illuminate the night sky. There would be numerous roaring bonfires to light the way as well as dozens of smaller campfires with marshmallow and hot chocolate stations nearby

  It always amazed Jordyn how many women would throw on a coat and a pair of boots over their beautiful dresses to go for a walk on Christmas Eve. No matter the weather or how deep the snow, the lighted fires would lead the way through some of the most spectacular towering pine forests and night sky vistas. If the night was clear, star gazers would be enthralled by the vast, wide open sky that twinkled with an infinite number of brilliant stars.

  Jordyn turned around and headed back to the house, and caught sight of the man she’d been hoping to find. “Mr. Judson.” She pretended to be cheerful when she saw him standing on the porch of the ranch hand cabin. “I’m Jordyn Dunaway. I’ve been meaning to stop by and introduce myself. I understand you’re the new foreman.”

  He’d been leaning on the railing, but pulled himself up to his full height, as if by doing so she wouldn’t notice the thick sludge of mid-section that hung over his oversized belt buckle. “Pleased to meet you, Miss Dunaway. I’ve heard a lot about you.” His gaze started at her eyes, but slowly perused her entire body before returning.

  S
he almost said the same thing to him, but decided a better course of action would be to remain friendly. “It’s nice to have someone taking care of things for Mom.” She kept her voice calm and even despite the fact that just saying the words caused a new wave of anger to surge.

  He straightened his shoulders a little more. “That’s my job, ma’am. My pleasure.”

  Jordyn took a step closer. “I don’t want to get off on the wrong foot or anything, but I just heard a complaint about your use of chewing tobacco, and—”

  “From who?” he retorted angrily, looking at the row of cabins as if to figure out which one had said something. “It’s none of their business.”

  “I didn’t mean to start an argument.” Jordyn kept her voice upbeat and cheerful, betraying nothing of her anger and disgust. “But I’m sure my mother told you about chewing and spitting in front of guests.”

  Judd’s eyes narrowed and his brow creased. He opened his mouth to respond, but then apparently thought better of it. He merely smiled and lifted his hat in an exaggerated fashion. “Very well, Miss Dunaway. Thank you for the reminder.”

  Jordyn nodded and waved as she started to walk away. “Merry Christmas!”

  “I mean, I can understand why you’d be a little on edge, seeing as how that horse died last night. It don’t reflect too good on the ranch.”

  Jordon stopped in her tracks, but didn’t turn around at first. She concentrated on his words rather than the roaring in her ears. “I beg your pardon?”

  “Now don’t try to hide it, Miss Dunaway.” He lowered his voice as if they were confiding in one another. “I know all about Bell.”

  “What about her?” Jordyn turned now and took a step closer. “Yes, she was sick and the vet came. But she was fine when I left the barn last night.” She took a deep breath of satisfaction that her voice hadn’t trembled in the least.

  “You mean Chad didn’t tell you?” Judd’s face lit up as if it brought him great pleasure to be able to break the bad news to her himself.

  “Tell me what?”

  “That the horse got tangled up and ripped the IV out. Bled to death, apparently.”