“Is she okay?” Gramps’ voice softened. “The kid had quite a ride. Best to give the horses a break before coming back.”
“We’ll just stay on the path and wait for Alex,” Cassie said. “And then figure it out. I might be riding Digger home alone.”
“What about Freckles?”
“We can talk about that later,” Cassie said. “I have to go.”
“Sounds like there’s a lot to work out,” Gramps said. “It can’t be easy dealing with a psychotic ex-wife.”
Cassie turned her body slightly, conscious of Grace’s rapt attention. She wished her grandfather wouldn’t speak quite so loudly. “Yes,” she said. “See you later.”
“Did you tell him I galloped?” Grace asked as Cassie pocketed her phone. “And that Freckles didn’t spook at anything?”
“You can tell him yourself,” Cassie said, pulling at Digger’s lead line. Both horses were stretching their necks now, taking advantage of the break, and trying to snatch grass from the side of the path. “He’d like to hear that from you in person.”
“Maybe I’ll visit him sometime,” Grace said. She tugged at her lower lip, oblivious to the fact that Freckles was standing on one of his reins. “You’re not mad at me?”
“Just worried,” Cassie said, lifting Freckle’s leg and freeing the rein. Worried about a lot of things. Like what Alex would do now that she and Grace weren’t quite so cozy. “I’ll really miss you. Gramps will too.”
“But you’ll see me again. I have to pick up Smokey and the kittens.”
Grace’s statement hit like a splash of cold water, reminding Cassie exactly why the kittens had been stowed at her grandfather’s barn. And it was premature to worry about her relationship with Grace when Rachel was still a threat.
She glanced down the horse path. The open paddock area at the back of the stable was only fifty feet away. It would be safer to take Grace and Freckles back to her grandfather’s, just in case Rachel and Santiago arrived before Alex.
“I’m starving,” Cassie said brightly. “Let’s ride back to Gramps and order a pizza. A really big one. Then after lunch you can eat hit some balls with your dad…and you won’t have to wait to take the kittens home.”
“No,” Grace said. “Freckles is tired. I’m going to put him in a stall so he can relax and eat some hay.”
Cassie rubbed a hand over her forehead. After making a big deal about how tired and sweaty Freckles was, it was hard to argue that he should be ridden back to her grandfather’s. But hopefully she could keep Grace here on the horse path, out of sight of anyone arriving in a car.
“Digger’s tired too,” Cassie said, feeling her horse’s sweaty chest. “So I’ll just walk around the path with you until your dad comes. It’s shaded and there’s a nice breeze. The horses can even eat grass.”
Grace shook her head. “No, it’s okay for Digger because he only has a halter. But Freckles has a bridle and it’s harder to chew with a bit in his mouth. I’m going to lead him back to the barn now.” She tugged at his reins then paused.
“If you’re really hungry,” she said slowly, “we can find a shaded paddock for Digger. He can stay there while you eat lunch with me in the barn. There’s always fruit and sandwiches there.”
Cassie blinked, the backs of her eyes pricking at the girl’s generosity of spirit. Everything would be all right. Obviously Grace had a forgiving heart and was far more concerned about being ripped away from her father than seeing him kiss Cassie.
And there was no way she was turning down Grace’s kind lunch offer. Or abandoning her to wait at the barn alone. If it wasn’t safe to leave kittens around Rachel, it certainly wasn’t safe to leave Freckles. Or Alex’s sweet daughter.
“I’d love to have lunch with you,” Cassie said, her voice so husky she had to clear it with a cough. “That’s really thoughtful, considering everything. And I’m really glad, you know…” But her voice broke and all she could manage was a wobbly smile.
But this time Grace smiled back.
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
The Sutherland stable still provided the delicious staff luncheons that Cassie remembered. By the time she and Grace untacked and cooled out their horses, the grooms had all drifted away. But though the lunch room was deserted there was still plenty of food.
“This is better than pizza,” Cassie said. She took a last bite of her vegetable wrap and wiped her mouth with an elegant polo-themed napkin. “Thank you, Grace.”
Grace gave an agreeable nod. “It’s healthier,” she said. “But pizza tastes better. And I like eating on your grandfather’s verandah. Maybe tonight we can order one?” She kept her gaze locked on the fruit bowl, as if selecting an apple was a matter of great importance. “And I was hoping that maybe you could still give me lessons?” she added, keeping her gaze averted.
“Of course,” Cassie said. “I like teaching you. But Santiago is the instructor here.”
“Oh, I know you couldn’t come here,” Grace said quickly. “Anyway, it’s probably best if Freckles goes back to your place. It’s way better for him.”
Way better. Even though they were sitting in buttery leather chairs in an air-conditioned viewing room stocked with unlimited food and a range of munchies that would delight any kid. Not to mention the beautiful oak stall with brass fixtures and top quality hay where Freckles now resided. It was sad Grace couldn’t enjoy this beautiful estate. Even more tragic that she seemed to understand why. On the other hand, it meant she might not be too resistant to moving away.
“Freckles is always welcome at Gramps,” Cassie said. “Or any place that we live. But you can talk to your dad about that. He’ll help you figure out what’s best.”
“Okay,” Grace said, comfortable again. She rose from the chair, waving a shiny red apple. “Maybe I’ll even ride back with you this afternoon. But I’m going to take this apple to Freckles now. He deserves a treat for being so good. And I want to make sure he has enough hay.”
Cassie nodded and accompanied her down the wide aisle and around the corner to Freckles’ stall. She had no doubt the horse had plenty to eat. Grace had loaded up his stall with alfalfa, looking after his every need before going for her own lunch. If Grace did decide to ride back to Gramps’ barn at least Freckles had enjoyed a few hours of pampering.
They slid open the stall door. Freckles gave a welcoming nicker, then shoved his nose back into his mound of hay. If he was embarrassed by the zebra-striped cooler Grace had covered him with, he didn’t show it. He also didn’t seem perturbed about being in a different barn, his third home in five days. There was nothing nicer than a horse accustomed to the frenetic hustle of movie making.
“I love this horse.” Grace wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him an enthusiastic hug. “He didn’t buck or shy or do anything bad.” She glanced over her shoulder at Cassie, her face solemn. “And I can’t wait to hit polo balls on him with Dad…and you.”
Cassie’s breath caught in a moment of sheer relief. She didn’t like hanging around the Sutherland barn, worrying that Santiago might arrive, demanding to take Grace to Rachel. But Grace was really opening up. The time spent together today had been invaluable.
“I can’t wait either,” Cassie said. And this time she didn’t stop herself. She leaned forward and wrapped her arms around Grace in an impulsive hug.
Grace didn’t pull away. She kept an arm around Freckles’ neck, but put her other arm around Cassie and began talking about how some day she might even play at the Polo Club. So other kids could see how wonderful Freckles was and maybe realize they didn’t need a fancy pony.
Cassie nodded, smiling along with Grace. The solitary ride across the fields had clearly cemented Grace’s trust in Freckles. And boosted the girl’s confidence. Having a good horse was like having a best friend, one that was always available. Freckles would certainly make Grace’s out-of-state move less difficult.
That is, if Alex still wanted to move.
Cassie dropped her arms and s
tepped back. Gramps said Rachel had turned down the estate so there was no way Alex could move now. He wouldn’t put Grace in front of a judge. Besides, Grace would never say anything negative about her mom. The girl wouldn’t even admit that she feared her. So once again it was a deadlock.
“I think I should ride Freckles back today,” Grace said, still smiling. “I just want him to be safe. Do you think he’s rested enough?”
Cassie stared down at Grace’s trusting face. They’d been so close to finding a solution, but Cassie’s presence would always be a liability. And Rachel’s trigger.
“Do you think he’s rested up enough?” Grace repeated.
Cassie glanced at Freckles. The horse had already shoved his nose back in the hay. He didn’t look tired, just relieved the hugging had stopped so he could continue eating.
“I think you’re more tired than he is,” Cassie said, struggling to keep her voice light. “But let’s check with your dad.”
She took a bracing breath and reached for her phone. Her hand froze over her pocket, struck by the significance of Grace’s words. She’d just admitted she wanted Freckles safe. That must mean she didn’t trust her mom. Even though she refused to verbalize that fear to Alex.
From outside a car door slammed.
“That must be your dad now,” Cassie said, swinging around with renewed hope. Grace was finally opening up about her fears. She just needed to talk openly to her dad. And then maybe to a judge. But it wasn’t Alex’s voice they heard at the far end of the barn. It was Santiago.
“You’re not going anywhere with him,” Cassie said, placing a protective hand on Grace’s shoulder. “Even if he says he has your mom’s permission. You’re staying here and waiting for your dad. Okay?”
Grace gave an emphatic nod. “I’m not leaving Freckles alone here,” she whispered. “Just in case Mom is still in a bad mood.”
Cassie blinked. She hadn’t realized Grace had talked to her mother before she dropped her phone in the field. “Did you tell your mom or Santiago you were riding over here today?” she asked, keeping the concern from her voice.
“I tried to tell her,” Grace said. “But Mom was yelling too much. She said I was going to live with her forever. And that it was all my fault Dad wanted to move away.” Her lower lip quivered and her throat gave a convulsive swallow. “And she said a bad girl like me doesn’t deserve to have any pets. So it’s good Smokey and the kittens aren’t here. Because she never likes anything Dad and I like.”
Her words turned shrill and Cassie pressed a warning finger over her mouth. It was great Grace was finally acknowledging her real feelings, and hopefully she’d repeat them to her dad. But it was best if they remained quiet. There was no reason they’d be found in this back stall. Santiago didn’t even know they were here.
“It sounds like he’s talking to a groom,” Cassie whispered, her tension easing. Santiago wouldn’t dare muscle Grace in the car with both Cassie and a groom around, even if he had Rachel’s permission.
“No,” Grace said. “The grooms are gone. They don’t come back until five o’clock.”
Cassie swallowed. “Let’s be really quiet then.” She checked that her ring tone was muted and sent a hasty text to Alex: Grace and I are at your barn. Santiago just arrived. Can you hurry?
And then a second car door slammed and Cassie almost dropped her phone in the straw. Because there was no mistaking the second voice. Rachel had arrived, and judging from the sounds she was clearly in a rage.
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
Grace edged sideways, pressing closer to Freckles. Santiago and Rachel were still talking outside the barn, and even though their words weren’t discernible, it was clear they were arguing.
“She’s really mad,” Grace whispered. “And she won’t like it that I lost another phone, and then she’ll yell at me even more. She won’t be happy about Freckles either. Especially since he came from your barn.” Her eyes looked big in her pale face. “I better get him out of here.”
“Wait.” Cassie placed a cautionary hand on the door, blocking Grace’s exit. The grooms were gone. If Rachel heard a stall door open and the sound of a horse’s clopping feet, she’d rush down the aisle and investigate. But with any luck, she might not even notice Freckles. Or Cassie.
She winced, hating to imagine Rachel’s reaction if she found Cassie inside the barn.
“I think we should climb over the stall door and tiptoe out the back,” Cassie said. “We’ll wait for your dad on the path, behind the back paddock where we put Digger.”
Grace’s mouth flattened in a stubborn line. “No, I’m not leaving Freckles. Not when Mom’s so mad. She never likes my pets. And it’s the rider’s responsibility to look after her horse.”
“Or the instructor’s,” Cassie said. “How about if I stay here and look after Freckles? You can go to the poolhouse and wait. But be very quiet, okay. And don’t come back to the stable until your dad gets you.”
Grace thought for a moment then gave a little nod. “You’ll take good care of Freckles? Promise you won’t leave him alone with Mom?”
“I promise,” Cassie said. “Now go.”
She cupped Grace’s leg and boosted her over the top of the door. It was no different than legging her onto a horse and Grace landed easily on the other side of the stall. But she lingered, obviously torn.
“Go on.” Cassie gestured at the end door. “I’ll take care of Freckles. And I’ll see you soon.”
“Thanks,” Grace said. “And I’m really sorry for saying I didn’t want lessons anymore. You’re the best instructor ever. And please don’t tell Mom I lost my phone. Not until Dad comes. He’s the only one who can make her calm.”
“I won’t say anything,” Cassie said, shooting an urgent look down the aisle. “But you go now.”
She waited until Grace scampered out the back door, then turned and pulled off Freckles’ cotton cooler. This stall was supposed to be empty. No reason to attract attention with a colorful blanket. She just hoped Rachel and Santiago stayed at the other end of the barn.
She sat down in the straw and sent Alex a second message. Rachel and Santiago are both at the barn now. Text me back. Don’t call.
A rather cryptic message but he’d understand.
She propped her back against the wooden wall, cradling the phone on her lap. Freckles chewed his hay, unperturbed by a silent woman hiding in his stall. Or the angry voices outside.
Her phone vibrated and she snatched at it like a lifeline.
Where are you? Alex texted.
In the back stall with Freckles. Where are you?
Only 15 minutes away. But Rachel is upset. It’s best if she doesn’t see you.
I know, Cassie wrote. So come quick.
I will. Is Grace okay?
Yes, Cassie typed. She’s waiting for you in the poolhouse.
She won’t answer her phone. Is she okay?
She’s anxious to see you, Cassie wrote. But she dropped her phone in the field.
She clutched her own cell as the voices moved closer, and try as she might, resentment mingled with her fear. She was the one hiding in the straw, protecting Freckles. But Alex wasn’t concerned about her. He’d never made any secret that his life was focused on Grace. She knew and understood that. But right now, when her back was against the wall, her heart rate spiked with fear, she needed to know that he was hurrying.
She stared at the screen, willing his next text to arrive. Contact with him made her feel less alone. And several minutes had already passed. So he should be here soon.
But when his next message arrived she could only stare: I’ll stop at the poolhouse on the way. Santiago will help you.
She studied his words in disbelief. Sure, Santiago wasn’t as erratic as Rachel but she didn’t trust him either, despite Alex’s assurances. The man did whatever Rachel asked. It was entirely possible they’d push Cassie beneath Freckles’ feet and then swear that she was trampled. Which was quite absurd since Freckles was incapa
ble of trampling anyone.
She shot a reassuring look at the placid horse. His nose was still tucked in the hay, blithely unaware he was in a hostile barn. No doubt he was accustomed to a range of voices on a movie set, voices that were excited and loud and threatening.
Threatening?
She rose to a crouch, straining to hear. It was mainly Rachel talking. And her voice was definitely louder, more menacing. They were inside the barn now and Santiago was no longer saying much. It was all Rachel.
“Did you think I wouldn’t find out?” Rachel was saying. “That all this time you were working for Alex?”
“I was working for the family, for Grace, that’s all—”
“Shut up! You betrayed me!”
“For God’s sake, Rachel, put down the gun. Alex is coming. And if you anger him anymore he won’t give you a cent. He’ll cut you off from everything.”
“He can’t cut me off from Grace. I’m her mother.”
“But you’re waving a gun. Clearly that makes you unstable. Any judge would agree…” Santiago’s voice drifted. Cassie didn’t know if the frightened pounding of her heart made his words harder to hear or if his voice had lowered. But she could only catch portions of his sentences now. And it was no wonder he sounded different. Almost desperate.
Rachel had a gun.
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
Cassie jerked up, crouched then rose again, fear making it impossible to remain still. She was tempted to scramble over the top of the stall and bolt out the back door but the voices were too close. She could even see flashes of movement: a shoulder, an arm, flashing blond hair. Rachel seemed to be circling Santiago now, her steps jerky.
“Just take the offer,” Santiago was saying. “You’ll have money as well as the estate. And you know you don’t care about Grace. Alex does.”
“And see him and our child with another woman!” Rachel spat. “That’s never going to happen. I’d rather them both dead.”
MILLIONAIRE'S SHOT: Second Chance Romance Page 22
