by Mina Carter
“Well, hi there,” she drawled. “My name is Mercedes. I’m Britney’s mama, and this is my husband, Beau.”
Connall smiled politely and shook their hands. “Connall Gunnach.”
“I understand you’re lookin’ for some horses,” Beau said.
“Yes. I’m extending my business to the States and rather than export, I’d rather build my stables in-house, so to speak,” Connall lied.
Mercedes sighed loudly. “Oh, my. That accent. It’s just divine. Isn’t it divine, Beau?”
Her husband ignored her and pointed toward the three horses tacked up outside the arena. “Which one would you like my daughter to show you first?”
“First, I’d like you to put the mare in the middle back in her stall.”
“But she’s a champion. Worth over a hundred grand,” Beau argued.
Connall faced the man. “I take it you own her?”
“Yes.”
“Well, you’ve done a piss-poor job of taking care of her feet, and if I had the time and energy, I’d fix her and beat you with the horseshoe currently hanging halfway off her hoof.”
Mercedes gasped and waved her hand in front of her face. “Oh, my.”
Beau’s eyes shot to the horse and he reddened. “Those damn Mexican idiots! Maggie, I want them fired.”
Maggie coughed, obviously trying to hide her pleasure at Beau’s discomfort. “Since Rio’s recovering, I’ll have a talk with José. I apologize.”
“What you should do, is fire the lot of them and hire Americans—”
“Miss Fontaine.” Connall interrupted Beau’s tirade. “I’d appreciate some information on the other two, if you don’t mind.”
“Of course.”
Connall followed her to the small pack, but before she could say anything, he approached the mare and slid his hand over her neck. “Hello, lassie. How’s the good girl today, hm? I’m just going to make you a wee bit more comfortable. All right?”
The horse nuzzled his shoulder and Connall lifted her back hoof and pulled off the ill-fitting shoe. He straightened and the horse lowered her foot, letting out a grunt of relief.
“Do you have a farrier onsite?” he asked Maggie.
She nodded, her cheeks pinkening. “We do. But Mr. Anders refuses to use him, choosing his ‘economical’ route instead.”
“Will you please have him take care of the mare? Send me the bill.”
“I will. Thank you, Dr. Gunnach.”
He smiled and then went about looking at the other horses. Both looked sound, so he nodded for Britney to show him the chestnut gelding. She led it into the arena and put him through several paces. Connall took the opportunity to find out whose side Maggie Fontaine was on. “The horse… ah… Magnifico, is it?”
“Worst name ever! His name is Jonesy,” she snapped, although her voice was quiet. “Sorry.”
“No need.” Connall smiled and pretended to be watching Britney. “What was his previous owner like?”
“Pepper? Oh, she’s an absolute doll!” Maggie exclaimed. “She was with Jonesy’s mama when he was born and stayed with him night and day, even though we thought for sure he was a goner.”
“What do you mean?”
“The mare died mid-birth, and we weren’t sure we’d be able to save the foal. The vet was stuck on the entry road—there’d been a nasty accident and he couldn’t get to us—but Pepper was determined. The vet talked her through how to get the foal out and she did it beautifully. She sang and cooed and coaxed that baby up on his feet and the two have been inseparable ever since. The mare was mine. She was a good horse…” Maggie wiped her eyes and shook her head. “Anyway, Jonesy formed an attachment with Pepper and I just couldn’t separate them. I let her work to pay for him and she did. Even worked an extra year for free.”
“Why did she sell him?”
“I have no idea. It’s real strange, to be honest. Especially who she sold him to. Britney’s not the sharpest tool in the shed. She’s a good rider and she’s nicer to horses than to people… not that that’s saying much… particularly when it comes to women. But, she’s also spoiled and when a horse doesn’t do what she wants it to do, she makes daddy buy her another one. She’s been coveting Jonesy for years.” Maggie chuckled. “I think Beau’s ready to get rid of him, though.”
“Oh? Why?”
“Jonesy’s depressed. He misses Pepper, you know? He won’t do anything. Just mopes. Britney’s convinced she’s good enough to get him to do what Pepper did, but what she doesn’t understand is that she will never have the bond with him Pepper did.”
“Has Pepper come to visit?”
Maggie shook her head. “No. She won’t. I think it would be too hard.”
“What’s Pepper like?” he asked.
“She’s a real good girl. Miracle, really.”
“How so?”
“Her mama’s a mess. She drinks and has a new man every week. Pepper’s had a few bruises that she said were from doors and such, but I think they were from her mama’s boyfriends. Things got better for her when she was living with her friend. But then Sam moved and Pepper went back with her mom. Then, about two months ago, Pepper started to change. She got real jumpy and quiet. We started finding notes taped to Jonesy’s stall, and I assumed they were from a secret admirer, but she didn’t seem happy to receive them. Then a month ago, she just up and sold him to Brit. She hasn’t been back since.”
Connall tried not to show his anger. He appreciated the woman’s candor, but it also meant there was even more of an urgency to protect Pepper.
He focused back on Britney and waved her over. “Thanks, lass. I’ll see the other one, please.”
“Sure, Mr. Gunnach,” she said, and dismounted.
“Dr. Gunnach, Britney,” Maggie corrected.
“Oh, sorry.”
He gave her a smile and then turned to Maggie. “I like this one. I’ll do a more thorough check, but he looks good.”
“He is. This one’s nice too. But he might be better suited to your children’s charity.”
Connall cocked his head. “You’ve done your homework.”
Maggie smiled. “I won’t sell to just anyone, Dr. Gunnach.”
He liked her more and more. “I want Jonesy.”
“I figured.” Maggie chuckled. “I take it you’ve met Pepper.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because, Dr. Gunnach, I prayed she’d find a champion. That girl needs a win. I’ll help you. We just gotta come up with a strategy, ’cause Beau Anders is no dummy and he’ll see right through anything that won’t benefit him.”
“I’d appreciate any help you’re willing to give.”
Maggie grinned. “In that case, I have a couple other horses to show you.”
Connall laughed. “Lead the way.”
As they headed back to the barn, his phone rang and Ali’s number came up on the screen. “Excuse me, Maggie. I need to take this.” He answered the call. “Hey.”
“I’ve got a name for you.”
“Okay.”
“Beau Anders.”
“Shite!” Connall snapped. “He’s the one harassing her?”
“Aye.”
He hung up without another word and glared at Maggie. “Where’s Beau Anders?”
“I’d imagine he’s getting ready to head out of here. He doesn’t typically stay long,” she said nervously.
Connall handed her his phone. “Call Dalton Moore and tell him we found Pepper’s stalker.” He heard her gasp as he jogged back to the arena.
He saw Beau walking toward the parking lot. “Hey, Beau. Wait up, will you?”
Beau turned and waited.
As soon as Connall caught up to him, he grabbed Beau’s shirt and fisted it in his hands. “You bloody bastard!” Connall hissed.
“What the hell?” The man shoved Connall, but couldn’t break his hold.
“You piece of shite!”
“Screw you. It’s a damn horse.”
“I
’m not talking about the horse, ya dobber. You come near her again, and I’ll kill you.”
“Who?”
“Pepper.”
“Pepper? She’s nothin’ more than trailer trash,” Beau spouted as he continued to try to break free.
Connall’s Cauld Ane abilities were far more powerful than Beau’s human strength. He grabbed the older man’s neck and lifted him off the ground. “You ever call her that again, and you’ll find yourself so bloody messed up, your wife won’t recognize you. You’re going to sign Pepper’s horse back over to her and you’re never to call her again. If so much as one of her acquaintances receives a hangnail because of you, I will hunt you down and finish this. Understand?”
Beau struggled to get air as his wife screamed behind them. Connall released him and he fell in a heap to the ground. “Get me a lead,” he snapped at anyone who would obey him.
A young Hispanic boy handed him one from the horse he was leading. Connall flipped Beau onto his stomach and tied his hands behind his back.
“I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about!” Beau bellowed. “You’ll pay for this!”
“We’ll see, you bastard.” Connall pulled him back to his feet. “You’re lucky there are witnesses and the authorities are on their way. If we were alone, no one would find you.”
Con? What’s wrong? Pepper asked.
We found him, love.
You found who?
Your stalker.
Her gasp sounded in his mind. Who is it?
I’ll tell you when I get back to the hotel.
Hurry.
Connall waited until Dalton arrived with the local sheriff. Before they hauled Beau away, he made him sign Jonesy back to Pepper.
* * *
Connall entered the hotel and a blur of blonde flew into his arms. He pulled her close and breathed in her sweet peach scent. “Hey. We got him. He’s off to jail. He can’t hurt you anymore.”
“Who is it?”
He stroked her cheek. “Beau Anders.”
“Britney’s dad?”
He nodded.
“I don’t understand. Why?”
“We’ll know more when Dalton’s done with him, but I got the impression that all of this started when you refused to sell Jonesy to Britney. He planned to scare you into selling, but he thought he’d take it a little further.”
She sagged against him. “How did you find out about him?”
“I sent a few of his notes to Alasdair, and we also tracked your phone.”
She frowned. “You tracked my cell phone?”
“Aye. And before you get your knickers in a twist, if we hadn’t done that, we wouldn’t have found the bastard.”
“Are you still tracking my phone?”
He shook his head. “No, love. Now that Beau’s out of the picture, the danger’s gone.”
“How did you find him? Beau?”
“That I can’t tell you.”
“Why not?” she asked in suspicion.
“Because I’d rather show you. Feel like going for a ride?”
“Do I have to see Mr. Anders?”
“Och, no, love.” He frowned. “Never.”
“Okay. Then, yes, I’ll go for a ride.”
He led her out to his rental car and they climbed in and took off toward the stables.
“Are we going to the beach?” she asked.
He shook his head.
As they approached the driveway of Whispering Willows, Pepper grabbed his arm and shook her head. “You didn’t say we were coming here. I can’t, Connall. Please don’t make me. I can’t see him.”
Connall laid his hand over hers. “Trust me, sweetheart.”
Tears leaked down her cheeks and she wiped angrily at them. “I cannot see him! It’s unfair of you to shove him in my face. He’s not mine anymore!”
He pulled the car up to the area between the barn and the arena and set the brake. “Open the glove box.”
“Why?” she asked in suspicion.
“Open it.”
She did as he asked. “And?”
“There’s a yellow piece of paper on top of the manual. Grab that.”
She pulled out the slip of paper. “What’s this?”
“Pepper,” he groaned. “Read it.”
She scanned the page and let out a loud snort. “You didn’t.”
“I didn’t have a choice, sweetheart.”
“But I never banked the check.”
“What’s that got to do with the price of fish?”
She shoved the paper back in the glove box. “I never banked the Anders’ check. It was blood money. I can’t pay you back.”
Connall gently gripped her chin. “Pepper. Listen carefully. Jonesy is your horse. You don’t have to pay me—”
“I always pay my own way, Con,” she interrupted. “And before you start in on another lecture, this time it’s not about control, it’s about what’s right.”
He shook his head and forced a smile. “You don’t have to pay me back, because Anders signed him over without exchange of money.”
“What?”
“Hold that thought.” Climbing out of the car, he made his way to Pepper’s door and opened it, holding his hand out to her. “Come on.”
“But… ”
“Pepper. You can bank the check or rip it up… it won’t matter. The horse and the money are yours.”
“Well, I’m not taking his money now that he’s given me my horse back. I’ll rip up the check.”
“I don’t give a damn what you do with the money, Pepper. But the horse is yours.”
She took his hand and slid from the car. “I don’t know what to say.”
“How about you say hello to your horse?” He nodded toward the arena. “He’s waiting for you.”
“Really?”
“Aye.”
With a cry of joy, she made a mad dash for the ring and Connall followed. A whinny trumpeted and Connall smiled as he reached the arena. Pepper had jumped the railing and stood with her hand out, waiting as Jonesy made a run for her. She laughed with tears streaming down her face as the horse threw his head up and down and nudged her as if to chastise her for leaving him.
Connall stood at the railing for a few precious minutes, giving her time with her pet and relishing the unhindered joy on her face.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CONNALL LET HIMSELF inside the arena through the gate, grinning as a small crowd gathered. Maggie let out a shrill whistle when Pepper vaulted onto Jonesy’s back and guided him around the arena. No tack required. He did everything she demanded.
She leaned over his neck and stroked his coat. Jonesy stood still and turned his head toward her in an effort to get closer. Connall approached, holding a peppermint in his hand. “I think he’s looking for this.”
Jonesy took the treat and Pepper slipped from his back, sliding her arms around Connall’s waist. “I don’t know how you did it, but I don’t think ‘thank you’ is enough to express how grateful I really am.”
He kissed her temple. “Your joy is enough, love.”
He held her for a few precious seconds before she looked up at him. “I think I should cancel MGA.”
“Oh? How come?” he asked.
“I can’t leave Jonesy now that I have him back. I’ll just eat the cost of tuition. I’m sure I can find another job.”
“You mean to stay here?”
She nodded. “What other choice do I have?”
Connall leaned back. “You don’t actually think now that I’ve found you, there’d be any chance in hell I’d let you go, did you?”
“It’s not letting me go, Con.” She smiled. “I’ll definitely visit. But I can’t leave Jonesy for another minute. I don’t think I could survive it.”
Connall shook his head. “I’ve made other arrangements.”
She stepped away from him, closer to her horse. “Like?”
“He’ll come home with us.”
“What?” She leaned agai
nst Jonesy’s shoulder and frowned. “How?”
“Max is finalizing the plans at the moment. He’ll have the flight plan and information no later than tomorrow.”
“Were you going to ask me if that was what I wanted?”
“This solves everything, Pepper.”
She crossed her arms. “And what about Jonesy? Hmm? He’s been traumatized over the past month. You expect him to get into a stall on an airplane? Are you high? He’ll freak! He doesn’t even like the trailer.” She fisted her hands at her side. “I knew you were too freakin’ good to be true! I’m such an idiot. All men are the same. You have to lord over us like we don’t have the ability to think for ourselves. Well, thank you but no thank you. I’ll pay you for Jonesy, whatever you want. I’ll figure it out. But I am perfectly fine without a man to take care of me.”
Connall stood speechless and tried not to laugh. Her cheeks were pink and as she got further into her rampage, she took on a southern accent that grew heavier by the second. She was stunning. The quiet, frightened young woman he’d met three days ago was nowhere to be seen, and he couldn’t have been happier. His mate was a force to be reckoned with, and his heart soared.
“Connall? Helloooo,” she ground out. The irritated snap of her fingers brought him back to the present.
He bit the inside of his cheek in order not to smile. “Let me be sure I’m hearing you correctly.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You believe that I force you not to think, making you feel reduced to a blithering idiot, while my disregard for Jonesy’s difficulties of late has made you believe that I’m an uncaring overlord looking for any weakness you might reveal so that I might exploit it. Is that about right?”
“Um, well.” She bit her lip. “I think that might be a little harsher than what I actually said… ” She trailed off, her face red and her eyes unable to stay fixed on his.
“Pepper.” He grinned. “Look at me, please.”
Her eyes flew to his and he again had to force himself not to grin like a loon.
“I’m so sorry,” she said. “You’ve done so much for me and I don’t want to seem ungrateful. I really will pay you back.”
He leaned down and covered her lips with his, cradling her head as he pulled her closer. She sighed and sagged against him. He would have continued, but Jonesy pushed at Pepper, forcing Connall to pull her away in order to keep her upright.
