Racetrack Romance BOX SET (Books 1-3)

by Bev Pettersen

  The paper slipped from Becky’s stiff fingers. Ted bent and scooped it off the floor. “No problem,” he said. “I’ll read it aloud.”

  “No!” But her protest emerged as a cracked whisper.

  “What is it?” Martha propped her arm on the pillow, staring first at Becky, then at Ted.

  “Only that your overpaid trainer spends more time trying to beat a drug test than he does with honest methods. And he was caught.” Ted’s mouth tightened. “The Conrad name has been dragged through the mud. So much for Uncle Malcolm’s legacy. What do you suppose this will do for our prices?”

  Martha stared at the paper in Ted’s hand, her color fading to a sickly white. A trolley squeaked down the hall and a nurse giggled, but there was no sound in the room.

  Becky couldn’t move. Tried to speak but no words came out. And there was nothing to say. Dino had failed a drug test. He’d said he’d do anything to win, do anything to buy back his ranch, but she’d never imagined he’d cheat. Never imagined he’d jeopardize Martha’s health, smearing her horses and stable in the process.

  But she remembered how easily Echo had trounced the competition, remembered his unusual confidence. She should have suspected something was wrong. Her stomach twisted. They’d even celebrated afterwards—celebrated Echo’s win, Conrad success, Dino’s bonus. Now in a single stroke, he’d shattered everything. “How could he?”

  She didn’t realize she’d voiced her anguish until Ted turned, his voice bitter. “You never know what lengths people will go. But the stewards will punish Mr. Anders. His career is finished. No reputable owners will send horses to him. I know this is upsetting but racing has too many variables for someone in fragile health to be involved.” He glanced from Becky to Martha and back to Becky. “I’m sure you agree the horses and estate should be sold, and Martha moved to a more controlled environment.”

  His voice faded to an incomprehensible drone. Becky could see his face, his moving mouth, but was incapable of coherent thought. This couldn’t be blamed on Slim. Echo had been under a tight watch. But maybe, just maybe, Dino hadn’t known. Maybe he had an excuse. “Has…the trainer seen this?” she asked, clinging to a kernel of hope.

  “Of course. The stewards give notice before publication.”

  She swallowed convulsively but couldn’t seem to get enough air. He’d known yesterday. That’s why he’d stayed away. They had to find out through a sleazy paper from a sleazy article written by a sleazy reporter.

  Part of her wanted to punch Danielle. The woman was jealous, vindictive and obviously didn’t take rejection well. Becky even understood some of the woman’s pain. This last betrayal shredded her own heart and oh God, she should be worrying about Martha right now.

  She rushed to her side.

  “It’s over then.” Martha’s voice wobbled. “I don’t have the time or energy to fight a steroid scandal.”

  “Of course not.” Ted inched closer to the bed.

  Becky glared, refusing to step back. He might be acting solicitous now, but he should have known better than to blindside her with such devastating news. It was lucky Martha hadn’t suffered another heart attack. What a prick. She wanted to boot him out the door.

  “I’m very tired.” Martha squeezed her eyes shut, her face a mask of despair. “I want to talk to Dino at some point. And, Ted, call that real estate agent. But right now I want to be alone. Please, I just want to sleep.” Her eyes closed.

  Becky frantically grabbed her wrist. “Pulse is f-fine.” She glanced at Ted, her words tripping in relief.

  Ted exhaled and walked across the room, motioning her to follow. He waited by the door, his expression grave. “We have to safeguard her health. Best we don’t bother her with many details. The horses will be sold, and I have a buyer for the property. Pick out a few things from her room that she’d want transferred to the new facility. I think a month’s severance will give you plenty of time to find another job.”

  She just stared, unable to speak, unable to fathom life without Martha. Not seeing her every day, not hearing her suggestions, her criticism, her advice. She knew this day would come, thought she was prepared, but the reality was staggering.

  Ted shoved a set of keys into her hand. “I arranged for one of Martha’s cars to be delivered to the hospital. You can drive over to Autumn Acres and check out her apartment. Tomorrow you can take care of your own packing. Jocelyn has given me a detailed inventory of Martha’s valuables, so I know everything will remain intact.” His gaze flickered over her neck. “Including the pearls. You must return the necklace. It’s only ethical.”

  Becky stared mutely.

  “Martha should decide that.” Dino’s deep voice sounded behind them. “It’s only ethical.”

  She twisted. Dino propped a big arm against the wall above her head. Didn’t look at her but instead stared so coldly at Ted, he looked almost unfamiliar.

  “That’s rich.” Ted’s sneer remained but he edged back a step. “You’re not in any position to be talking ethics. Did you think the steroids wouldn’t be discovered?”

  Dino dismissed Ted, his expression shuttering as he turned to Becky. “I’m sorry. I’d hoped to tell you myself.”

  She could feel his shame but was shocked at his words. As if announcing it himself would make everything all right. “How could you d-do that?” she asked. “How could you crush everything she ever worked for?”

  “Becky, I’m not responsible for this.” He crossed his arms. “And it doesn’t only impact Martha. My career is crushed too.”

  “It’s always about you, isn’t it. Your career. You hurt Martha so badly.” Her own eyes itched and she swiped them, annoyed to feel hot tears. She needed to escape, needed to go somewhere and cry. Away from Dino, away from the hospital, away from the world.

  Ted cupped her elbow and urged her down the hallway and for once she was grateful for his presence. “Come with me,” he said, almost gently. “I’ll show you where the car is parked.”

  ***

  Dino stared at his office wall, ignoring the insistent vibrating of his phone. The lawyer again, and there wasn’t a damn thing left to say. Echo’s disqualification stripped him of his win, his bonus, his ranch. Worse, he felt like scum. The way Becky had looked at him, the hurt and betrayal in her eyes, had cut him far worse than Laura’s cheating ever had.

  He reached for the coffee mug, surprised to see his hand shook. But hell, she must know he’d never do that. He cared for her, goddammit, wanted to make her happy. And now she’d just lost her job, her home and Martha. Everything she’d ever loved—and blamed him.

  Unfortunately he had nothing to offer in their place. Just another unemployed trainer with piss-poor prospects.

  “Hey, boss.” Stephanie poked her head around the door, her eyes grave. “Shane called. That Kentucky agent firmed his offer on a couple horses. Can have a trailer come by in the morning.”

  Dino sighed and leaned back in his chair. Already the news was flying. “Which horses?”

  “Hunter and Lyric.”

  Lyric. Ted wanted the animals disbursed quickly but dammit, he needed to get some pictures of Lyric for Jill, and Becky probably wanted a last ride. He dragged a hand over his jaw, remembering her smile when she was around Lyric. The mare was cranky and opinionated, probably too intelligent for her own good, but she made Becky happy.

  “We’ll hold off on Lyric,” he said. “Hunter can go if the price is right.”

  “Really?” Stephanie tilted her head. “That doesn’t make sense. I thought you’d try to keep Hunter, not Lyric, a mare that doesn’t even race. Aren’t you going to fight the suspension?”

  “No grounds. Echo was in my care, and Slim is dead. Trainer is always responsible.”

  “Well that sucks,” she said.

  “Just tell Shane that Martha’s nephew wants the horses gone within the next thirty days. But I’m keeping Lyric around until the end.”

  Stephanie dropped into a chair, scratching absently at the ski
n beneath her cast. “Where will you go?”

  “Guess my apartment by Lone Star.”

  “But you won’t be able to go to any public track. Not for six months. You can’t train. Can’t even talk to Shane.” She paused, hit with the significance of the ban. “Are you going to be okay?”

  “Sure.” But the word sounded rusty. He cleared his throat. “Don’t worry. I’ll try to find jobs for you and Cody and the rest. By the time your wrist is healed, I’ll have something for you.”

  “But what about you? And your reputation? It’ll be hard to get good horses, hard to find owners—” She must have seen the despair in his face and snapped her mouth shut. “You’ll find something,” she said quickly. “And I’m glad Martha is okay. Can’t imagine her in a seniors’ home, but I’m sure it’ll be fancy with top-notch care.” Her eyes widened. “Oh, hell! What about Becky? She won’t have a job, and Martha means the world to her. She must be devastated.”

  Dino gripped his coffee mug, fighting another rush of pain. “Probably she’s a little upset,” he drawled. “Just like everyone else.”

  “Don’t pretend you don’t care. I know you better than that.”

  Liquid sloshed the side of the cup, splashing his desk. “She thinks I’m selfish.” He blotted at the spill. “That I used steroids. Forced Martha to a nursing home. I’m not one of her favorite people. Not now.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous,” Stephanie said. “This is Becky we’re talking about, not your ex-wife. Becky’s as loyal as they come. She might be a little upset, but she still cares. My God, look how she feels about that battle-ax Martha.”

  “I could never make her happy.”

  “What a cop-out. Women always love you. Your ego doesn’t need stroking.” She rolled her eyes and stood up. “Becky’s solid. I’m going over to watch the new gallop girl. It’s been weeks since I’ve been around a horse and I miss them. Thanks for the cat food.”

  “Wait. Did she ever talk to you?” But Stephanie strode out the door.

  He rubbed his temple. No time to brood anyway. He had plenty to do. Evaluate Martha’s horses, figure a way to keep his business afloat, tell Laura the deal was dead. But he wished he’d talked to Becky about moving south—should have brought it up days ago—back when he thought he might own a ranch.

  Now he had nothing. And now she thought him a scumbag.

  But only yesterday morning she’d said she loved him. Yesterday morning when he’d pretended not to hear. He should have jumped on it then, but he’d been stunned. Hadn’t been ready. Like when someone drops an unexpected gift in your hands, and you can only stare.

  And how could she still love him if she thought him so selfish? Of course, Martha was selfish too, and she still loved Martha.

  Martha hadn’t been caught doping horses.

  Goddammit, this was stupid. He shook his head and yanked open his drawer. Everything he’d ever worked for was at risk, and there was no time to agonize over a woman. He grabbed his stack of Stewards’ rulings and Racing Commission announcements. Laboratory tests were sometimes wrong. Maybe he could hire an independent lab and prove Echo’s sample was contaminated.

  A manila envelope slipped to the floor.

  He scooped it up. His name was scrawled in black ink. Slim’s writing. He ripped it open.

  Can’t do this any longer, Dino. The life insurance will look after Jilly better than I ever could. Didn’t mean to hurt the horses, only wanted to scare Martha. Tell her I’m sorry. Echo was the only horse I ever injected. You always were fair, but Jilly’s my daughter. I owe her.

  He stared for a long moment, swallowed and lowered the letter. So it hadn’t been an accident. Slim had committed suicide. Was responsible for the positive test, the sabotage, everything. A disgruntled ex-employee and the reason didn’t even matter. Not anymore. Because now he had proof.

  The stewards would review the evidence. If mitigating circumstances could be proven, he’d be back in business. No harm done. And if Echo’s win was reinstated, he’d earn his bonus and be able to buy back the ranch.

  He whooped and scrambled to his feet, pulling out his phone.

  Call the lawyer first. Clinch the deal before Laura sold elsewhere—then ask Becky how she’d feel about moving. File an appeal before the end of the day and celebrate. Life was good again.

  But not so good for Jill.

  Aw, goddammit. Comprehension struck, and he sank slowly back in his chair. Slim’s insurance policy mirrored his, and one of the clauses exempted benefits for suicide. If the letter were made public, Jill would get nothing. Either Slim hadn’t read the fine print or had trusted him to keep it secret.

  Hell, Slim. You’re asking way too much. He reached again for the phone, squeezing his eyes shut, blocking the image of Jill’s trusting smile when she’d gifted him with the sketch of a lovingly drawn horse.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  “I’m not hungry.” Martha knocked Becky’s hand away. “I wonder if the food is any better at the old people’s home.”

  “It’s not an old people’s home,” Ted said. “It’s a very posh residence for seniors. Becky has checked out the property and agrees that it’s very nice.”

  Becky silently removed the spoon and plate. The apartment was beautiful, the facility was beautiful, but it didn’t have the things that gave Martha pleasure—the estate, horses, her nurse.

  “There’s a whirlpool and solarium as well as planned activities,” Ted went on, “and without the stress of racing, you could live to be a hundred.”

  “God, I hope not,” Martha said.

  Becky wished Ted would just shut up. Reminding Martha she had to find new interests only made her grumpier and already her expression shuttered. She clearly wasn’t listening to a word Ted was saying; in fact, she appeared deep in thought.

  “You’ll probably be able to move in by the end of the week.”

  “Oh, do stop prattling, Ted,” Martha said. “I need to talk to Dino again. And I still haven’t seen my lawyer.”

  “That’s not necessary,” Ted said. “I’ll take care of everything for you.”

  “Did you talk to Dino this morning?” Becky asked. She knew Martha and Dino had talked several times on the phone—was surprised, in fact, that Martha wasn’t more angry.

  “Yes,” Martha said. “He was here while you and Ted were visiting my new home. He left you flowers.”

  “You mean he left you flowers,” Becky said.

  “I mean he left us both flowers, carnations and roses.” Martha gestured with a touch of impatience. “Are you deaf?”

  Becky’s traitorous heart leaped. She couldn’t quite forgive Dino, wasn’t yet ready to talk—but she couldn’t stop loving him either. She bolted across the room and scanned the beautiful bouquets. He’d been selfish, disloyal, committed a crime and was moving out of her life, but she’d never received flowers before and if this was a goodbye gesture, it was only natural to take a closer look. Only natural to check the card.

  “Yours are the red roses beside my carnations,” Martha said, her voice surprisingly strong.

  Ted still droned on about lawyers but Becky could only stare at the card. ‘Love, Dino.’

  Love? Heat warmed her chest at the sight of his bold writing. Of course, she knew it was just an expression, a common phrase. Didn’t mean a thing. He probably wrote that whenever he sent flowers to women, but still, it was a nice gesture.

  She checked Martha’s colorful carnations—curious about the wording—but couldn’t see a card.

  “Dino said your phone’s been turned off,” Martha said, totally ignoring Ted. “He wants to talk to you.”

  Becky nodded. She wanted to talk to him too, eventually. Part of her even understood how passion for his ranch could push him to such desperate measures, but the toll it had taken on Martha was still too fresh. “When does he move to his ranch?” she asked, running a finger over a velvet rose petal.

  “He won’t.” Martha sniffed with impatience. “Don’t you und
erstand what happens when a horse tests? Echo was disqualified. There’s no winnings, no bonus, nothing.”

  “What?” She jerked around, forgetting the flowers and their confusing card.

  “That’s the way it is,” Martha said. “Some trainers never rebound from the stigma. He’ll be suspended too. Won’t be able to train for at least six months.”

  “But that’s horrible. Training is his life, all he cares about.”

  “He should have considered that before he drugged the horse,” Ted said. “Before he dragged the Conrad name through the mud.”

  “Yes, he certainly didn’t help Malcolm in that regard,” Martha said but her voice was surprisingly level.

  Becky stared, confused by her calm acceptance. Dino had lost his job, his ranch, his career, and thrust Conrad Stables into a steroid scandal. One mistake, one bad decision, but the consequences had been disastrous. Yet Martha didn’t seem upset; in fact she looked almost smug, so different than yesterday when she’d been crushed.

  Becky rounded the foot of the bed and checked the patient chart. Medications were unchanged. Nothing new prescribed. “You had a nice visit with Dino today?” she asked, studying Martha’s face.

  “Very nice.” Martha’s smile resembled that of a cat that had just licked a bowl of cream.

  “I hope he left a list of horses,” Ted said, seemingly oblivious to his aunt’s bizarre mood. “We want to get top prices. Heard there was already an offer on two of them.”

  “That would be Lyric and Hunter,” Martha said. “But I’ve decided to give all the horses to Becky.”

  “What!” Becky’s and Ted’s voices rose in unison. The chart dropped from her stunned fingers, clanking against the steel bed frame.

  Not just Lyric but all the horses? Impossible. She’d love to keep Lyric but board was so high, and in a short month she wouldn’t even have a job. Of course Hunter and others could win races and maybe make money, but then she’d need a trainer. And Dino was the only trainer she ever wanted.