Dark Days at Saddle Creek

by Shelley Peterson

  Bird studied the person who was speaking. She was a short, blond teenager with braces on her teeth. Bird had seen her competing many times on her black and white pony, and she remembered that her name was Sally. She rarely made it to the ribbons, but always gave her best effort.

  Bird wondered if she should interfere. Sundancer had been considered crazy, and was about to be euthanized when Bird got him. She had spent a lot of time and used a lot of patience — along with her special skills — to help him settle down. Now he was a champion.

  Hannah was waiting at the door. Bird couldn’t help but listen. “No sense getting hurt.” The woman was talking now, and she spoke with authority. “If that’s what your father thinks, you’re doing the right thing. Some horses are just bad.”

  Bird cringed at the woman’s words. Horses, and people, for that matter, were often deemed to be “just bad.” But just like bad people, bad horses sometimes had a reason to be bad. Maybe the handling was rough, or something hurt, or they just didn’t feel appreciated or understood. Rarely were they “just bad.”

  Hannah stared at Bird pointedly. “Well? Are you coming?”

  “One minute.”

  “What’s up?”

  “If I tell you, you’ll say no.” Before Hannah could open her mouth to respond, Bird walked over to the blond girl and the woman.

  “I couldn’t help but overhear,” said Bird. She tried to appear friendly and helpful, instead of nosey and interfering. “Are you having a problem with your horse?” Now Bird recognized the woman. She was Kelsey Woodall. Bird recalled that she’d wanted to lease Moonlight Sonata for her daughter Candace until she fell off.

  “I might be able to help,” continued Bird. “I’ve had experience with troubled horses.”

  The woman’s brow furrowed. “For someone so young, you have a very high opinion of your horsemanship. Who do you think you are?”

  “My name is Alberta Simms, Mrs. Woodall.”

  The woman studied Bird’s face. Recognition dawned, and she blushed slightly. “I don’t wish to continue this conversation.” Kelsey Woodall turned and walked away.

  Bird could understand her embarrassment. Earlier that summer, they’d had an unfortunate interaction. Candace had broken her ankle falling off Moonlight Sonata. Their trainer, Dexter Pill, had flown into a rage, and Kelsey Woodall had been rude and high-handed to Aunt Hannah. But Bird couldn’t give up. This horse’s life might be worth saving.

  “I’m sorry to be a pest,” said Bird.

  “I’ve heard of you. They call you Bird.”

  Bird nodded. “And you’re Sally.”

  “Yes, I’m Sally Johns. I can’t believe you remembered my name! I mean, everybody knows you, but I’m not … you know … famous.”

  It was Bird’s turn to blush. “I’m not famous,” she mumbled, then changed the subject. “I saw you ride your paint, Peasblossom. He’s cute. You did great today.”

  “Thanks! Eighth is still in the ribbons!” Sally’s smile faded. “My father bought me a new horse because I’m outgrowing Peasblossom, but it’s not working out so well.”

  Hannah had pushed through the flow of departing adults and kids. When she finally reached Bird and Sally, she wasn’t pleased. “The horses are standing on the trailer and the girls are waiting.”

  “Aunt Hannah, this is Sally Johns. I heard her say that her horse is going to be put down.”

  “My dear Bird.” Hannah let out an exasperated sigh. “You cannot save every horse on the planet. This is her business, not yours.”

  “It might be very simple, though! An aching muscle or rough teeth.”

  “I’m sure they’ve had the vet out. Come now, Bird.” Hannah smiled at Sally. “Sorry to pull her away, but you know how it is.”

  Sally nodded. “I know. But Bird? The horse’s name is Tall Sox. He’s stabled with Dexter Pill at Moreland Farm on the Fifth Sideroad.”

  Hannah reacted to that information. She began pulling Bird outside by the arm.

  “Do you live close by?” called Bird over her shoulder.

  “I’m with my mom right now. She’s on Kennedy Road in Cheltenham.”

  “Okay. I’ll be at Saddle Creek all weekend.”

  “I know where it is. It’s not far from my mom’s place, and Moreland Farm, too.”

  “Come over tomorrow!” Bird spoke loudly enough to be heard across the room. Sally nodded enthusiastically as Hannah slammed the door behind them.

  As soon as they were outside, Hannah muttered under her breath, “Dexter Pill!” Her voice got louder and louder as they neared the trailer. “Bird, you know how I feel about him. Dexter Pill! You’re to have nothing to do with this, do you hear me?”

  “This is about the horse, not the trainer.”

  “The horse is stabled with the trainer, Bird! You cannot deal with the horse without dealing with the trainer. You know that.”

  “Please don’t be mad.”

  “Don’t you remember how he treated Moonlight Sonata at the show just a couple of months ago?”

  Bird certainly did remember. It had been ugly. “All the more reason to help Sally’s horse. Just think what Tall Sox must be going through!”

  “Dexter won’t even allow you on the property! He hates us for rescuing Moonie and then winning firsts with her. It makes him look bad.”

  “But this isn’t about him!”

  “You’re not listening, Bird! Dexter will not let you help!”

  “And you’re not listening, either! I don’t care about Dexter. I don’t need him!”

  “You need him to allow you in his barn!”

  Bird and Hannah stood face to face, yelling at each other. Bird looked around and realized they were causing a bit of a scene — people were starting to stare. She didn’t care. This was important.

  Hannah’s shoulders slumped and her expression softened. “I’m sorry, Bird,” she said quietly. “I didn’t mean to lose my temper. I’m upset at the thought of Dexter Pill, not at you. No matter how charming people think he is, that man makes my blood boil.”

  Bird was still angry. “I know, but you don’t understand. I’m not like other people. I can help this horse no matter what you or Kelsey Woodall or Dexter Pill say.”

  “I hear you. Nothing I say is going to change your mind.”

  “Finally.” Bird exhaled noisily.

  “Did you say Kelsey Woodall?”

  “Yes. She was the woman talking to Sally when I went over.”

  “About putting the horse down?”

  “Yes.”

  Hannah looked thoughtful. “Interesting.”

  “What are you thinking?”

  “I’m not sure, but I have a funny feeling. I know she’s been looking for a new horse for Candace. Are they trying to sell Sally the old one?”

  Bird looked at her aunt. The Woodalls stabled horses and trained with Dexter Pill. Maybe there was more to this than Bird had first thought. “One thing I know about funny feelings,” she said, “is that we should pay attention to them.”

  Hannah smiled. She put out her right hand for Bird to shake. “Friends again?”

  Bird accepted her handshake. “Friends again.”

  “Then let’s get back to Saddle Creek Farm and look after these horses.” Hannah took Bird’s arm, and together they joined the others at the rig.

  2

  TALL SOX

  In any great undertaking, it is not enough for a man to depend simply on himself.

  — Lone Man, Teton Sioux

  The horses were all outside in the cool evening air, bathed and fed, grazing in their fields. The heavy rain had greened up the grass, and the leaves sparkled with drops of rain. It had been a very successful day. After cleaning the tack and bringing the laundry inside to wash, everybody was ready for dinner and bed.

  Once Bird had helped with the dishes, she went upstairs to shower and change into her pyjamas. She looked around her old room with pleasure — the open window facing Sunny’s field, her cozy bed, the scra
tched dresser and cracked mirror — she was so happy to be back at Saddle Creek Farm! She and Julia had made a deal with their mother, Eva: they would stay over with Aunt Hannah whenever there were shows. This arrangement worked well for everybody. It gave Eva a chance to be alone with her new husband, Stuart, and it allowed Bird and Julia to concentrate on the horses and the shows.

  For Bird, the chance to stay with her aunt was welcome for an entirely different reason. Ever since her mother had returned from her honeymoon a few months earlier, things had been strained. Lately, they argued about every little thing. Bird sighed. She felt much more relaxed here.

  As she dried her hair with a blue towel, she observed herself in the mirror. Her hair was growing in very nicely. It had been singed in a barn fire in June, and she’d had it all cut off and styled quite short. She liked it much better now that it was a little longer. It felt more like it belonged to her.

  Her body was starting to change, Bird noticed, but not enough to be embarrassing, like her mother, whose large breasts made every outfit look too tight. At fourteen, Bird still had a girlish look. She hoped she’d always stay that way. She didn’t feel ready to be a grown-up.

  She noted the darkness of her skin and eyes. She liked her colouring, especially in the spring, when other girls looked strangely transparent until the sun gave them substance. Eva was blond with blue eyes, as was Julia. Bird had always known she had a different father than her sister; she’d just never met him. She tried not to dwell on it, but now, drying her dark hair in the mirror, questions resurfaced. Did she get her dark eyes and hair from him? She’d always thought so, but the truth was, she had no idea. All she knew was that her father had met her mother at the Calgary Stampede, where he was a broncobuster, and that he’d disappeared shortly thereafter. She desperately wanted to know more. He was her father, after all! But Eva constantly rebuffed her questions. It was always “someday” or “not now” or “later.” Mostly, Eva just lost her temper.

  There were a few other things on Bird’s mind as she dried her hair in the mirror.

  Firstly, Alec. Bird smiled. Her reflection smiled back, happy and content. Alec was away at Camp Kowabi for the summer as a counsellor-in-training, but he was her boyfriend again. Pamela was out of the picture. For good, Bird hoped. She wasn’t going to worry about it. When Alec had gone back to camp last time, he’d left her with his favourite sweater — to keep her warm in his arms, he’d said. Bird shivered with joy and her reflected grin grew even wider.

  Secondly, and amazingly, the strange man who’d spoken telepathically at the show. She felt shivers up her arms. Would he be at the show on Friday? Was there really someone who could speak to animals in the same way she could?

  And most urgently, there was Tall Sox. Bird didn’t care how angry Hannah might be, she would try to get to the bottom of the problem with Sally’s horse. She vowed to do that the very next day, which was Sunday. Bird needed to visit this horse before he could be euthanized. Put to sleep. Killed. Vets usually didn’t work on weekends except for emergencies, so tomorrow would be her best chance.

  Bird girl. Bird’s thoughts were interrupted.

  Cody? Is that you?

  It is.

  Is there a problem? Cody was a small coyote. He always knew what was going on, and he was usually the first to alert her when there was trouble. They’d had many adventures together. How he always knew when she was there was a mystery to Bird.

  Bird released her breath.

  I’m glad to be back, Cody. And I’m glad you came to say hello.

  Bird looked out her window, but the coyote was nowhere to be seen.

  She gazed into the growing dusk and searched the field across from the farmhouse with her eyes. She could just make out two shadows. Sundancer and Charlie were at the fenceline at the far end, heads down, feasting on the refreshed August grass.

  Happily, Bird slid between the covers and rested her head on the pillow. She was proud of the way she and Sunny had ridden at the show. Tomorrow she would find Tall Sox. Next week, if he was at the show and she was lucky, she would speak to the mysterious man. Soon she would kiss the lips of her boyfriend, Alec. Within minutes, Bird had fallen into a contented sleep.

  BIRD? ARE YOU AWAKE?

  Bird rolled over to get more comfortable.

  Bird? Wake up!

  Bird sat up. She waited. Was she dreaming, or had Sundancer just called from …

  Bird!

  Sunny? What is it? She was fully awake now.

  You have human company. Look out your window.

  Bird jumped out of bed and stepped over to the window. On the ground below, somebody was looking around furtively. It was a female, and young. Bird watched as she fidgeted and fussed. She seemed very uncertain of what she should do.

  Bird removed the screen and leaned outside. “Hello?” she said quietly. “Who’s there?”

  The girl let out a weak scream and clutched her chest with her hands.

  From the kitchen below, Hannah’s dog, Lucky, started to bark.

  Lucky! Quiet! It’s all right!

  The barking stopped. If you say so. If you say so.

  Good dog, Lucky. Good dog!

  Bird spoke to the girl. “Don’t be afraid. I’m up here. In the window.”

  The girl looked up, and the moonlight revealed her face. Sally Johns.

  “Sally! Stay there. I’m coming down.”

  “Bird! I’m so glad —”

  “Shh! Don’t wake everybody up.”

  Sally nodded and slapped her hand over her mouth.

  Bird quickly pulled some clothes over her pyjamas and slipped on her runners. She crept downstairs and out the kitchen door with Lucky at her side. The brown dog raced over to Sally, who was standing under the big maple tree at the fence. He sniffed her, then took off to follow his nose.

  Sally looked like she might cry. “Bird, I’m not so sure I should’ve come. I’m scared! And I don’t have a driver’s licence!” She glanced to the end of the driveway, where a car was parked on the road. “That’s my mother’s. She doesn’t know I took it.”

  Bird guessed that Sally wouldn’t have come over in the middle of the night without a good reason. “Something new with Tall Sox?”

  Sally nodded wildly. “They’re taking him away first thing in the morning. Wanda — she’s a groom at Moreland’s — told me. I don’t know where he’s going, but they’re going to kill him, I just know it. I’ve been dying to talk to you since I heard! Can you come with me now?”

  “Do you have your beginner’s?”

  Sally’s head bobbed assertively. “I know how to drive.”

  “And you have a plan once we get there?”

  “Of course I do!”

  “Then what are we waiting for?”

  Sally’s face relaxed. The two girls headed for the road. They ran on the grass to avoid making any noise on the gravel. As quietly as possible they got into Sally’s mother’s car and pulled shut the doors.

  Lucky’s furry head appeared at Bird’s window. Can I come? Can I come?

  No. Good dog. Guard the house while I’m gone.

  The dog’s tail began to wag. Yes, Bird! Yes, Bird! He disappeared from sight.

  Sally started the engine. The car jerked into gear and sped into the road. She jammed on the brakes, causing the car to skid in a wide arc and throwing gravel in all directions.

  “I thought you said you could drive!” cried Bird. She willed her heart to stop pounding.

  “I can! I’ve driven the lawn mower since I was ten!”

  “How old are you?”

  “Fifteen.”

  “You said you had your beginner’s.”

  “No, I didn’t. I said I could drive. Another chance? Please? I can do better.”

  It was one thing to help Sally save a horse. It was another to risk her life. “No offence, but I’m going to ride my bike.” Bird got out of the car.

  “Really, I can drive! I’ll show you!” Again the car lurched forward a
s Sally put her foot to the gas pedal.

  “I’ve got bikes,” said Bird. “You shouldn’t be driving. You’re terrible.”

  “What’ll I do with Mom’s car?”

  “Just leave it. We’ll worry about it later.”

  Sally frowned, but she followed Bird back to the house. Bird’s bike was leaning against the bricks, and Hannah’s stood next to it. Bird wasn’t too sure about Sally’s bike riding skills, either, but there was really no other way. She gave her own bike to Sally and rode Hannah’s.

  The girls pedalled fast, and soon they neared Moreland Farm. Sally stopped, out of breath.

  “What?” asked Bird. She braked her bike as well. “Now that we’re here, I don’t know what to do.” “You said you had a plan!”

  “I did. My plan was to figure it out when we got here.”

  Bird decided not to scream at her. “You stole your mom’s car, got me out of bed, and you don’t have a plan?”

  Sally’s mouth tightened. She looked hurt.

  “Don’t worry.” Bird got back on the bike and pedalled slowly so that Sally could catch up. “Let’s leave the bikes at the gate and walk in.”

  “No!” Sally whispered urgently. “There are security lights and cameras at all the gates.”

  “That’s a good thing to know,” said Bird sarcastically. They’d been within a few feet of discovery. If they’d triggered the lights, their adventure would’ve been over before it had begun.

  “There’s a trail over there that leads to the stable.” Sally pointed to the right, and Bird peered into the darkness. She could vaguely see a path through the tall grass.

  “Okay. That’s where we’ll go.”

  They trespassed over the adjacent neighbour’s field and left their bikes in the bushes. Bird looked around. The night was still, and eerily quiet. Nothing moved — not even the blades of long grass in the meadow. Through the dimness, she took a good look at the barn. It was a huge old clay brick building with a separate arena off to the side. The Dutch doors were open at the top, letting in the night air, but the place looked dark and forbidding.

  Silently, two large Alsatians came racing around a corner. Their noiseless arrival put Bird on edge. She knew that a dog intent on catching something didn’t bark. A bark is a warning. No bark means business.