Dark Days at Saddle Creek

by Shelley Peterson

  “Yes! We’re about to be presented with top place, and yes, I can talk! Great and all that, but Wanda is coming to get Sox.”

  “Now?” Cliff digested this quickly. He shut off the motor and jumped off the tractor. “Frank warned me this might happen.”

  “Can you hide him?”

  “I sure can!”

  “And Amigo should stay with him or he’ll be upset.” Bird waited while Cliff clipped halters on the two horses and led them through the gate.

  “Thanks, Cliff!” She asked Sunny to jump back into the field. “Watch him ’til I get back! Gotta go!” called Bird over her shoulder.

  Cliff did a little jig holding a horse in each hand. “Top place, eh? You won the Caledon Derby! Wowee! Good on you!”

  Bird’s spirits rose with Cliff ’s jubilation. She whooped her thanks as she and Sunny galloped across the grass, hopped over the fence at the other side, and retraced their steps back to the show.

  This is fun! Sunny whinnied. I love to go fast.

  They crossed the road at the end of the show grounds, far from the crowd. Bird looked over to the lineup at the exit. It was still jammed. Wanda and Sally were probably stuck there.

  The freshly painted white podium was now assembled in the centre of the grass ring, way across the field. Two horses with their riders were standing with wide ribbons draped across their chests, one blue and one white. People were craning their necks, looking for someone. Bird suspected that the someone was her.

  She urged Sunny to run faster. He covered the ground in seconds and leapt the four-rail white fence that surrounded the ring. He landed softly, then began to slow. When they got to the middle of the ring, he came to a halt, right in front of the judge. He reared up, whinnied loud and long, then dropped his front feet back to the ground. He continued the downward movement into a graceful bow. Just like Dancer, his father before him. His knees bent deeply, and his nose touched the ground.

  Silence. Then loud applause. People could not believe what they had witnessed.

  Frank beamed his beautiful smile at her as he sat astride Glad. Now, that was an entrance.

  Bird smiled back.

  Where were you just now?

  Wanda is on her way over to Saddle Creek to take Sox. Cliff hid him and is on guard.

  Excellent job.

  Tell me, Frank. Why did you want me to compete today?

  To win. He smiled broadly. But also to be on site to do whatever needed to be done. You’ve done that, and more. Thank you. We’re almost done.

  Bird was warmed through and through by his praise. I couldn’t find you. Where were you? she asked him.

  Finishing what Pete started.

  Bird was puzzled. What did he start?

  You’ll see.

  The judge marched over and draped an elaborate red satin sash over Sunny’s neck. He gravely handed Bird an envelope and a large silver cup on a wooden base. “Congratulations, child,” the man said with an air of condescension. “You were almost too late.”

  Frank messaged, You still would’ve won. Hannah was about to accept the trophy and award on your behalf.

  Sunny would never have forgiven me.

  Sundancer reared up again and neighed. This is the best part! I love a good victory lap!

  Bird tucked the cup under her arm and stuffed the envelope into the waistband of her breeches. Sunny led the way around the ring, with much fancy action and showing off. He high-stepped and strutted, and even threw in a few crowd-pleasing bucks.

  Easy does it, big boy.

  People love it!

  Frank and Glad had come in second, and followed in Sunny’s wake. Peter Roberts was third, aboard his smooth-gaited black mare, Malibu. The crowd cheered as the horses galloped and the riders waved and smiled. The male riders lifted their caps in a salute as they passed the judges, then all three trotted out of the big grass ring in single file.

  For years to come, Sundancer’s timely appearance and grand bow would be talked about. And for years, those who were stuck in the congestion leaving the grounds would say they’d seen a sudden bright flash across the field. The story was that they thought it was a comet, that he was going so fast that they didn’t know it was a horse until he stopped to take a bow.

  21

  PUZZLE PIECES FIT TOGETHER

  Love one another and help one another.

  — Cree Elder

  Bird wasn’t at all prepared for the sight that greeted her outside the ring. Hannah, Julia, Eva, Stuart, Liz, and Paul stood together, waving an enormous, brightly coloured banner above their heads. A crowd of fans stood behind them, clapping their hands. Printed in huge green, blue, red, yellow, and white letters was, “Nobody Flies Like Bird!” Underneath it read, “Sundancer, Lord of the Ring!”

  Bird was touched. She took her feet out of the stirrups and slid to the ground, still holding the silver cup. “Thank you, everyone!”

  Julia ran to her. “Bird! You talked! But why are you crying?” She hugged her big sister around her waist. “You should be happy!”

  “I am happy. Really, really happy. But Mr. Pierson is at the hospital, and I’m so worried.”

  Hannah stepped forward. She took the trophy out of Bird’s hands. “We’ll go see them right after you get Sunny home,” she said quietly. “Pete told me to tell you not to worry about him. He said you should just savour the moment.”

  Tears fell from Bird’s eyes. Of course Mr. Pierson would say that. For him, she would try. She waved at all the generous people who were cheering for her, and smiled with sincere gratitude.

  Hannah hugged her. “Before he left, Pete said that you’re the best rider he’s ever seen. Even better than your father.”

  Bird was impressed. Better than Indian Fred, the Indian Cowboy? This was high praise indeed.

  Can we go home now, Bird? This is getting old.

  Be polite. These people are here to make us feel good.

  I feel hungry.

  Bird broke out laughing. She couldn’t stop. For a moment she was afraid she’d start crying again.

  From somewhere nearby, Frank messaged her. Easy, girl. Keep it together. There’s more to do today.

  Bird took a few deep breaths. Thanks, Frank.

  I have to stay here and finish some business. I’ll catch up with you later.

  Okay.

  With a great deal of difficulty, Hannah and the group turned the unwieldy banner around and led the way to the parking lot. Bird hopped up on Sunny and followed a few steps behind. When they got to their vehicles, people cheered again and waved goodbye.

  “Walk him home, Bird. See you at the farm,” called Hannah. “Take your time and cool that incredible horse out.”

  “Sure will!” answered Bird. “Then we’ll go see Mr. Pierson?”

  “Sure will!”

  Bird and Sunny walked across the big field toward the road. They were halfway there when Sunny spooked sideways at a bush. Bird barely hung on.

  Hey, Sunny!

  Not my fault! Cody’s hiding and I didn’t know!

  Cody? Are you there?

  Bird girl! The coyote’s head popped up between the leaves.

  What is it?

  Go home fast. Lucky and Boss and the Good Thin Man need help. Now.

  Sundancer, still agitated from the scare, was only too happy to break into a canter. They followed the same path they’d taken earlier, and within minutes were again in the back field of Saddle Creek Farm.

  Sunny soared over the fence with ease and galloped straight toward the barn. Bird strained her eyes and tried to figure out what was happening.

  Boss was barking at one side of Wanda’s truck, and Lucky was snarling at the other. Cliff was dragging split rails across the lane, hurriedly rigging up a barrier behind the horse trailer.

  Panic grew in her chest.

  Sox? Where are you? messaged Bird.

  In the trailer. Can I come out?

  Bird was relieved. Sox was still at Saddle Creek Farm. Soon, she reassu
red the horse. Don’t worry about a thing.

  Cliff lifted his head from his work as he saw them coming. “Bird!” he hollered. “I went to my house for a minute, and they loaded him! Where’s Frank?”

  “Still at the show!” Bird yelled back.

  Sunny skidded to a halt at the fence. Bird quickly dismounted and removed his saddle and bridle. Walk yourself out, Sunny. And don’t gulp down too much water.

  And you’re welcome. I won the trophy and brought you home faster than the speed of light and that’s all I get?

  No time for sensitivities. I’ll rub you down later and feed you a big warm bran mash.

  Okay, then. Sundancer sauntered off, pleased that he’d made his point.

  Bird called as she ran toward the trailer. “Cliff! How can I help?”

  “Call the police. Sally and Wanda are trying to steal Tall Sox.”

  Wanda stuck her head out of the truck window, smirking. “How is it stealing when it’s Sally’s horse?” She revved the engine and put it in reverse.

  “Tall Sox is owned by Sally’s father, and he wants him here!” Cliff continued to pile the rails on the driveway to prevent their exit.

  Wanda spun her tires.

  Cliff looked pointedly at Bird. “Run!”

  Bird dashed into the barn. She opened the cupboard where the phone was kept, safely away from the barn cats. She couldn’t remember Mack Jones’s direct line and was about to punch in 9-1-1 when, through the tack room window, she saw a black car speeding up the driveway. Frank!

  Bird ran outside in time to see Frank jump out of his car. He strode over to the trailer with his badge out and arrived at the same time as Bird.

  Lucky? Boss? You can stop barking now.

  Did we do a good job? Good job? asked Lucky. His tail wagged excitedly.

  Yes! Good job, Lucky! Good job, Boss!

  Lucky rolled onto his back. I did a good job!

  Whatever, messaged Boss as he stalked away.

  Frank ignored the dogs’ chatter. He held up his police badge. “Wanda Jenkins and Sally Johns, please get out of the vehicle. Slowly.” He sounded very official.

  “You’re the police?” asked Wanda. “You’re a groom! You got my job!”

  “We’re not doing anything wrong!” sobbed Sally.

  Frank looked at her sternly. “You may not think so, but you are involved with people who are. Please get out of the vehicle.”

  Sally and Wanda reluctantly opened the truck doors and emerged. They stood together like sullen schoolgirls.

  “Dexter Pill and Edward Cage have been arrested and charged with multiple crimes, including insurance fraud, and cruelty to animals, going back several years.” As he spoke, Frank became more and more angry. “Horses have had their legs broken, been given toxic weeds to induce deadly colic, been deprived of the necessities of life, and been subjected to cruel and unreasonable punishment. All of this to enrich the pockets of Dexter and Ed.”

  Wanda and Sally stood trembling. Gone was the sassy attitude. They looked scared, with their eyes wide and their mouths open.

  “Wanda Preston,” said Frank forcefully. “You are about to be charged as an accessory. Be very truthful with your answers. How would you define your relationship with Edward Cage?”

  Her eyes darted as she spoke. “He works at Dexter’s barn.”

  “I am aware of that. What is the nature of your personal relationship?”

  “I just know him, that’s all.”

  Frank paused, then looked at Sally as he continued. “Ed has informed us that he and Wanda have been seeing each other for months. Ed works closely with Dexter Pill in Pill’s more secretive ventures. That includes, among other things, selling Tall Sox without your family’s knowledge, and now needing to deliver him or get sued. You are abetting a crime.”

  Bird remembered the kiss Ed Cage had thrown to Wanda at the horse show, as Wanda sat talking to Hannah about a job. Very interesting.

  Sally’s face paled, but Wanda was furious. “You can’t just say things that aren’t true!” Her voice grew high-pitched and loud. “I’m helping Sally get her horse back! And Ed’s getting a divorce! He and his wife hate each other!”

  Sally took a step away from Wanda and stared. “It’s true? You and Ed? You told me you weren’t together!”

  “So?” Wanda spat. “What does it matter? I’m helping you, aren’t I?”

  “It looks like you’re helping Ed! That’s why it matters! And Ed’s helping Dexter!” Sally turned her head and looked hard at Bird. “Wanda told me that you sold Sox and got paid and kept the money. She said there was a contract and everything. Is that true?”

  Bird shook her head. “No, Sally. That’s a lie.”

  “Then why did you take him to the Piersons’ that night, then steal him from the shed?”

  “I was hiding him from Dexter and Ed. To keep him safe. Otherwise he’d be long gone by now.”

  Frank backed her up. “That’s the truth, Sally. Bird has been looking out for your interests. Ed and Dexter got Wanda to help them by conning you.”

  Sally looked at the ground. “I’m so stupid! I should’ve trusted Bird.”

  “Bird’s lying!” yelled Wanda. “I’m the one who’s trying to keep Sox safe!”

  Frank looked at Bird. Is it possible that Wanda was duped by Ed? That she really thought you were the bad guy? he messaged.

  Possible, answered Bird. How do we find out?

  “Okay, Wanda.” Frank looked thoughtful. “Now we know that you’re trying to help Sally keep Sox, and you know that Bird is doing the same thing. Right?”

  Wanda looked uncertain. “But what about the contract?”

  “Did you see it yourself?” Frank asked.

  Wanda shook her head. “No, but Ed did.”

  Frank let a brief moment pass — just long enough for Wanda to realize that she couldn’t trust what Ed said. She covered her face with both of her hands.

  “So,” said Frank briskly, “Sox is safe, and still belongs to Sally. Why don’t we get him off the trailer and let him go back to his stall?”

  Wanda dropped her hands and looked at Frank. Her bottom lip began to quiver. “I don’t know. Ed told me to take him to that little lean-to barn beside the Stonewick Playhouse, you know? I promised.” She looked at her watch. “I was supposed to meet the shipper there ten minutes ago.“

  I think she’s just a pawn, messaged Bird.

  Me, too.

  Frank turned back to Sally and Wanda. “Things will go much better for you if you co-operate. Why not lead poor Sox off the trailer and back to the barn? He must be quite confused by now.”

  The girls dropped the ramp, untied Sox, and unloaded him. He was sweaty from tension, but otherwise fine.

  “Girls,” said Frank, “we’ll need both of you, and your parents, to come to the police station for a statement. Can you come in before five?”

  They nodded. Neither seemed surprised by the request.

  As soon as they were out of earshot, Frank spoke quietly into his cell. “Wally? The lean-to beside the Stonewick Playhouse. Get someone there pronto. Wanda Jenkins was to deliver the horse there. Detain the driver and confirm Wanda’s story.”

  Cliff began to drag the split rails off the lane. “That was close,” he muttered. “I was in my house for two minutes, and they showed up!”

  “Thanks to your quick thinking, they didn’t get away,” said Frank.

  “How did Wanda know where Sox was?” asked Bird. “Sally said someone told her.”

  “I told her when I saw her at the derby,” Frank said. “It was a chance to catch her in the act. I knew Cliff would stop her.” He tilted his head to his cell. “Excuse me. Wally just put Dexter on the phone from lock-up.”

  Lines appeared on Frank’s brow. “Yes, Dexter. Thought you’d like to know, Tall Sox is not going to meet the shipper … Don’t worry, your clients in Montreal have another horse … Yes, his name is Gladiator … Correct. The horse you sold then bought back from the W
oodalls … So, they took him with them, and they’re happy now … Oh, but you have been paid, Dexter … You have the money from the sale of Tall Sox. It’s all even … No, the charges are another matter.”

  As Frank hung up, Bird asked, “Is that why you rode Glad in the derby today? So Alain Morin would see what a great horse he is, and take him instead of Sox?’

  “Pretty clever, eh?” He smiled his beautiful smile. “It was Pete Pierson’s idea.”

  “Clever for sure. Alain Morin already paid Dexter for Tall Sox. Dexter kept the money, but Sally still owns him. Dexter owned Gladiator. So giving Dexter’s horse to Alain instead of Sally’s horse makes perfect sense!”

  “Pete came up with the solution. My job was to ride him and make Alain see he was getting the better part of the deal.”

  Bird smiled at him with admiration glowing in her eyes. “You sure rode him well. And he is a great deal. Sally and Sox are good for each other, and Glad really is more of a show horse.”

  “Which is what Alain wants.” Frank looked happy. “He loves Glad.” Frank, like Bird, cared a lot about matching horse to rider. “Nobody is disappointed.”

  But something was still bothering Bird. “How did Wanda and Sally know that Sox was at the Piersons’ barn that night? Did Harold Johns tell them?”

  “No. Your grandfather told Ed, and Ed sent Wanda to hide him.”

  “My grandfather? Does he know Ed?”

  “Ed Cage used to work for him when he had horses. They keep in touch for when either of them needs a favour. Kenneth Bradley can’t help himself. He saw a chance to make trouble, and he took it.”

  “And the documents and money supposedly in my bank account?”

  “That, too. He made it up.” Frank patted her shoulder. “I’m sorry, Bird. If I had a granddaughter like you, I’d be so proud I’d burst. But he had to make his point. He’s mad that you helped get him arrested last June, and he’s paying you back by making you look like a crook.”

  Bird believed it, and it made her sad. It wasn’t fair. She held up her head and looked at Frank. “Thank you for being so honest. I’m glad they sent you here.”

  “Me, too. It was great working with you. And really good to get to know you.” He looked at Bird fondly. “I’ll have to be leaving soon.”