Unfinished Business: Kovak & Quaid Horse Mystery Series (Kovak & Quaid Horse Mysteries Book 3)

by Toni Leland

  Quaid looked at the photo of the wound and his stomach turned. Whatever large instrument had been used to puncture that baby’s belly must have been excruciatingly painful.

  He closed the window and opened the online fraud report form. With any luck, United Equine could avoid paying this woman’s claim and, perhaps, get some of their previous claim payments back. But with no way to prove who had actually given the insulin injection, Vivica Wheeler couldn’t even be charged with animal cruelty.

  “This sucks.”

  ~ ~

  Dixie opened the door and smiled at Kim. “Hey, you’re just in time. Pizza’s in the oven.”

  “I came over here to help, not to eat. But okay, I’ll suffer.”

  Kim gazed around the living room, now stacked with boxes on every available inch of floor space. Her chest tightened, but she tried to make light of the situation.

  “Looks like my timing is perfect. You’re finished.”

  “Oh no I’m not. You haven’t seen the bedrooms.”

  Kim followed Dixie down the hall. “How are you getting all this stuff over to Dana’s?”

  “She has a truck. It will take several trips, but that’s okay. She’ll be here after she gets off work this afternoon.”

  “What does Saskia think about all this?”

  Dixie grinned. “Highly trained dog. Nothing fazes him except bad guys.”

  As Kim packed books, she listened to Dixie humming some almost familiar tune. Again, the enormity of the situation rolled over Kim, crushing her determination to avoid becoming emotional. She could barely catch her breath and tears burned her eyes .

  Dixie headed toward the door. “That pizza should be just about ready. C’mon, let’s eat.”

  “Be right there as soon as I close up this box.”

  Placing the last paperback in a box, she closed the flaps and reached for the tape gun on the desk. A framed photograph caught her eye and she leaned closer. A much younger Dixie locked arms with a fresh-faced woman with black hair and pale skin. The picture had been taken near an ocean somewhere, and the wind tossed both women’s hair, but their smiles were beautiful. Kim gazed at what she knew must be a photograph of Dixie’s lost partner. Kim gently picked up the frame and brushed her fingers across the image, then carefully set it back on the desk. At that moment, all Kim’s self pity and anguish over Dixie’s move evaporated.

  Dixie’s voice echoed from the kitchen. “Hey, you coming or not?”

  A minute later, Kim gazed at the pizza heaped with vegetables and olives on white sauce.

  “Wow, where did you find this yummy?”

  “Trader Joe’s in the fresh section. Dana has shown me the error of my ways with pepperoni.”

  Two slices and a Corona later, Kim sat back and sighed. “Fabulous. Can I take a nap now?”

  “Have you given any more thought to my idea of going to the practice range?”

  “I haven’t, but I will. I’ve come to the realization that I’ve just been floating around in my life like the debris from a tsunami. I need to take charge of several things, not the least of which is my finances. You know of any good jobs?”

  “You could always ride a desk at the police department.”

  “Not happenin’.”

  Dixie stood up. “Okay, let’s get back to work. Dana’s off in an hour.”

  Kim looked at her watch. “Oh, jeez, Dix. I’m supposed to meet Garrett at the barn this afternoon.”

  “Fantastic! So, get out of here.” She stepped over and hugged Kim hard. “We don’t get many chances for happiness.”

  Ten minutes later, back in her own apartment, Kim’s phone chimed from the hall table where she’d left it. Text message from Garrett.

  Will be at Running Brook by 4:30. Lots of info to share! – Q

  Kim responded, then set the phone aside. ‘Lots of info’ probably meant Garrett had discovered something to nail Vivica Wheeler in the death of that colt.

  “Good. The bitch deserves to pay for that.”

  Kim walked slowly back to her office, thinking about Garrett’s suspicion of Wheeler’s church work. Frustration had colored his voice when he’d described what he thought was happening and, for sure, he was right about generating problems with the insurance company if he meddled.

  Kim sat down at her computer. But someone needs to blow the whistle on her.

  Chapter 56

  When Kim pulled into a parking spot at the barn, the sun had just settled below the horizon, painting the sky with pink and peach for only a few minutes before darkening to lavender, then purple. She watched the transition, wishing spring would come with longer daylight. Tires crunched on gravel and she turned to watch Garrett’s truck wheel into an empty spot. Her heart fluttered as he unfolded out of the cab and waved.

  His eyes twinkled as he stepped up close. “Think the horses will remember us? I haven’t been here in almost two weeks.”

  “Oh, they’ll remember, all right – whether they’ll forgive us is the question.”

  As they walked toward the entrance to the barn, Kim wanted to ask questions about the fraud case, but something told her to avoid that urge. It would be so easy to just talk about business and peripheral issues, avoid stepping into that unknown and potentially treacherous area of personal relationships. If she were going to pursue more than friendship with Garrett, she’d have to make some special effort.

  She tried to sound nonchalant. “Think Commander will be ready to ride by spring?”

  “No clue. I talked to Brooks a few days ago and he said the horse is making progress, but being an older animal, he’s not crazy about the new direction his life is taking.”

  Kim laughed. “I can sympathize with that.”

  Garrett threw her a curious look. “How so? What are you, forty?”

  A rush of warmth covered Kim’s neck and she couldn’t help but giggle. “Try fifty. And every bone in my body knows it.” She stopped walking and tilted her head. “And you?”

  “Forty-nine.”

  “That’s okay, I like younger men.”

  Oh God. Did I really say that?

  He smiled and nodded slowly. “Good.”

  Just then, James Brooks came out of the office and waved. “Evenin’ folks. Ah, Mr. Quaid, I’m glad you’re here. I have something to show you.”

  As they followed him to Commander’s stall, Kim’s brain tried to sort out Garrett’s response to her stupid remark.

  Brooks turned to Kim. “You might want to stand over there where he won’t see you. I can’t guarantee he’ll behave if you’re nearby.”

  Kim did as she was told, but dismay filled her head. If the horse couldn’t accept her, how on earth would she and Garrett ever have horse-time together? She turned to gaze across the aisle toward Bandit’s stall. He was in it, but all she could see was the top of his rump. Déja vu brought images of that same rump in another stall, and the series of events that had brought the two of them together. Her throat tightened. All her earnest plans to spend lots of time with him had fallen by the wayside with everything else. She hadn’t been here since before Scottsdale. Why was her life so unorganized?

  The clank of iron shoes on concrete brought her back.

  Brooks turned Commander so he was facing away from where Kim stood. “I had him shod yesterday. If you’re going to be using him, his feet need protection.”

  Garrett stepped up to the big black horse and stroked his neck. “Using? As in riding?”

  Brooks nodded. “C’mon out to the arena and I’ll show you what we’ve been doing.”

  Garrett turned, motioning Kim to follow, but she shook her head and pointed toward Bandit’s stall.

  “I’ll be along in a minute.”

  As Brooks and Garrett headed across the barn aisle, heads popped over every stall door. Commander bugled and the chorus answered, including Bandit. Kim walked toward him, reaching into her pocket for the carrot chunks she’d brought along. His ears pricked forward and he chuckled deep in his throat. Kim
stepped inside the stall and closed the door behind her, absorbing the warm hay-scented atmosphere and savoring Bandit’s curious little welcoming noises. In minutes, all Kim’s worries and sorrows and self-recriminations faded away like the winter sun at dusk.

  She kissed his soft nose. “No matter how bad my day is, you are always here for me.”

  Giving him a pat on the neck, she let herself out of the stall and walked to the arena door. She could hear voices on the other side, so she opened it slowly and peeked in. Garrett was in the center of the arena and Brooks was astride Commander. Kim’s heart thumped. The horse was magnificent in motion. His trot was large, his head high, his tail flagged. Brooks continued to talk to the horse as they made their way around the ring. Kim shrank back as they passed, not wanting to upset the volatile animal.

  Brooks brought Commander down to a walk, then turned toward the center of the ring. “Want to try him out?”

  Garrett looked a little unsure, but nodded. Brooks dismounted and attached a lead shank to the horse’s bridle, running the chain over Commander’s nose.

  Smart man, thought Kim. Exercise a little precaution in an unknown situation. She slipped into the building and moved away from the doorway to watch what would happen next.

  Brooks steadied the horse while Garrett mounted. Kim gazed at the scene. He looked so perfect sitting up there, so straight, so confident ...so handsome. She smiled to herself. Garrett Quaid was really starting to get to her.

  Brooks moved forward, holding the lead shank. Commander was the perfect gentleman, assuming an easy walk with his head up and his tail moving gently from side to side. Totally relaxed. Kim had never seen him anything but tense. Brooks walked all the way around the arena, then back into the center.

  “Ready to try him on your own? Just remember to use light hands. He has a soft mouth.”

  Brooks unhooked the lead shank, then Garrett gently urged the horse into a walk and made another leisurely trip around the ring. Kim was delighted. She’d had real concerns that the stubborn old gelding wouldn’t ever allow anyone to ride him. At the far end of the arena, Garrett leaned forward just a bit and Commander picked up a nice trot. Garrett’s face glowed with triumph as he rounded the far end. The steady four-beat thump of the horse’s hooves in the soft footing was the only sound in the arena.

  Kim stepped forward, immersed in what she was seeing. Garrett looked so thrilled. She’d never imagined him to be so animated. Brooks said something from the center of the ring and Garrett’s expression changed, sending a prickle of concern through Kim’s head.

  At the spot where she stood, Commander grunted, then reared. Garrett flew out of the saddle, landing with a hard thud. Kim gasped and started toward him.

  “No! Stay back!” The old man’s shout echoed through the building, but it was too late.

  Commander wheeled on his hind legs and charged Kim, his ears flattened, his eyes bulging with intent. Kim couldn’t move, just gaped at the horse bearing down on her.

  Chapter 57

  Kim’s legs told her to run, but her brain said enough is enough.

  She threw her hands up and shouted, “Whoa! You stop! Whoa!”

  Commander skidded to a halt two feet away, his sides heaving, reins dangling. His ears flicked back and forth and he shifted his weight.

  Seeing his confusion and indecision, Kim lowered her hands to chest height and softened her voice, teasing out the words. “It’s okay, boy. Easy. Easy. Whoa.”

  The horse snorted hard, then took a step back. No one made a sound, but Brooks strode quickly to the horse’s side and grasped the bridle.

  “You okay, Mr. Quaid?”

  “Yeah.” He dusted himself off.

  Brooks turned to Kim. “That was impressive, Missy, but you’re lucky he didn’t run you down.”

  Kim walked slowly toward the big black horse. “Someone has mistreated this guy at some point and it will just take time to gain his trust again.”

  She held out her hand to Commander and he sniffed her fingers. But he didn’t back away again and the wild look disappeared from his eyes.

  Brooks shook his head. “Just be aware that you might never be able to completely trust him. He’s no kid, and whatever grudges he’s harboring could surface at any time.” A crooked smile. “But at least it’s a start.”

  Back in the barn a few minutes later, Garrett brushed Commander and grinned. “That was the best ride I’ve ever had.”

  “Including the tumble?”

  “Even that. Commander has the most amazing trot. You can’t imagine – it’s almost like each leg hesitates before completing the stride. I can’t wait to ride him again.”

  “Probably ought to do it when I’m not around.”

  “For now, but I think the problem will sort itself out. He’ll realize you’re not going to hurt him.”

  Kim called out to Bandit across the aisle. “You’d better get ready for some serious exercise, come spring, buddy.”

  Bandit snorted and withdrew into his stall.

  Kim chuckled, then stepped back from the stall door. “I’m starving.”

  Garrett looked at his watch. “Holy cow, it’s almost seven. Time flies when you’re having fun.”

  As they walked toward the barn door, Brooks stepped out of the tack room and reached for the light switches. “G’nite folks.”

  The crisp night air was still and quiet, and the parking lot was empty. The black sky glittered with stars and a sliver of moon hung just above the trees. Kim walked alongside Garrett toward her car, loving the comfortable feeling his presence generated. What would it be like to have someone like him around on a regular basis? She’d had that thought before, but somehow it now seemed more realistic. She glanced up at him, and discovered he was looking at her.

  “What?”

  A peculiar expression crossed his face, but he didn’t speak.

  For a long moment, neither of them moved. Then he stepped close and took her face in his hands. She gazed into his eyes, simmering with intent, but also something else she couldn't quite interpret. In slow motion, his face moved nearer and she closed her eyes, lifting her lips to his. The kiss was softer, sweeter, sexier, more powerful than any imagination could conjure. She kissed him back, feeling as though she'd known him forever. He slipped his arms around her body and pulled her against him, his tongue teasing around the edges of her lips. She opened her mouth and welcomed the deep kiss.

  He leaned her gently back against the car and she opened her eyes. The freezing metal quickly penetrated her clothes and she shivered.

  Garrett nuzzled her ear, his voice thick with need. “I’ve been wanting to do that since Chicago.”

  She touched his cheek, then moved her fingers up to his hair – something she’d wanted to do for a long time. “Timing was never right.”

  He pressed against her, sending another volley of shivers over her skin, but not from the cold. Her heart thumped and her mouth went dry. How long had it been since a man had held her this way? The look in Garrett’s eyes sent a curl through her belly.

  Suddenly, the parking lot lit up like a football stadium and they both jumped. The painfully bright security lights along the barn and outbuildings were more effective than a cold shower.

  Brooks stepped out of the barn, then stopped. “Oh, sorry folks. I thought you’d gone.”

  Garrett waved. “We’re on our way.” He turned to Kim, lifting an eyebrow suggestively, the question in his eyes.

  The freezing temperature, the bright lights, and the embarrassing interruption had squelched the magic of the moment.

  She shook her head and smiled sadly. “Timing.”

  Garrett looked momentarily surprised, then he nodded. “So, let’s go eat.”

  Chapter 58

  The expression on Kim’s face sent Quaid’s brain kicking his butt all the way to the truck. He’d seen the embarrassment and regret in her eyes. He should have just helped her into the car, chosen a place to eat, and maintained the atmosphere of
intimacy. But no – he let his dick take charge. Turning the key in the ignition, he watched Kim’s car in the rearview mirror as the taillights came on. He pulled onto the highway, checking the mirror again to make sure she was really following him, then let himself replay that kiss. A warm coil of lust tightened his belly.

  “Man,” he muttered. “A woman like that could really be my undoing.”

  Several miles down the road, he spotted a tired-looking building with a lighted sign out front that said “My Buddy’s Place.” A couple of pickup trucks and a van were parked in the lot. Might not be the classiest place around, but it would probably be quiet enough to talk. He glanced in the rearview mirror again. And he really needed to talk.

  Flipping on his turn signal, he wheeled into the lot and found a spot near the door. Kim parked right next to him and climbed out of her car, looking up at the sign. As he came around to stand beside her, she chuckled.

  “I’ve always wondered what this place is like.”

  Any lingering anxiety about her frame of mind disappeared.

  He took hold of her elbow. “You’re about to find out.”

  The inside of the place was as bad or worse than the outside. Dingy old gray tile covered the floor and a couple of flickering fluorescent lights reflected on the yellow Formica-topped tables. Chairs that had seen better days were patched with various colors of duct tape, but a pool table at one end of the room seemed to be the establishment’s most valuable asset. A couple of bearded men maneuvered around the table, beer bottles perched precariously on the edge. A jukebox in the corner blared a whiny country western ballad. Maybe George Jones.

  Quaid pursed his lips. “Maybe this wasn’t such a good choice.”

  “Nah, it’ll be fine. I’m hungry and I see a menu over the bar.”

  She headed toward the end of the bar and hoisted a hip onto one of the stools. Quaid shook his head. Somehow, this didn’t seem like the right atmosphere to pick up where he’d left off.

  The bartender came over and nodded. “What can I get ya?”