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

by Toni Leland

  Ricky cast a suspicious glance up at his uncle, then looked at Kim again. “But Mom says –”

  Jenna grabbed his shoulders and steered him away from the door, shaking her head in embarrassment. “Go put your jacket on so you can show off your bike.” She gave him a gentle shove, then turned back to Kim. “I’m so sorry. He’s at an age where I never know what’s going to come out of his mouth.” She extended her hand. “I’m Jenna. So happy to finally meet you.”

  At that point, Kim wished she could magically disappear, but there was no escape.

  She smiled and shook her head. “Thanks so much for having me.”

  As they followed Jenna into the living room, Kim took a closer look at her. Mid-forties, slim, delicate facial features. Her strawberry blonde hair was pulled back in a ponytail and she wore a soft turquoise tunic sweater over black leggings. A thin gold band adorned her left ring finger. Kim’s throat tightened. Garrett’s brother had died quite a long time ago, but this woman had never stopped being his mate.

  Settling into a well-worn recliner, Jenna picked a flyer off the coffee table. “The air museum is having an open house this afternoon especially for military, but we can bring guests. I thought you two might like to do that.”

  Garrett took the flyer and passed it to Kim. “Sounds like fun. I’m sure Rick will want to go.”

  Jenna rolled her eyes. “You have no idea. He’s so gung-ho to grow up and join the Air Force, fly fighter jets, be a hotshot. I can only hope he grows out of it.”

  Kim glanced at Garrett, saw his jaw tighten. If she knew nothing else about this man, she did recognize his patriotism. Serving his country had been the biggest part of his life. He’d lost a beloved brother to the wars they fought. For this man, the ultimate fulfillment would be to have another family member follow in their footsteps.

  Turning her focus to Jenna, she saw a woman who’d lost a husband in service to his country. Kim thought she could understand Jenna’s feelings.

  Ricky appeared. “Uncle Garrett? You coming?”

  He rose and grinned. “I’ll leave you two to talk about girl stuff. I’m going where the real action is.”

  Jenna laughed, but Kim wasn’t amused. Girl stuff? Like what? Tampons?

  Jenna waved him off. “Ignore him. He likes to pretend he’s tough stuff. He’s a really good cook – did you know that?”

  Garrett’s voice echoed around the corner. “Jenna, don’t go telling her all my secrets. Leave some for me to reveal.”

  Kim relaxed, realizing that the light banter was familiar and in good humor – something with which she’d never had any experience as an only child in a small, fractured family.

  “Garrett tells me you’re a retired police officer. How long were you with the force?”

  “Ten years with the mounted unit.” Kim smiled proudly. “The best years of my life.”

  “That’s pretty exciting. Did you ever shoot anyone?”

  Kim rolled her eyes. Why did everyone want to know that? Every police officer got the same question, over and over.

  “Only once. In the leg. Didn’t kill him.”

  Jenna shook her head. “I can’t imagine having such a dangerous job. Were you ever afraid?”

  Kim gazed at her. “Every minute of every day. It goes with the territory. If you’re not scared, you’re not paying attention. If you’re not paying attention, you’re dead.”

  “Is that why you never married?”

  Jeez, lady, why don’t you just climb right into my head?

  Resisting the urge to lash out, Kim leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. “Many things go into the decision to become a permanent couple, not the least of which is mutual understanding of each person’s needs and desires.” She smiled, genuinely. “You were one of the lucky ones, found your soul mate and made that commitment.”

  Jenna’s eyes widened, then glistened momentarily. “Yes, I did. Please forgive me for being so insensitive.”

  Kim relaxed back on the couch. “You’re fine.” She grinned. “I’m not offended, just jealous.”

  “Are you and Garrett ...I mean, he seems to like you a lot.”

  “The feeling is mutual.”

  At that moment, Garrett returned, peeling off his jacket. “It’s gorgeous outside. Great day for a hike.”

  Jenna laughed. “You are more than welcome to run Ricky’s legs off and get rid of some of that energy.” She stood up. “I’m going to put some lunch together, and then we can go to the base. You guys just relax.”

  She disappeared into the kitchen and Garrett sat down beside Kim. “You two girls have a nice visit?”

  “Yes. We talked about rocket science.”

  He ducked his head with an embarrassed grin.

  Kim turned sideways and gazed at him. “What, exactly, have you told her about me?”

  A flush crept over his cheeks. “Actually – nothing. Only that you’re retired law enforcement and that you’ve helped me on some cases. Why?”

  Kim grinned. “Just want to make sure I keep my stories straight for the future.”

  ~ ~

  That night, after Ricky had gone to bed and Jenna had made some excuse to leave the two of them alone, Kim and Garrett carried their wine to the back deck. The day had been unseasonably warm for March and the nighttime air was still quite comfortable. Kim inhaled deeply, savoring the freshness of it.

  Garrett set his glass on the deck rail and leaned on one elbow, facing her. “So? What do you think about my little family?”

  “I can see why you love to come down here. Ricky is a neat kid, although his energy level leaves me breathless.” She chuckled. “No wonder Jenna stays so slim.”

  “Yeah, he’s a pistol all right. Nearly killed me on our trip to D.C. Made me realize I’m not getting any younger.”

  In the dim light coming through the deck doors, Kim could see his expression. Did he look pensive at the thought of growing older? She took a sip of wine. Sometimes she thought about the future, realized that whatever was left of her life needed to be lived to the fullest. The past few days had strengthened her desire to take the chance that Dixie encouraged, and perhaps this day was a turning point.

  She glanced up at Garrett again and her heart stumbled. His eyes held a warm, steady look, one with a meaning she could not mistake. She set her glass on the rail next to his, then stepped closer, never letting her gaze stray from his face. He reached out and twined his fingers through her hair, a caress so soft it made her breath catch. He gazed deep into her eyes as he moved closer. Her heart thundered against her ribs and she lifted her face, so ready.

  “Uncle Garrett? Did you –”

  Kim stepped back quickly, turning in time to see the dark animosity in the boy’s eyes.

  Garrett moved toward the door. “You’re supposed to be in bed.”

  “Yeah, and she’s supposed to be your consultant.” He fairly spat out the words, then went back into the house.

  Garrett didn’t follow, but stood quietly, shaking his head.

  Kim stepped up beside him. “What was that all about?”

  His shoulders sagged. “I didn’t think it would be a problem, but apparently it is. At least for now.” He smiled apologetically. “Last summer, Rick got it into his head that I should marry his mother. I thought it was just idle talk at the time. Guess I’d better talk to Jenna before we leave.”

  Kim turned and gazed out over the back yard. Would this change anything between them? Family ties were so important to him. The prospect of being unwelcome in the nephew’s opinion was a sad thing, indeed.

  Garrett’s warm hand settled at the small of her back and he whispered close to her ear. “Don’t worry about it. He’s just a kid. He’ll be fine.”

  Chapter 66

  After a somewhat awkward morning with Ricky, Quaid found a few moments to get Jenna aside. Her face blanched as he told her about Ricky’s outburst on the deck.

  “Oh, Garrett, I’m so sorry. He’s been quite intrigued to meet
Kim, especially after I told him she was an ex-cop. You know, carries a gun, deals with bad guys.” She exhaled sharply. “I had no idea ...”

  “I never told you about a conversation we had on our trip to D.C. I thought it was just a kid talking, but apparently not.”

  Jenna cocked her head, her eyes wary.

  Quaid sighed. “He thought you and I might get married. I tried to explain, but he didn’t see it. And like I said, I thought it was a passing idea, not something he was counting on to happen.”

  Jenna laid a hand on his arm. “I’ll talk to him. I had no idea – he’s certainly never shared that thought with me, but he’s changing a lot as he gets older.” She smiled sheepishly. “I’m sure he got the idea because you look so much like his dad.”

  “Could be, but just be aware that he’s going to be a major decision maker or breaker, if and when you meet someone you want to date.”

  She turned away. “I can’t see that ever happening. Ben and I were ...well, Kim put it perfectly. Ben and I were soul mates. You only get one of those in a lifetime.”

  Quaid’s chest tightened. This lovely, intelligent woman had closed her mind to ever having love again. What a shame.

  As Quaid drove back to Columbus after lunch, he noticed that Kim was unusually quiet. Had the scene with his nephew made her think twice about a relationship with him? For sure, he couldn’t let much time pass before confronting the situation again.

  “You want to go to the barn when we get back? It’s a gorgeous day. We could probably ride outside a bit.”

  “That would be fabulous. I haven’t heard back from Shareen, but I suspect that she won’t be heading back to Arizona before tomorrow at the earliest. It’s a long drive and she will need to identify the horses and take care of all the paperwork. I’m not even sure where she’s meeting up with the authorities.”

  “When you find out, let me know. Maybe I could go with you, if that’s all right. I’d like to meet this friend of yours.”

  Another smile that set his pulse afire and put his mind at ease.

  ~ ~

  After the initial shock of Ricky’s angry disappointment, Kim had gradually accepted the fact that he was, as Garrett said, just a kid with outlandish ideas. Though his acceptance of her was important to both her and Garrett, it wasn’t a show stopper. But the kid’s timing sure stank.

  She glanced at Garrett’s profile as he drove. Sooner rather than later, Kim would recreate that parking lot kiss and see where it led.

  He cleared his throat. “Listen, I know things have changed a lot on the job scene, but I’ve been thinking about your suggestion that I go back to being an independent investigator. I kind of ignored that part of the business, but it doesn’t take much to drum up clients. And I suspect you’re right about other insurance companies. I could put the word out that I’m available.” He looked over at her. “What do you think?”

  “Good call. Anything I can do to help generate leads?”

  He grinned. “That’s the other thing. I’d still like you to work with me. I even cleaned up my home office and there’s room for a second desk. If you want to, that is.”

  Kim tried to sound serious. “Hmmm. What’s the compensation? Any benefits?”

  He looked a little startled. “Commission on any consultations, based on the final fees to the client. Uh, benefits ...” He brightened. “Free lunch?”

  Kim burst into laughter. “Okay, you’ve got a deal. When do I start?”

  “Whenever you’re ready.” He flipped on the turn signal and turned into the lane leading to Running Brook. “Uh oh, what’s going on?”

  Kim stared out the windshield at the large ambulance parked at the front entrance to the barn. The lights were flashing and the back doors stood open.

  Chapter 67

  By the time Garrett parked the truck and they got out, the emergency crew was pushing a gurney out of the barn, but were too far away for Kim to see who was on it. A minute later, the ambulance wheeled out of the parking lot, sirens screaming. Kim hurried alongside Garrett, her heart in her throat. Who had been hurt?

  James Brooks met them at the door, his face contorted into a scowl.

  Garrett spoke first. “What happened? Who was that?”

  The old man’s voice cracked with anger and he pointed a shaky finger at Garrett. “Your horse kicked the hell out of one of my staff. She’s got a head injury and prob’ly a broken arm.”

  Garrett scowled right back. “I thought the staff knew better than to mess with him.”

  “New girl, just started this morning.” His shoulders sagged. “I’ve been holding my breath about that bastard for years. I knew something bad would happen. Shoulda let that auction guy take him when I had the chance.”

  Kim’s heart plummeted as she recalled overhearing that conversation so many months ago. And yet, Brooks had gone out of his way to work with Commander to make him a manageable horse. Was the man just overreacting?

  Garrett’s voice had a steely edge. “It’s certainly unfortunate, but I’m sure your liability insurance will cover her medical expenses.”

  Brook’s rheumy blue eyes glinted. “I want that horse out of here by the end of the month.”

  He turned on a heel and strode across the parking lot toward the barn office, then stopped and turned. “And you’d better plan on coming to feed him and clean the stall, cuz we’re done with him.”

  Garrett didn’t say a word, just turned and stormed into the barn. Kim followed, her head spinning with the ramifications of the situation.

  Garrett slid the latch on Commander’s stall door and stepped inside.

  “Son of a bitch.”

  Kim watched through the bars.

  The horse was tied to a large ring, the rope pulled up close so that his muzzle was barely two inches from the wall. Maybe that had been done so the emergency techs could get the girl out of the stall. If she was in the stall when it happened. We don’t even know.

  Commander was agitated, his ears swiveling back and forth, his feet dancing through the stirred-up bedding. Garrett quickly untied the knot, talking softly. Then he swore under his breath.

  “What’s the matter?” said Kim.

  He turned the horse to face the stall door, then pointed to his nose. Kim’s throat tightened as she gazed at a large red gash that ran from his forehead to the tip of his left nostril.

  “Do you think he did that while he struggled against that short tie?”

  “No, I think it’s from a riding crop.”

  Kim gasped. Did someone in this barn have a cruel streak? She spun around to look toward Bandit’s stall, but it was empty. All the stalls were empty on a day like today, everyone out in the sun nibbling through stubs of last year’s dead grass.

  “Kim, you might want to step back. I’m gonna put him in a different stall so I can clean this one. And would you call the vet?”

  Kim nodded, then strode angrily down the aisle toward the door. Brooks had some tall explaining to do. Hurrying across the gravel parking lot, she glanced around at the vehicles. She didn’t know which belonged to staff or which to boarders, but surely someone had seen the incident. It was possible that the new employee had either ignored the warnings about the black gelding in the corner stall, or figured she was good enough to handle him. The accident was neither Commander’s nor Garrett’s fault. The blame lay squarely on the owner of the barn, and he’d better have some answers.

  Kim burst into the small office, startling the grey-haired woman standing at the file cabinet.

  “I need the veterinarian’s number and I need to talk to Mr. Brooks.”

  The woman’s hand fluttered to her throat. “He’s on the phone.”

  Kim crossed her arms. “I’ll wait.”

  The woman held out a card. “Here’s the clinic number. There are several vets there. Any of them will come. Is anything wrong?”

  Kim gave her a sharp glance and took the card. She tapped the number into her phone with trembling fingers. A minute
later, one of the veterinarians assured her he’d be there within the hour. As she disconnected, James Brooks appeared from a back room. His shoulders were stooped, his aged face deeply lined with worry. He spoke to the woman, then saw Kim.

  His scowl returned, but she wasn’t having any of it.

  “Mr. Brooks, Commander is badly injured. I’ve called the vet, but right now, I want some answers. Every detail. What exactly happened?”

  He bristled, then lost some of his bravado. “I don’t really know, ’cept what the staff told me.”

  “I need the names of those people.”

  He snorted. “Who do you think you are? The police?”

  Kim stepped forward, narrowing her eyes. “Retired Columbus PD. But I still have connections, and you’re in no position to be throwing your weight around. This whole thing is your mess. You hold the responsibility for anyone who comes onto your property, for anyone who works for you – either paid or volunteer – and you are paid board fees to care for and protect every animal in your keeping.” Kim’s pulse had slowed and she stepped back, allowing some neutral ground between them. “I’m sorry about the injured girl, but I’m more concerned about finding the person who abused Commander.”

  The old man’s face blanched. “I didn’t know he was hurt. And I can’t think who would do such a thing, but I’ll give you the staff list. Maybe you can sort it out.”

  Chapter 68

  Several hours later, they drove through the dark toward home. Kim was exhausted from the long ordeal, and she could tell from Garrett’s silence that he was too. Not to mention emotionally drained by the events of the afternoon.

  She reached over and touched his shoulder. “It’s going to be okay. Pain in the butt, but okay.”

  “I know.”

  Nothing else was forthcoming, so she sat back and gazed out the passenger window to think about how she might help find a new place for Commander. Garrett might be able to afford a little more per month, so maybe it wouldn’t be that difficult. She sighed softly. She, on the other hand, was still on the losing edge of the economy. Bandit would have to stay at Running Brook. The image of the veterinarian stitching up Commander’s torn nostril sent a shudder over Kim’s shoulders and she felt a little sick to her stomach. Could the same thing happen to her own beloved horse?