Night of the Dark Horse (An Allegra Fairweather Mystery)

by Janni Nell

  “Okay, okay, I get it, Liam needed a friend and you were doing the good angel thing and hanging out with him.”

  “Yeah. Messing about in the woods reminded me of my youth, before I became a warrior. When the storm blew up, the pooka appeared. Liam was terrified. I had no choice but to ride.”

  “Where’s Liam now?”

  “At Siobhan’s. They’re sketching each other.”

  I sat in the chair by his bed and brushed a lock of hair from his bruised forehead. “How badly are you hurt? Don’t tell me what Dr. Gallagher says—I’ll bet you’ve even convinced him your heart’s beating—tell me how you really are.”

  “Dr. Gallagher’s diagnosis is correct. All I need is a good night’s sleep.” His answer was little more than a whisper.

  “You are so lying.”

  “Angels don’t lie.”

  Even so, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to get a second opinion.

  Dr. Gallagher wasn’t happy about Casper leaving, but there wasn’t much he could do short of giving Casper a sedative. He gave up that idea when I told him I was taking Casper to a specialist. I didn’t mention that the specialist was Dexterous Dermot.

  I bundled Casper into the car. Soon I’d driven into the hills and was helping Casper hike to the day spa. We made it to the rock shaped like a four-leaf clover and I hunted around for the invisible door. When I bumped into it, I knocked loudly. Nothing happened.

  Casper sagged onto the clover shaped rock. “This isn’t going to work. We don’t have an appointment. They won’t open up. You know what elves are like.”

  “I’m not giving up,” I said, hammering on the door and yelling for Dermot to come out. I hammered so hard my hands ached. Even when they started to bruise, I refused to give up. Persistence eventually triumphed and the door cracked open.

  The receptionist was wearing a full yellow skirt with a green top that made her look like an upside down daisy.

  She said primly, “You don’t have an appointment, Ms. Fairweather.”

  “I have to see Dermot. It’s a matter of life and death”

  “I’m sorry, but—”

  I barged across the waiting room and flung open the door to Dermot’s treatment room. He was sitting in a comfortable chair. I knew it was comfortable because I’d sat in it myself. In his hands was a delicate porcelain cup and saucer. The scent of tea filled the room.

  “Settle down, sweetcheeks,” he said through a mouthful of cookie. “What’s the problem?”

  “It’s my—um—partner. He was thrown by the pooka. You have to take a look at him.”

  “Well...” he sipped his tea, “...I suppose I can fit him in, but only because he’s your partner. I wouldn’t do this for just anyone. You can bring him in after I’ve finished my tea. No, not a moment sooner. You can wait in the waiting room. Close my door on your way out.”

  “Sure.” I banged it shut. The whole place shuddered. Dermot took his revenge by making teatime last for what seemed like hours.

  When he finally reappeared, he insisted on seeing Casper alone. I paced up and down in the waiting area. The receptionist ignored me. After what seemed like an unusually long time for one of Dermot’s treatments, the elf reappeared.

  Drawing me out of range of the receptionist’s hearing, he said, “You didn’t tell me your friend was an angel.”

  “Because he’s not.”

  “Don’t insult my intelligence, Allegra. I felt the wing nubs on his back.”

  “You mustn’t tell anyone, Dermot.”

  “I never gossip about my patients. We take an oath, you know.”

  “For massage?”

  “We do a lot more than massage.”

  Cutting to the chase, I asked, “Can you heal him?”

  “We’re not talking about a few bumps and bruises here. Your friend is infected with something I haven’t encountered before. Some kind of evil.” He put his hand on my shoulder. “Perhaps you’d like to sit down.”

  “Just spit it out.”

  “I have done the best I can. You won’t get better treatment for him in this world. But you should prepare yourself. He won’t be with you for much longer.”

  “There must be something you can do.”

  “I’m good, but I’m not that good,” he said, with a flash of his usual charm. Then he sobered. “I’m so sorry.”

  Tears pricked my eyes. I turned away, hoping he wouldn’t notice.

  He groaned. “I hate to see a tough PI cry.”

  “Then don’t look at me,” I snapped.

  “Sweetcheeks, sweetcheeks, I pains me to see you so miserable.” He chewed on his full red lips before seeming to reach a decision. “Oh, alright! But do not get your hopes too high. This is a long shot—and you absolutely did not hear it from me.”

  Despite his warning, my heart fluttered with hope. “Swear I’ll never tell.”

  “Good girl.” He lowered his voice even further. “There is a place called the River of Dreams.”

  That old tale? Bathing in the river cures all ills, makes your dreams come true. Blah, blah, blah. Out loud, I said, “It’s just a legend.”

  “That’s what the Fae want you to think.”

  I leaned forward. “The legend is true?”

  “Well, it worked for my great aunt’s second cousin’s son-in-law’s mother’s friend.”

  “Have you actually met this person?” I asked, as my hopes crumbled. “Have you seen the results?”

  “Not exactly. I did warn you this was a long shot.”

  I sighed. “But I’ve got no other options, right?”

  “You said it, sweetcheeks.”

  I was tempted to walk away, but, if there was a chance to save Casper, no matter how slim, I had to pursue it. “Where is the River of Dreams? I’ll bet it’s not marked on any map.”

  “Very astute. You’ll go far.”

  “As far as the river will be just fine,” I said wearily. “Where is it?”

  “West. A long journey.”

  “No problem. I’ve got a car.”

  He shook his head. “The only way to reach the river is to travel across the Land of the Fae.”

  My heart sank even further. “The border of Fairyland is sealed.”

  His eyes sparkled. “That’s what they want you to think.”

  Chapter Ten

  “Will you come with me to Fairyland?” I asked Casper as I drove back to Ronan’s.

  “I don’t think so.” His voice was laced with exhaustion. “I’ll only slow you down. You’ll learn more about Sharina and the reason for her banishment on your own.”

  That wasn’t the reason I wanted him with me. “Dermot says bathing in the River of Dreams is the only chance for you to be healed.” Yeah, I know I promised Dermot I’d keep the information to myself, but Casper had to know. Besides, he wouldn’t tell anyone.

  “Did Dermot tell you what happens to angels who enter Fairyland?”

  “They get healed in the River of Dreams?”

  “I see.”

  “What does that mean?” Anxiety clawed my stomach. “What will happen to you?”

  “Nothing much. Just a little temporary weakness.”

  “Temporary is good.” Although weakness wasn’t. It would make our journey much more difficult. “I’ll understand if you decide not to come. Dermot did say the River of Dreams was a long shot.”

  “The alternative is that I’ll leave you forever.”

  I really wished he hadn’t said that, but I toughed it out. “Look on the bright side. You’d get to go to Heaven, which is what you’ve always wanted.”

  “What do you want, Allegra?”

  You! screamed my mind, but my lips were silent. I couldn’t make this choice for Casper. That wasn’t fair. “You have to decide for yourself.”

  He lapsed into a pensive silence. Two thousand years is a long time to pursue a goal. I wouldn’t blame him if he chose Heaven instead of me. He was ominously quiet all the way back to Ronan’s.

  When
I parked in the driveway, the lights inside were blazing. Music drifted on the still air. Not traditional Irish music, which I half expected, but an indie band I didn’t recognize. Silhouettes moved behind the drapes. Did Ronan have company? Excellent. He needed to socialize. Especially as I wouldn’t be around for a while. As soon as I’d packed some supplies I’d be off to Fairyland.

  As I got out of the car and started up the path, I called to Casper, “You coming?”

  When he didn’t move, I called, “Need help getting out of the car?”

  “No, I’ll wait here and conserve my strength. I’ll need it for the journey across Fairyland.”

  I whirled around. “You’re coming with me? To bathe in the river?”

  His eyes met mine with a promise that was so much more than his simple reply. “Yes.”

  Hoping that the river would fulfill our dreams, I left him in the car and headed for the front door. It was opened by the pretty girl who had featured in so many of Ronan’s photos. I hoped she was here for more than a casual visit.

  “You must be Allegra. I’m Nessa.” She extended her hand, which I barely touched. I didn’t have time for a meet and greet.

  “Where’s Ronan?”

  “In there with the others. Come on, I’ll introduce you to Connor and Tomas.”

  I pushed past her and into the living room. Ronan sat in his favorite chair his leg resting on an ottoman. He had a faraway look in his eyes as though he was reliving some past theatrical glory. He rubbed his leg. The two other guys—Connor and Tomas—were sprawled on the sofa beers in hand. They were as young and fit as Nessa. It was no surprise that all three had worked with Ronan in Irish Dance! There was a touch of schadenfreude about this visit. Not that I blamed them for feeling lucky they hadn’t suffered an injury like Ronan’s.

  “We had some time off before the next tour,” said Nessa. “We thought we’d come down here and surprise Ronan.” She probably meant well, but Ronan wasn’t in the right headspace to spend time with dancers. Just like I wasn’t in the right headspace to spend time with anyone standing in my way of getting to Fairyland.

  “Ronan, you got a backpack I can borrow?”

  “Sure, it’s in the cupboard in the hall. Bottom shelf.”

  “Thanks.” I headed off to get it, taking a detour by the kitchen to check on the availability of bottled water and energy bars. Survival in Fairyland meant bringing in my own supplies. Fae food and drink were poisonous to humans.

  I was loading the backpack when I heard Ronan say, “We need more whiskey.” I’d heard that tone before and I didn’t like where it was heading. I hurried back to the living room. The first thing I saw was Nessa leaning her head on Connor’s shoulder. I really couldn’t let her get away with that. Not in front of Ronan.

  “Um—Nessa, I could use some help in the kitchen.”

  She stood up immediately, smiling. “I’m at your disposal.” When we reached the kitchen, she asked, “How can I help?”

  I handed her the backpack. “Hold this open for me.”

  She looked at me curiously like, You couldn’t do this yourself, but all she said was, “I bought this for Ronan. At a market in the south of France. Our relationship was new and...” She smiled her eyes full of memories. “Happy times. There’s nothing like the beginning of a relationship is there? Ronan was my first love.”

  “But not your last.” I couldn’t keep the snark out of my tone.

  She didn’t take offense. “Sure, how many times have you been in love?”

  I was tempted to say, So many I’ve lost count, but something made me answer honestly, “Once.”

  “You’re a late starter,” she said, but there was no malice in her tone. “I guess we’re all different. Don’t worry, you’ll fall in love more than once.”

  Gee, I really hoped so, because my current love interest was forbidden by the Powers-That-Be. While we talked, I’d been filling the backpack with bottled water and whatever long-life items I could find in Ronan’s pantry. Mostly nuts, cookies and a packet of out-of-date energy bars. This was not the time to be choosy.

  “You don’t mind me borrowing this,” I said as I zipped the backpack.

  She seemed surprised by the question. “Why should I?”

  “Oh, I don’t know, sentimental value?”

  “To be honest, the sentimental value is minimal. Ronan and I were very much in love, but we grew apart. It happens.”

  “Did you break up because of his injury?”

  “Does Ronan blame the injury? I hope not. He should know I’m not that shallow. I’d have stuck by him if I still loved him. Sure, if Connor was injured, I’d give up my career—stay home and nurse him in a heartbeat.”

  “Okay, I get that. Good for you. But here’s the thing. Ronan’s not in a great place at the moment and, well, he might know you and Connor have hooked up, but he doesn’t need to see it.”

  “Ronan doesn’t mind. We were finished ages ago. No bad feelings. On either side.”

  “You sure about that?”

  Nessa arched an eyebrow. “I’ve known Ronan for three years. We were together for more than two of them. How long have you known him?”

  “I’m just saying, he’s really vulnerable right now—be gentle.”

  “Ronan’s problem is that he can’t dance, but there’s nothing I can do about that. Believe me, I wish there were. But here’s the thing. Dance isn’t a lifelong profession. Every dancer knows they’ll have to give up sometime. It’s just happened sooner for Ronan.”

  “Sure, dancing’s a big part of it.” Maybe the biggest part. “But...” I knew I was breaking a confidence, but it was the only way to get through to her. “He’s still in love with you. He was hoping to get back together.”

  “Bollocks. Did he tell you that?”

  “Not in so many words, but it’s so obvious.”

  “I repeat, bollocks. He’s been with plenty of other women since we broke up.”

  “But no one serious, right? Look, I’m not asking you to get back with him out of pity or anything. Just cut him some slack. There’s no need to rub your new relationship in his face.”

  I left Nessa in the kitchen pouring snacks into a bowl. I’d done what I could to protect Ronan. Now I had to do what he’d hired me to do and get rid of the pooka. In my bedroom I put on a jacket, zipped my two remaining wish-pebbles into the pocket and shouldered the backpack. I was heading through the living room eager to join Casper in the car, when I heard Tomas say, “What will you do now, Ronan? Teach dance?”

  Ronan shook his head, lips tightly compressed. “I don’t know what I’m going to do. The insurance will cover me until I can walk properly again. I’ll reassess after that.”

  “You won’t need the walking stick forever will you, darlin’?” asked Nessa, who had returned to the living room and was still sitting way too close to Connor.

  Ronan forced a smile. “The doctors say I might even walk without a limp if I work hard at the physical therapy.”

  “Well, that’s grand,” said Nessa, shooting me a glance that said, See it’s not so bad.

  “A toast,” said Tomas, “to the village of Dingaleen and all who sail in her.”

  Nessa giggled and glanced at Connor, “To love.”

  “To physical therapists,” murmured Ronan.

  “To the future,” said Connor.

  “To you,” said Nessa raising her glass to Connor. “Should we announce it?”

  “Why not?” he said. “We’re among friends.”

  Nessa had conveniently forgotten our discussion in the kitchen. “Connor and I are engaged.”

  Even Tomas seemed surprised. “You guys,” he said. “How long have you been keeping this quiet?” He raised his glass. “To Connor and Nessa.”

  Talk about kicking Ronan when he was down. I really wished I didn’t have to leave right away.

  Ronan said, “Congratulations.”

  I wanted to say, You don’t have to do this. Tell them to fuck off and good riddanc
e.

  Ronan said, “I’m sure I have champagne in the fridge. Can someone check?”

  “I will,” I said putting down my backpack. Lucky no one noticed the steam coming from my ears. I didn’t bother looking for the champagne, I had a better idea. Returning to the living room, I said, “Ronan, I need your help.”

  He gestured at his knee. “I can’t. Ask one of the others.” Tomas was already on his feet. I told him to sit down.

  “Come on, Ronan,” I said. “Lean on me.” As I put my arm under his shoulder, I whispered in his ear, “Don’t make this any harder for me. I’m about to give up something really precious.” He didn’t argue again.

  When we got to his bedroom, he said, “What’s going on?”

  “Don’t question me. I’m already having second thoughts.” But I knew what I had to do. Ronan might lose the girl. I couldn’t change that, but I sure as hell could change something else. I unzipped my pocket and took out a wish-pebble.

  “What’s that?” he asked.

  I couldn’t answer. If I used this pebble on Ronan, I’d only have one left. One chance to kiss Casper...supposing I got through Fairyland without having to use another wish. Holding a pebble in my hand, I took a deep breath, and said, “I wish Ronan’s body to be strong and healthy again so he’ll have a long and successful dance career.”

  Ronan thought I was mocking him. “Don’t...”

  “This is for real,” I said.

  I waited for something to happen. Last time I’d used a wish the result had been pretty dramatic, but then changing into a fly was a bit different to what was happening to Ronan. At least I hoped it was happening.

  “Do you feel any different?” I asked.

  “How should I feel?”

  Looked like we were going to have to test this the hard way. I knelt and began to remove his brace.

  “That’s not a good idea,” he said.

  “Sure it is. You still have your cane. If you fall I’ll catch you.” But before he could take a step, the door opened and Nessa walked in.

  “Oh shite,” she said.

  Why was she blushing? Oh right, I was kneeling in front of Ronan with my face level with his crotch.

  Nessa babbled, “I didn’t realize you were. I just wanted to...never mind...” She hurried out and closed the door.