Bird stepped into the kitchen.
“Morning, Bird,” Mack said. He looked at her with sparkling eyes. “Well, you’re the little hero, aren’t you? You brought back the man the whole county was searching for.”
Bird decided to plunge right in. “I brought him back, but he escaped in the night.”
Mack’s eyebrows shot up and his smile vanished. He looked at Paul, then Hannah, then back to Bird. “Tell me you’re joking.”
“No,” said Bird calmly. “He jumped out the bedroom window. His footprints are there for you to see.”
Mack marched outside and examined the site. He returned with a furrowed brow. “No doubt about it; he jumped out.”
Paul spoke up. “I’m sorry, Mack. You wanted to interview him last night.”
Mack shook his head. “I have to take the blame, Paul. I thought he’d be a better witness after a rest. I should get back to the station. Hannah, cancel that coffee.” He took out his cellphone and pressed a speed-dial number. “Tanbark Wedger is at large. Put out an APB.”
“Mr. Jones,” said Bird as Mack slipped the cell back into its holder. “I have a recording of what Tan saw.”
Mack looked at her with astonishment. “You got it?”
Bird pulled the tiny recorder from her pocket and held it out on the palm of her hand. “I recorded the whole thing last night in the cave, before Tan decided to come back with me.”
“Let’s hear it,” said Mack. He sat down at the kitchen table and motioned for Bird to do the same. Bird placed the device on the table and pressed play.
The sound was uneven and hollow as Tan’s voice sang. “It’s all a hoax. It’s all a joke. We live and toil, and then we croak ...”
“What’s this?” asked Mack.
“He wanted to record his new song, so we did,” answered Bird. “His story is next.”
They leaned in to listen as Tan began. “... I was minding my business, hunting for rabbits on the edge of a field. A car came ...”
Everybody was spellbound. Nobody spoke. Finally, Tan’s story ended and Bird’s voice could be heard on the tape: “That’s great.” Then there was the click of the stop button, and silence.
Julia spoke first. “It’s like Tan’s song!” she exclaimed. “It’s all a hoax! It’s all a joke!”
“It’s not a joke.” Mack was not amused. “If we can believe Tanbark’s recital here — and that’s a big if — countless hours of police work and unimaginable fear for personal safety have been for nothing. Not to mention the barn fire and injury.” He stood. “Although this does solve one puzzle.”
“What’s that?” asked Paul.
“There was only one set of fingerprints on the tire iron, and they belonged to Sandra Hall.”
Bird tilted her head. “So Tanbark is telling the truth!”
“Maybe. We’ll look at the facts again with his story in mind.” Mack walked to the door. “Bird, I’ll need that recorder.”
Bird nodded, then glanced at Julia. Julia shrugged her shoulders. “It was a birthday present, but you’re welcome to it.”
“Thank you, Julia.” Mack started for the door. “I’ll bring it back.”
The telephone shrilled, and Hannah answered.
“Hello?... Yes, Lavinia, Kimberly’s got a lesson at nine ... She’ll go to the show if you want ... I’m busy right now, can I call you back about Moonlight Sonata?... Yes, Lavinia, I really am busy ... I’ll call you back.” Hannah hung up and sighed.
“Sorry, Mack,” she said. “We’ll call you if Tan shows up.”
“He might get hungry for more of Hannah’s food,” said Bird.
Julia nodded. “Food might be the only reason he’d come back.”
The phone rang again.
“I’ll leave you now, folks,” Mack said as he made his way to the door. “Call my cell if he shows up.”
Hannah picked up the receiver as the screen door closed behind Mack. “Hello?... Oh, Dad!” She covered the mouthpiece and whispered to Paul. “It’s my father. Get Mack back in here.”
“What were you saying?” Hannah pressed speakerphone so everyone could hear.
“You heard what I said, Hannah. I asked if you’d heard from Tanbark.” Kenneth Bradley’s voice filled the kitchen.
“Not today,” answered Hannah, searching Mack’s face for the right way to handle this. Mack scribbled quickly and handed her a note.
“What do you mean, not today?”
Hannah quickly read Mack’s note. “He was picked up yesterday, but he got away. Mack’s people are out looking for him now.” She looked to Mack for approval, and he nodded.
“He got away?”
“Yes, Dad. He got away.”
“Did they question him? Hannah, this is important.”
Hannah watched as Mack nodded. “Yes, I think they did.”
“You think they did? Not that they can believe anything he says. He’s mentally ill! He has no contact with reality. Delusional.” There was a slight pause, and when he spoke again, his voice had taken on a suspicious edge. “What else do you know, Hannah? Tell me!”
“I don’t know anything, Dad. Why don’t you call Mack Jones directly and ask him?”
“Mack’s nothing but a useless bureaucrat! He couldn’t catch a blind cat in a sack! Look, Hannah, you’re lying to me and I want to know why. I monitor the police dispatches, so I know what’s going on. Tanbark spent the night at your house. Why didn’t you call me?”
Hannah was stunned. She stared at Mack, uncertain of how to proceed. Mack was taken off guard, too.
Seeing her aunt hesitate, Bird decided to act. She threw caution to the wind and jumped in. “Hello, Gramps. It’s Bird here. Don’t blame Aunt Hannah. She’s protecting me.”
“Explain yourself.” Kenneth’s voice was smooth again.
“Well,” said Bird carefully, ignoring all the flapping hands and warning looks. “I told her not to call you.”
“You’re lying.”
“I’m not. I told her not to call you.”
“And she listened? To you?”
“She did. She didn’t call you, did she?”
“Look here! I don’t care who did what and what happened when! I want to know where Tanbark is, and what he said to the police — and I want to know NOW!” Bird cringed at the anger in Kenneth’s voice. He had given up all pretense of civility.
“There’s no reason for you to yell at Bird, Dad.” Hannah jumped in. “Call the police about this, not us.”
“You called the cops, but you didn’t call me!” Kenneth’s voice was threatening and low. “You had him and you let him go! Now I’ll have to find Tanbark myself. I’m not happy about this, Hannah.”
A chill ran down Bird’s spine. He’s a sick man, she thought. Far more dangerous than Tan. She watched as Mack passed Hannah another note.
“I’m sorry Tan got away. It didn’t work out like we’d hoped. I’ll call you if I see or hear from him again, okay? Are you home today?”
“Yes. And Hannah? If you think you can fool me ... Hannah? I’ll be watching you.” With that, Kenneth Bradley hung up.
A second later, Mack stood up. “That doesn’t sound good. And he’s monitoring the police frequencies. Interesting. I’ll have to bring your father in for questioning, Hannah. I’ll keep you in the loop.”
“I have no idea what just happened here,” said Hannah, as Mack left for the second time.
Bird stated, “If mental illness is hereditary, we know exactly where Tan gets it.”
Hannah stared at her. “Out of the mouths of babes.”
“Your father is certainly good at turning people upside down,” agreed Paul. “And inside out.”
Bird nodded. “Gramps has got himself into a real mess, and he’ll have to deal with it.” She stood up from the table.
“That’s the right attitude.” Hannah looked at her niece with approval. “The police will take it from here.”
Julia piped up. “Bird, you were so smart getting Tan’s
story recorded, but if it’s true what they say on Law & Order, it might not be admissible in court.”
Paul laughed. “You did a great job, Bird. This whole thing is almost wrapped up.”
30
TAN EXPLAINS
Back in the cave, Tan had slept well. He knew he couldn’t stay there, though—his father would eventually find him with the dogs. But at least his sleep was much less fitful, now that he wasn’t worried about the coyote. Cody. Tan grinned. His soulmate. The thought of Cody saving his life in the fire flashed in his brain. He owed him big time.
But he’d think about that later. Now, he had to worry about remaining free. Bird was protecting him — and that gave him comfort — but he had to remain alert if he was to stay alive.
AN HOUR AFTER MACK LEFT Saddle Creek, Kimberly, Liz, Bird and Julia were all tacked up and on their horses. Hannah put them through their paces. It felt good to be thinking about something other than murder or Tan.
Sunny was showing off for Moonie. He stretched out long and low at a trot with his head tucked nicely and his neck perfectly arched.
Nice, Sunny.
I’m not doing this for you.
It’s still nice.
We’re going to win this time.
Don’t worry about winning. That’s what got us in trouble last time.
You can pretend, Bird, but you don’t fool me.
Bird laughed aloud.
“What’s so funny?” asked Julia, trotting by on Sabrina.
“I’m just happy to be riding,” answered Bird.
“Me, too!” yelled Kimberly from across the ring. “I love Moonie! She’s so light on her feet and collected. I feel like a good rider when I ride her. I hope Mom lets me buy her.”
I hope Kimby can become my person, messaged Moonie.
Liz sighed.“I feel so safe on Pastor.He wants to do the r ...right thing all the time.”
Liz can ride me anytime, Pastor told Bird.
Bird smiled. It was nice when horses and people agreed. It didn’t happen nearly enough.
Hannah called out to Julia, “Do you want to take Sabrina to the show, or Timmy?”
“Can I decide later?”
“I need to know soon. Sabrina has a better chance of winning, if she behaves, but Timmy is more predictable and safer. It’s up to you.”
“It’s so hard to choose!” answered Julia. “Now that I have the choice, I’m not sure which one I want to take.”
Bird looked at Sabrina closely. She was an exceptionally pretty pony, with her flaxen mane and tail and chestnut coat. Her face was beautifully dished with a lovely white blaze, and her legs were delicate and long for a Welsh pony. The judges always loved her.
Sabrina, do you want to go to the show with Julia?
Yes, I do. She’s just right for me, even though I prefer boy riders.
Why is that? I’ve always wanted to know.
Because of Keghan, Dillon, Evan and Michael. They’re my boys. I taught them well and they treated me like a princess.
As you deserve!
That goes without saying.
Will you be nice to Julia?
Yes. And we’ll win the best ribbons.
“Let me decide for you, Julia.” Bird rode up to them. “Take Sabrina. She’ll do the job for you. And it’s good to challenge yourself.”
“If you say so.” Julia grinned. “Timmy has been so wonderful for me. Now he can teach some other kid to ride.”
That’s what I like to do best! Timmy messaged from his stall.
“Okay, Sabrina it is.” Hannah clapped her hands. “Now, is everybody warmed up? Let’s jump!”
She had set up a course of low jumps, including a water hazard. The kids had a great time counting their strides and finding the right spots from which to jump. Bird knew that Hannah was doing her best to make everyone forget the troubles of the past week. And she was succeeding.
One field over, Tan watched the girls’ riding lesson from the cover of bushes. Cody watched Tan from another clump, deliberately positioning himself between the wild man and the people. He raised his head to signal Bird.
I see you, Cody. Any news?
The wild man is here. Look farther to the treeline.
I don’t see him.
He feels uncertain.
Bird thought for a moment. Keep an eye on him. I’ll speak to him when I’m finished here.
Good.
Sunny threw his head up in frustration. Leave it alone! It’s over!
Sunny was wrong. It wasn’t over. Bird felt sure that the mystery of Sandra Hall’s murder had been solved, but Tan was still out there on his own, without medical attention or a place to call home. And Kenneth Bradley was eager to find him. For Tan, nothing was over. Bird wondered if it ever would be. She ran her fingers through Sunny’s mane. I have to do this.
You make me worry. I thought this was over and that you could settle down and ride the way you used to.
Don’t worry, please, Sunny. I just need to speak to him.
The rest of the lesson went without a hitch. Hannah was pleased with the girls’ work, and Bird soaked up the confidence and camaraderie around her with a deep sense of pleasure.
Paul arrived home for lunch. He’d been worming and giving shots to several barns full of horses. “I’ve got ice cream!” he called from the driveway. Bird smiled. Paul was trying to help them forget, too.
“Lunch break!” called Hannah. “You were all fabulous. Tomorrow, the horses will be perfect.”
“Aunt Hannah, is it okay if I come down in a few minutes?” asked Bird. “I’d like to get a few things done.”
Hannah rubbed her niece’s burnt hair and smiled. “Sure thing. I promise we’ll save some food for you.”
“Ice cream, too?”
“Ice cream, too.”
Bird listened to the chatter and jokes as everyone walked to the house in high spirits, leaving her in the barn. If Tan was watching, he’d know she was alone. He would come to her.
She soaped Sunny and walked him dry. She pulled his mane just a little to make braiding for the show easier. She organized and cleaned his show tack, and put a clean cooling blanket, saddle pads and leg wraps aside for quick packing.
As she worked, the excitement of the impending show built in her chest. Also, for the first time in her life, she was happy that her mother was coming home. Eva. Bird smiled. She’d called just once while they were away, to make sure the girls were fine. Hannah had not told her about all the chaos; she’d decided there was no point in ruining their honeymoon. Bird was happy for her mother. Finally, Eva had found what she was looking for in her life — though she hadn’t even known what that was until it found her.
Maybe life’s like that, Bird mused. Maybe it takes a lot of luck.
She’d been thinking about Alec, too. Why shouldn’t he have a flirtation or two? They weren’t married or anything, not even really going out. If the rumour was true, so be it! Let him go! He wasn’t worth another minute of moping. There was always another train coming down the track, as Pete sometimes said. Or lots more fish in the sea. Bird squared her shoulders and began to hum a funny song from a musical her class had seen. “I’m gonna wash that man right out of my hair ...”
A little later, Bird finished all her chores, and Tanbark still had not come. It was time to go find him.
Cody?
Here, Bird.
Can you take me to Tanbark?
Tanbark has come to you.
Bird spun around.
“Boo!” Tanbark was standing right behind her, eyes glistening a little too brightly. His body quivered with glee.
Bird was catching on — Tan was always either too sad or too happy. Too happy meant she needed to be very direct or he wouldn’t pay attention.
“Don’t do that!” Bird snapped. “You scared me!”
“So, what’s the word, Bird? Do you like that rhyme?” He grinned.
“The word is that we’re in big trouble with the police because,
after all the trouble I went to finding you in that cave and bringing you home, you jumped out the window before they could even talk to you!”
“That’s not my problem.”
Bird stared at him. Could he really be that selfish? “What is your problem?”
“The way I see it, my only problem is how to stay alive until my father’s put in jail.”
Bird waited for him to continue.
“I saw what happened at the road that day. I saw who walked away. And I’m homeless, which equals insane.”
Bird nodded. He was making sense. “Go on.”
“Put it all together, Bird. I get locked up either way. Prison or the funny farm. Or far worse.”
Bird stared. “Let me understand. He wants you found,” she said slowly, “and if he can’t discredit you, he’ll possibly want to permanently silence you. Is that what you’re saying?”
Tanbark shrugged. “Yeah, that’s what I’m saying.”
“Do you think he’d really do that?”
Tanbark shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know. I’m staying out of sight, just in case.”
Now Bird understood why Tan had jumped out the window. It wasn’t his need to be free, or even a fear of other people. He was literally afraid for his life.
“I’ll help however I can,” said Bird. “And there’s the recording. I gave it to the police.”
“Good. It will speak for me.”
“I’ll bring you food and dry clothes. Cody will be our go-between.”
“Cody?”
“Yes. He’ll be watching you. When you want food, come around the house and he’ll let me know. Then I’ll send him to you with something to eat. You never have to tell anybody where you’re hiding, that way.”
Tan tilted his head. “And people think I’m crazy.”
31
THE PALSTON CLASSIC
Tan felt pretty good. Bird would look after him. She thought of every-thing — even his food. Simple! Whenever he was hungry, all he had to do was come around the house. Cody would see him, tell Bird to fetch food, and presto! This was the life!
THE NEXT MORNING, Bird awoke with a start. The horse show! Bird jumped out of bed. Today! She threw off her nightgown and nervously dressed in her still-new show clothes. She was glad she’d carefully laid them out the night before. She was in no condition to make decisions.
Mystery at Saddle Creek Page 22
