Mystery at Saddle Creek

by Shelley Peterson

  What if he’s here because it’s a nice day? Get on! Let’s go!

  I have to talk to him. Let’s get back on the trailer.

  You’ve got to be kidding!

  It’ll take just a minute.

  That’s what you always say.

  Bird put the grumbling horse back in the trailer and walked down the hill. What am I doing? she asked herself. He hates me, and he’s in disguise. I’m the last person he wants to see. And what the heck am I going to do when I get there? She breathed deeply. She’d just have to figure that out.

  Kenneth Bradley saw her coming. Bird watched as he looked around furtively, then checked from the corner of his eye to see if she had recognized him. She kept walking. He had nowhere to go.

  “Grandfather!” called Bird gaily as she approached. “You came to watch me ride! How wonderful you could make it!”

  Several ladies standing in a group nearby smiled at the scene. Bird watched his expression change several times until he decided to play along.

  “Bird, my dear!” He held out his arms for a big hug. “I wanted to surprise you!”

  “You did! You did surprise me!” Bird embraced him and held him tight.

  “Let me go, you awful child,” Kenneth hissed in her ear.

  “Pardon me, Grandfather?” said Bird loudly.

  “I said, let’s go somewhere quiet so we can get caught up!” Kenneth shouted.

  “Why not come to the trailer and help me get ready! We’re up soon!”

  “Good idea!” Kenneth took her by the arm and bowed to the ladies, who were all a-twitter. What a nice a man he was, to come to the show to watch his granddaughter ride!

  “You can stop talking like an idiot,” he muttered to Bird as soon as they were out of earshot.

  “So can you,” responded Bird. “And you can stop squeezing me. You’re bruising my arm.”

  “What the hell are you doing anyway, coming over to me like that?”

  Bird put on her most innocent expression and kept walking. “I was glad to see you. You did come to see me ride, didn’t you?”

  “Of course not! Why would I do that? I’m hiding from the police. Damn idiots think I’m guilty of something.”

  “Well, if you’re not guilty, you have nothing to worry about. Anyway, you can’t hide forever. They’ll find you sometime. Isn’t it better if you go to them?”

  “That’s ridiculous! Ridiculous and ignorant!”

  Bird shook her head. He really was the rudest man.

  “Look, Bird, this is serious. I’m in trouble here, and I just thought of how you can help.”

  “Me? How?”

  “Let’s go inside.” Kenneth gestured at the trailer. “I don’t want anybody to see me.”

  “Sure, but I don’t have a lot of time before my class.”

  “This is more important!” he snapped as they walked up the ramp.

  Bird, girl. Sunny pawed the floor. The old man’s desperate. He smells of fear.

  I can smell it with my human nose.

  Don’t make him mad.

  Kenneth stood in a shadow. “You can find Tanbark for me,” he whispered in a raspy voice. “If I can find him, all my troubles will be over.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “You don’t need to know that! Where is he?”

  “Why do you think I know?”

  “Because he’s never far from you! That’s why I’m here. I thought he might show up. Still might.” Kenneth peered out a window. “If you wanted to, you could find him pretty darn quick!”

  “I don’t know about that.”

  “You sure as hell could!”

  You’re making him mad, Bird. Don’t do it!

  I’m not going to give up Tanbark.

  But you could trick this man.

  Good thinking.

  Do it fast. We’re going to be late.

  Stop pawing and snorting. I need to think.

  Sorry! I’ll just shut up and stop giving you good advice!

  Bird smiled.

  “What are you smirking about, young lady?”

  “I just had a wonderful idea.”

  “Tell me! And I’ll decide if it’s wonderful or not.”

  “First, tell me why you want to find Tanbark.”

  Kenneth was annoyed. His eyes darted back and forth as if searching for a way to avoid answering her question. After a couple of seconds, he said, “To help him, of course! Why else? The man needs psychiatric assistance.”

  Bird nodded thoughtfully. “That’s what I thought. That’s why I’ll tell you where he is.”

  “You will?”

  She nodded again. “He’s being questioned right now by Mack Jones.”

  Kenneth stood stock still, mulling over this bit of information. “I don’t believe you.”

  “Then why ask? You won’t get any more help from me!”

  Easy there, Bird.

  “If he’d been picked up I would’ve heard it. I hear it all.”

  “They’re on to you. They don’t talk about anything concerning this case on their frequencies.”

  Kenneth’s cheeks puffed up and his eyes narrowed into slits. “Horse shit!”

  “You asked, I told you. Now, I really have to get Sundancer out.”

  “Okay, okay.” Kenneth’s head jerked and his mouth worked as he thought it out. “They’ll find me anyway. It’s better that I go to them. And I can poke holes in what he says. He’s lying, you know!”

  Bird nodded. “Right.” She didn’t know what else to say.

  “Whatever he’s telling the police right now, he’s making it up.”

  “Right.”

  “So now I need a way to get there. I came in a taxi so no one could follow me. I need to take this truck, Bird! Unhitch this thing and give me the keys.”

  Bird blinked. “Aunt Hannah has the keys. She’s waiting for me down at the practice ring.”

  “Then go get them! On the double! There’s no time to waste!”

  Someone’s here, Bird. The colour lady.

  Bird looked outside. Laura Pierson was walking toward the trailer. She wore her bright orange pantsuit with matching scarf and shoes. Her handbag and belt were white. The colour lady, indeed.

  Perfect! thought Bird. The Piersons. Who could be better?

  “Bird dear?” Laura’s voice trilled from the rear of the trailer. “Wasn’t Moonlight Sonata brilliant? Kimberly gets along with her so well. I just wanted to let you know we’re here, dear. Pete and I came to cheer you on.”

  “Mrs. Pierson? Can you come in? I need some help.”

  “What are you doing?” Kenneth was shaking with anger. “Get rid of them!” he hissed.

  “They’re your ride to the station.” Bird stood firm.

  Kenneth stopped arguing.

  Laura answered, “What help do you need, dear? I’m not much good with horses.”

  “It’s nothing to do with horses. Can you and Mr. Pierson drive my grandfather to see Mack Jones? He wants to help Tanbark, and he needs a ride to the police station.”

  Laura’s eyes adjusted to the shade inside the trailer, and she took in the sight of Kenneth Bradley, standing a few feet away. She looked at Bird calmly. It was a look that told Bird that she trusted her enough to ask no questions.

  “Certainly, dear. Pete and I would be pleased to help.” Laura reached out and took Kenneth’s arm. “Come this way, Kenneth. Our car isn’t far.”

  Kenneth glared at Bird as he walked down the ramp, but Laura just winked. “Good luck with your show, dear! Tell us all about it later!”

  Bird watched as they made their way through the parking lot. Kenneth’s big straw hat and Laura’s filmy orange outfit were easy to follow as they wove through the crowd. Pete joined them, and the trio got into his vehicle.

  Bird knew that the Piersons would do the right thing. Now she just needed to warn Mack.

  Okay, boy. Are you ready?

  Does clover taste good? Of course I’m ready!

  33
r />   BIRD AND SUNNY

  Tan caught another glimpse of Cody. This wasn’t the plan! He was to come to him with food, not follow him around and peek at him from behind trees! What was this? Tan’s stomach growled. He was getting very angry.

  HANNAH WAS WAITING for Bird at the warm-up ring. “Where were you?” she asked, hands on hips. “You’re late.”

  Bird leaned down from Sunny’s back and whispered, “I need your help.”

  Hannah looked up, startled.

  “Grandfather was here, hiding from the police and looking for Tan,” Bird said quietly. “I told him Tan was with Mack Jones. He’s gone there now with the Piersons. Can you reach Mack right away and let him know?”

  Hannah nodded slowly. “For sure. Right away. But how ... never mind — we’ll talk later. For now, put it out of your mind.” She shook Bird’s ankle affectionately. “Can you do that?”

  “I can.”

  “Warm up, then we’ll do some practice jumps.” She took her cell from her pocket and pressed Mack’s numbers.

  Bird and Sunny began their routine. Walk for five minutes, trot for five minutes, then walk again. Pick up a collected canter for five minutes, half on each lead, then walk for five minutes. Sunny was responsive and limber and eager to go.

  Hannah had commandeered one of the four jumps set up in the middle. She waved Bird over. “I talked to Mack. It’s all under control, so don’t worry about a thing. Now, let’s get jumping! Trot in, and canter away.”

  Bird felt her anxiety drain away. With calm assurance, she trotted Sunny up to the vertical and popped over it, cantering away.

  “Great. Now, wait until I make it an oxer.” Hannah quickly dragged two more standards up beside the existing ones, and doubled up the jump. “Okay, canter in.”

  They cleared it and quietly landed.

  Hannah was pleased. “Come again from the other direction, then we’re done. Your class is being called. You’re up in ten.”

  “Right you are!” Bird called back as she came at the jump. Sunny cleared it with ease. Bird looked at Hannah and smiled. “We’re ready.”

  “Do you know your course?”

  “I sure do.”

  “Looking good, Bird!” Hannah waved at her as she walked to the Grand Prix ring, where Bird would be showing.

  Sunny, let’s not worry about anything today. Even winning.

  We can’t lose, Bird. We’re the best.

  Bird patted his neck. Remember last time? We stank.

  Yeah, okay. We stank. But today’s a new day!

  We could stink again if we try too hard.

  Nice confidence builder!

  Let’s go in and have a wonderful time. Let’s enjoy the moment. Jump for the joy of jumping. Remember?

  I can do that. If you can.

  I can. I really can. And she meant it.

  Bird and Sundancer watched the competition as they waited their turn. Bird was relaxed, and was actually pleased when one of her fellow riders had a good round. This was the way to do it, she thought. So much less stress.

  Lots of good horses here, Bird.

  You’re right.

  You really don’t care if we win?

  Nope. I’m here to have fun.

  You’re serious?

  I’m serious about having fun. I want to have a good time out there.

  Sunny lowered his head. He became calm. Bird reflected, one more time, on how much animals are affected by people’s attitudes. Now, the announcer called them in. “Number one-ohseven. Sundancer, owned and ridden by Alberta Simms.”

  A hush went through the crowd as Sundancer trotted in. The sight of the tall, handsome chestnut with the glossy coat and intelligent eyes turned people’s heads. His light, springy action and supple, proud bearing told anyone who knew horses that this animal was capable of great things. And he was cool. Gone was the maniac of the previous show.

  They moved into a canter as the whistle blew. They gathered speed through the starting gate, and cleared the first hurdle comfortably. Bird gave Sunny his head as they landed and took a stride before turning left to a line of blue verticals.

  Are you having fun yet, Bird?

  I’m having fun.

  So am I.

  Bird could hear Sunny breathing in time with the rhythmic beat of his hooves. The whole world was her and her horse — nobody else. This wasn’t ordinary fun, it was big-time fun.

  The ring was huge, which allowed Sunny to open his stride and keep a good pace.

  I like this ring!

  I do, too. It’s wide open.

  Like the big field at home.

  They turned left again across the diagonal to face a multicoloured oxer and then a green and orange vertical with outlandish wings. Sunny’s big stride ate up the distance and he lifted his knees effortlessly. He cleared them both by inches, judging their height and width flawlessly.

  Did you like the way I did that, Bird?

  I liked the way you did that.

  Now they turned to the right and headed to the triple. Bird watched through Sunny’s ears as the animal executed the difficult series with ease. She merely held on with her legs, gave him his head and let him do it all. They landed the third hurdle and continued along the fenceline to the water jump. Up and over without a splash.

  Nice release, Bird. I would’ve been in the drink otherwise.

  I’m here to please.

  A hard left and they were moving on to the skinny, which was half the width of the other jumps, designed to test the navigational skills of the rider and the bravery of the horse. Sunny didn’t flinch.

  Now they were headed for home with one jump to go.

  I want to race this one, Bird. Let me go for it!

  Why not? Let’s mess it up. The reverse psychology trick had worked on Kimberly; would it get Sunny’s attention, too?

  Mess it up?

  Yeah, mess it up. We’re not here to win, right? We’re here to have fun.

  Sunny slowed and became careful. Okay. Spoil my fun.

  Spoil your fun, but win the trophy.

  Sunny and Bird flew over the last big oxer and landed clean.

  Now can I race?

  Go for it!

  Sundancer and Alberta Simms finished their round with a standing ovation. Trainers for years to come would refer to it as the perfect trip, but Bird had no way of knowing that. All she knew was that the roar of the crowd was almost deafening. She leaned forward and stroked Sunny’s neck, enjoying the moment. This was what riding should be like. This was perfect.

  Hannah greeted them at the gate with tears in her eye. “I have one word to say, Bird, and that is WOW.”

  Bird laughed. “Thanks! A little different from last time, wasn’t it?”

  Hannah laughed with her. “Last time does not exist! You were fabulous, Bird. Totally together and controlled, but you had speed and accuracy. I have nothing to say but bravo.” She patted Sunny’s neck. “Good boy, Sunny. Well done, both of you.”

  In a matter of seconds, Bird was surrounded by friends and family. Liz and Patty were there with Phil; Julia and Paul and Hannah were, too; even Kimberly and her mother and Fiona Malone. And ... Bird could hardly believe her eyes.

  Bird blinked. Her mother! Eva and Stuart had arrived home from their honeymoon just in time for the horse show. Eva looked rested and beautiful, dressed in white pants and a trimly cut pink jacket with matching flat shoes. “Mom!” Bird yelled. She slid down from Sunny’s back and hugged her mother with all her strength. “I’m so happy to see you!”

  “I’m so happy to see you, too!” Mother and daughter held each other tight. “I’m so happy to be home!”

  Bird felt hot tears on her cheeks. Through blurry eyes, she looked at her mother’s smiling face and saw tears rolling down hers, too.

  “We’re a real pair,” said Eva. “The Blubber twins!”

  Stuart came up behind them. “Bird, you did a super job out there. What a gorgeous horse!”

  “Welcome home, Stuart!”
Bird included her new stepfather in the family hug. Julia ducked under her arm, and they all held each other close.

  “I didn’t think you’d be back in time to see us ride,” said Bird as she took off her helmet. “Did you see Julia go?”

  “We certainly did!” enthused Eva. “Julia was incredible! We’re so proud of you both.”

  “Why didn’t you tell us you’d be here?” demanded Julia.

  “We didn’t want to put you girls off your game, so we kept low.” Stuart grinned and rubbed Bird’s stubbly hair. “Looks like you’ve been chopping off your hair again.”

  “It’s a long, long story,” answered Bird. “I’ll tell you everything later.”

  “You certainly didn’t keep us up to speed!” Eva sounded slightly annoyed, and Paul quickly intervened.

  “We didn’t want you to worry,” he said. “There was absolutely nothing you could have done from Ireland.”

  “We wanted you to enjoy your holiday,” added Hannah.

  “You’ve filled us in a little, but we want to hear it all,” Stuart said to Hannah. He could not keep the concern out of his voice. “A lot has happened since we left.”

  Bird nodded. “It was only ten days, but it sure seemed longer.”

  Julia interrupted. “Wait! The announcer is talking!”

  They listened. “Attention, please. Would these horses come back into the ring, in this order. One-oh-seven, one-two-nine, one-three-five ...”

  Bird threw her arms around Sunny’s neck and launched herself up onto his back. She quickly replaced her helmet and snapped up the chinstrap. We did it, Sunny. You are the best horse in the entire world.

  You’re not half-bad yourself.

  After receiving their ribbon, it was time for the victory lap. All eyes were on Sunny and Bird. Sunny sprang into action. He picked up his left lead and galloped away from a dead halt.

  The wind whistled in Bird’s ears as they flew around the ring, followed by all the other winners. Sunny’s strides were enormous and free, his fiery coat glistening in the summer sun. Bird felt peaceful. And totally happy.

  34

  CODY

  Tan was now irritated beyond control. First he couldn’t find Cody, and now that he’d found him, the coyote wouldn’t bring him food! The stupid animal was playing games with him! Rage consumed him. Bird had promised! He was hungry! Really hungry! That was the deal! It wasn’t fair! Stupid idiots! He’d show them!