“Don’t worry about the bail, Michael,” his mother replied. “Your father and I will think of something. It’s critical that you get him out of that cell as soon as possible.”
“Agreed,” Michael said. “Are you sure you have the money to do this? I wasn’t sure business was doing as well recently as it had in the past.”
“We have been contemplating taking out a loan for some improvements to the restaurant, so we have some of the loan documentation already filled out. We can use the money for bail instead. The improvements can wait. Besides, if Ian remains in the area for trial, we will get the funds back.”
“All right. Send me a text message when you’ve wired the funds and I’ll post bail and get him out as soon as I can. When I get Ian home, I’ll have him call you so you can speak with him in person and let him tell you himself that he’s all right.”
“Thank you, Michael. You’ve always been there for Ian, and your father and I are grateful. Ian is too, although he will probably chew nails before he tells you that.”
Michael chuckled into the phone. “You’re right about that. Taking care of Ian comes naturally after all these years. Now, I have to go. Remember to text me when you wire the money.”
“We will, Michael. Take care.”
“Bye, Mum. Talk to you soon.” Michael hung up and checked his phone for any messages from Tiffany, then dialed the number for the solicitor he had used in the past for business matters, Rodney Rogers. If Rogers didn’t have the expertise for the case, he would surely know someone who could.
Michael made an appointment for later that day, then, knowing there was nothing more he could do for Ian until he met with the solicitor and posted bail. Michael’s thoughts turned to his farm and his future. Lionel was right. It was time to stop mourning Emma’s betrayal and move on with his life. He had some good training clients, but neither of the two young dressage prospects he had purchased in an attempt to train his own competition horse had turned out to be capable of performing dressage at the international level.
A cursory conversation with the solicitor’s assistant as he had made his appointment indicated that to defend someone accused of murder, fifty thousand pounds was just the beginning. Adding to that the fact that the solicitor would have to hire an investigator to find the mysterious woman Ian identified as his only possibility for acquittal, and his expenses would be even higher. Without hope of further financial support from his parents, Michael had to find a way to make a large amount of money and soon.
The only way he had ever earned any money in his life was through dressage. He knew the probability of lightening striking him twice with the kind of luck that led him to find Romeo and his owners at just the right time to benefit them all, was slim to none. Nevertheless, he still had hoped he could compete internationally again. Without money or a sponsor, though, his hopes were equally slim. The longer he was without a competition horse, the harder it would be to get back in the game.
Michael called Lionel and asked him to meet him at a local restaurant and pub for lunch. After being seated and ordering some beef and potato pasties and only water to drink, though Michael could have done with something stronger, Lionel started to explain why he had initially tried to contact Michael. “I have good news. I’ve heard there’s a stallion available for sale that sounds a lot like your Romeo.”
“Unfortunately, he was never my Romeo, but you definitely have my attention,” Michael responded. “Tell me more.”
“Roberta called me earlier this morning after she tried your number and didn’t get an answer. She told me that she heard that the German rider, Hermann Wolfe, was getting disappointing results from the Mendelssohn stables’ premium stallion, Tempest. It appears that Mendelssohn himself has decided to take the stallion away from Wolfe, and is looking for a new rider. He has even made it known that the stallion may be for sale to the right buyer.”
“That is news.” Michael couldn’t help feeling hopeful, even excited, as he contemplated the possibility that he might have a shot at being the new rider for Tempest. He had heard great things about the horse, but also had heard rumors that Wolfe was not the right rider for him, and wasn’t succeeding on the show circuit as expected with the immensely talented young stallion. “How do I get in the door with Mendelssohn?”
“Actually, Roberta knows one of the trainers at Mendelssohn’s breeding and training facility near Hamburg. She told me she would be happy to put in a good word for you and help you arrange an appointment and test ride.” Seeing Michael’s stunned look, Lionel grinned. “You know we all want you to be successful, Michael. What Romeo’s owners did to you after the Olympics was unconscionable after all you did to make that horse a star.”
Michael secretly agreed with Lionel, but he couldn’t make that statement out loud. “Please tell Roberta how grateful I am for the opportunity she’s arranged for me. I can’t thank her–or you for that matter–enough.”
“Don’t mention it,” Lionel responded. “Roberta has a link to a YouTube video of Tempest, so let’s take a look.”
They went back to Michael’s home and watched the video on Michael’s television. Tempest was truly a remarkable horse, with great gaits and tons of personality, but it was clear that Wolfe wasn’t the rider for him. The stallion appeared tense at times and it was clear that Wolfe wasn’t riding him in a way that allowed the stallion to shine. “I’m sold, Lionel.” Michael was trying to rein in his excitement, but it was difficult not to show his enthusiasm now that he had seen the video. “Let’s set up an appointment for a test ride and plan a drive to Germany as soon as possible.”
“You’ve got it,” Lionel replied. “I want to be there when you ride this horse.”
Chapter 3
It was 6:00 AM on a school day, and Jessica Warren was in a hurry to get her sister Hailey up and out of bed so she could dress and get to school on time. “Up and at ‘em, Hails.” Jessica had poked her head into Hailey’s bedroom and turned on the light. “Time to get going. I have to get you to school and to the airport to meet Liz by eight.”
“It’s too early to get up,” Hailey groaned sleepily. “Can I sleep just another five minutes? Debbie said she’d pick me up for school today, so you don’t have to drive me.”
“Sorry, Hailey, I still need you to get up and get ready on time. I’m on a tight schedule. Do you need some help?”
“No, I’m fine. Thanks, Jess.”
If Jessica had been honest with herself, she would have to admit that Hailey has been taking care of herself without much help for most of the last five years since the accident that killed their parents and crushed both of Hailey’s legs so severely that they had to be amputated below the knee. At seventeen, Hailey was now a junior in high school, and about as well adjusted as any average teenager. Jessica credited much of Hailey’s confidence to the therapeutic riding program that Jessica’s dressage trainer and mentor Elizabeth Randall had started several years ago, as well as the dedication of the many doctors and physical therapists that Hailey had working on her case since the very beginning. Jessica was especially grateful for the extra help of their neighbors, the Turners, who had taken the girls under their wing after the accident. Jessica couldn’t even count how many times she had relied on Bill and Betty Turner to look in on Hailey when Jessica had to work late to keep watch over a colicky horse, or spend entire weekends at horse shows out of state.
“If you need anything, just let me know,” Jessica said.
Jessica watched Hailey struggle to maneuver her wheelchair down the narrow hallway between her bedroom and the bathroom to take a shower and couldn’t stop the overwhelming feeling of guilt that hit her like a physical blow. It was her fault Hailey was suffering, and Jess knew with every fiber of her being that she would do everything she could to make Hailey’s life better. That was the reason she was traveling to Germany - to find the ho
rse that would help her to become an international success and ultimately through that success, earn enough to be able to support Hailey and provide for her as she deserved. Jess knew she could never give Hailey her legs back, but she could make her life better than it was right now.
When Hailey finally made it into the bathroom, Jessica started making breakfast. While Jessica fixed eggs and toast and started a pot of coffee, Hailey finished her shower and maneuvered herself back into her room to dress. By the time the food was done and the coffee brewed, Hailey was dressed and ready to eat.
“Jess, is there any way we can get me better quality prosthetics?” Hailey asked. “It’s very difficult for me to get around and into and out of the bathroom the way things are now.”
“It’s on my list of things to do as soon as I can save up the money. You know Mom and Dad only had basic medical insurance coverage, which didn’t cover more than the most inexpensive prosthetics. You’ll just have to get by with a wheelchair or crutches with your current prosthetics until I can earn some more money. The good prosthetics are pretty expensive.”
“I know, Jess. I just wanted to make sure you knew.”
“I know, Hailey. It just takes time to save that kind of money.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry, Jess.” Hailey understood that Jess was doing everything she could to make her life easier, and felt guilty that she was causing her worry once again. She decided a change of subject was in order. “So, tell me about this trip,” Hailey said. “What are you going to be doing?”
“Liz knows someone in the United States Dressage Federation who is interested in promoting me as a member of the U.S. Equestrian Team as a dressage competitor and he and the Federation have convinced a wealthy sponsor to buy an international class dressage horse for me. For the sponsor, the horse is a potentially lucrative investment, so he’s looking for a stallion that’s known to have good breeding potential. They’ve located a stallion in Germany that fits the bill, so I’m flying to Germany with Liz and the sponsor’s sister to see the horse and test ride him.”
“Wow, Jess! This is huge for you. I know this will work out for you, Sis. Liz keeps saying you’re the most talented rider she’s trained in years, and you did great things with Callie.”
“I hope so. I’m really nervous, though. I’m hoping Liz does most of the talking. She’s used to dealing with people at the highest levels of international dressage. I am not.”
“You’ll be fine. Just be yourself. You’re a great rider and the smartest, kindest person I know. On top of that, you’re beautiful. Those people won’t have any choice but to like you.” She grinned at Jess, but Jessica just rolled her eyes.
Jessica knew her sister was being kind, but she could agree that she was reasonably intelligent and always tried to be nice to people, but there was no way she could be considered beautiful. That was a bit too much. As she passed the mirror in the entryway, she paused to look at her reflection. Looking back was a 5-foot 10-inch tall, slim, twenty-six-year-old woman with shoulder-length brown hair pulled back into a ponytail, bright green eyes, gently arched brows, and a nose that, if you asked her, was just a little too big for her face. She had very few curves, and was probably more muscular than most women due to the fact that she spent her days riding horses. She admitted to herself that she was considered attractive by the guys she went to high school with, but that was long ago, before the accident that changed their lives forever.
As Jessica looked once again at her luggage sitting by the door, the fact that she was traveling thousands of miles and several hours away hit home. “Hailey, are you sure you’ll be all right by yourself for the week I’m gone? I’ll be so far away, and if anything happens, you’ll be on your own without anyone here to help.”
Hailey looked heavenward and heaved an exaggerated sigh. “I promise I’ll call you every day to check in and let you how I’m doing, and you’ve already arranged for Mrs. Turner to look in on me too. You have nothing to worry about.”
“I want your therapists to call me and update me on your progress as well,” Jessica reminded her. “If they don’t call me regularly, I’ll call them, and I won’t give up unless I can speak with them directly. Tell them that, please.”
“I will,” Hailey promised.
Just then, a car horn sounded in the driveway, and Hailey carefully maneuvered her wheelchair through the narrow front door, down their homemade wooden ramp, and into the driveway. Her friend, Debbie, got out, helped Hailey into the car, then folded her wheelchair and placed it in the trunk of her car. Both girls waved to Jessica as they backed out of the driveway and proceeded on to school.
Jessica sighed to herself. One thing down, now to get dressed and wait for Liz to arrive.
Chapter 4
This is all so surreal, Jessica thought as she scanned the interior of the private Lear jet taking Jessica and her dressage trainer, Elizabeth Randall, to Germany. They were accompanied by Charlotte McMillan, the sister of the wealthy hedge-fund manager, Blake McMillan, the man the U.S.D.F. had recruited to be Jessica’s sponsor. The Lear jet was his as was the limousine that had picked Liz and then Jessica up and brought them to the airport. One of Blake’s employees met them on the tarmac and loaded their luggage on the plane, while Jessica and Liz met Charlotte, who had been waiting for them. The trip had been planned just last week, when Jessica and Elizabeth had met Blake and Charlotte at the offices of the U.S.D.F. and Blake had agreed to sponsor Jessica and purchase an internationally competitive horse for her so that she could pursue her dream of representing her country at the Dressage World Cup next year.
Jessica thought back to the meeting at the U. S. D.F. offices in Lexington, Kentucky where she and Liz met Blake and Charlotte McMillan for the first time. When the USDF told Liz that they had found her a wealthy sponsor, Jessica had pictured an older, distinguished businessman, probably in his 60’s with gray hair and a paunch. Blake McMillan was nothing like what she expected. He was in his mid-30’s with perfectly coiffed blonde hair, a body that could only have been built by regular workouts, and a suit that probably cost more than her entire wardrobe. He wore an expression of haughty disdain that declared that he was accustomed to getting what he wanted. He smiled at Jessica during their meeting, and it was clear to her that he considered himself God’s gift to women and expected her to melt at his brilliant smile and perfect appearance. When he asked her questions about her ambitions in dressage and her hopes for the future, Jessica noted there was something about Blake McMillan that left her feeling cold. His eyes were a clear, pale gray, and they seemed to look at her as if she were a possession, not a person. She inwardly shivered at the lack of warmth, and vowed not to be alone in a room with Blake. This man was dangerous.
On those thoughts, Jessica mentally shook herself and brought her focus back to the present. As she took her seat across from Liz and Charlotte and buckled herself in, Jessica looked out of her window and couldn’t help the wave of uncertainty and apprehension that threatened to overwhelm her. She grasped the armrests on either side of her seat and took a deep breath. As she exhaled and her nerves steadied, Jessica turned to face Liz and Charlotte and smiled self-consciously. The two women had to have noticed that she was not completely comfortable in this opulent environment. Truth be told, this was only the second time in her twenty-six years she had even been on an airplane. She closed her eyes and relaxed back into the plush leather seat, letting her mind wander as the flight crew completed their preparations for take-off. Once the jet reached a comfortable cruising altitude, a beautiful female flight attendant approached the women and asked them if they’d like a drink, or something to eat while they waited. Charlotte, who had probably traveled the world in this jet working for her brother, ordered champagne for everyone. After it was served in beautifully crafted crystal flutes, accompanied by bite-sized sandwiches and various hors d’oeuvres, the women relaxed and toasted Jes
sica’s future and anticipated success with the stallion Tempest. It wasn’t long before the Captain came on the intercom and informed them they had about 6 hours of flight time to Germany.
What would her parents think about all this? Her mother had especially encouraged her to follow her love of horses and to pursue riding as a hobby from the time she was in junior high. She convinced Jessica’s father to buy Jessica her first horse, and even helped her to find Liz, a dressage trainer with international competitive experience, who recognized Jessica’s talent and ease with horses immediately. By high school Jessica had outgrown her first horse, and Liz suggested Jessica ride Liz’s former competition horse, Calliope, nicknamed Callie. The two bonded famously, and won many competitions at the regional and national level.
Jessica’s mother had been there all along the way, acting as part-time groom, stall cleaner, hair dresser and chauffeur, always there with an encouraging word, a smile, a hug, or whatever Jessica needed to ensure the best possible performance, but now she was gone, taken away suddenly in the accident that had also killed her father and permanently maimed Hailey.
Jessica missed her terribly. She remembered that day as if it were yesterday. She and Liz were returning from a weekend horse show when Jessica’s cell phone rang with a call from the Ohio State Highway Patrol informing her that her parents and sister had been in an accident, her parents had died at the scene, and Hailey had been rushed to the hospital. From there, things only got worse, especially when she was told what the cause of the single car accident was. Her father had been driving drunk, and lost control of the car, sending it over an embankment. In one disastrous moment, Jessica’s life had changed irrevocably. Her heart constricted and she closed her eyes as they grew moist with tears, and tried valiantly to bring herself back to the present. When she was certain she had her emotions back under control, she opened her eyes.
Dressage Dreaming (Horses Heal Hearts Book 1) Page 3
