Tyndal couldn’t blame him. Anyone who knew horses would see how he refused to balance on the bit or lean into her hands. No wonder she wore dark gloves. She didn’t want to highlight her hands or how the horse fought her. Not a good thing because it could cost them time, and time, at this level of competition, was measured in microseconds.
But she liked Sasha’s big gray. He was powerful, fast, and determined. Bhetami’s controlled grace was elegant and refined as compared to the raw muscle of the stallion.
He cleared the last fence, no errors.
****
As Sasha reined in at the gate, Jared saw the triumph in her eyes. “When actors in a play meet before going onstage,” she said, “they often share a certain phrase to wish each other luck. I think it’s appropriate for this moment. After all, we’re involved in our own little drama, aren’t we? So considering that…” She laughed, and leaned close enough to touch Pyralis on his neck. “Break a leg.”
She spurred her horse into a canter.
Jared entered the arena and loosened his grip on the reins. Pyralis shot toward the first fence.
It was the triple, they topped it with distance to spare. Moving fast, they cleared barrier after barrier, then in a breathless leap, rocketed over the massive wall. Pyralis soared over the final combination and galloped back toward the gate.
They were ahead on time.
And tied with Sasha for points.
The final rider still in competition took to the field, and came back with a clean ride. There would be three going into the next round. As the announcer blabbed about that and how the ground crew would raise the heights of each jump, Jared rode back to meet Seth in the stabling area.
He flexed his shoulders and worked the muscles in his neck, hoping the medics had something for nausea. It was a similar sensation to being in a helicopter on a windy day. Just without the muscle cramps. So far, he’d been able to block the pain and ride, but the cramps were getting worse. He wasn’t sure, but he wondered if Pyralis sensed something was happening.
“Here, son. I’ve got your horse. This guy can sure jump when he wants to. Jared, you’re supposed to head directly to that tent.” Seth pointed toward one that hadn’t been there earlier. “The docs are set up, they know about the situation. And son, I can see your face. Make sure you tell them you feel worse.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Jared grinned. “Just take care of him.”
As he entered the tent, Keno and a team of investigators Jared hadn’t met waited until the medic situated Jared on a cot.
“Any news?” He grimaced as a blood sample was drawn and an IV started.
“Since the skin of an apple is as easy as glass to print, would you care to guess what we found? She made a mistake this morning,” the investigator who’d introduced himself as Uri said. “After getting a warrant, we went to her room. A search of her belongings revealed this.” He held out a small vial of liquid sealed in a clear plastic bag.
“Tell him what else,” Keno said.
Uri’s smile turned deadly. “The poison alone is enough to satisfy the suspicions of the Count’s family. They never believed their son’s death was accidental. But we also found a knife. It has a unique blade, and I believe some of the questions from earlier shows where she was a competitor will be resolved.”
“I wonder if she’s ever seen a Russian prison cell.” Keno’s eyes went hard. “Since I’ve been told she’s complained about her suite and treatment here, perhaps she’ll find her new accommodations more to her liking.”
“You should know we’ll arrest her today.” Uri looked at Jared. “I would have had her in custody already, but when I spoke with Fionola, she asked if we’d allow the Show Jumping to finish. I’m not worried Sasha may try to escape, so…”
“You agreed.” Jared smiled. “Because it’s quieter that way and Fee is right. Let the audience enjoy the show. It’s already over for Sasha.” He thought of the woman he’d known and felt a quick wash of pity. She didn’t know she was about to enter an arena for the last time in her life.
Chapter Eleven
Jared was the second rider to compete at the new jump height. The first was disqualified when his horse refused a jump. Sasha would ride last.
As he moved to mount, Pyralis edged a step to one side and swung his head around. With his typical awareness, Jared figured the stallion scented whatever was in the IV. Since he’d smelled it in the tent, Pyralis likely smelled it on him. The horse blew hard at the sweet, syrupy odor, his ears pricked and alert.
“No worries, old man.” Jared smoothed the long nose shoved against his chest and then with more effort than he cared to admit, crawled up. “Just so you know, next time I’m buying a short horse.”
He nodded to Keno and the doc who stood at the tent.
“I’m okay. Even this guy is trying to babysit me.” During the time it took him to mount, Pyralis stood stone still.
“Somebody needs to. Pity the horse has more sense than his rider,” Seth said as he rubbed Pyralis’ nose.
“I heard that.” Jared laughed. “Go sit with Tyndal and Fee until this is done.”
“We will. You be careful out there.” Keno put a hand on Jared’s knee. “Sasha could still be dangerous. You know what they say about a cornered animal.”
“I’ll be watching.” He turned Pyralis toward the arena, thinking the one who needed to be careful was Sasha. Pyralis had a look in his eyes that reminded Jared of when they’d raced the wind across the prairie—wild, arrogant, uncompromising. Pyralis knew this round mattered.
“How is he?” Fionola asked the doctor who came in with Seth and Keno.
“Stubborn,” they said in unison. “But nobody could talk him out of this.”
“No, I’m sure that’s true.” Fionola leaned forward when Jared’s name was called. “But look at that.”
Jared rode low and close while the great horse simply devoured the ground between each obstacle. He jumped with a ferocious grace that was almost alarming, as if he sensed the clock he raced against was not only the seconds that ticked by on the timer’s tally, but deep in the heart of his rider, a heart that fought its own battle for time.
****
“Something’s wrong. Fee, keep your eyes on Pyralis.”
Tyndal stood, her hands clapped against her mouth. The horse winged across the water obstacle. He leaped the entire width with his neck and head higher than normal. It was an out-of-balance position that put too much stress on his legs, those fine Thoroughbred legs that break so easily. With his hands curled in his mane, Jared was positioned against Pyralis’ neck when the horse set up for the oxer—a hateful multi-level combination that cost the last rider the competition. He eyed the huge jump and, increasing his speed, hurtled across it, defying gravity. Jared never moved.
Tyndal turned to the doctor. “Something’s wrong with Jared.”
“I don’t know much about horses, but I do know bodies, and you’re right. I’m going back to the tent and be ready when this is done. Why doesn’t that horse stop or something?”
“Pyralis knows exactly what to do. Plus he loves it. That’s why he and Jared are almost impossible to beat. For them, this is usually pure fun. But Pyralis is moving in a way that’s protective. In other words, he’s trying to give Jared an easy round. It won’t be long now.”
The applause roared from the grandstand, the announcer confirmed Jared’s round was clear, with no faults and that the wonderful team just set a new record for time. Sasha, now in second position, would ride next and wasn’t everyone having a great time!
Encouraging the crowd to give Jared and Pyralis another hand, the announcer seemed unaware of how urgently the horse wheeled out of the area. The grooms scattered when Pyralis flew through the exit gates, and ignored their outstretched hands.
Tyndal yelled at the horse. He whirled, slid to a stop, and stood motionless while Seth cut away the long mane where Jared buried his hands. The medics pulled him down, unconscious and oblivious of t
heir efforts. Jared was out cold.
Tyndal remained at the entrance to the tent, unable to do more than watch, terrified.
Seth took Pyralis, intending to cool him off. The horse fought to follow Jared and wouldn’t go twenty feet from the tent, so the two of them walked circles around it. Beside the quiet voices of the medics working on Jared, the only other sounds were from Pyralis as he screamed and fumed. “Sounds as if Seth’s having a hard time,” Fee murmured. “And I’m talking because I want to hear something other than this silence and Pyralis’ rage.”
Tyndal put her arms around her grandmother and leaned her head onto her shoulder. “Pyralis isn’t the only one. I understand how he feels.”
“Tyndal, child, Jared will be okay. The doc told me they have an antidote they believe will work. Keno’s been on the phone with his lab, and they’ve identified the drug. The blood sample they drew earlier was confirmation. He’s just gone too long without treatment.”
“I love him so,” Tyndal whispered, tears on her face.
“I know, honey. I know. Just be patient a few more minutes. Jared’s fighting too.” Fionola lifted her head. “Tyndal, did you hear that?”
“No, I wasn’t paying any attention. What?”
“I’m not certain. Listen,” Fee said as the announcer began his call again.
“Dr. Seth Matthews, if you’re available, come to the Show Jumping arena. You’re needed immediately. Dr. Seth Matthews, come to the Show Jumping arena.” The call continued as Tyndal, drying her tears, rushed to take Pyralis.
“Thanks.” He nodded to Tyndal. “Now what?” As Seth grabbed his phone, Tyndal heard him calling in his team.
It was a sight no one wanted to see.
****
Sasha’s horse was down. He hadn’t cleared the last fence and stumbled on the landing. Those standing nearby said it looked as if his front legs simply gave out and the big horse hit the ground hard, rolled twice.
Sasha fell with him, but jumped free and was unhurt. She stood, brushed off her jacket, and waved to the crowd. The wretched horse remained where he fell, breathing hard, his front legs drawn up. She wanted to kick him in the stomach and scream. She wanted to kill the stupid creature. Instead she had to appear concerned, as if his well-being mattered. How embarrassing. Of course, the press had to get pictures.
She lifted her chin as Seth worked. It took all her control to stand there in defeat. Stupid, wretched horse. She ignored Keno and the man who’d moved to stand at her side. The small lapel pin he wore on his dark jacket identified him as Russian. Likely he was also police. So? The man was nothing more than a paid civil servant.
There wouldn’t be enough evidence. She was certain of that. It was the reason she’d paid so dearly for the drug. Keno and crew might have questions, but so what? No proof, no crime. She wasn’t about to allow that to change.
She’d watched Jared grab the apple and bite into it, undoubtedly thinking a child left it for Pyralis. Kids do that sort of thing the world over, so why not at Morgan’s Walk? She’d injected enough of the drug in the apple that a bite would have kept the horse out of competition. If he’d eaten the whole thing, it could have killed him. Which would have been sad, quite sad. But ingesting any of it, for a human…
If Jared lived, she’d be there to love and care for him. Of course, she’d have to do something about Tyndal. If she were out of the picture, Jared would need comfort, wouldn’t he? She imagined how his eyes would light when she entered the room, he’d come to her and smile in that tender way. She’d seen how he looked at Tyndal and imagined how he’d look at her. He could still be hers. She could still win the most important prize.
That was a better way to think. Of course it was. She had to be calm. She waved to the crowd again, smiled when they clapped and cheered. There was no reason for fear. She wasn’t a criminal. Certainly not. The Countess was a lady, so everyone said. She loved reading the stories carried in the newspapers, just that morning The Lady and the Legend headlined the sports section. She and Jared were the darlings of the press.
Why hadn’t the man just quit the stupid competition?
She’d explained how much she needed to win, how important it was to her.
He should have realized the pressure she was under and at least attempted to be supportive, instead of riding against her. When they were together again, he’d make love to her on a wide, soft bed with candles scenting the air. He’d shower her with diamonds and gifts. He’d probably even apologize for not coming to her sooner. She’d forgive. Women needed to forgive their men. She sighed and kept her eyes on the horse.
The thing hesitated at the beginning of the jump; she’d felt him refuse and gave him a sharp taste of the spur. The clumsy beast hit the rail with his hind legs. He hadn’t lifted high enough and his hoof tangled between the rails.
He failed.
She failed.
She should have changed horses earlier in the season.
She should never have brought him to Morgan’s Walk.
Straightening her shoulders, she looked at the man at her side when he murmured her name, then said she was under arrest. He went so far as to suggest he intended to take her into custody.
Him? He was nothing but a peasant, with no understanding or regard. The contempt in his eyes made her want to laugh. How dare he touch her? She waved at the crowd once more, and accepted their applause like champagne. She smiled at Keno as he offered her his arm and between the two men, Sasha was escorted from the arena.
She never looked back.
****
Seth ignored everyone but his patient. He felt the tendons of the injured front legs, felt the fragile bones. Only an x-ray would show the full damage, but he didn’t think a bone was broken. Certainly his tendons had given, but he figured the main issue was in the shoulder. It was a bad injury. He gave the stallion a fast acting pain-reliever, motioned for his team to put him in the ambulance.
“We need to take him downtown. If we have to do surgery, I want him in the hospital rather than out here. When you get there, start x-rays of his right shoulder and the bones in both front legs and his hooves. Then do an ultra-sound on the tendons. Put him on fluids, keep him sedated. He’s in a lot of pain. Text me the results.”
“Aren’t you coming, sir?”
“I need to update Fionola and check on Pyralis. Then I’ll be on my way.”
“We heard about Jared. Give him our best, please?”
“Will do. I’ll see you soon.” He left the horse in their care and went in search of Fee. She was, as he expected, still at the medical tent with Jared and Tyndal.
“Sasha?” Fionola asked after Seth finished telling her about the horse. “I didn’t see the accident. Was she hurt?”
“Not a bit. She’s fine. Uri and Keno met her in the arena and took her somewhere. Uri said he’d give you a report later on.”
“Good. I know you should go. I just…”
He heard the quiet sob.
“Easy, my dear.” Seth drew her close, feeling the woman who seldom leaned on anyone, lean on him. “It’s over, Fee. This whole nightmare is over. The important thing now is that you don’t make yourself sick with worry and find yourself back in the hospital.” He brushed a kiss across her forehead, and decided it wasn’t important to mention Sasha’s last words to him had been a command to put the horse down.
“Seth, do you know about the results? Who won?”
“Sasha had two faults by the time her horse went down. The announcer made a mess of the presentations, calling for Jared to take a victory lap and all. Of course, he never showed and the announcer kept saying he was sure Jared would be in the ring within moments, egging the crowd on. Finally the judge shut him up, declared Jared the winner, and told everyone to head over for the barbecue. If he feels up to it, they’ll present the Cup to him and Pyralis at the Symphony.”
“Have mercy.” Fionola clapped her hands to either side of her face and closed her eyes. “After all that’s happe
ned here, I haven’t given the barbecue a thought.”
“Neither have I.” Seth gave a short laugh. “In the past, that’s the one event I don’t miss. What a day.” Wanting to comfort her, Seth kept his arms around Fionola. “Listen, I’ve got my staff working on Sasha’s horse right now. What do you need, my dear? Would you like to go home? I could drop you off at the house on my way to town.”
“Thanks. I truly doubt there’s much that can go wrong at the barbecue the cook and her staff can’t handle. Plus I don’t feel like dealing with another crowd of people. I think I’ll stay here with Jared and Tyndal.”
“Any change yet? Has the doc said anything?”
“I’d like to hear the answer to that question.” Uri walked toward them, a smile on his face. “I was coming to check on him too.”
“It’s good news. He’s better, his temperature is down and his heart rate has normalized. They feel much more positive since he managed to say something a few minutes ago. He’s asleep now.”
“What did he say?” Seth asked.
“He wanted Tyndal to feed Pyralis a peppermint, that it settles his nerves.”
“I didn’t hear that.” He grinned, remembering Chase used to slip Raj a slice of chocolate cake once in a while.
Uri took Fionola’s hand. “Thank you, dear lady, for your hospitality and kindness. Though I am seldom in your country, it will be pleasant for me when I remember this place and you.” A wistful expression crossed his face. “Please give my best to your granddaughter and Jared. I have every confidence whatever discomfort Sasha forced upon you has ended. The Count’s family wants her trial held in Italy since that was her last legal home of residence. But since she’s a Russian citizen, I don’t know what the courts will decide.” He shrugged. “However, none of that should trouble you. Sasha has quite a reputation to confess, and I’ll be happy to be of assistance should she forget to include those details which occurred at Morgan’s Walk in that, ah”—he smiled as he found the right word—“explanation.”
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