Lina went silent and threw a look at Gilles, who said, “Come on, Vix, you know I loved her. Okay it wasn’t an accident, but who could have known Mick would kill her—just my father, as he ordered her removed.”
“Why have Odette killed? Did she threaten the family by carrying your child?”
“I never told Papa or anyone about the baby. There was another reason.”
“Odette made the mistake of asking too many questions about Project Pegasus after she stumbled over it,” said Lina. “We tried to stop her talking to Roman. She wouldn’t let Vecheech resolve the situation as planned.”
“So, that was why you created Vecheech, to halt the Project?” said Armand.
“Vecheech was the only way to stop Papa destroying Boissard Équestre.”
“And Vidarranj?”
“They controlled my father through that viper, Mick. Luckily, I had the basis of Vecheech in place at McGill, with the help of friends and lawyers disenchanted with Roman’s incompetence.”
“Why didn’t you ask me? Or was it before we met?” asked Armand.
“I set Vecheech up before we met. You seemed to be troubled just by life. So, why involve you when it was under control?”
“Gilles has business flair. Nobody credited him with anything, with his pure ideals. Odette knew his plan but failed to understand what it meant. No imagination. The pregnancy made her dismissal inevitable. Poor Gilles.”
Carly could see Armand read the confession in those words. Lina had dismissed Odette, with a crossbow.
Gilles ignored his wife’s blunder and reached into his jacket, taking out a USB flash drive that he handed to Armand.
“This is Vecheech’s research on Vidarranj, showing how they debased everything. It might help prosecute Mick. Just because Papa’s died, Vidarranj will keep Mick on the case. Their future depends on it.”
“You mean Project Pegasus? It’s on the drive?”
“Everything, from the Du Noroît research to the latest problems. Wanda’s DNA was the basis for the only two successful foals.”
“Therefore, they don’t need her anymore unless...”
“The foals have died, so they need to start again, with Wanda.”
Gilles took another sip of wine.
“This isn’t bad. Like old times.” He drained his glass and stood up. “Lina and I need to go, but we are around if you require our help again. You know where our box is, au revoir.”
“Then Lina should come to our briefing tomorrow. 06:00 by the start.”
SIXTY
The morning light and the coffee fed their readiness, but the numbers of volunteers present indicated a weakness in Armand’s strategy. At least it should to Lina, as he said, “I’ve divided the course into six sectors per the visibility and accessibility of the fences. Each of the Zoos is assigned one.”
“We should work in pairs as a spotter and sniper would, but your Cadre friends are too few.”
“I tried to get more volunteers, but our friends had priorities, like their horses.”
“You guys don’t understand the meaning of emergency, but I’ll help point out the vulnerable positions. Some fences offer the optimal positions for Bête to strike from.”
“Like the water, where some people are waiting for a fall—like the paparazzi,” said Armand. “Crowds equal cover.”
“Vantage points too, for a good sniper,” said Lina, her face betraying nothing.
“What about weapons? How do we stop Bête?” asked Brochet, a Zoo who had taken off a long weekend from work as a truck mechanic.
“The British criminal law restricts us to using such force as is reasonable in the circumstances of preventing crime,” said Loup, and concerned Lina would ignore these words, he added, “Bête attacking Renarde or the mare would suffice, but avoid undue force.”
“Jesus Cristo, sounds like the cuffs are on us.”
“You can also pick up something defensive, which the law calls ‘instant arm’,” continued Armand. “We can only use whatever force is needed to suppress the attack. Any further violence would constitute an assault. We don’t need weapons to impede Bête or someone else.”
Lina mimicked dodging in front and tripping him.
“Exactly, or just an arm to the chest can do enough.”
“Unarmed combat, perfecto.”
She was proficient without weapons so she wouldn’t be at a disadvantage, but Armand had to say, “Citizen’s arrest is legal, but we must call the authorities as soon as we can, and no heroics.”
He was about to progress the briefing, but Lina took the lead.
“Bête will be armed, but not with a regular dart rifle, crossbow or pistol. It may be a modified blowpipe, something to deliver a dart to the right place. Any more suggestions?” She spun round and faced the Zoos with a fiery glare, and then laughed. “Anyone think they are as clever as me?”
Blanculet braved a reply. “Perhaps an umbrella or a walking stick?”
Her response encouraged Brochet. “Surely anything from a toy to a radio or cell-phone could be adapted.”
“Impressive, but remember it has to be accurate against a moving horse.”
Armand expected Lina to say a camera or even a flashlight, to conceal the CO2 cartridges, although the Zoos were aware of that already.
“Okay Loup, what do you feel? They’re your friends, but you need to impress me.”
“I’d choose something with a targeting device for accuracy, like a camera perhaps, still or video.”
“Correct, anything suspicious might be a weapon. We might eventually make a real soldier of you, one day.”
“The crucial thing,” said Loup, amused at her misconception, “is that we are on the cross before first light and that we check every sector for anything suspicious. When Bête is spotted, we shut him down before he can act.”
“Agreed. Let’s walk on. This fence is too exposed, but the next one might be one Bête would choose. The tree increases the cover, and a rider must steady before the first element.”
Lina’s rising to the bait. She’s relishing being back in charge of her raw recruits.
Just six selected Zoos were required to attend the briefing. Armand had briefed the others on how to cover the gaps.
This deception must work. Using covert assets is vital. Lina believes we are ineffectual cavalry guys who need her assistance—good.
SIXTY-ONE
Standing beyond the water by a stone wall, Carly grinned at Gilles and said, “Giving me another perspective, to confuse me perhaps? I have to remember you’re a rival and a Canadian who needs horses.”
“Vecheech sponsors the Canadian Equestrian Team, so we could always use a horse like Wanda.” He stared at her, then smiled and said, “Except she’s yours.”
“Until I retire, but I’m grateful for the ride for life; even with the strict terms. I’m surprised Vecheech didn’t just loan her. You’d still have got the same results.”
“I owed you, for wrecking your dreams. Plus, don’t owner-riders give more, like passion and commitment?”
“We know what’s best for the horse, yes. Another shrewd move.”
“Anyway, those terms have one loophole I fear, my oversight. Any future embryo transfers are yours—unless you want to take a bet if I win?”
“Don’t think Lina would approve. That’s one of your bad habits, though it sounds tempting. Plus, I know your team needs some help.” She continued walking across the parkland towards the next complex.
Gilles responded to her taunt, saying, “Tabernac, we’ve won medals–”
“True, your lot won team silver at the recent championships, just behind our team, but—”
“We’re getting competitive. Watch out Brits. A few more years and we’ll be all over you, if not next time.”
They both laughed, but it was true. With Vecheech putting their muscle and resources, including Lina’s research, behind all the equestrian teams they would be a force.
She pointed at the t
axi-shaped roll tops ahead and said, “This new complex poses a lot of questions.”
“So which route do you favour, Vix?”
“No way, first you show me yours.”
She let Gilles pace out the options through the mounds and trees, snaking from taxi shaped fence to fence. The sun filtering through the leaves threw shadows across the uneven ground, adding to the test.
Gilles relaxed back into eventing mode, and the tension between them dissolved. However, she was prepared and waiting for when the time was right to make her move.
He walked back to her, glancing at his notes. She watched another group of riders walking the combination.
“Well, I know what I’ll do. I would just choose to take two alternatives on this course, depending on the conditions tomorrow.”
“It’s meant to be sun with light cloud,” said Carly, hoping the British weather could be relied upon to deliver.
“Then the quick route here is jumpable if you can keep your balance through here with these mounds and roll tops.”
“Should be fun for the spectators, seeing riders trying to keep their weight back, arm in the air.”
“Totally true. It’s aptly called Hailing A Cab. Anyway, we’ll be okay, though in the wet it might be wiser to go longer. But it’ll cost you time, and I might beat you again.”
As he nodded his agreement, although perhaps not to another defeat, she smiled. Despite everything else, Gilles had always had the trainer’s knack, if not the winning ways.
*
Half an hour later, they walked away from the finish down past the lorry park and stabling.
Carly thanked Gilles, saying, “That was so useful, and it helped, you knowing Wanda and me.”
“I’m here if you need me. Just sorry about the past. Have you time for a coffee? Or do you need to work Wanda?”
“I’ve time for one at Charlie’s, black of course. I’ve three hours before my test.”
“Is your insulin pump working right now? If not, the company has the latest, and it meets the Olympic regs.”
“I’m all right, and my pump is great, but thanks for offering.”
Carly wasn’t going to tell him about the modifications made by Ouistiti, so the pump delivered glucose as well. It would even combat a modified boost from Mick.
Watching the dressage from beside the stand, familiar from so many events, she could have so easily slipped back into old ways. Now was her moment.
“Are you still Gilles Boissard, or have you and Lina become Mr & Mrs Patrick Harfang? Just wondering if I’m sitting here with a celebrity?”
She grinned as he put his head down and glanced around.
“Not sure I’m that if I stay as Patrick Harfang, as I intend. More like a bête noire. And it’s all cost me enough... dollars.”
How many friends has he lost by stabbing them in the back?
Continuing to delve she said, “Poor Gilles. Your money—did you fund Vecheech and all of those horses?”
“My money, plus a bit from grand-père, as he always supported my ventures, without Roman knowing.”
“Your grandpa knew you were Patrick Harfang?”
“Totally, and it made him proud. Proud that I was a real entrepreneur, unlike his son who was a spendthrift that strutted around and bullied people. Grand-père laughed when I disguised myself to play golf with Roman, who never realised I was Harfang.”
“That easily fooled. So, your grandpa agreed with your ventures?”
“He said I was ahead of my time when I invested in biotechnology, wherever appropriate.”
Carly smiled as he added further fuel to Armand’s surmise that Vecheech planned to take over Project Pegasus.
“But the ruthless image? Remember the Saumur press conference—that isn’t the future. Harfang is surely a reaction to your father?”
“As ever, you’re right. With the threat gone, I suppose I’m free.”
“Gilles, the guy I fell in love with had positives to build on, like the talented trainer and the person who found Wanda and me. The man who made us a team, perhaps medal winners. And as a Canadian sponsor, you need a new image.”
“What’s the catch, Vix? With you, there’s always one.”
“How about doing an interview with French TV? A chance for Patrick Harfang, competing at Bramham, one of Britain’s stately homes, to show he’s supporting eventing in so many ways: as a rider, a breeder, a sponsor, even ensuring a Brit gets her chance to ride a brilliant horse.”
“And this is your idea or Loup’s?”
“Mine. He just agreed. They’re here doing a documentary on the Duchesnes.”
Plus, they were extra eyes around the cross-country, especially with their cameras.
“First, we need more coffee for inspiration.”
She hoped he wouldn’t talk his way out when he returned with two more cups.
“So, you need the Canadian perspective, a walk-on part? Not sure then.”
“No, your own piece, linked to Wanda. Director even muttered about you commentating on my round, crazy idea.”
Brilliant if it kept Gilles occupied up in the control box.
“Tempting, it’s hard hiding behind a false image. It's my chance to play the benevolent role, and it’ll be an opportunity to make Vidarranj squirm at my humanity. Say hi to the new Vecheech.”
She wondered if she had created a dangerous hybrid monster, with the charm of Gilles and the venom of Harfang. Would he just thrive in the spotlight while Mick used the distraction to strike?
SIXTY-TWO
“Wanda looks out for me on cross-country, and you’re all watching as well. At the speed we’ll be moving, there’s a chance Mick will miss,” said Carly grinning.
Is she too foolhardy? Brave more likely, and it’s our duty to protect her. I don’t want to lose her just for a team place in the future.
“I like your spirit, amiga. We’ll ensure he doesn’t try. I’ve these Zoos well-schooled, once they paid attention.”
Armand hoped she was right, and they had found every vulnerable position along the four-kilometre track. The Zoo reinforcements, the cameras and the organiser’s co-operation should give them total coverage. Bramham was a popular international event in the heart of an equestrian county, so there would be large crowds drawn by the warm weather as well as the action. Mick could easily disappear here.
Damn Vidarranj and their Paris lawyer. As Mouflon had warned, the gendarmerie had been unable to hold Mick for even four days. As Carly walked back to the horsebox, he waited with Lina by the Water complex as they continued to survey their sector.
“Have we assessed the Vidarranj risk correctly, Lina? Do they need Wanda alive?”
“Trust me, Loup. They need her alive and winning with Carly on board. They only need Mick to secure ownership, like Roman tried and failed.”
“So, a simple agenda.”
He had been relieved when the British Ministry of Defence had confirmed Mick was never in the Paras and had only trained with the Territorial Army one summer and then quit. As predicted, more Vecheech misinformation. The Canadian company’s computer incursions had increased the security level of Vidarranj, although Hareng Rouge was bypassing their firewalls.
“Loup, did you ever trust me? Or your best friend, Gilles? Why not enough to tell us what you suspected, even if it was minimal? Perhaps if you had, we wouldn’t be fighting Vidarranj now.”
“I tried once, at Saumur, but you shut me out. We could have shared information then.”
But then Armand would have been exposed, making himself a target.
“Hogwash, you only told me what I already knew. Why not say you were Cadre? Or did your riding let you down? Were you ever promoted? Sergeant? Corporal?”
He suppressed his amusement but wondered if this was a bluff and that she had discovered his history with the Chasseurs. Was he her next victim?
“Maybe for the same reason you never mentioned the Marines. Why didn’t you tell me that you served?”
>
“I couldn’t say anything. Nobody ever understood, until Gilles. Nobody felt my torment, especially not mi padre, hijo de puta. He was only capable of abusing my mother when my brother Luis was killed, in a stupid accident.”
The pain seemed genuine. Did her father wish she had died and not her brother? Armand let her continue.
“Some drunk driver, the police said. My father wanted me to be the son he lost, but he never gave me a chance. So, when I graduated from High School, I joined the army.”
“Where you were driven to succeed at everything?”
“Yes. Everything the officers would allow me to do. My commander was okay, but there was a Captain; he gave me hell, demanded too much. Raped me, then ensured the army booted me, the victim. So, I was expected to live with that bastard’s dishonour, but Gilles helped me bury my past and build a better life.”
“Merde, I’m deeply sorry.” However, her suffering was no justification for murder. "How much does Gilles know?”
“Everything, we trust each other. Like you and Carly.”
“Your Marine skills? Did those help when you both faked his suicide?”
“I had the know-how...” She hesitated then said, “But that rat, Mick. He has to pay for all of this.”
He tried to gauge if the venom was real, or if some of it was contrived.
She’s had it tough. Abused, raped and now this, but can I forgive her? Would Odette?
“Can he be responsible for everything, Lina? I thought it was your darts that killed Roman.”
“That was defensive, like now. Mick is your assassin, trust me.”
Except he couldn’t. Lina was the proverbial scorpion. It was in her nature; she was Bellerophon.
So he said, “And I promise we will neutralise the assassin today.” She winced, but he pretended not to notice, continuing, “I need to check the other side.”
“You’re wasting your time, Loup. He’ll strike from here or elsewhere.”
“And if you’re wrong, what happens?”
“Isn’t Carly wearing body armour like ours?”
“Too heavy, so she has an adapted body protector.”
Spiral of Hooves Page 23
