The Michaela Bancroft Mysteries 1-3

by Michele Scott

  SEVEN

  WHEN MICHAELA MADE IT TO THE BOX, SHE WAS relieved to find herself alone for a moment. She scanned the crowd, noticing all the usual suspects and many not-so-usual suspects. The quarter horse races at La Catalina were a little different than Thoroughbred racing. More cowboy hats and less suits, more down-home Americana and less celebrity fare, but still plenty of folks with champagne tastes, and they'd get what they'd come here for—a run for their money and much more. June, in what could be considered muggy for the OC; the quarter horses would be running today. Quarters ran shorter, faster races compared to the Thoroughbred, and "the quarter-mile race" was how the quarter got its name. Back in the day, the original cowboys enjoyed racing their ponies for quarter miles, discovering they were sprinters and had extreme speed from the get-go, but weren't endurance runners like the Thoroughbred—thus the quarter horse breed was born.

  Michaela set down her Kir Royal, now nearly finished, and smiled. She dug through her purse, locating a rubber band to hold her blond hair. Thankfully, the box was in the shade.

  "Not bad, huh?" Audrey walked into the box. "The seats. It pays to have friends in high places."

  "I can see that. You okay? That scene with Olivia didn't seem too pleasant."

  "Nothing I can't handle. She's having a rough patch of it right now. We'll get through it. I see you've been to the bar." She walked around the back of the row of seats and over to a table where a bottle of champagne chilled. "I don't think Kathleen will mind. It appears as if she's already begun." She held the bottle up, which was half empty. Audrey poured herself a glass and refreshed Michaela's. She nodded to her. "A toast to Olivia today…and Kathleen's horse Halliday. He's a fine animal. Expected to win. We should definitely go and place a bet on him."

  Michaela nodded. "To Olivia and Halliday it is."

  "Here, here," another woman's voice from behind them rang out. Kathleen Bowen entered the box. "I will second that. To my daughter and my horse. Shall they both be winners today." She smiled brightly, her gray eyes—the same color as her pageboy-coiffed hair—lit up, emphasizing the deep lines around her eyes and mouth. Kathleen was a smoker and a sun lover, both of which had taken their toll on her face. "Nice to see you again, Michaela," Kathleen said, stubbing out her cigarette and blowing the smoke away from Audrey and Michaela. "Good of you to make it. Hope my horse wins and my daughter breaks a leg." She gave Audrey a hug. "And, how are you? You look great as always. Have you seen Olivia?" She asked, and took a sip of champagne from the flute she was holding.

  "Just came from there," Audrey said. "You look great, too. Big day."

  "Mmm, yes it is." Kathleen set her champagne down after taking another long sip.

  "What time will Olivia go on?" Michaela asked.

  "Soon." Audrey checked her watch. She glanced around.

  "You sure you're okay?" Michaela asked. Poor Audrey. How was she going to tell her what Hudson Drake had related about Bob? She had to, though. It wasn't something that could wait.

  "Sure. A bit nervous is all. You know, for Olivia."

  "She'll be great," Kathleen said and tilted the light pink hat she wore with her matching Chanel suit. "I know it. My girl can sing. And, my horse can run. Going to kick Hugh's horse's ass. He'd better anyway. I'd love to see Hugh eat crow, along with that two-bit whore he married."

  "Now Kathleen," Audrey said, "I thought you were past being bitter."

  "Bitterness has nothing to do with the truth. And you know that I'm saying the truth. You know, I really don't want to be angry at Hugh or bitter about any of it. I wish I could let it all go. Wash my hands. It's crazy, but I still love him. He was the love of my life. How can you be married to someone for twenty-five years and then throw it away?"

  Audrey sipped her champagne but didn't respond.

  "Look ladies, I think the show is about to start. Audrey, would you mind pouring me another glass of champagne?" Kathleen handed her the glass. Michaela walked over to the champagne with Audrey, who leaned in and whispered in Michaela's ear as an announcer bellowed from the infield, "She gets tipsy easily, and then she gets on the Hugh kick and there's no stopping her. Be prepared. I can't tell you how many nights in recent months have started out with her in a great mood, only to turn dark as soon as she's knocked back a few and started walking down memory lane."

  "I think I can handle it," Michaela said. "Look, there's something I have to tell you—"

  "Hurry up, ladies. Sit, sit," Kathleen ordered.

  "Can it wait? I think we better take a seat and prepare for the entertainment," Audrey replied.

  Could it wait? Michaela struggled with that for a minute. She could tell Audrey about her brother now and have her fretting during Olivia's performance, possibly ruining the experience for her completely, or she could at least wait until Olivia was finished. It wasn't as if Audrey could do anything about her brother at that moment anyway. "Sure, it can wait."

  "Good afternoon, ladies and gentleman. It's a great day for the races, isn't it?" The crowd's applause and cheers echoed through the stands at the announcer's intro.

  Michaela noticed that Audrey took another sip of champagne but did not applaud, while Kathleen on the other hand was squealing with delight.

  "You should be really proud of yourself," Michaela told Audrey, hoping to ease her nerves about Olivia's performance.

  Before Audrey could reply, the announcer welcomed "Up-and-coming superstar Olivia Bowen," to the stage.

  The crowd went nuts again, especially Kathleen, who cried, "That's my baby! That's my girl!"

  Olivia appeared on stage, her ethereal beauty causing many to pause and study her. "Hi everyone," she said, seeming uncomfortable.

  "Goodness. I told her not to wear that. She is such a beautiful girl. Why does she have to cover herself up in a frock?" Kathleen turned to Audrey.

  "You know that Olivia is shy. It's her nature, Kathleen. You may have to accept that. It doesn't take away the fact that she has talent."

  "You think that Simpson girl has any talent? Ha! My daughter is far prettier and more talented, but you know why that blondie is always topping the charts? It's because she knows how to work it." Kathleen muttered something under her breath. Michaela couldn't hear what she said, but it likely wasn't a pleasantry.

  Michaela squeezed Audrey's arm as Kathleen turned back to watch Olivia sing her first song: a beautiful rendition of "Blue Moon." "Don't listen to her. You're doing everything right for Olivia and you know it. It's the way you've always been with us kids. Well, I guess I'm not a kid anymore."

  "Oh, honey, you'll always be a kid to me. But what do you mean?"

  "I mean, you've always let us be exactly who we wanted to be. You allowed me to explore various aspects of riding and I wound up finding my niche in reining. I'm sure you would have liked to see me go down the path of say, maybe hunter jumping, or even racing?"

  Audrey smiled at her. "Hmm. That is what I had in mind."

  "Right. But I would have been the tallest jockey in town. Granted I'm no giant, but not many are five foot six." Michaela pointed at her. "Regardless, you still let me go where I needed and wanted to, and that is what you're doing for Olivia."

  "I don't know about that."

  When Olivia finished with "Blue Moon," she played an original song of hers, which was more upbeat, and she had the crowd on their feet clapping. Kathleen turned. "Amazing. She is amazing. I know she's going to be a superstar."

  Once Olivia was done with her set, Steve Benz came on and rocked the crowd with his mixture of good looks, rock 'n' roll moves, and sweet southern sound. Even so, Michaela's brief encounter with him had soured her on enjoying his performance.

  "I can see why he's a star," Kathleen said as he left the stage. "I think I'll go and refresh my drink, maybe see if I can spot anyone I know before the race starts, and get a look at Halliday." She held up a pair of crossed fingers. "Come with me?"

  Before Audrey could respond, Michaela said, "I think we have some bets to place
, don't we, Audrey?" She wanted a chance to speak with her about Bob.

  "We do."

  "I'm sure you're betting on my horse, aren't you? The odds are in Halliday's favor."

  "Of course," Audrey replied as they left the box.

  They entered the betting lines. Standing in line, Michaela turned to her. "Audrey, when was the last time you spoke with—"

  "Audrey!" an older man shouted out as he approached them. Michaela recognized Hugh Bowen. She glanced at Audrey and caught a genuine smile spreading across her friend's face. That was the first time today that Audrey had really smiled, and it lit her up.

  Hugh leaned in and kissed Audrey's cheek, then Michaela's. His thick silver hair, dark brown eyes, and navy blazer paired with khakis gave him quite the distinguished look. He definitely appeared happier than his ex-wife. "Olivia was wonderful up there. I am so proud of her and everything you've done," he said.

  "I haven't really done anything," she replied.

  He waved a hand at her. "Nonsense. I take it you're in Kathleen's box?"

  "We are." Audrey sighed.

  Hugh placed a hand on Michaela's shoulder. "So, you two are coming by tomorrow to take a look at some of my retirees, huh? Audrey mentioned your new venture into giving riding lessons."

  "I've got a couple of students right now, and may be taking on some more," Michaela replied.

  "Sounds great. I think I have some horses that might work for you. So, Kathleen pressuring you to bet on Halliday, I suppose? It's not a bad bet. But you may want to put some money down on my guy—Flashing Chico. I've got a good feeling about him, and I've got one of the best jockeys around up on him—Enrique Perez. The man can ride. Plus, I've been watching this horse out on the track every morning this week and he has it. It's a gut thing. His times have been phenomenal. Since your brother had me put him on Eq Tech's new supplement, I think it really is improving this horse's speed. I'm a real believer in that stuff."

  "Bobby is here today, isn't he?" Audrey asked. "He's vetting the track, right?" she asked, a note of apprehension to her voice.

  Michaela looked at Hugh Bowen. Did he know that Bob hadn't shown up at work? Oh no. Maybe she should have told Audrey before now. She wanted to jump in and tell her what Hudson Drake had told her, but she couldn't find the words.

  "Should be. I haven't seen him. I missed the vet check earlier, but I'm sure my trainer and jockey saw him. He's probably swamped. You know what it's like. He's probably busy testing and checking everything. Quit worrying about him. He's doing great. I saw him the other day and he's fine. Trust me, the man is back on his feet again."

  Michaela swallowed hard. Hugh had seen Bob the other day? Which day? This was getting really complicated. How would she break it to Audrey that it wasn't looking as though her brother was really back on his feet, but had taken a step backward?

  "I can thank you for that, too," Audrey replied.

  "Audrey, I don't know why you won't ever take any credit. You do so much for everyone." He reached out and took her hand. The touch was somehow intimate, and the way they looked at each other further cemented that thought in Michaela's mind. She noticed Hugh squeeze Audrey's hand and then let it go, the two of them smiling at each other.

  Okay, something was going on between these two. Michaela wasn't quite sure what it was, but her friend had some explaining to do about Hugh.

  "Hughie, sweetie, c'mon. They're about to run. Let's go." They all turned around to see Bridgette Bowen, Hugh's trophy wife, hollering out to him—tall, voluptuous, blue-eyed and dark-haired, and about twenty years younger than him. She walked over to them. "Hi, ladies." She stretched out her hand to Michaela. "Bridgette Bowen. You must be a friend of Audrey's. Hello, Audrey."

  "Bridgette."

  Michaela shook her hand. "Hi, I am. Michaela Bancroft. Nice to meet you."

  "Pleasure is mine. You two should come by after the races. We're having a get-together at the house."

  "Thank you, Bridgette," Audrey said coolly, "but we have plans."

  "If you change your mind, you are more than welcome." Bridgette started to walk away. "Come on, hon."

  "Be right there. Get those bets in, ladies, and I will see you both in the morning. Wave to me in the winner's circle." He whispered something in Audrey's ear. Michaela thought about asking her what their secret was, but knew it would be rude, so she let it go as they placed a small bet on Halliday and a bigger one on Hugh's horse, Flashing Chico.

  "We better hurry." Audrey grabbed Michaela's arm and they jogged back up to the box where Kathleen was already seated.

  "Olivia should be here by now," Kathleen said. "I don't know what's taking the girl so long."

  "She probably wanted to change, and I'm sure people are asking her to sign autographs," Michaela said.

  "She should be here. This is an important race." Kathleen crossed her arms, frowning.

  Michaela looked down at the track, watching the horses being led out by their handler horse. A couple were being squirrelly, tossing their heads about and letting out shrill whinnies, ready to race—do what they were born to do. But for the most part, the horses on the track remained calm; it was another wonderful quality about the quarter horse breed—they typically had good heads about them. The one horse that noticeably was the most amped was Halliday.

  "What's wrong with him?" Kathleen said. "He doesn't get the jitters."

  Again the well-muscled, sorrel-colored four-year-old stallion let out another shrill whinny. Kathleen stood up watching, strain tightening her face as the crew got him into the chute. "I don't understand. I've never seen him behave this way."

  "Oh, Kathleen, horses have moods just like people do. Maybe he's in a funk," Audrey said.

  "You know, Audrey, I wanted to talk to you about something earlier," Michaela said.

  "Yes?"

  "It's about Bob."

  "My brother?"

  "Yes. I ran into his boss at Eq Tech and—"

  The chute buzzer rang out and the horses were off. "There they go," Kathleen said.

  Audrey jumped to her feet. Michaela realized that she had to find the right words to say to her in the next couple of minutes, when the race would be over. Maybe she should have just waited until the end of the day. Too late now. Besides, Audrey really did need to know about Bob not showing up for work. It was the right thing to do.

  The horses came down the straightaway, running at break-neck speed, jockeys vying for the best positions, a blur of browns, blacks, and grays intermingled with the bright colors of the jockeys' silks. Long tails flew in the air like flags as the pounding of hooves slammed hard against the ground, the rapid thud of their hooves kicking up soil. Halliday came around the bend and moved into the lead, Flashing Chico right on his tail. They were almost neck and neck, and then…It all happened so fast. A wrong cue, a bump from the other horse—the cause was not the issue. Michaela cringed as her stomach churned. The movement was so subtle, but Michaela knew what had happened immediately, and within seconds so did the crowd as Halliday's jockey pulled him up. The gorgeous animal had broken his leg.

  EIGHT

  "OH MY GOD, OH MY GOD!" KATHLEEN BROUGHT her hands up to her face as the reality of what they'd all just seen registered.

  Audrey's jaw dropped. Michaela leaned forward in the box. Low murmurs rose from the crowd as they began to understand what they had witnessed. The pounding of hooves in the distance continued but soon stopped as the race ended. Hugh's horse won. Mixed cries sounded throughout the throng of spectators.

  Audrey raised a pair of binoculars to see what was going on. A moment later, she put them down and started to run out of the box.

  "Where are you going?" Michaela asked.

  "Down to the track to find my brother. I'm going to see what I can find out."

  "Wait," Michaela yelled as Audrey dashed away. "Audrey!" But her friend didn't stop.

  Michaela started to go after her when Kathleen grabbed her arm. "Oh God, what are they doing? What's going on? I c
an't see!" She stood up on her tiptoes trying to get a better vantage point. Even though they had excellent seats, everyone else was also standing in an attempt to see what was going on.

  Michaela stood a few inches taller than Kathleen. She didn't have time to look. She needed to go after Audrey and tell her about Bob—bad timing or not.

  "Can you see what the hell is going on down there?" Kathleen exclaimed.

  Michaela watched as several handlers tried to calm Halliday down. Soon an equine ambulance drove onto the track. Flashing Chico was being led into the winner's circle. Michaela saw Hugh and his wife entering the circle. A sense of helplessness and sadness came over her. This was not good.

  She turned to see Kathleen slumped down in her seat. She needed to do her best to comfort the woman. Audrey would soon know the truth about Bob, and she was angry with herself for not telling her before. Michaela put a hand on Kathleen's shoulder. "I'm so sorry. It doesn't look good. They've got an ambulance on the track now."

  Kathleen looked up at her, tears rolling down her face. "They have to save him. They have to save him!" she sobbed. "I love that horse. Oh dear God, I love that animal. Please help me. I can't go down there. I can't see him like that."

  "Audrey is on her way."

  "Can you go, too? I can't do it. I don't want to know how bad…Just tell them, tell the vets that whatever it takes, please try and save him."

  Michaela nodded. "I'll be back." She would do what Kathleen wanted not only because she'd requested it, but also because she needed to reach Audrey first before someone else told her that her brother had not shown up at the track.

  "Thank you," Kathleen whispered.

  Michaela made her way through crowds of people, her stomach lurching. She didn't want to see Halliday in any pain either, but she understood Kathleen's heartache, and she definitely understood her love for the animal. Olivia's face flashed through her mind. Had Olivia seen the race? Wait a minute! She squinted as she caught a glimpse of what looked to be Olivia up ahead, and…oh no, she was with Steve Benz, holding his hand and weaving quickly through people. Another man walked alongside them. He appeared to also be escorting Olivia out at a rapid clip. She called to her, but Olivia didn't respond. Maybe they were also headed down to the track. She thought about following her, then realized that her obligations to Kathleen and to Audrey were more pressing.