The Michaela Bancroft Mysteries 1-3

by Michele Scott

  "What about you and Olivia?"

  He stopped grooming the horse and eyed her. "What about me and Olivia? There is no me and Olivia."

  Michaela studied him, not knowing if she should believe him about what had happened with Olivia last night. Her gut, his actions and reactions to her questions, caused her to believe that, if there was not anything more going on between Josh and Olivia than just friendship, Josh would have liked there to be. "I better get going. I've got a long drive back to Indio."

  He nodded. "Hey, I am really sorry about Audrey. It's a shame."

  Michaela nodded and walked to her truck. She got the feeling after talking to Josh that he had some ill feelings toward Audrey. He felt that she needed to be the one to make Kathleen loosen the noose around her daughter's neck. And, there were feelings there. Michaela could tell that Josh cared for Olivia. He was far more defensive about her than he needed to be. She could not help wondering if Josh was so infatuated with Olivia and possibly so twisted in his thinking when it came to her, that he'd do anything to see the young woman get her way.

  Even kill for her?

  SIXTEEN

  MICHAELA PLACED A CALL TO ETHAN AS SHE DROVE the 10 East back to Indio.

  "Hey, you," he said, sounding more upbeat than he had early that morning.

  "Hi. Well?" She sucked in a breath.

  "He's out of surgery and in the recovery pool so that when he wakes up, he doesn't thrash about and reinjure himself. We were lucky this facility is so close to the track. They have an excellent team here."

  "What can you tell me about the break? What are his chances?"

  "I'd say they're good. As I explained, he has a condylar break. He broke it all the way through. It was clean. The break below the pastern is what could threaten him, but he didn't shatter it, so from this point on we're looking at a long haul. I'm optimistic, though. In a lot of ways, this will be up to Halliday. His attitude is going to be important, just like a human patient, and how well he reacts up in the hoist, off his feet for some time. It's vital that we keep his weight balanced and not put any undue pressure on the other three legs. We want to avoid laminitis at all costs because then we could have an entirely new problem on our hands. It'll really be his temperament that gets him through. If he can tolerate us and him babying that leg for the next several weeks, then he should come out of this."

  "That's great."

  "Yeah, and from everything I've seen so far, this animal has a good temperament. Sometimes in these cases, if a horse can't tolerate the treatment there's the risk of reinjuring the leg, and if that happens it can be many times worse than the initial break. So that's why we'll stay cautious, plus watch for infection. He should be coming out of the anesthesia soon and once that happens, I'm going to head back home. I'll make the commute over the next few weeks rather than stay here. With Summer only being a few weeks from delivering the baby, I'm trying to stay close to home."

  Michaela cleared her throat. "That's probably a good idea. Can I ask how you got involved in this?"

  He paused. "I wanted to wait and tell you at the barbecue, but considering this situation…I became certified as a state vet, Mick. That way I can vet at the track. I thought it might be an interesting challenge. Yesterday when Halliday sustained the injury, I happened to know the vets on the surgical team and was invited to take part in performing the surgery. Since I was with him for the ride down and saw the injury happen, I wanted to be here with him. The vets have been kind enough to allow me to be involved."

  "Wow. I had no idea that you wanted to vet the track. That's great." She considered telling him about Audrey. It was obvious he didn't know. Sooner or later he would, but he seemed genuinely happy at that moment—he was pretty sure Halliday would recover and he and his wife had a baby on the way. He'd be upset over Audrey's death, and Michaela didn't want to put a damper on his day. She also did not want to go to the barbecue–baby shower deal.

  "I've got some other good news: We found out the baby is a boy."

  "Oh, Ethan, I think that's wonderful. You're going to be a great dad."

  "I hope so. I'm looking forward to it. One of the other vets told me about this baby store close by the center. I thought I'd stop at on my way home and pick something up for him. Who would have ever known I'd get all mushy over a kid?"

  "I knew you would."

  "That's not saying much, you know me better than I know myself."

  She laughed. "Probably so. Okay well, I'll see you Friday, then, if not before. And keep me posted on the horse. Hey, by the way, does Kathleen Bowen know about Halliday yet?"

  "I've tried calling a few times and got no answer. I finally left a message on her answering machine to call the center for an update. It's surprising that she hasn't made the trip down here. Maybe she's on her way."

  She doubted that. For all the concern Kathleen had portrayed about Halliday the day before, Michaela had to wonder if she was off taking care of what she considered more important matters, like delving into her daughter's affairs. "Maybe."

  "Hey, Mick, you're not still planning on taking care of this horse's bill?"

  "Yes, I am."

  "I don't get that."

  "Tell you what, I'll explain it all to you when I see you."

  "You'd better."

  MICHAELA TURNED INTO HER PLACE BEFORE 1 P.M. and found Joe and Genevieve standing out by the barn. Oh no, she'd forgotten that she was to give Gen a lesson that afternoon. Part of her wanted to cancel it, take time to think about Audrey. She hadn't mourned her loss; not really. But she couldn't do that to Gen, and working with the little girl would be therapeutic for her as well. It would be what Audrey would want her to do. She got out of the truck, spotted Audrey's overnight bag still in the backseat, and sighed. She'd deal with it later.

  "Hey, I'm sorry. I forgot about today. I've been in L.A…. and oh God…anyway, I'm sorry."

  Joe looked at his watch. "I was ready to send one of my cousins out after you." He laughed. "Never knew you to be fifteen minutes late for nuthin'. You okay?"

  "Sure. A bit of traffic, that's all."

  "And you couldn't pick up that cell phone you got glued to your ear half the time?"

  "Joe. Stop it." She smiled at him. "Hey, by the way, I need to talk to you about your cousins."

  "What you need?'

  "Some information on a guy named Bob Pratt. He's a veterinarian. I thought one of your cousins might be able to find something out about him."

  "What gives, Mick?" He bent down to Gen. "Go get the horse a carrot, sweetheart. Daddy and Miss Michaela are gonna talk for a minute, okay?"

  Gen nodded and walked toward the feed room, where she knew Michaela kept the veggie drawer in the fridge stocked with carrots and apples.

  She sighed. "His sister was a friend of mine and she was murdered yesterday. Bob is missing. Has been for the past four or five days."

  "Oh no. I'm sorry about your friend, but you don't need to go messing into this. I'm smelling trouble here."

  "Please. All I want to know is if the guy has fallen off the wagon. He's had a drinking problem in the past, and his sister helped him get back on his feet. I find it hard to think that he might be involved in her murder, but with him incognito it does not look good. The police seem to think he killed her and is on the run. I'm actually hoping he's on a bender somewhere. And, that's where you or one of your cousins might be able to help out. That's it. Just want to know if he is okay. That is all I need to know, and then I'll drop it. Promise." She crossed her heart.

  "Where was he living? And, what about where he worked?"

  "L.A."

  "Okay, got some cousins in L.A. that might be able to help me out. We'll see. But that's it. Capisce? No more this crazy you-playing-Miss-P.I. business. Hear?"

  "You got it. Thanks."

  "Okay, so the guy lives in the City of Angels. You know any of his pals? Where he works? His address, phone number? I gotta have something to go on."

  Michaela gave him the i
nformation that she had, which wasn't much, other than his employer, that he worked the track, and had been to rehab at Betty Ford within the last year.

  "That's a start. Now you gotta do me a favor." She knew this was coming. "You gotta call that director over at Genevieve's school and tell her that you want to organize the riding program. I've done a lot for you, Michaela." He crossed his arms over his wide chest.

  "You sure know how to guilt a girl, don't you?"

  He smiled. "You know and I know that you are perfect for this." He took out his wallet and handed her a card. "Call this gal, tell her you'll set it up."

  She sighed. "Okay, Joe, I'll give it a shot."

  "Good woman. I knew you'd do it." He pointed a finger at her. "Now go and work with my kid. I'll see what I can find out about this Pratt dude."

  Michaela looked at Gen walking back to them, carrot in hand, her dark, curly hair pulled into a low ponytail in order to fit her helmet over it, her big brown eyes staring straight ahead. She took the little girl's hand. "Thanks."

  Joe bent down and gave his daughter a kiss on the cheek. "I'm proud of you, pretty girl. I know you're going to be great up there today. Miss Michaela will take good care of you. Daddy is gonna come up and watch soon. I have to make some phone calls." He winked at Michaela.

  Michaela put a halter around Booger. He was perfect for Gen. Calm, well behaved, with no intention of moving any faster than a walk. The new horse she'd purchased from Hugh that morning, Geyser, would be the right addition for Jude's daughter. Katie was up for the challenge of a horse that would eagerly move out.

  Together they brushed the horse. Michaela placed a hand over Gen's on the brush and they stroked Booger's coat. She spoke in calm, hushed tones. "That's good. See how clean he's getting?" Michaela asked. "What a good job you're doing, Gen. Look at how pretty you're making Booger. He likes that a lot."

  Once Booger had the therapeutic saddle on him and Michaela slid a headstall over his ears, she kept him on a lead line and, after putting Gen up on him, led him up to the arena. There, Booger did as Michaela asked him, and Gen finally smiled from ear to ear when Michaela put Booger into a jog on the lead line. "Look at you ride Booger. You have a great seat. Stay with the horse. Keep your bottom in the saddle. Wow. Nice job, Gen. Really good."

  After they finished their lesson they headed back to the barn, where Michaela had Gen get the carrot out of the groom caddy. Michaela broke the carrot into threes and reminded Gen to hold her palm flat so the horse couldn't nip her fingers or hand. "He wouldn't mean to do it," Michaela said. "But it could happen. So, we hold our hand out like this." She held out her palm flat then, with the other hand she smoothed Gen's hand out, placing a carrot in her hand and putting her own hand underneath the child's to keep it stable. Booger took the carrot gently and Gen smiled again. Peace and a genuine feeling of happiness came over Michaela for those few minutes alone with the girl. This was what life was about. The moments where a real connection happened.

  While Michaela put Booger back in his stall, she told Gen that there was a treat for her inside the tack room. The girl knew what that meant. It had become a ritual since she'd started working with her. Katie was also aware of the cookie jar. Michaela made sure that she baked a new batch every few days for the girls, and when they were done with a lesson they could have one.

  Joe came into Michaela's office while Gen ate her cookie. "I'm still checking this dude out, seeing what I can get on him. I'll give you a call when I know something."

  "Thanks," Michaela said, hoping inside that Joe and the cousins would find out what had happened to Bob Pratt.

  SEVENTEEN

  AFTER JOE AND GEN LEFT, DWAYNE SHOWED UP. He'd had Rocky, who appeared to have recovered from his bizarre "attack" the other day, out on the hot walker. Michaela kept her fingers crossed that it had been an isolated incident.

  "You doing good with that kid," Dwayne said.

  "Thank you. How is Rocky doing?"

  "He be okay, you know. No more problems. The vet call me and say he had some higher testosterone levels than normal. She say that could be causing him a problem."

  "Interesting. Did she know what might be causing it?"

  "No. She ask if you give the horses any kind of bute or steroid."

  Michaela laughed. "Oh, sure. I'm all about drugging these animals up. Why would she ask that?"

  "Dunno. I think she trying to figure it all out. She say that she have Dr. Slater take a look when he get in tomorrow. She don't seem to know. Say maybe something with his pituitary gland."

  "Hmm. Okay, well, I'm glad Ethan will be taking a look; if anyone can figure this out, it might be him."

  "Michaela, you okay? You looking tired."

  She sighed. "No. I'm not okay." She told him about Audrey.

  "Oh, lady, you been through a lot these last coupla years. Losing Uncle Lou, then old Cocoa passing on," Dwayne said, mentioning her chocolate lab, who she'd lost in the spring to old age. "Now your friend." He shook his head. "Must be good things on the horizon for you. Hawaiian spirituality tell us that when there are tough times to be grateful, cause there are nothing but good things coming around the corner. Everything happen for a reason and it serve you."

  She touched his shoulder. He was good to have around.

  "Hey, hey! I'm ready for my riding lesson."

  Michaela turned to see Camden bounding down the breezeway. Holy cow! Was she actually wearing Wranglers and a pair of riding boots? "Whoa! What is going on here?" Michaela stifled a laugh as she remembered the last time Camden got on a horse and nearly broke her tailbone falling off the other side.

  "Oh, hey you. Didn't know you would be back so soon from L.A. Yeah, well I decided that if I'm going to live on a ranch, I might as well learn how to ride. And Dwayne is teaching me." Camden flashed a smile at him.

  "Huh. Really?" She glanced at Dwayne, who had turned a shade darker than his native skin tone. He nodded. Okay, something was up between these two.

  "Yes. Really."

  Michaela bit her tongue and for some comic relief watched Camden in the arena while Dwayne gave her a riding lesson. To her surprise, Camden did well up on the horse. She'd been on a horse more than a few times of late, because there was no way that the Camden Michaela had out on a horse a while back was the same woman on her mare Macy right now. She shook her head, confused, and decided to let it go for now. But later, when Camden had filled up on margaritas, she planned to ask her what in the world was really going on. She'd never shown an interest in horses and she'd been living with Michaela for almost two years.

  She let the two of them finish their lesson and went on down to the house where, to her surprise, she found a dozen pink roses in her kitchen. Camden and her admirers. She picked up the card and saw that they were for her: from Hudson Drake. Looking forward to Saturday. "Great," Michaela said out loud. "What the hell am I going to do?"

  "About what?" She jumped and looked up to see Jude Davis leaning against the kitchen doorway. "Sorry, it was open and I saw you standing there. Didn't mean to frighten you. Who are the roses from?" He walked into the kitchen.

  He smelled good—kind of tropical, coconut maybe. He looked good, too. He always looked good with his blue eyes and rugged features, and he dressed how she liked a man to dress—simple; jeans, nice shirt. No sport coat today. Sunday was his day off. She set down the card. "Oh, um, just this guy who…well, I met him at the races and he knew some of the same people that I know and I don't know, I gave him my card and I kind of offered to do him a favor."

  "Favor? Must have been a pretty good one." Jude smiled and rocked back on his heels. It was a nervous habit that Michaela had noticed.

  "Wait, no, it's nothing. I only told him that I'd relay a message for him." She thought back to the conversation she'd had with Hudson and her plans to inform Audrey about Bob. It was not something she wanted to get into with Jude, the cop.

  "Must have been some message."

  "Jude!" she implored.


  "Hey, no big deal. So, some guy sent you a dozen roses. I'm not dumb. Men are going to pursue you. And I personally don't mind a bit of competition."

  "You don't?" She wasn't sure how she felt about that. "Why?"

  "Because I plan on coming out the winner."

  "Really?"

  "Really."

  He walked over to her. His eyes reflected a bright intensity. "I think I can top the flowers." He pulled her into him and kissed her. The touch of his lips, his hands on her waist, all of it shocked her, but she didn't resist. The kiss was sweet, smooth, and really nice. It shot a surge of electricity through her as her heart raced and what felt like a thousand butterflies fluttered in her stomach. Wow. She hadn't been kissed like that in a very long time. In fact, she wasn't sure she'd ever been kissed like that at all. She pulled away from him. "Yeah."

  "Yeah what?"

  "That was better than roses."

  He pointed at her and started to leave. "There is more where that came from."

  "Wait. Where are you going? Why did you come by?"

  He smiled. "Just to say hi. And see when you'd like to go out for dinner. How about Friday?"

  "Friday? Oh, uh…"

  "Oh no, no. You just told me that the kiss beat out the roses."

  "It did. Definitely. Hands down. It's that, um, it's Summer and Ethan Slater's baby shower–barbecue thing on Friday. God, I don't even know exactly, but it's kind of this couples thing, and I thought…"

  "Yes, I'll go."

  "I didn't ask."

  "You were going to though, weren't you?"

  "Maybe."

  "So we'll have dinner another night. Friday we'll go to a baby shower–barbecue instead." He laughed. "See you Friday."

  "See you Friday," she uttered, bringing her fingers up to her lips, still burning from Jude's touch.

  EIGHTEEN

  MICHAELA TRIED TO MAKE LIGHT OF JUDE'S KISS, but it stuck with her for the rest of the day. Why did he have to go and do that? It only made everything that much more confusing. But confusing about what? she chided herself. He liked her, she liked him; maybe they could have something together. Why did that have to mean confusion? Why couldn't she be more like Camden and just go with it, and if it didn't work out…well, then it didn't. But she wasn't like that. As much as she thought she'd like to be, she simply wasn't, and therefore Jude's kiss caused her confusion, some stress, as well as a smile when she thought about it.