The Gift Horse

by Jami Davenport

  “Please, I feel bad enough.” Sam swiped at her cheek. Was she crying?

  Her brother paused and studied her closely. His voice softened. “I know you do. Just think about it, Sam. It’s time. Besides, Eunice is making Dad’s life a living hell with her nagging about you.”

  “That’s the crux of it, isn’t it? Our evil stepmother is putting the screws to Dad, and you suffer by association.”

  “Yeah, that summarizes it pretty well. We have a deal. Don’t forget. Either you get a guarantee of a job at that fancy equestrian center, with benefits, or you quit this insanity for good. You’re running out of time.”

  “I know. I’m working on it.”

  “Then work a little harder or admit defeat.”

  With that final comment, Mike stood and left the bar.

  “And I thought I had family issues.” Carson commented after he left.

  Sam sighed. “I’m sorry you had to hear that.”

  “It’s okay. It helps me understand you better.”

  “Is that important? Understanding me better?”

  “I think it is.” Carson’s eyes narrowed. “What fancy equestrian center?”

  “Uh,” Sam hedged.

  “Sam, what did you do?”

  “I, uh, fibbed a little.”

  “How?”

  “I told my father and stepmother that I was a shoe-in for the head trainer job at Cedrona. They gave me a year.”

  “Why did you do that?” Carson’s heart sunk. Coward that he was, he knew he had to come clean.

  “At the time, Harlee and Jake were managing the place. Bridget was in Europe. Hans was in Florida. I assumed that I would get the job if the place was ever built.”

  “If you don’t, then what?”

  “I’ve agreed to give up horses and work for my father and stepmother’s businesses as a bookkeeper.”

  “A bookkeeper? You who wouldn’t know a detail if it bit you in the butt?”

  “Yeah, now you see why I’m so depressed. I’d rather be working on a chain gang in hell.”

  “It’s that bad?”

  “You should meet my stepmother. She makes Cinderella’s stepmother look like June Cleaver.” Sam grabbed his hand. “Carson, I have to have this job. I have to. Can’t you help me out? Hans can get plenty of other jobs, but me, with my background, my choices are limited.”

  Carson ran his fingers through his hair and blew out a breath. “Sam, I...”

  “Let’s just drop it for now. I don’t want to think about it anymore. It’s way too depressing.”

  Carson rubbed his chin, trying to formulate a plan—a four-letter word he was certain Sam had come to detest. “Answer me one question. Why do you do this?”

  “You mean why don’t I get a real job?”

  Carson nodded.

  “I wouldn’t expect you to understand. Horses are in my blood. They’re my passion. I can’t imagine life without them. Have you ever been pressured to give up something you love because it didn’t mesh with your family’s expectations of your future?”

  Carson sighed. She had no idea. The loss of what could have been still tore at his gut, while regret left a sour taste in his mouth. It wasn’t too late for Sam to follow her dreams.

  For him, it was.

  Chapter 28--Lola’s Bad News

  Dr. Brandland shook his head. “It doesn’t look good. He’s pulled that same suspensory ligament again.”

  Not another one. Sam inwardly groaned. This had to be the worst luck she’d had in... Well, since... She flicked a quick glance toward the location of the destroyed barn, but she wasn’t going to think about that.

  “What’s the prognosis?” Lola stared at her beloved horse, bravely fighting back tears. Poor Lola didn’t deserve this. She and her horse had come so far so quickly. Unlike Teddi, Lola had the money to afford expensive horses, but she was a responsible rider, full-time computer programmer, and worked hard to get where she’d gotten. She’d been winning everything in her amateur classes. This was a huge setback.

  “He needs surgery, but there’s only a ten percent chance that he’ll recover his full potential. He’s probably not going to be much more than a trail horse.”

  “Can you do the surgery or do I need to take him to the vet college?”

  “I can do it at my new clinic, but it’s expensive.”

  “I’m not concerned about that. I’ll pay what it takes.”

  Sam sighed. Her students’ horses were dropping like flies. Harvey was a wonderful animal, and he deserved the best he could get. Thank goodness, Lola had the money to help him.

  Sam tried not to think about how this affected her own pocketbook and her reputation. Two of her best students were out of competition early in the season and for the entire season. No lessons, no training rides, no shows, no ribbons meant no money for Sam.

  Even worse, Teddi and Lola were genuinely good women. This was so unfair, while a witch like Bridget had several sound horses to ride.

  Maybe Burke could help? He always had a few nice horses for sale or knew of horses. Teddi couldn’t afford another horse, so she’d need to find her a lease. Lola could afford to buy something. It needed to be a horse that had the training to jump right into competition. Those types of horses were rare.

  Sighing, Sam sat her latte down and went back to work. No more than a few minutes later, Burke appeared in his pristine breeches and shiny boots.

  “So, girlfriend, I understand I missed some excitement at the show over the weekend?” He leaned against the stall, snatched her latte from her hand, and took a sip.

  “Not much. Something got into my stuff and scattered it all over.”

  “Did you call the police?”

  “No, I didn’t see the point. After all, the show manager swore they’d been having problems with a pack of coyotes.”

  “Really?”

  Sam shrugged and bit the bullet. No time like the present. “By the way, Burke, I really need that board check.”

  “You didn’t get it? I left it with Juan. That guy is so irresponsible. I wonder if he lost it or what.”

  “Can you stop payment on that one and write me another?”

  “I don’t have my checkbook. I’ll get one to you tomorrow.”

  “I can’t wait much longer.” Sam was annoyed and tired of Burke blowing her off. The board on six horses was not insignificant. If Carson found out she still hadn’t collected, she’d get another lecture on irresponsibility. Even worse, he’d come up with another list or project plan. There was no way she could stand that.

  “Sam, how long are you going to stick it out here before you try to make a go of it somewhere else?”

  “I’m not giving up yet.”

  “Hans will most likely be the new head trainer. Where does that leave you? Under his thumb for the rest of your career?”

  “No, it buries me knee deep in spreadsheets and under my stepmother’s thumb. I have to find a way to get the Cedrona job.”

  “Why don’t you just go back to work for your family, pay them off, and start over?”

  “Because I’ve come too far to do that now. Do you want me to leave or something?”

  “No, no. That’s not it.” Burke put an arm around her shoulder. “I just hate to see you get hurt again. Blue Eyes isn’t going to give you a permanent commitment.”

  “Maybe I don’t want one.”

  Burke shook his head. “You can’t fool me.”

  “Quit changing the subject. Don’t you think these little incidents are suspicious? Someone is trying to get rid of me.”

  “I’m sure that’s not the case.”

  “Burke,” she lowered her voice. “It’s odd that we have an epidemic of horses that are injured or unrideable. Something’s going on.”

  “You’re starting to sound like Juan.”

  Maybe Juan was the only one of them that had a clue. She opened her mouth to tell Burke about the two phone calls—the one only a few weeks ago and the one six months ago while she w
as still in Germany. Something stopped her. Maybe Juan’s suspicions were getting the best of her. Now everyone was a suspect—even her most trusted friend.

  * * * *

  “Are you okay?”

  Sam turned to find Lola watching her. “I’m fine. I should be asking you that.”

  Lola’s eyes shone with determination and annoyance. “I don’t buy it.”

  “Buy what?”

  “Harvey. I don’t think it’s a suspensory.”

  “Dr. Matt’s the best around. He’s got a great eye for lameness.”

  “I know that. There’s just something not right. I’m getting a second opinion. I have an appointment next week with a clinic in Portland.”

  “You’re hauling all the way to Portland?” Sam frowned.

  “I’m not going to let him do surgery on a horse that doesn’t need it.”

  “Dr. Matt would never do that. He’s the most ethical vet around.”

  “He may well be, but I want a second opinion.”

  “That’s your right. It’s your horse.”

  “You think I’m in denial, don’t you?”

  Sam shrugged.

  “I might be, but I won’t rest until I have another opinion. It’s sound business practice.”

  “You’ve been hanging around Carson too much.”

  “I’m not the one that’s been hanging around Carson. You are.” Lola winked at her. “Not that I blame you. He is one gorgeous hunk, especially now that he’s loosened up a little. That man’s butt looks great in a pair of faded Levi’s.”

  “Don’t I know it.” His butt looked even better in no Levi’s. “You’re a happily married woman. You shouldn’t be looking at other men’s butts.”

  “Honey, I might be married, but I have 20/20 vision. I like what I see.”

  Sam shook her head and laughed. “So do I.”

  * * * *

  Gabbie, nosy in the manner of all alpha mares, stuck her head over her stall door. He was back. He didn’t turn on the barn light. Instead he hovered near the barn door, waiting for someone. He didn’t have to wait long. The other one showed up. Gabbie pricked her ears and listened, though their words didn’t hold much meaning to her.

  “Why the hell did you call me out here so late at night?”

  “We need to talk?”

  “But here? Why not a neutral spot?”

  “If we’re spotted together outside this place, people will be suspicious.”

  “And they won’t be suspicious if they find us standing here at midnight in the dark?”

  “Not if we’re checking on a horse we’re concerned about.”

  “You are one devious individual.”

  “Is she in the apartment?”

  “No, she’s with Carson.”

  “That figures. What do you make of that?”

  “It won’t last, but it serves our purpose. It’ll keep them both distracted.”

  “So what’s the deal?”

  “She’s figuring things out.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes. I’m sure.”

  “Get rid of her.”

  “That’ll take care of itself.”

  “She might win.”

  “She won’t.”

  “She’d better not. We need her gone.”

  “Don’t worry. Once this stupid contest is over she’ll be knee-deep in spreadsheets in some tiny little office in Eastern Washington.”

  “There’s a way to guarantee she won’t win.”

  “The mare?”

  Gabbie lifted her head as they both turned to gaze in her direction.

  “Yes, the mare.”

  “Easy enough.”

  “What about Juan?”

  “No one believes him.”

  “It only takes one person.”

  “Maybe we can find him another position far from here that is too good for him to pass up.”

  “I’ve tried that. Money doesn’t motivate him.”

  “Let’s figure out what does; then let’s make sure Sam doesn’t stand a chance of winning.”

  “I’m trying. It takes time.”

  “That may be something we don’t have.”

  The two humans walked out of the barn and out of Gabbie’s earshot. Their words meant nothing to her, but she didn’t like their negative tone and the closed angles of their bodies. Even worse, they didn’t give her any treats or acknowledge her in any way. As their cars rumbled into the darkness, something rustled nearby. Sniffing the air, she caught Juan’s scent. Expectantly, she turned her head in his direction and nickered as he emerged from an empty stall. She loved Juan. He never made her work and fed her breakfast and dinner every day.

  He skittered past her and disappeared into the inky black night, not giving her any notice. Disappointed, she lowered her head and searched for stray wisps of hay.

  Chapter 29--Bridget Spills the Beans

  “Sam, my brother is more sensitive than he appears.” Bridget popped a cup of tea in the lounge microwave and flipped it on high for two minutes.

  “I know that.” Sam’s hackles rose. She’d like to pit Carson’s sister with her stepmother and may the biggest bitch win. She wouldn’t put money on that one. It’d be hard to predict the winner.

  “So why don’t you do us a favor and get your claws out of him?” Bridget tapped a manicured fingernail on the top of the microwave and peered at the time with characteristic impatience. Sam looked down at her own ragged nails and slipped her hands behind her back.

  “Why don’t you mind your own business?”

  “My brother is my business. Besides, I know what you’re up to. I’ve seen it over and over again with all my brothers. You want his money, and you want this farm. What better way to be locked into that fortune than to marry him.”

  “I’m not trying to marry anyone.”

  Bridget snorted. “Bullshit.”

  “It’s true.”

  “My brother is vulnerable to women like you. I’m not going to let you break his heart like Marcia did.”

  The only heart that would get broken in this little affair would be hers. “I have no intention of hurting Carson. Underneath all that stuffiness and tight-ass attitude is a real good guy.”

  “Leave my brother alone. He deserves better.”

  “And if I don’t?”

  “I’ll make you regret it. Once this is settled, I’m going to kick you out on your ass so fast, you won’t know what hit you.”

  “Well, gee, and I like you, too.”

  “You’re a walking disaster. You screw up everything you touch, intentional or not.”

  “You’re never going to forgive me, are you?”

  “Why should I when you can’t even forgive yourself? You won’t win, there’s no way. I understand your two best students are without horses.”

  “How did you know that?”

  “Barn gossip. Bad news travels fast.”

  “Good news for you and Hans.” Sam narrowed her eyes. “You wouldn’t be hurrying my demise along, would you?”

  “Not necessary. You won’t need my help. You can screw things up on your own. You’ll never win our little contest.”

  “What contest?” Whatever ground she’d gained dropped out from underneath her as she struggled through unknown terrain.

  A feral smile graced Bridget’s beautiful face. “What? My brother never told you about our father’s competition for Cedrona?”

  * * * *

  “Carson! What were you thinking?” She’d been waiting all night for the right moment, and that moment had come. Sam stood by the side of the bed, hands on her hips, and scowled at Carson. He owed her an explanation, and a big one.

  “I thought you’d be happy for a chance to prove yourself.” He stretched then reached out and pulled her next to him.

  “So happy that you didn’t have the guts to tell me yourself?” She struggled to free herself, but he held tight.

  “I was getting to that. I just needed the right time to pres
ent it to you.” Carson nuzzled her neck and pulled her closer. It was dark and a full moon dully illuminated the inside of the bedroom. Romance was the furthest thing from her mind. Murder and permanent maiming ranked high on the list, though.

  “Stop that. You’re clouding the issue.”

  “Exactly.” Carson sucked on her ear.

  “You’ve committed me to a contest I most likely won’t win.”

  “Now that’s no attitude to take.” He pushed the strap of her nightgown down and took an exposed breast in his mouth and sucked her nipple until it was hard. Her traitorous body ached for more and rubbed against him.

  “Carson.” In spite of her best intentions not to be distracted, she moaned.

  “You like that?” His voice was deep, husky, muffled against her skin.

  “Please.” She feebly resisted his brand of exquisite torture. He moved to the other breast and gave it the same treatment. Sam threw her head back and whimpered with pleasure. Damn that man. She fisted the comforter in her hands to prevent them from playing his back like a piano.

  “Didn’t you get enough earlier?” She pushed his head away.

  “Oh, baby, I’ll never get enough of you.” He reared back to look in her eyes. She was a goner. That’s all it took.

  “I bet you tell that to all the girls.” One errant hand snuck up to stroke his bare chest.

  “I bet I don’t.” He tensed, his jaw tightened.

  “How could you make such a deal with your father and sister?”

  “Because I have faith in you. It’s a no-brainer. Your scores get to count. Hans doesn’t show. We’re ahead already.”

  “We’re behind. Big Time. I have to count two other students’ scores.”

  “Yeah, so?”

  “Hans has the students with the expensive, well-trained horses, like your sister. My two best students have horses that are out for the season.”

  “I know about Teddi. Who else?”

  “Lola. Just this morning.”

  “Well, isn’t that convenient.”

  “Carson, as much as I’d like to blame your sister for this, I don’t really see how I can.” She brushed a stray lock of dark hair from his forehead.