Sundancer

by Shelley Peterson

Laura looked at the sleeping form of her husband. She made a quick decision not to disturb him, and slipped on her white satin housecoat and slippers. She stealthily crept down the back stairs and out the kitchen door.

  BIRD GIRL! BIRD GIRL!

  Bird awoke suddenly. She sat upright in her bed.

  Bird girl!

  Sunny! What’s wrong?

  A man is here. In the dark. He’s in the barn.

  What’s he doing?

  I kicked him, but not hard enough. He gave me a needle.

  Don’t let him, Sunny! I’m coming!

  It’s tooo laaate.

  Bird grabbed the clothes she’d dropped on the floor the night before and ran downstairs. She hopped on her wet bike and pedalled down the muddy gravel road as fast as she could in the direction of the Piersons’ barn.

  LAURA PIERSON PADDED QUIETLY out to the dark barn, looking in all directions as she tried to make sense of the shadows. The rain had stopped, and big mud puddles reflected the emerging moon. Slowly Laura’s eyes identified the shapes. A dark jeep and horse trailer were hidden behind the barn. The hairs on her arms raised as she sensed danger. She slowed her steps and thought quickly. She was old and she was small. No way could she out-muscle. But she could out-think.

  BIRD HAD NEVER SPED on her bike as fast. Her legs pumped the pedals relentlessly. The tires threw up a thick coat of stones and mud, covering her legs and back. Two kilometres. Two to go.

  Sunny? Can you hear me?

  No answer.

  LAURA FIGURED THAT THE only way the jeep and trailer could leave was down the lane and through the gate, which would’ve been the way they’d come in. The gate was always left open, now that the cows were in the summer pasture. She turned and almost ran to the gate. Behind her, she heard horse hooves stumbling. Then the clank of the trailer ramp being put into place. Then the sound of an engine. Charlie kept up a steady racket in the barn, kicking and neighing to sound an alarm.

  She was at the end of the lane and out of breath. She grabbed the heavy metal gate and tried to pull it closed. It stuck.

  BIRD’S THIGHS WERE BURNING with fatigue. She pushed the pedals harder.

  Sunny, I’m coming! Hang on!

  THE OLD METAL GATE wouldn’t move. Laura heaved on it with all her meager weight, but it wasn’t enough. The gate wouldn’t budge. She heard the engine purring behind her, and turned to look. The jeep was almost to the gate. Laura jumped out in the middle of the lane and waved her arms. It kept coming.

  BIRD WAS AT THE corner beside the school. She was almost there. She peered through the darkness. Something that looked like a scarecrow in white was standing in the Piersons’ driveway. It was Laura Pierson. And a jeep without headlights, pulling a trailer, was heading right for her!

  Bird’s bike hit a rock. It bounced high, and twisted. She flew through the air and landed on the soft muddy shoulder of the road.

  The filthy jeep was not stopping. At the last second, Laura jumped out of the way. She looked hard at the driver. She recognized the face from pictures in Horse Sport Magazine: It was Leon Parish — she’d bet her life on it. And the smooth round chestnut bottom showing over the ramp could only belong to one horse. Sundancer.

  BIRD PICKED HERSELF UP from the wet gravel and stumbled down the road. The jeep and trailer were coming toward her.

  Sunny? Are you there?

  B … ir … d.

  Bird heard feeble kicking in the horse trailer.

  I’m right here, Sunny. I’ll stop the car. I’ll save you.

  She stood in the road and put out her hand, signalling the driver to stop. Now the headlights came on and the engine accelerated. Bird hit the shoulder at the last possible second, then listened as the jeep crunched over her bike and dragged it to the stop sign, where it fell loose as the rig wheeled around the corner.

  Bird stood and watched the horse trailer disappear in the direction of the Owens stables. Her mud-caked body ached with exertion. Sunny had been so close, but she hadn’t been able to get to him.

  Sunny, I’m sorry. I couldn’t stop him.

  I’ll b … e o … kay.

  Don’t worry, I’ll find you.

  Laura came up and stood beside her. Laura was gasping for air and spoke in bursts. “We have … work to do … Bird, dear. Come with me … now.”

  They walked up the lane to the farmhouse. Charlie continued to neigh. The lights came on in the kitchen, and Bird and Laura saw Pete limp through the kitchen and open the door.

  “Laura? Are you out there? What’s going on? Is that Bird with you? Why’s that horse making such a racket?”

  “Bird, go to the barn and make sure Charlie’s all right,” Laura whispered, breathing more evenly. Bird ran to do what she was asked.

  “Pete, we were robbed. It looked like Leon Parish. He came and took Sundancer. Bird came as fast as she could on her bike, which is now lying in a heap at the stop sign. What do we do now?”

  BIRD WAS IN THE barn. She tried to calm Charlie down.

  Charlie, we’ll get him back. Don’t worry.

  That man came in here. We were sleeping. He stuck a needle in Sunny’s neck.

  Just relax. Bird stroked his side.

  I want to go home now.

  I promise I’ll ride you back first thing tomorrow.

  I know the way. Just let me out.

  I can’t do that. Something might go wrong.

  Nothing will go wrong! Let me out!

  Bird thought about the cars, the holes, the wire fences, and who knew what else Charlie might run into in the dark.

  No, Charlie. I’m sorry but you’ll have to wait. First thing. I promise.

  Charlie turned his back on her and settled. He pretended to be miffed, but Bird suspected he might be a little relieved.

  PETE AND LAURA CALLED Hannah. She answered on the first ring.

  “Hannah, this is Laura. Bird’s here, don’t worry, but Sun —”

  “I heard her leave! I’ve been out of my mind. What’s going on?”

  “I don’t know how she knew to come, but Sunny was kidnapped from our barn, and she rode her bike over to help. She was a little too late. He’s gone.”

  “Sunny’s gone? Where?”

  “Pete will talk now.” Laura handed over the phone and sat down heavily in a kitchen chair. All at once, she was exhausted.

  “Hannah, there’s nothing we can do tonight.”

  “But what about Sundancer? Where is he?”

  “Laura thinks it was Leon Parish driving the jeep, which leads me to believe that Sunny’s on his way back to the Owens stables. Which is where he rightfully, if not actually, belongs. Leave it for tonight, Hannah. Please.”

  Hannah felt deeply tired. “I agree. I’m coming to get Bird right now. I’ll be over early tomorrow morning to pick up Charlie. Thanks for everything, Pete.’

  BIRD WOKE LATE THE next morning. The storm was over and the country air smelled fresh through her open window. The sun was shining at an angle that suggested that it was around eight-thirty or nine. With a pang, she thought about Sundancer. Everyone assumed he was at the Owens’ barn, but nothing was certain. She must find him and bring him home.

  Sunny? Are you all right?

  Yes, Bird girl. Don’t worry.

  Bird sighed with relief. Are you at your old barn?

  No. I’m fine and happy where I am. Don’t take me away.

  Sunny? What do you mean?

  There was no response.

  Bird was confused. And hurt. Sunny didn’t want to come back. She couldn’t imagine what might have happened to change his >mind. It was so strange. Then she remembered poor Charlie. Oh, no, she thought. I promised him that I’d ride him home.

  She dressed quickly and ran downstairs. On the kitchen table was a note from Hannah. It read:

  Bird, Eva, and Julia,

  I’ve gone to Merry Fields to pick up Charlie. Have some breakfast, and I’ll see you later.

  Love, Hannah

  That solved one problem. A
t least Bird didn’t have to worry about Charlie. She saw from the garbage and dishes that Eva and Julia had made oatmeal with banana slices, and drank orange juice. There was also one dirty coffee mug. She put a slice of bread in the toaster and got out the peanut butter and honey. Her favourite breakfast.

  Bird waited for the toast to pop, and leaned on the counter wondering what Sunny meant about being “fine and happy” where he was. She gazed absently outside, then rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

  An elegant chestnut horse was grazing in the rain-drenched field across the driveway.

  Sunny! You’re here! Completely forgetting about her toast, Bird ran outside and scrambled over the fence.

  Of course. Did you think I’d stay there?

  Why didn’t you tell me?

  I wanted to fool you.

  Well, you did! It was a good joke, but you hurt my feelings.

  Boo hoo.

  Sunny, your leg is cut.

  It doesn’t hurt. It just looks bad.

  I’ll put something on it later.

  If you want.

  How did you escape from Owens’?

  I wasn’t there. It was a different barn. No other horse or human in sight. Abandoned.

  Where?

  Same distance away, but from the other direction.

  Have you been there before?

  No.

  So how did you find your way home?

  Horses always know the way home. If it’s not too far as the crow flies.

  Were you locked up?

  No. I jumped the stall door and a few fences and came home. Simple.

  Bird and Sunny both turned to look as Hannah pulled into the driveway with the trailer. She did a double take. Bird grinned and waved. Hannah jerked to a stop and jumped out of the truck.

  “Where did he come from? When did he get here? I swear he wasn’t here when I left.”

  I wasn’t.

  Bird shrugged and patted Sunny’s silky neck.

  Charlie neighed impatiently in the trailer.

  15

  SHOWTIME

  I want to prove I’m superior to people.

  At ten o’clock on the dot, Kenneth Bradley showed up at Saddle Creek. Beside him in the big black Cadillac sat an over-dressed Lavinia, looking more than a little put out. Kimberly scooted out of the back seat as soon as the car stopped. She ran to Eva and Julia, where they stood at the paddock gate.

  Elvin Wainright drove in thirty seconds later.

  Hannah watched from the kitchen window with nervous curiosity. She called Paul’s cell. He answered on the first ring.

  “Paul Daniels.”

  “Hi Paul, it’s Hannah. You were right. It’s ten o’clock and Elvin and Dad are here with bells on. Looking like nothing happened last night, and probably thinking that we’ll have to break the news that Sunny’s gone.”

  Paul laughed. “Well, well, well. According to plan. Is Abby there yet?”

  “She and Bird are in the barn getting Sunny tacked up.”

  “Good. Has Leon Parish shown up yet?”

  Hannah caught a glimpse of a dirty blue jeep driving past the window, followed by a green Ford truck. “I believe so. And the Piersons are right behind him.”

  “It’s showtime. I’ll finish up here and be right over. Five, no fifteen minutes. Can you wait?”

  “No problem. See you soon.”

  Hannah took a deep breath. She’d need some top-notch acting skills to pull this off. Never bluff a bluffer, unless you must. She smoothed her hair and tucked in her shirt, then walked cheerfully out of the house and over to the fence.

  Eva came running. “Stuart just called to say he’s running a little late.”

  “So’s Paul. Send Julia to the barn to tell Bird to slow things down by fifteen minutes.”

  “Okay. And I’ll get some chairs for the Piersons.”

  “And Dad. Let’s make a fuss over him.”

  Eva winked at her sister. “This is so much fun.”

  Hannah took a good look at Leon Parish. He was a young man of slight build. Good looking, but pasty-skinned with heavy, sleep-deprived eyes. He wore his chaps and held his helmet by the chinstrap. He slapped his thigh nervously with his whip. So this is the man who stole Sunny, thought Hannah. He has a nerve to show up here.

  “Hello, Leon,” she said, as she walked to him with outstretched hand and bright smile. “We haven’t met, although I’ve heard lots about you. I’m Hannah Bradley, Kenneth’s daughter.”

  Leon gave her a cool, lopsided grin. “Hey there.” If he was feeling guilty about the kidnapping, he gave no indication.

  “Hannah, darling,” said Kenneth, wide eyed and innocent. “Where’s the horse? It’s after ten.” He pointed to his watch.

  “He’s coming, Dad. Bird’s shining him up for us.”

  Kenneth shot a glance at Elvin.

  “Can’t wait to see him.” Elvin looked so smug that Hannah nearly lost her nerve. She took a deep breath and smothered the impulse to get angry.

  Laura momentarily distracted her by opening the big hamper that she and Pete had dragged over from their truck. “I hope you don’t mind, Hannah dear, but I brought a picnic breakfast for all of us. Coffee in this thermos, tea in this one. Raisin bran muffins, fresh blueberry muffins, corn meal scones. With butter.” Her smile was full of sunshine. Suddenly, Hannah felt much more optmistic.

  SUNNY WAS READY. HIS tack was clean. His coat gleamed with good health and thorough brushing. His mane was combed and pulled to a short, feathery length and his hooves were coated with shiny black oil.

  Earlier, Bird and Julia and Abby had set up a course of eight jumps in the paddock, including a water jump made from an old wading pool. The jumps were on average three foot six, with lots of room to go higher.

  Bird’s hands were clumsy with nerves as she looked down at the paddock. She dropped the mane comb.

  Abby noticed and smiled reassuringly. “It’s going to be fine, Bird.”

  Bird wasn’t so sure. So much could go wrong.

  Remember, Sunny, you don’t have to kill him.

  Leave it with me, Bird, and stop worrying.

  Julia popped her head around the corner. “Hey, Bird! Sunny looks spectacular! Mom told me to tell you to slow things down for a while. Mr. Gilmore and Dr. Paul are late.”

  Abby frowned. “How much longer do we have to wait? Sunny’s geared up and ready to go.”

  “Not too long,” answered Julia. “Maybe fifteen minutes.”

  “We’ll wait five, then we’ll walk him out to the paddock and let him take a look around.”

  Bird got more anxious.

  Calm yourself, Bird girl. You’re making me antsy.

  I’m nervous! As far as the bad guys know, you’re not here. They probably think that we think you jumped out last night and ran away from Merry Fields, but we can’t admit it. They think we’re bluffing.

  You’re confusing me, Bird girl. Relax and leave me in charge.

  Don’t hurt anybody, Sunny.

  We’ll see.

  Bird patted his face. Again she looked out of the barn toward the assembled group. Stuart had just arrived and was hugging Eva hello. There were the Piersons, Lavinia and Kimberly, her grandfather, Elvin Wainright, Leon Parish, and Hannah, down by the paddock. And now Paul Daniels. The vet’s truck was turning off the road. Everyone was here.

  Bird fretfully motioned to Abby and Julia. It was time.

  Showtime, Sunny. Be good.

  Just watch me.

  Bird raced down to the paddock and positioned herself beside Hannah. She wanted a close vantage point to observe reactions when Sunny came out.

  All eyes focused on the equine vision stepping out of the barn, led by Abby. He shone in the sunlight, as if a spotlight was trained on him. His long legs were strong and fit, his haunches and chest filled out and round. He pranced on the spot and danced as he moved ever closer. Shaking his gorgeous head and arching his muscular neck, he looked like a king’s stallion valiantly setting
off to the wars.

  Bird looked at her grandfather first. Although a smile remained plastered on his face, she could see his jaw clenched beneath his skin. Elvin whispered something in his ear, and they both turned to stare at Leon. If the look was meant to intimidate the rider, it failed. Leon was oblivious to Kenneth or anyone else. His eyes assessed the animal from top to bottom, then back again. He let out a low whistle.

  Nobody spoke.

  Nice work, Sunny. You really laid it on.

  When you’ve got a crowd, play to it.

  Bird chuckled as she ran to open the paddock gate. Abby walked him through and Bird closed it after them. She turned to Leon and pointed at him. He looked at Bird with surprise, then sneered.

  “What’s she pointing at?” he asked nobody in particular.

  “She’s telling you that Sundancer is ready,” answered Hannah politely.

  Leon looked to Kenneth for instruction. Kenneth frowned, then nodded. He flicked his fingers forward, urging Leon to go and ride.

  Leon strode out to Sunny and took his reins from Abby.

  “Do you want a leg up, or do you prefer the mounting block?” she asked.

  “Neither.” He flipped the reins over Sunny’s neck and sprang lightly onto his back from the ground.

  Sunny jumped back, surprised. He rolled his eyes and hopped up on his hind legs. Bird gasped, expecting the worst.

  Not yet, Sunny. First show him how good you are.

  Sunny dropped down and relaxed. Leon walked him a few strides, then trotted him around the paddock. Sundancer stepped out firmly and framed up exactly as asked. When they came around to the gate again, Leon waved with one hand and yelled, “Piece of cake. He’s a pussycat!”

  Bird sat on the fence, slightly away from the crowd. More like a lion.

  He’s a good rider, Bird girl. I’ll give him that.

  How are his hands?

  Soft. Quiet. And he’s sitting very still.

  Good.

  They cantered away. Leon asked Sunny for some side passes and lead changes, then yelled out, “I’m going to jump him, starting with this single vertical.”