Sundancer

by Shelley Peterson

  “Where is he going to turn it around?” Hannah murmured aloud.

  Eva gasped, “It’s bigger than a moving truck!”

  “It’s a recreational vehicle for horses,” said Stuart. “A barn on wheels!”

  “How many horses does it carry?” wondered Paul.

  Hannah answered, “Enough to clean out my barn.”

  “Let’s go,” said Mack, opening the kitchen door. He held it for Hannah and Eva.

  Out they went to face whatever must be faced. Only Stuart seemed confident. “Good morning!” he called to the driver.

  “Good morning!” the driver answered with enthusiasm. “Great day for a drive. The weather’s perfect from here to Utah. Little weather there, but the system might have moved by the time we pass through. Nothing we can’t handle with a truck this size. I’m Andy, by the way.”

  Paul introduced himself and everyone else, then said, “We have to wait for the owners, Andy. They’ve got the travelling papers.”

  “Good, good.”

  “Can I get you a coffee?” asked Hannah.

  “No, no. I’m in good shape, thanks.”

  A black Cadillac stopped beside the transport. Out stepped Elvin and Kenneth. Both men looked stern and businesslike. Kenneth, dressed formally in a suit and tie, handed a brown manilla envelope to Andy.

  “Papers are in order. Stamped this morning by my vet. Let’s get Sundancer aboard.” Kenneth sniffed impatiently.

  Andy smiled broadly. “Sure, sure. I’m ready when you are.”

  Elvin turned to Hannah. “Did you sign over Sundancer’s passport?”

  “I’ve got it in the tack room. I’ll get it now.”

  Stuart Gilmore smiled at Kenneth as Hannah made her way to the barn. “Mr. Bradley, I’d like you to meet my brother-in-law, Mack Jones. Mack, this is Mr. Kenneth Bradley.”

  Kenneth’s face dropped. “Mack! I didn’t see you.” He immediately became very charming. “It’s been a long time, and I’ve never seen you in civilian clothes.”

  “No problem, Kenneth.” Mack turned to Elvin. “Elvin Wainright, is it? Remember me? It’s been a while since I’ve seen you, as well. Things good?”

  Elvin’s eyes darted from face to face. “Nobody said anything about bringing in the police.”

  “Oh, don’t worry. This has nothing to do with your assaulting Bird last night.” Stuart consoled him. “He’s my brother-in-law. I invited him over to meet Eva and have a cup of coffee.”

  Elvin was about to say something but thought better of it and clamped his mouth shut. Wet patches appeared on his blue cotton shirt.

  In the barn, Hannah got Sunny’s passport from her tack room and went over to his stall. She looked over the door. Bird was curled up in a ball in the far corner of the stall, asleep in a nest of hay. Sunny stood right beside her, between Bird and the door. Exactly like mares do with their newborn foals, to protect them from the world. He lifted his head and looked at Hannah squarely.

  Bird’s eyes opened. “Hannah,” she said clearly.

  “Bird, you’re awake. They’ve come.”

  “I kn … ow.” Bird stretched and yawned. “I heard the truck. It sou … nds huge.” She rose to her feet and brushed herself off. She put her arms around Sunny’s neck and stood quietly with him.

  I don’t want you to go.

  I’ll escape, Bird girl. I’ll run back.

  California is a long, long way away.

  Your mother came here from there. I can, too.

  She flew in an airplane.

  Like a bird?

  Yes, Sunny. Like a big bird.

  Like you, Bird girl. You can fly.

  No, Sunny.

  Yes, you can. I heard you talk right now to Hannah. If you can talk to humans, you can fly. Nobody can stop you now.

  Bird’s heart swelled with love for this animal. His confidence in her was overwhelming.

  I feel empty inside that I must leave. Hollow.

  You must behave there, Sunny, or they will hurt you to try and fix you.

  I know. Come down and take me back home. Soon — I can’t behave for long.

  I’ll save all my money. I’ll buy you back and bring you home.

  I know you will, Bird girl.

  Hannah stood beside the stall. Her niece’s cheeks were wet with tears. The gelding’s head was cradled in her arms and his ears flopped forward.

  If her father could see this — really see it and understand it — Hannah thought, then he would never send Sundancer away. Not for any amount of money. Hannah knew, however, from a lifetime of experience, that Kenneth’s heart was two sizes too small. Like the Grinch who stole Christmas.

  She shook her head sadly and left Sunny and Bird alone. Outside again, Hannah heard Mack Jones ask, “Kenneth, which horse are you selling?”

  “Oh, a real trouble-maker. We’ve had problems with him since the day he was born.”

  “Really? Well then, it’s good to get rid of him. What’s his name?”

  “Ah, well.” Kenneth shot a glance at Elvin. “Sundancer. Bird’s done well with him. Won the Grand Classic Event yesterday.”

  “Wow. Big time.” Mack nodded.

  “At the Haverford Fair.” Kenneth nodded, too.

  “What’s Sundancer’s parentage? Is he one of yours?”

  “Yes. California Dreamin’ out of Princess Narnia.”

  “Well bred. Interesting that he’s going to California. He’s not just California Dreamin’.”

  Everybody laughed at Mack’s joke, nobody louder than Kenneth. “You had another horse of that breeding, didn’t you.” Mack stated this rather than asked. “By the name of Prince Redwood.” Kenneth nodded. He gave Elvin a warning look as he clenched and unclenched his fists.

  Mack continued. “I checked into it. I spoke directly to Henry Irving. Irving Insurance paid out a quarter of a million when he was destroyed last month. Lot of dough.”

  Paul and Hannah exchanged astonished glances. This was news to them. Hannah’s stomach knotted up. Stuart smiled happily.

  Again Kenneth nodded. “Where is this going, Mack?” he asked, as jovially as he could. “Irving insures a lot of horses. Some worth far more than that.”

  “He was telling me,” Mack scratched his head and took his time. “He was telling me that they never requested an independent veterinarian’s evaluation. Never even examined the body. Odd.”

  “That’s Irving’s problem,” snapped Kenneth, then quickly regained his composure. “The body was taken by the dead stock removers and incinerated. All authorized by Irving. If you want an inquest, it’s too late.”

  Mack’s eyebrows lifted. “Not really. I’ve come to check Sundancer’s papers. Before he’s out of our jurisdiction.”

  “This is highly irregular.” Kenneth brushed the sweat from his forehead. “I don’t need to comply.”

  “If everything is proper you should have no problem.”

  Kenneth considered his options. “Go ahead, look at the papers. They’re in order. I don’t know what you expect to find.”

  The driver handed the manilla envelope to Mack. Mack opened it and removed the travelling papers signed and stamped by a veterinarian, which described the horse and his markings, and included proof of a Coggins test and inoculations. This was all in order. In a different envelope were the registration papers.

  Mack read aloud. “Sundancer, male, date of birth May 29th, 1998. Sire, California Dreamin’; Dam, Princess Narnia.”

  “There. You see?” said Kenneth brusquely.

  Mack pulled another document from his pocket. “I just happen to have the death certificate for Prince Redwood in my pocket. Let me see. Date of birth May 29th, 1998. Two horses born on the same day, with the same dam?”

  “Simple. She had twins. Now let’s get the horse out of the barn and get him on the road. It’s a long drive.”

  Mack smiled humourlessly. “There’s no need to rush anything. I have a few questions. The registration document for Sundancer is dated last
week.” He held up the breeding papers. “Now, why would that be? Unless you had the name changed from Prince Redwood to Sundancer?”

  “We lost the original, and had it reissued.”

  “Of course. Happens all the time.”

  “Yes, it does!” Kenneth had no patience left. “I’ve had enough of this. If you have a reason to detain Sundancer, get a warrant. I’ll call my lawyer.” He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out his cellphone.

  It was time. “Perhaps that would be a good idea,” said Paul Daniels. “Because Sundancer’s DNA matches Prince Redwood’s. He’s not a twin, he’s the same horse. Dr. Samuels was the attending vet, and he confirmed last night that it was a normal, single birth.”

  “You might find this interesting, too.” Paul continued to speak, casually brushing some dust off his sleeve. “This horse’s DNA is not a match with the declared sire’s. Prince Redwood — or Sundancer, if you wish — was not sired by California Dreamin’.”

  Kenneth Bradley was dumbfounded. “That’s not possible. Not possible.” He turned to Elvin. “How is this possible?”

  Elvin blushed a crimson red.

  “’There is no way that California Dreamin’ could be Sundancer’s sire.” Paul produced his DNA report and handed it to Mack Jones.

  Mack looked at it and sighed. “This gets more and more complicated. Where does this leave us now?”

  Just then they heard a loud whinny. Everyone turned to look.

  A big chestnut horse was trotting up the driveway. His coat was glossy and fine. His legs were long and strong. His head was held proud and his manner was regal. There was no question who this was. This was Dancer.

  Abby Malone rode the old jumping champion with pride. He strutted past the house like he owned the place.

  Julia ran out the kitchen door, shouting, “Abby! Hey Abby! Is that Dancer? I’ve only ever seen pictures of him before!” Dancer snorted and shook his silky mane. Abby nodded and waved happily as they continued trotting on toward the barn. Julia followed at a run.

  “Well, I’ll be a monkey’s uncle,” Elvin whistled under his breath. “It’s the king of them all.”

  And a king he looked. Every inch of him from nose to tail. Abby halted Dancer at the stable door. She took her feet from the stirrups and slid down to the ground. “Good boy.” She patted his neck. Dancer nickered softly.

  Abby looked from one person to another, then stated, “I wanted Sundancer to meet his father before he left.” She smiled, enjoying the stunned reaction all around.

  “This is preposterous!” exclaimed Kenneth Bradley. “You should know better than to say a thing like that without proof.”

  “I took the liberty of contacting the Canadian Sport Horse Association. They have DNA records of all registered horses on file.”

  “Do you have Dancer’s record with you?” asked Paul.

  Abby grinned. “I just happen to have it right here.” Abby pulled a paper out of her back pocket and passed it to Paul. “Our friend Jewel from the horse show was extremely helpful.” She looked at Hannah with a smile.

  Paul read it carefully, and checked back and forth between Dancer’s and Sundancer’s tests. Two minutes passed.

  “It could very possibly be a match. I’ll have to do some work at my office to be sure.” Paul handed the two reports to Mack Jones.

  Dancer whinnied loudly. His deep neigh echoed throughout the neighbouring fields and farmland. All the horses on the farm returned his call. For a moment the air was full to overflowing with equine communication.

  Then, there was an answering whinny from the barn, equally powerful, but slightly different in tone. Sundancer, led by Bird, stepped out into the sunshine.

  The similarities were undeniable. The shape of the heads; broad at the forehead and full at the jaw, with good-sized ears and intelligent eyes. Their heights were comparable. Their coats were of identical fiery copper hue. Their legs were shapely and correct, with strong, black feet. Their tails were set at the same angle.

  It was the attitude, however, that was most remarkable. Both horses had the same haughty confidence, and looked down at the people with the same arrogant cock of the head.

  Dancer, you are a legend. My name is Bird.

  You’re the girl who talks to horses.

  Yes.

  I’m pleased to meet you. We’ve all heard tell of you. Dancer bowed to Bird with respect.

  Thank you. Bird was touched. She lowered her head modestly.

  Sundancer stepped forward. With arched necks, the two chestnuts introduced themselves. Sundancer bowed deeply to his regal sire and stayed down. Dancer then returned the compliment to his talented son.

  There was no doubt left in anyone’s mind. The sight of these two magnificent horses bowing in unison was conclusive. They were surely of the same blood.

  Mack Jones spoke. “Do we need more proof?” He gathered up all the papers and documents. “Andy, we’ll not need your services today, but send Owens Enterprises an invoice for your time.”

  Mack took a notepad and pen out of his pocket, and continued: “Who rightfully owns this horse is unclear at the moment since he has no valid papers. There are penalties for that — and even graver consequences for people who commit insurance fraud. Kenneth Bradley, Elvin Wainright, you should contact your lawyers. Once we sort out this mess, you’ll need them.”

  Elvin and Kenneth stood together. Silent.

  Mack Jones continued, “I’m appalled that after collecting two hundred and fifty thousand dollars in insurance for the death of this animal, you would have the gall to sell him for three hundred thousand more.” Mack shook his head sadly. “It’s greed that tempts people, and greed that catches them. Kenneth Bradley, you, of all people, should have learned that lesson by now.”

  “Sundancer. Son of Dancer.” Abby smiled at Bird. “You sure gave him the right name, Bird.”

  Bird nodded shyly. She softly said, “Thank you, Ab … by.”

  “Bird!” Abby saw how Bird blushed at her reaction. She decided to let it go. Bird had chosen to speak to her. She was glad. That was enough.

  Hannah spoke as she gave Bird’s shoulder a supportive squeeze. “The name fits perfectly, doesn’t it? Tell us, Abby, how you figured this all out.”

  Paul nodded. He was about to ask the same thing.

  “One of Owens’ ex-grooms is a friend of mine. Yesterday he let it slip that Dancer actually sired this foal.” Abby looked at Elvin and Kenneth. “I’m not telling who it is, so don’t look at me like that.”

  Mack said, “Keep talking, Abby. This is important.”

  “I’ll start at the beginning. You know that the Jameses could never keep Dancer fenced at Hogscroft. He jumped out in the night, and he’d be back in the morning. Nobody the wiser. He never caused any trouble, aside from the obvious. Mares got in foal.” She stroked Dancer’s sleek neck.

  “You had a Dancer foal, didn’t you?” Mack prodded.

  “Two. Both times were unscheduled breedings, if you know what I mean.” She smiled. “And Moonie’s two fillies are fabulous. I could never have afforded the stallion fees. That’s why there have never been any complaints. Dancer’s the best stallion around.”

  “So what you’re telling us is that Dancer impregnated Princess Narnia on the Owens property?” Mack asked. “Dancer came to the Owens stables?”

  Abby grinned. “Yes, exactly that. There sure is irony.”

  Everyone nodded. They knew the story. Hilary James, whom everyone knew as Mousie, had won every competition she’d entered on Dancer. Samuel Owens noticed and wanted to own him. When Hilary James refused to sell, he’d become obsessed. When he couldn’t own Dancer, he tried to kill him. Owens underwent treatment for mental instability, but when he was released, his need for revenge caused chaos in the area until he literally self-destructed at the opening night of the local theatre.

  “Owens must have been elated to have a Dancer baby,” Mack stated.

  “He never knew,” Abby asserted
. “According to my source, his staff knew, but they were too afraid to admit that it could have happened under their watch. So they trumped up the story about Princess Narnia and California Dreamin’. Forged the papers. Paid people off.”

  Kenneth stared at Elvin. “Is this true?”

  Elvin looked like he might have a heart attack. His face was red and his eyes bulged. He blurted, “Mr. Owens would have gone crazy if he thought that a stallion had access to his stable. He would’ve fired everyone with no warning, no severance, no references.”

  “Even for a Dancer foal?” asked Hannah.

  “Nobody wanted to take the chance,” whined Elvin. “Would you? Surely you must remember? That man was a maniac. Certifiable lunatic.”

  “When did it happen, Abby, this immaculate conception?” Paul wanted to know.

  “Another irony. It happened the night Dancer was held prisoner on the Owens property. Owens ordered his man, Chad Smith, to steal Dancer from Hogscroft, remember? They dyed him black and called him Spirit?”

  “I’d forgotten.” Paul shook his head. “Oh, the hoops he went through.”

  “Well, Dancer knew there was a mare in season, and he found her. Jumped right into her stall and out again. You know they can smell them two miles away.”

  “And will jump any fence along the way,” added Paul. “So how long ago was that?”

  “Eight years ago, when you count the eleven-month gestation period.”

  Mack nodded and put away his notebook. “Thank you very much, Abby. You’ve solved an intriguing riddle.” He glared at Kenneth. “Sundancer stays here. The courts will decide on his custody. And Irving Insurance will be notified immediately. Kenneth Bradley and Elvin Wainright, contact your lawyers. You will not be leaving the country any time soon.”

  Stuart grinned like a boy. “What did I tell you, Hannah? Today turned out to be a very happy day.” He dropped down on one knee at Eva’s feet and took her hand. “Eva, will you marry me?”

  20

  NINE A.M.

  All my troubles are behind me.