by Olivia Swift
“It hasn’t been an orphanage for as long as I can remember,” Sam said. “But I know that’s what it was originally.”
“I wonder if he spent all of his money on setting that up and that was why the horse breeding had to end,” Magda mused. “He must have been well ahead of his time if he started an orphanage to help poor kids.”
“Jonesville is the headquarters of a charity that supports lots of children’s things but other things as well,” Sam said. “Don’t they also help sporting charities? I think I read that somewhere.”
“I guess we all just accepted that the Jonesville Charity was always doing something good in the area,” Magda added.
“There’s an article about the man who had the idea to found an orphanage. They name him as Cody Jones. He got together a group of friends and local people to put up the money to buy the house. The state gave them some funds to care for children left on their own.”
They flicked through all of the items that Bart had found but there was no photograph, not even a very old and indistinct one of Cody Jones.
Magda’s cell phone rang and Branston came on the line.
“Have you seen the article about his riding skills? I never saw that information before. The man must have been a wonderful horseman.”
Magda said she hadn’t read that one yet and Sam scrolled through to find it as they spoke. He scanned through it and agreed with Branston.
“He was a legend at the time apparently,” Sam joined in the conversation on speakerphone. “We were wondering if we could hire a couple of horses and have a ride. Magda has just realized that having a baby curtailed her riding.”
“If you are talking Sunday, that would be fine. The place changes over guests on Saturdays and they take Sunday to settle in. I don’t take any groups out on a Sunday. Horses available.”
“I would love that,” Magda said. “I’ll check with Alison to see if she will babysit.”
“Don’t do that. Bring Samantha and Merle and I will keep an eye on her.”
“Thanks. We’ll come in the afternoon. Your restaurant is always busy at midday,” Sam told him.
“Katie and Declan come back on Saturday,” Branston said. “Can’t wait to do another séance with Declan there.”
“And Katie to look at the pictures,” Magda added. “I will be glad when she’s back in the kitchen as well. Her touch with the decorations is much better than mine.” Then she told her cousin that she would bring him one of the new chocolate horses that she was making ready for the rodeo week.
“I’m practicing,” Branston said. “Got to defend my reputation.”
Sam and Magda spent some time reading through the articles that Bart had found. Eventually, they closed tablets down just as Crystal swiped the parenting book back on the floor. Magda sighed and picked up the Birman cat. She sat with the cat on her knee and talked to her as if she was human.
“Crystal, we found out about the orphanage. I’m okay looking after Samantha. Stop worrying please.” Sam shook his head. “She does understand,” Magda told him. “I don’t know how but she does. I have given up trying to work it out.” She held the beautiful cat with those amazing blue eyes and took her to the kitchen to find the treats. The other three appeared as if by magic and the treats were handed out.
The next two days were uneventful. Magda opened up on Saturday with Sam’s help. Saturdays were always busy. Magda had no time to try a filling for the horse shape but had in mind that one of her already popular ones would be the best bet. She poured chocolate over the shapes and popped them in the chiller. That was easily done. Customers kept them all busy and the lunchtime regulars were piling inside when Magda felt two arms around her shoulders from behind and squealed with delight to find Katie had sneaked in and surprised her. Declan followed and there was chaos in the café.
The customers called out to them, wished them well, and generally joined in the excitement. Katie donned her work wear and threw herself into satisfying the orders on hold at the counter. Sam went to look after the baby and Declan put on an apron and cleared tables.
Between serving, Katie told Magda that they had traveled back the night before. The week had been wonderful. She had taken so many photos to make paintings from that the camera almost overloaded.
“But I need to see these pictures by the man who came in with the staircase he dreamed about.”
“Rula can cope now. Let’s go and look.” Magda and Katie said they were going to see the paintings and Declan decided to tag along as well. Katie and Declan ran the gallery between them. Magda said it was a relief to have them back again.
“Mikey has worked both businesses really well, but we do need all of us in this partnership,” Magda said and opened the storeroom door. They picked up the pictures one by one and Magda waited for Katie’s reaction. She went back to the staircase.
“That has such atmosphere. It’s understated but holds your eye. You want to know what is at the top of the stairs.”
“You like them?” Magda asked. “I did but I’m no artist. I think he studied at art college but works for his dad growing plants.”
“Yes, they’re good and will display really well.”
“I told him the week after next when the craft exhibition was over. He has no idea about pricing. That is your province, Katie,” Magda told her.
Declan picked up the cowboy picture.
“This is really good. Is this the cowboy Rula thought she saw?”
“We think so. She described him and then Shelby turned up with a painting of what looks like the same man.”
“It needs a stronger frame for this size of picture, and it needs something more rustic to blend with the subject. I can make one, but he might not want that.”
Magda called the artist and asked if he had a few minutes to come and meet Katie and Declan. He said it would be about an hour, but he would come over then.
“An hour,” Magda said. “Back to the chaos in the café.”
The customers dwindled as the afternoon wore on. Katie spotted the chocolate horses.
“Rodeo week coming up,” Magda said. “I don’t know whether to fill them or not.”
“If we covered them in edible gold and made edible lassos, we could put them in see-through bags,” Katie suggested.
“And maybe an edible rosette beside the head halter,” Magda added. “I’m glad you are back, girl.”
“And I think Samantha has grown in a week.” Katie took the baby from Sam and walked around the kitchen with her. There were only a few customers left. They had time to ask about the honeymoon and look at photos on cell phones.
“We did have a very lazy week. We took lots of photos but that was about the hardest work we managed. Ate too much,” Declan said.
“Well, you can work it off next week. I left the heavy stuff until there were two of us,” Sam added. Declan wanted to know details of the séance and by the time they had told him, Shelby Bentley walked up to the counter.
After introductions, they went over everything again and then Katie went off to price the pictures with Shelby. Magda looked at Declan.
“Well? I know that look, Declan.” He gave her his slow smile and said that there was a man in the background. “I don’t know if it was the cowboy, but that man has help of some sort from the spirit world. I don’t know who and I don’t know why, but better if he doesn’t know at the moment.” Sam and Magda and Rula all nodded agreement.
Rula and Magda cleared away and cleaned everything and were ready to leave. Mikey came back with Katie and the artist and locked the double doors to the gallery.
“Amazing that your relation’s friend started Jonesville,” Mikey said. “Had you known that?” The artist shook his head.
“Suppose I should have thought about it. The man was obviously keen to help people in trouble.”
“At least that still goes on,” Mikey added. “They support people with disabilities who want to go climbing and do other outdoor activities.”
“Speaking of which, I’m going horse riding tomorrow for the first time since Samantha arrived,” Magda said.
“And me. Merle has offered to babysit,” Sam added.
“At the dude ranch?” Shelby asked and when they said that was the case, he wondered if they would mind if he came along. “I’ve been dying to have a look around there.” Then he said that maybe he wouldn’t. “My niece is nutty about riding and will be upset if I go without her.”
“How old is she?” Magda asked.
Shelby said his niece, Chloe, was twelve and an exceptional rider. Magda passed this on to Branston who said they were very welcome.
“Tell him thanks and she’ll bring her own pony,” Shelby said. They arranged to meet at the ranch at two in the afternoon.
“We fixed the prices,” Katie said.
“Are you sure folks will pay that much?” Shelby asked anxiously.
“Don’t price yourself down,” Rula said. “Just see what happens.” The paintings were locked away safely for the week of the exhibition. Katie said she would hang them the following Sunday when the place was empty.
“See you tomorrow,” Magda said to Shelby as she locked up and they all exited down the alleyway.
“Were the cats glad to see you back?” Magda asked Declan. He laughed.
“Took a lot of pieces of chicken to make them happy again. Does Merle want another séance next week?”
“I’ll ask her tomorrow,” Magda said as she tucked the baby into the car seat.
Sam drove as Magda enjoyed the luxury of being driven. It didn’t seem to happen often these days.
“I’m glad that Katie is back. She’s a wonder with the chocolate and the truffles.”
“Mmm,” Sam agreed. “Those beams are heavy to handle by myself. Declan has been missed as well.”
They spent a quiet night in front of the television and Crystal made no books fall to the ground or anything else. In fact, the cats were so quiet that Magda was almost suspicious. They had their own little courtyard that was all fenced in with wire netting. They could go into the fresh air without being in danger. The door was open and there were birds to watch but all of the cats stayed on the sofa with Magda. Samantha sat on a rug on the floor protected by a pretty playpen. She had some toys that she tried to chew and a moving ornament that kept her occupied.
Crystal looked at the cell phone and Magda was about to save it from being swiped to the floor when it rang.
“That cat did it again. She knew it would ring.” Magda took the call from Rula who said that she was in the stable and she could hear galloping hooves.
“Did you see anything?” Sam asked. She said there was nothing to see.
“Call Merle and see what she thinks. If you need us, we can come over,” Magda advised.
“Very strange. I wonder what he’s trying to tell her.”
Rula called back and said that Merle asked if they would like to go over tomorrow when you go out riding. She says Mikey can just relax and we can all talk about the galloping hooves.”
“See you tomorrow then,” Magda said. “Did Merle think it was nothing to worry about?”
“She said there must be something bothering him. Maybe we should have a séance sooner rather than later next week.”
6
“I do like a lazy Sunday morning,” Sam said. They had a coffee and then played with the baby who was gurgling between them. A bit later, they enjoyed a light lunch and then dressed for riding. With an extra bottle to warm if needed, a couple of jars of baby food and clean diapers, they set off for The Panhandle.
The pristine white ranch gates were wide open to make people feel welcome. The diner that Merle and Branston had built at the entrance had a few cars moving through the drive-through. It seemed to do a steady trade from the traffic passing on the road. Magda knew that they were trying to encourage people to come in and make inquiries.
The drive from the front gates to the ranch complex was pretty and opened out to display the main building with reception, small gift shop, and the house where Branston and Merle lived. From the entrance you could gaze out over the many cabins that were for rent. Cabins were perhaps not the right description because they had hot tubs on the decks and barbecue areas. Luxury was what Merle had aimed for and she had succeeded. There was another large barn where they could have events, hoedowns, weddings, and parties of all sorts. The couple were old hands at making things go with a swing.
Branston had a way of making the guests feel that he was a real cowboy even though his clothes were over-the-top glamorous. His riding skills were undeniable, and he, along with a couple of other tour guides, took out riding parties. He also gave riding lessons and occasionally showed off his riding abilities as he practiced for events like the upcoming rodeo.
There were corrals, stables, and barns, and looking across, it seemed that most of the cabins were occupied.
“I love it here,” Magda said. She unloaded all of the things that a baby seemed to need. They took them inside and came back to find a horse trailer arriving at the door along with Shelby, his niece, and her mother who was driving the vehicle.
Chloe’s mother, Diana was a pretty woman with long, dark hair tied in a ponytail. She wore casual clothes and told them that her role was always cab driver.
“This is my daughter, Chloe and inside the trailer is the love of her life called Merlin.”
Chloe politely shook hands but was obviously itching to ride. She was tall for a twelve-year-old and fairly confident.
“Are you wanting to ride as well, Diana?” Branston asked. She shook her head and said she was happy waiting with a book to read.
“Come inside and have a coffee with me,” Merle encouraged. Shelby drove the trailer over to where Branston said they would saddle up. Magda left instructions for the baby and ran after the others.
Rula arrived and chased them as well while Mikey was offered beer or coffee in the house.
Branston had already found what he thought would be suitable rides and they were saddled. He came to help Chloe unload her pony and then he stood back.
“Wow, Chloe, that is some pony you have there. Is he lively?”
Chloe smiled at him. “Yes, he’s an Arab and yes, he’s lively and yes, I can handle him. People always worry that he’s too hard to handle,” she answered but without any suggestion of nastiness. Branston waved his hands.
“I don’t doubt you for a moment. He’s beautiful.” Chloe led out her pride and joy and the pony came to Branston’s outstretched hand.
“He’s clever as anything and I have taught him all sorts of things.”
“Like what?” Branston asked and the others clustered around to listen as well.
“He ground ties. Never wanders, comes to the whistle, and will follow me without a rein.”
“Let’s get you up there then,” Branston said and offered her his hands clutched together as a step. She said thanks but took a little run and threw herself into the saddle. The pony stood like a rock. Branston shook his head.
“If you need a weekend job, just give me a call,” he laughed and handed Magda, Rula, and Sam horses of various heights. “For you, Shelby,” he said dramatically and went to the stable. He led out a gorgeous grey gelding. “I think that is what your ancestor used to ride.”
Shelby mounted up like an experienced rider and Branston checked the group. Then he vaulted into his saddle because he couldn’t help but show off a little bit and led the way. Sam brought up the rear as he had done for years when they were all growing up.
Once away from the complex, the path widened to let them move together. Branston waved a hand to show where they were heading.
“If we’re different speeds, we can meet up behind those trees and then swing around down to the lake.” He looked at Magda. She grinned and kicked the sides of the mare that she was riding. He had given her something that could move, and she used it well. Rula laughed and followed as Sam watched her go.
“She was a
lways a great rider.”
“Come on Chloe. Race you to the trees,” Branston suggested. The girl was waiting for her chance and spoke to the pony as she kicked into action. The Arab was a sprinter and took off from a standing start. Branston stayed to watch her go as he made sure she really could handle the ride. There was no doubt there. The girl was part of the horse as if she had been born in the saddle.
She glanced over her shoulder and saw him striding out after her and gave the pony an extra push. It took Branston all of his time to catch her before they reached the trees and slowed down together. His big black stallion was his favorite ride. Shelby and Sam arrived together enjoying a pleasant pace. The four of them walked around the copse of trees and found Magda and Rula enjoying the glorious view of the lake.
“You were flying, Chloe,” Magda told her.
“His dad was a racehorse,” Chloe grinned at her. “He loves to run.” The party trotted down the slope to the lakeside and let the horses take a drink.
“We can take a walk around the lake. It’s very flat and if you want to gallop, feel free.” He turned to Chloe and asked her what she had taught the pony.
“Just now I’m practicing for the rodeo and he’s good at knowing what I want to do.”
“Such as?” Branston asked.
“Once she starts, you’ll be hard pushed to end it,” Shelby warned but he grinned at his niece and she smiled back. She climbed back onto the pony and pointed him away from the group of people. She searched for a marker and Branston sensed what she was going to do.
“That broken off tree,” he said and pointed. She shaded her eyes and nodded.
Then she spoke to the horse, kicked him gently and he went from a standing start to full gallop without even appearing to make any effort. She stretched him to the tree, slowed, slewed around the stump, and came racing back to end in front of Branston.
“Don’t suppose anyone has a stopwatch,” Branston said.
“Timer on the cell phone,” Sam answered and pulled his phone out.
“Me first to let Merlin get his breath back,” Branston said and climbed into the saddle. His horse was a big, strong animal that had a gleaming black coat and looked like something from a storybook. He was quite magnificent, but the man knew that the pony was very fast.