“No way,” Jake interrupted sharply.
“But Nick’s different...” Rosie said.
“No,” Jake said fiercely. “I’m not involving anyone else in this.”
“Well, what are you going to do then?”
Jake looked thoughtful. “I don’t know. I guess I hadn’t thought all that out. I just took her and ran. But now that we’re here I suppose I could use this place as a base and stay hidden till Josh gets back,” he said. “There’s a stable for her...fields to train her in. I even brought a blanket for her. If you could bring her food then–”
“I don’t know,” Rosie interrupted him. That would be getting herself in really deep. She looked at Jake’s face. She wasn’t sure about him. She wasn’t even sure if she should trust him and yet his reasons did seem genuine. He had clearly risked everything for the horse.
“OK,” Rosie said. “I’ll bring you some food for Silver Dancer. So when does Josh get back?”
“Saturday,” Jake answered. “And her race is the Monday after.”
“Can you really manage to keep her hidden for a week?”
“I hope so,” Jake said. “I’ve got to...and Josh has got to believe me.”
Rosie looked at Jake’s face, pale and drawn. “If you tell him the story, the way you’ve just told me, he’ll believe you. From what I’ve heard, he’s pretty fair – he gave a friend of mine work experience last summer.”
“That must be Charlie Marshall – he was the only one who did work experience for us in the summer,” Jake said.
“That’s right, do you know him?” Rosie looked surprised. “He’s a friend of mine.”
“Yes, I didn’t know him all that well, but he was a nice guy,” Jake went on. “He had an accident, didn’t he?”
“Yes, yes he did,” Rosie answered, pleased that Jake had liked Charlie. “And Josh helped sort out a retraining programme for him.”
Jake nodded. “That’s right. I remember now. Josh is good like that.”
“Look, I’m sure things’ll be all right for you,” Rosie said reassuringly. She looked at her watch and snapped to her senses. “I’m going to have to get going,” she said. “My parents don’t even know I’m out. I’ve got to be at my riding stables at eleven. I’m there till one for a cross-country session, but I’ll come after that with the food for Silver Dancer. I could bring you something too. You must be starving.”
“You could say that,” Jake said. “I don’t suppose there’s any chance you could bring me a spare jumper as well, could you? It’s so cold at night.”
Rosie looked unsure. “I don’t know. I might be able to get something,” she said. “I’m not making any promises, but I’ll definitely try.”
“Thanks.” Jake smiled.
“So I’ll see you this afternoon,” Rosie said, turning back to look at the racehorse as she went. “You’re lucky to have someone who cares this much about you,” she said, gently blowing into Silver Dancer’s nostrils.
“Beautiful, isn’t she?” Jake said proudly. “You’ve got to keep her a secret – between me and you. The more people who know, the more chance it has of getting out, and that could be serious for her.”
Rosie nodded and gave Silver Dancer one last pat.
“I promise. Look, I’ll see you this afternoon.”
And without another word, Rosie ran to get her bike and set off down the drive.
6
THE LYING STARTS
Rosie felt bad as she remembered that promise on the way back home. Keeping Jake’s secret for a day was one thing, but carrying on with it was going to be something else. Rosie’s mind was miles away, thoughts rushing through her head, when finally she reached home and crept in through the front door. Quickly, she made her way into the kitchen, nonchalantly trying to look as though she hadn’t been out.
“Morning Rosie, you’re up early,” her mum called brightly as she hurried down the stairs to where Rosie was laying the table for breakfast.
“Oh, I wanted to make a start on my homework,” Rosie said quickly, trying to ignore the sudden stab of guilt as she realized how easily she was lying.
“That’s good,” her mum said. “And you’ve got your first cross-country session this morning, haven’t you?”
“Yes, that’s right,” Rosie said, realizing that she must have been going on about it a lot for her mum to have remembered.
“Well, I’ll give you a lift to the stables if you like,” her mum said.
“Er, don’t worry, I’ll cycle,” Rosie said, thinking ahead. She’d need her bike to get to Jake later on.
“No, really, it’s all right,” her mother said. “I know how important this cross-country is to you.”
And that seemed to be that. There wasn’t anything Rosie could do about it. She’d just have to come back for her bike. She didn’t want her mum getting suspicious.
It didn’t take Mrs. Edwards long to drive the five miles to Sandy Lane Stables. Soon Rosie found herself at the bottom of the drive.
“Thanks Mum,” she called with a backwards wave, walking on into the yard. The stables were busy for a Monday morning. Looking at the mass of cheerful faces around her, Rosie noted that it was going to be a lot harder than she’d thought to slip out to see Jake without it being noticed.
“Wakey, wakey, Rosie.” Izzy’s voice cut into her thoughts, and she looked up sharply, snapping to her senses.
“Sorry Izzy, I was miles away...thinking about the training session and all that.”
“Exciting, isn’t it?” Izzy smiled. “Our first go over the course this year. And the Roxburgh Team Chase isn’t that far away now.”
“No, no it isn’t,” Rosie said, and as she turned back to the matter in hand, she felt worried. Although cross-country was by far her favourite discipline and she’d always made the team in previous years, she couldn’t help feeling a little apprehensive. She didn’t like to say it, but more recently she’d noticed that Pepper didn’t seem to have the stamina of his old days.
“Could you give me a hand with Midnight’s girth while you’re standing there?” Izzy called over, disturbing Rosie’s thoughts. “He keeps blowing out so much, I can hardly do it up.”
“Sure,” Rosie answered.
“All right, everyone ready?” Nick called, and walking over, he joined the group. “Well, as you are all well aware, this is the first cross-country session this season. 11 o’clock each morning looks about the best time to practise, so whoever wants to try for the team needs to be here. I’ll announce who I’ve picked on Thursday.”
Rosie looked around her. Jess was here with Skylark, Kate was on Feather and Izzy was riding Midnight. Tom was on Chancey and she was on Pepper. All on their usual and favourite mounts. It was going to be tough.
“We’ll be all right though, won’t we boy?” Rosie said, leaning down to stroke Pepper’s dear, scraggy neck as they followed on through the gate. “Sure and steady can still win the race, eh?”
The pony snorted, as if in response, and burst forward into a trot. Rosie’s heart lifted as they joined the other horses.
“All right...all right, calm down.” Rosie tickled Pepper’s ears.
But his excitement was infectious and as Rosie examined the course ahead of them, she felt a surge of adrenaline rush through her. Although the jumps weren’t that high, they would have to be jumped clear, or the horse would take a heavy rap.
“OK,” Nick called to each of his riders. “Gather round.”
Rosie trotted over and listened eagerly to what Nick had to say.
“Now, I know that you all know this course like the back of your hands, but remember this is our first outing this season and the ground’s pretty slippery. We’re going to limber the horses up a bit and then I’ll send you off at five minute intervals. Just concentrate on getting round safely and securely. Speed can come later on. Is that clear?”
“Yes Nick,” everyone answered in unison.
“Tom, you go first,” he continued. “Jess
can follow you and then Rosie after that.”
Rosie nodded.
“Izzy can come next and Kate can bring up the rear,” Nick continued. “Now, I’m going to watch from the top of the hill. I’ll have my binoculars trained on you, so don’t go too fast.”
Rosie watched silently as Tom pushed Chancey onto the first jump, and they galloped across the grass. Speeding forwards, they flew neatly over the tiger trap.
“Remember to take it easy everyone. It’s just a practice,” Nick called out.
Rosie waited for Jess to get a bit ahead and then it was her turn. Feeling exhilarated, she nudged Pepper forward for the tiger trap and they jumped neatly over it. Jess was just fifty metres ahead of her and Rosie was careful to keep her distance. Slowly, she started to relax. Galloping across the field, she and Pepper took the brush hurdle. Then they went out of sight of the others and into the trees. Rosie was starting to enjoy herself now. She couldn’t see Jess ahead of her any more, so she kicked Pepper on to the log pile to catch up. Speedily they cantered through the trees, the mud spraying up from Pepper’s hooves and splattering behind them. Now it was the tyres, then a long hard gallop to the water. Deftly, Rosie popped Pepper over these last jumps.
Pepper’s sides were heaving in and out by the time they’d cleared them, and Rosie felt guilty, knowing that she was pushing him a bit too hard. Slowing the pace down, Rosie took her time over the zigzag rails and cantered up the hill to take the stone wall. As Pepper cleared the last fence, he slowed down to a trot and Rosie didn’t press him any faster. Breathlessly, she drew to a halt beside Nick, pleased that they’d got round safe and sound.
“Wow, Jess.” She laughed across to her friend. “That was good fun.”
Pepper had gone well and it was a good start. Her old confidence returned as she sat watching the others finishing the course.
Soon the ride had gathered in a group, and six steaming horses and riders stood around, waiting for Nick’s verdict.
“Pretty good...pretty good,” he said. “I’m glad to see that most of you took my advice and went nice and easy. I’m pleased with that for a first outing. Everyone rode well. I think we’ll be able to get a good team together.”
Team...Again Rosie was reminded of the competition for places. As the riders made their way to the yard, Rosie rode up alongside Jess.
“Everyone rode pretty well, Jess, didn’t they?”
“Oh Rosie, you’re not worried about the team, are you?” Jess asked. “Of course you’ll get in.”
Rosie shrugged her shoulders. “Well, I don’t know – Izzy and Midnight are pretty good and Kate’s come on a lot in the last year. And then there’s Pepper,” she said in a subdued voice.
“What’s wrong with Pepper?” Jess asked.
“Oh nothing really,” Rosie said, feeling guilty at her disloyal thoughts. “It’s just that he seems to have lost a bit of his puff lately, that’s all.”
“He’ll be all right,” Jess said confidently.
Rosie smiled. She hoped that Jess was right. And then a picture of Jake and Silver Dancer flashed through her mind. Riding the cross-county course had enabled her to forget them. But now that she was back in the yard, her thoughts turned to South Grange. She needed to get some oats and go over there. Quickly she made her way into Pepper’s stable and began to clean the little piebald.
“All right, Rosie?” Jess called over, her eyes glinting brightly. “Coming for lunch?”
“Oh actually...” And then Rosie changed her mind. It would look very odd to disappear now. “Well, yes all right then.” She’d have to wait a little longer than she’d thought to leave the yard. Grabbing her lunch box, Rosie hurried over to follow Jess.
It wasn’t until 3 o’clock that Rosie was able to escape Jess’s watchful eye. She felt in a panic. She had to go home for her bike and then get to the fodder merchant’s before going to South Grange. It was going to be a terrible rush.
Hopping from one foot to the other to ward off the cold, Rosie waited for the bus to arrive at the stop, every minute looking at her watch. If only her mother hadn’t insisted on taking her to the stables that morning. If only she’d brought her bike. She felt hugely relieved when she spotted the bus coming round the corner. Climbing on board, she settled down into her seat. As she looked out of the window, she willed the bus to speed up on its way. It seemed to take forever before they finally reached the outskirts of Colcott. Jumping down to the ground, Rosie made the quick walk home. Quietly, she let herself into the house, hoping that her mum wouldn’t hear her. But no such luck.
“You’re back early.” Rosie’s mum said.
“Oh, I just came back to collect my Pony Weekly,” Rosie said, quickly thinking on her feet. “I promised it to Jess.”
“I don’t know,” her mum said. “You’re always running around after that girl.”
“Well, you know.” Rosie reddened and turned away, feeling bad that she’d used Jess as an excuse when her friend was entirely blameless. Mrs. Edwards, however, didn’t seem to notice Rosie’s discomfort and disappeared into the utility room.
Rosie took advantage of the situation to nip upstairs. Grabbing her backpack, she made her way into the spare room and rummaged around in the bag of clothes waiting to go to the charity shop. She grabbed a couple of her Dad’s old jumpers and bundled them into her backpack. Now she had to get the food. Rosie made her way down the stairs and into the kitchen, biting her lip thoughtfully. Perhaps an apple, a couple of slices of bread, some cheese, some ham...that would do. Sneaking around, she grabbed her goodies and made for the door.
“I’m off now,” she called out. Before her mum could protest, Rosie was out of the door like a shot, grabbing her Pony Weekly as she went. “See you later,” she called.
“Bye.” Her mum’s voice drifted after her and she made her way over to her bike. Rosie pedalled as speedily as she could, the chilly afternoon air biting into her face as she cycled along. It would soon be dark. She would have to hurry. As she peddled down Sandy Lane, she stopped off at the fodder merchant and put the bag of oats in her backpack. It was heavy as she cycled along, going slowly to keep her balance. Turning up the driveway to South Grange, she jumped off her bike and rushed around the corner of the house to the yard. Her heart sank – the door to the corner stable stood wide open.
“Jake...Jake?” she called hesitantly, her eyes squinting as she tried to see through the shadows. All was quiet and there was no answer. That was strange. “Jake...are you there?” She waited and listened, but she couldn’t hear anything.
What if Jake and Silver Dancer had been discovered? What if O’Grady had got to them. The fear flooded through her, and then she stopped and thought again. Or perhaps Jake had just panicked and taken flight. He’d been tempted to do that anyway.
She was just about to turn and go when she stopped quite still. Was that a whinny in the distance? Rosie’s heart leapt. So they were still here.
Quickly dumping her backpack by the stable, she spun round and headed onto the lawn. Willing herself to see Jake and Silver Dancer, she stared out across the paddocks and into the fields beyond. And then there they were – horse and rider galloping high on the brow of the hill.
Jake was hunched tight into a ball on Silver Dancer’s back. He looked so still – as solid as a rock as he crouched over, urging her forward. The only perceptible movement Rosie could see were his arms, rocking gently backwards and forwards as he fed the horse the reins. Silver Dancer was straining at the bit, just waiting for the slightest release on the reins that would allow her to go faster. The muscles in her shoulders were pulled taut as she flew across the turf. They were going into the trees now and out of sight.
Rosie was spellbound. Horse and rider were perfectly in tune with each other. To have a horse like that...Rosie looked at her watch. They’d be back any moment. She’d wait for them to get back. The cold night mist was slowly moving in, encircling her. She rubbed her hands together for warmth as she made her way to the st
ables. It wasn’t long before she heard the steady clip clop of hooves on gravel. Jake was talking aloud.
“Easy Dancer, that’s enough for now. I won’t push you too hard tonight.”
Rosie smiled as she heard the gentle inflection in his voice. She ducked behind the hedge that surrounded the yard, hoping to surprise him.
“I know it’s difficult...it is for me too. I’m pretty frightened, you know,” Jake went on. “But we’ll be all right. We just have to be very careful. Who knows what would happen to me if we got caught. It scares me sometimes.”
Suddenly, Rosie felt embarrassed listening in...embarrassed that she’d heard Jake’s private thoughts. She’d been about to step out, but now she didn’t think she could. It wasn’t the right moment. No, she’d just go home. She could come back tomorrow and see him then. He’d find the clothes and food by the stable easily enough. Let him just think she hadn’t had the time to wait...that she’d had to leave in a hurry. And so Rosie turned on her heels and crept over to her bike to make her way back home.
7
FRIENDSHIP DEVELOPS
Rosie cycled up the driveway to South Grange early the next morning, carrying a large packed lunch. She’d prepared the ground by phoning Jess and telling her she wasn’t going to Sandy Lane that day. She’d be missing a cross-country session, but that couldn’t be helped.
Passing the empty house, she made her way around the corner to the yard. Jake was already up and about, grooming Silver Dancer as she arrived. Breathlessly, she called across to him.
“Hi,” he answered and smiled, not questioning why she hadn’t waited for him the night before. “Thanks for the food.”
“That’s all right,” Rosie grinned. “And you got the clothes, I see,” she said, grinning at the sight of her Dad’s ancient sweaters on Jake.
“Thanks. I needed them, it’s pretty cold at night,” Jake answered.
Horse in Danger Page 4