On the Run

by Iris Johansen

  Go for broke. “Sometimes. And sometimes they don’t pay any attention to me. It just means that it’s easier for me to deal with them than it is for other people.”

  “I think they pay attention. Darling never balked with you.”

  “He stopped balking with you too. He just needed to know that there wasn’t anything to fear.”

  “After you told him.”

  “You’re the one who told him, remember?”

  “Mom.”

  She hesitated and then nodded. “Okay, maybe I reinforced it a little. But if Darling hadn’t trusted you, then he’d never have gone over that barrier.”

  Frankie grinned. “Mom, don’t feel bad. It’s okay. I guess I always knew it. I don’t know why you’re not proud of it. It’s kinda neat having a mom who can talk to—”

  “I told you, I’m no horse whis—”

  “Yeah, but I’ll feel better riding Hope now that I know that she’ll listen to what you say.”

  And maybe that was a good thing, Grace thought. Confidence never hurt any situation, and they needed all the weapons they could muster. Screw reality and practicality. “You can be sure I’ll put in a good word for you. But forget Hope and Charlie and what’s going to happen tomorrow. You need to eat and get to bed.”

  “You too?”

  “Sure.” She entered the stable and gazed at the Pair, who had already been brought in and were being fed by two very nervous stable boys. “If Hope and Charlie will be quiet enough to let us sleep.”

  Charlie and Hope weren’t quiet. It was lucky that Frankie was so tired that she slept right through the noise they made. Grace lay on her cot, listening to the uproar until she was sure Frankie wouldn’t stir. Then she quietly got up and went outside to stand in the doorway of the stable. The guard on duty a few feet away straightened and changed his grip on his rifle.

  “I’m not going anywhere. I just want some air.”

  The guard stared at her without speaking, but he was smiling insolently.

  She ignored him and gazed out at the darkness of the woods surrounding the farm. Was Kilmer out there? She was feeling very lonely and isolated at this moment. She wanted to see him. Strange—though sex was such a big part of their relationship, when she’d thought of Kilmer since they’d left the ranch, it wasn’t of him leaning naked over her in the barn. It was a memory of him laughing down at Frankie as they rode together through the fields.

  In spite of what she had told Marvot, it had been a discouraging day. If the Pair remembered her at all, it wasn’t obvious. Any progress she’d made with them all those years ago was erased and she was starting fresh. But maybe she was wrong. She’d see in the next few days.

  But how many days would Marvot give her? She wouldn’t put it past him to try to nudge her along by taking Frankie from her. That mustn’t happen, dammit.

  And there was no use staring at the trees like some medieval maiden waiting for a hero to rescue her. She was the only one she could count on for rescue. She could trust Kilmer to step up if he found an opening, but in the end it would be she who would shoulder the responsibility.

  And it was time she got back to work instead of standing out here being depressed and letting that guard ogle her.

  She turned and went back into the stable and down the aisle toward the stalls. When they saw her, the ruckus increased.

  Okay, you’re not pleased. I invaded your space. Get used to it. It’s going to happen again.

  She sat down across the aisle from their stalls and leaned against the wall.

  Get used to me. I’m not going to hurt you. I’m as much a prisoner here as you are. I know that you’ve been hurt before, but if you team up with me, you’ll never have to worry about anyone else trying to ride you. And I’ll do it as little as I can to keep you fit and well.

  Were they listening? If they were, was it making any impact? She knew that she was able to communicate with some horses, but she never knew on what level or to what extent they understood her. She could only hope that they sensed what she felt.

  But the violence of her reception was not encouraging.

  You don’t want to hear what I’m saying. I can understand that. But I have to keep saying it because it’s true and because the man who is your enemy is also mine. So I’ll be here every night and every day until we can get together. Tomorrow you’ll be separated for a while, but don’t be afraid. We just want to get to know you better. It won’t be for long. Then you’ll be together again.

  If anything, the horses’ reaction was becoming even more violent. It could be that was a good sign. At least she was getting through to them. Maybe.

  My daughter, Frankie, is with me. You saw her today. She’s young, only a filly, and she’ll be very kind to you. I promise she’s no threat at all.

  She had to keep repeating those words. Frankie was no threat. Frankie would be kind. Over and over until they believed it. She had a chance. As far as she knew, the Pair had never been approached by a child. Marvot’s son was fascinated but afraid of the horses. Horses sensed fear and responded with aggression.

  Frankie was afraid too. Well, then Grace would have to try to eliminate that fear or at least lessen it.

  She’s chosen names for you. You’re Hope and you’re Charlie. Not very grand, but she liked them and they meant something to her. Did the first man who raised you give you names? I don’t think I would have liked him. He let his bitterness hurt you.

  No abatement in the disturbed behavior.

  Keep talking. Anything that came into her head. The only thing she had to continue repeating was the bit about Frankie. Over and over and over . . .

  What do I do now?” Frankie asked as she stood before Hope. “Do I try to stroke her?”

  “Not unless you want to lose a finger.” Grace smiled. “Just sit here and talk to her. I’ll go into the paddock with Charlie and see if I can comfort him for the loss of his buddy.”

  Frankie sat down on the floor. “What do I say?”

  “Whatever you like.” She started down the aisle. “It’s between the two of you. I’ll be back in a couple hours. Stay out of the stall. If you need me, come to the paddock.”

  “Okay.”

  Frankie was very uncertain this morning, Grace thought. Who could blame her? She was moving tentatively herself.

  She stood at the fence, looking at Charlie, who was glaring back at her.

  I told you this was going to happen. She’ll be back in a few hours. I know it sucks to feel helpless, but it’s only going to be for a little while. Frankie needs to get to know her. The man who’s your enemy wants to hurt her, and she can save herself if Hope will help her. I know, you don’t care. But maybe you will someday.

  That last was a little dumb. Charlie didn’t care about tomorrow. Today was the only thing of any importance.

  She opened the paddock gate. “Now let’s see if you hate me as much as you did yesterday. . . .”

  She barely got the words out when he charged her. She ducked, dashed to the side, and leaped for the fence.

  She felt the brush of Charlie’s head against her thighs as he thundered past her.

  But he didn’t turn and try to savage her. He pranced to the middle of the paddock, every line of his body full of pride, arrogance, and defiance. He glanced at her as he turned, and she could almost see his satisfaction in his triumph.

  She drew a deep breath and tried to suppress the hope and exuberance that surged through her as she got down from the fence. Too soon. Much too soon.

  Not quite as much venom as yesterday. But you definitely showed me where I stand. Now can we calm down and stay together without all this jumping around? I’m tired. Neither one of us got much sleep last night.

  It seemed they couldn’t. Charlie reared and then charged her again.

  She jumped for the fence but didn’t quite make it to the top.

  He nipped her ass and then tore away from her.

  Damn, that hurt. She rubbed her buttock and carefully tur
ned to face the blasted horse.

  My God, he was almost smirking.

  Playing?

  She stiffened and hope soared through her.

  Yeah, now you’re happy. That wasn’t nice. I should leave you by yourself. You know I won’t, but there’s something you should know. I might not be such a fun playmate if you do that again. I’m not as strong as you and I can be hurt. I don’t think you want me out of commission.

  But maybe he did. Maybe she was wrong.

  She slowly got down off the fence, her gaze fixed warily on Charlie.

  He charged her again!

  She’s very stupid,” Guillaume said. “The horse is going to kill her, and it will serve her right.”

  “Hush.” Marvot’s gaze was fixed on Grace. He’d been watching her for over an hour. The rush of the horse, the dodging of the woman, was almost like a deadly ballet. Only for the last few minutes he’d become convinced the ballet was not as deadly as it first appeared. “She’s not stupid. And I don’t think he’s going to kill her.”

  “Oh.”

  Marvot glanced down at his son. “Disappointed? Why?”

  “I don’t want the Pair to be tamed. I want them to stay the way they are. This way they’re mine.”

  “They were never yours. They’re mine. And they’re of no use to me the way they are. I don’t tolerate objects that have no use to me. Eventually they’d have to be destroyed.”

  Guillaume was looking at Grace. “And she has use to you?”

  Marvot nodded, watching Grace slowly approach the stallion. He was standing still and she was getting closer to him every time before he rushed her. “Yes, she has use.” He suddenly chuckled as he looked back at Guillaume. “But nothing is forever. I haven’t a doubt that you’ll still get your wish.”

  How is it going?” Grace asked Frankie as she entered the coolness of the stable.

  “Not so good.” Frankie made a face. “I think she’s ignoring me. I don’t think talking to horses works for anyone but you.”

  “At least she’s becoming accustomed to your voice. Are you ready for lunch?”

  Frankie nodded and tilted her head as she got to her feet. “You look . . . happy.”

  She nodded. “Charlie was a little more responsive than Hope. I felt as if I was slogging my way through a swamp, but I was getting somewhere.” She squeezed Frankie’s shoulder. “And that’s all we can hope for right now. It’s only been two days. It’s early in the game.”

  “How long do you—” Frankie sighed. “I’m sorry, I know you can’t know. I just want it to be over.”

  “I’ve no idea how long it will take.” But there wasn’t any question she’d spend every waking moment—and also every moment when she should be sleeping—trying to hurry the process along. “But if you’re afraid I’ll force you to ride Hope, it’s not going to happen. If I make good progress with Charlie, it will have to satisfy Marvot.”

  “What if it doesn’t?”

  She should have known Frankie wouldn’t accept without questioning. “We’ll worry about it then.”

  Frankie was silent a moment. “Do you suppose Jake will try to help us? He helped Donavan.”

  “I’m sure he’ll try.”

  “But there are a lot of men with guns around. He’d have a hard time, wouldn’t he?”

  “A very hard time.”

  Frankie smiled. “But he knows all the steps. You told me he did.”

  “I believe we’d better depend on each other. Jake will just be a splendid surprise if he manages to get to us.”

  “I think he’ll do it.” She sat down on the cot. “He likes us.”

  “Stay here.” Grace headed for the door. “I’ll have one of the guards go and get our lunch.”

  After she’d sent the guard to the house, she stood and stared at Charlie grazing in the paddock. He looked lazy and unaware, but she knew he sensed that she was near. “Two hours, Charlie,” she whispered. “Get ready. I’m coming back.”

  He lifted his head but didn’t look at her.

  Her gaze went beyond him to the woods. It was funny that Frankie had mentioned the possibility of Jake coming. She’d deliberately not spoken about him to her since she’d arrived here. Frankie was discreet, but she was a child, and Grace didn’t want to burden her with the knowledge that Kilmer would certainly figure in any escape attempts.

  Charlie neighed and was trotting over to the fence.

  She smiled. “Don’t rush me. You’ll have your chance after lunch.”

  It was close to sundown when Frankie ran out of the stable and called, “Mom, come quick! Something’s wrong with Hope.”

  Grace closed the gate and ran toward the stable. “I’ll be right there. What’s happening?”

  “She’s lying on her side. She just kinda looked funny and the next thing I knew she was down.”

  “Anything happen before that?”

  “She was restless. She was pacing and nipping at her tummy. Is the foal coming? Should I have called you before?”

  “No, you did fine.” She was standing before Hope’s stall. “I couldn’t have done anything.”

  “Is it the foal?”

  “I think so. I noticed her udders were full all day yesterday. That’s usually a sign it’s close.”

  “Why is she lying down?”

  “Her water’s probably broken. A mare usually lies on her side with her legs extended after the water breaks. She’s getting ready for the birth.”

  “That’s right, I should have remembered. But I haven’t seen a foal born since Darling, and that was three years ago.”

  “A slight loss of memory is understandable. You were all of five then.”

  “What do we do to help her now?”

  “I’m going into the stall. The foal should come within about twenty minutes. Go to the guard and tell him I need a bucket of warm, soapy water, cotton towels, strips of cloth for tying up the placenta, and two percent tincture of iodine for the navel stump. Have you got that?”

  Frankie nodded and flew out of the stable.

  “Okay, Hope.” She slowly opened the stall door. “You don’t like me and you don’t trust me, but you’re in no condition to put up a fuss. I’m here to help you get through this.”

  Hope lifted her head to glare at her.

  “Don’t get stressed out. It’s not good for you.” She sat down beside her. “I’m not going to do anything until I see I’m needed. I’ll leave it up to you. Do what your body tells you to do.”

  Hope’s head fell back and she spasmed as the foal began to come.

  Ten minutes passed and there was no sign of the foal.

  “Come on, Hope,” she whispered. “Let’s have a nice normal birth. I’m not a vet. I don’t know how good I’d be if we had problems.”

  “I’ve got it, Mom.” Frankie was carrying the bucket of warm water. “It took a while. They didn’t understand what I needed until one of the stable boys showed up. How is she?”

  “Okay, I think.” Grace breathed a sigh of relief. “Here come the head and forelegs. Thank God. Come on in here, Frankie. She’s too busy to try to hurt you.”

  “Look at the foal’s head,” Frankie said in wonder. “She’s still got the sack. Shouldn’t it have broken by now?”

  “It will break in a minute and let the foal breathe.” But the amniotic sac wasn’t breaking. She waited and then said, “Okay, little guy, let’s give you some help.” She carefully ruptured the membrane and the foal drew its first breath. “Now keep on coming. Give your mom a break. . . .”

  “He’s not moving. He’s only half out.” Frankie knelt beside the mare. “What’s wrong? Is he stuck?”

  “No, he’s resting. Remember? A foal usually rests for ten to twenty minutes before the rest is delivered. We mustn’t break the umbilical cord. We have to let the mare do it herself.”

  “It must be pretty uncomfortable.” Frankie stroked Hope’s shoulder. “It’s going to be okay. It will be over soon.”

  Hope was
n’t reacting aggressively to Frankie’s touch, Grace realized with surprise. Maybe she was too exhausted.

  Ten minutes later the foal emerged and Hope began thrashing around. The cord broke and Grace said, “Quick. Bring me the tincture of iodine before she gets interested in her foal.” She dipped the navel stump in the iodine to dry it up and then had to roll out of the way as Hope began searching for her offspring. “Come on, Frankie, let’s get out of here. It’s bonding time.”

  “It’s a colt. Isn’t that super? Are we done?”

  “We wait for the placenta to be expelled, but that can take up to three hours.” She closed the stall door. “Now it’s up to the colt and Hope.”

  “He’s so cute.” Frankie leaned on the stall door, her gaze on the mare and the colt. “Look, she’s licking him.”

  Hope was nickering softly at the colt, not attempting to rise.

  “Bonding.” Grace smiled as she looked at the colt. There wasn’t anything more gangly or awkward or completely adorable than a newborn. Even now the rascal had rolled onto his chest and was attempting to stand. “Keep an eye on him for a minute while I call Marvot. When the mare decides to get up, we have to make sure she doesn’t step on him.”

  “I’ll watch out for him.”

  Grace shook her head. Frankie was clearly besotted with the colt, and who could blame her?

  She picked up the intercom phone and dialed the house.

  “I was waiting for your call,” Marvot said. “I trust the mare is in good health?”

  “Yes, and so is the colt. I need you to get ivermectin from the vet by tomorrow morning. It’s necessary to deworm a mare after the birth.”

  “I’ll send for it.” He hung up.

  She replaced the phone and went back to the mare. Hope was standing and the colt was clumsily trying to suckle.

  “Can we help him?” Frankie asked. “Just in the beginning?”

  “No, he’ll get the hang of it.” She put her hand on Frankie’s shoulder. “Pretty wonderful, isn’t it?”

  Frankie nodded. “Wonderful. But he’s so little. May I take care of him, Mom? When you don’t need me to do anything else?”

  “I think that’s a great idea. It will prove to Marvot that you’re of value. It might even get you closer to Hope. She seems pretty mellow right now.”