Amid gasps of horror, Rosie told them how Beth hadn’t phoned Nick and Sarah.
“But neither did we,” Tom gasped.
“Then where have Sam and Vanessa come from?” Kate burst out.
“That’s what we’ve got to find out,” Beth said in a calm voice.
“I think we should phone Nick and Sarah,” Tom said sensibly.
Rosie and Beth exchanged nervous glances.
“We can’t, Tom,” said Rosie.
“Of course we can, Rosie. I know we decided not to bother them before, but this is an emergency. They’d want to know.”
“You don’t understand, Tom,” said Rosie. “There’s something I haven’t told you...last night, after you left, I was going to phone them. Do you remember?”
“Of course I do,” said Tom.
“Well, I couldn’t,” Rosie said gloomily. “When I got to the tack room, the number had gone and Beth hasn’t got a copy of it.”
“Oh no,” said Tom, holding his head in his hands. “What can we do? Who can we tell?”
“We should go to the police,” said Kate.
“And say what?” said Rosie. The others all looked worried.
“Look everyone,” said Beth. “Rosie and I have thought all this through. If you’d just give us a chance to explain, we’ll tell you our plan.”
The others all nodded in agreement.
“Well,” said Beth. “We don’t have any answers at the moment, so we have to tread very carefully to get them. We don’t want Sam and Vanessa getting wind that something’s up and we can’t go around accusing them of anything until we know what’s going on.”
“But we’re back at school Monday,” Tom said. “Who’ll look after the yard? Nick and Sarah aren’t back until Saturday. Who knows what could happen in a week!”
“I don’t propose that we sit tight for long,” said Beth. “Just until we can find out what they’re up to. And if you introduce me to them, I’ll offer to help out while you’re all at school. I know I won’t be much good around the yard, but they’ll need someone to take bookings. I can keep an eye on things then.”
“But what if they don’t agree to it?” said Jess.
Beth laughed grimly. “By the sound of it, I don’t think they’re going to turn down the offer of free help, do you?”
“You’re right,” said Tom.
“OK then. So that’s decided. Are we all agreed?” Beth asked, turning to the group.
“Yes,” everyone answered.
“But what about Pepper?” Rosie asked. “He’s supposed to be sold on Friday. If we don’t put a stop to Sam and Vanessa soon, he’ll be gone before we know it.”
“We’ll just have to take him ourselves and hide him somewhere,” said Beth.
“Where?” asked Rosie.
“There’s Mr. Green’s pig farm?” Tom suggested. “It’s near enough to the stables, but no one would think to look in one of those crumbly, old outbuildings at the back.”
“Good idea,” Kate and Alex said in unison.
“But what if Sam and Vanessa call the police?” said Tom. “What if they report Pepper as stolen?”
“I don’t think they’ll do that Tom, do you?” said Beth. “I think they’ll want to avoid the police at all costs. But it’s a gamble we’ll have to take. Now, isn’t that a car? We’d better break this up. And remember everyone, try to behave as normally as possible.” Slowly, everyone filed out of the tack room.
“Hi Sam, hi Vanessa,” Tom called, trying to act cheerfully. “We’ve got a visitor.”
Sam stepped out of the car to face him, looking puzzled.
“Meet Beth, our stable girl,” Tom said, as Beth stepped out of the tack room. Rosie watched Sam’s face for a reaction. He must be a better actor than she thought for, although he looked surprised, he was quick to collect his composure and stretched out his hand.
“Hi Beth,” he said, stepping out of the car. “Pleased to meet you. Heard all about your terrible accident. How’s the leg then?” he asked.
“Oh fine. N-n-not bad,” she stuttered.
Rosie watched the colour drain from Beth’s face. If she wasn’t careful she’d be the one to give the game away. They were all supposed to act as though nothing was wrong and Beth was being all jumpy.
As if able to read Rosie’s thoughts, Beth managed to regain her composure in time to make her offer of organizing the bookings.
“That’s very kind of you,” said Sam. “We could do with some help around here too. We’ll be rushed off our feet with our regulars back at school.” He grinned.
“Well, I am getting a little bored at home too,” Beth smiled weakly. “I can’t stand being away from the stables.”
“That’s settled then,” said Sam. “Now, what have we got on this afternoon?” he asked.
“You’re giving a lesson at three, Sam,” Tom answered. “I’ll make a start on getting the horses tacked up.”
“Fine. Well, I’ll get a cup of tea at the cottage and then I’ll join you.”
“And I’ll help you with Pepper, Rosie,” said Beth, forcing a frozen smile in Sam’s direction.
“You don’t have to,” Rosie said surprised. “Why don’t you sit down and rest your leg? You look tired.”
“No, I’d like to,” Beth said forcefully, following her over to his stable.
Rosie drew back the bolt and let them inside. Beth closed the door behind her and let out a huge sigh. Leaning against the wall, she looked as though she’d had the wind knocked out of her.
“What’s up? What is it Beth? You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” Rosie said. “You’ve gone quite pale. You almost gave the game away out there. Are you sure you’re going to be all right here on your own next week?”
“Yes, I’ll be fine. It’s not that, Rosie. I’ve just had a bit of a shock that’s all. You see, I recognize Sam.”
Rosie frowned. “Where from?” she asked.
Beth took a deep breath. “If I’m not mistaken, Sam was the driver of that car...the one that almost ran me down.”
“What!” Rosie gasped. “The red sports car? Are you sure?”
“Quite sure,” said Beth. “There’s no doubt about it. Sam was definitely driving. Rosie, he could have killed me!”
10
MIDNIGHT RIDE
Rosie stared at Beth in horror. If Sam had no qualms about running someone down, then just what would he stop at? Rosie shuddered. Things were slowly starting to fall into place – Sam and Vanessa knowing so much about the accident; the way they had arrived so promptly; all of the disasters that had struck. The pieces of the jigsaw were beginning to come together. And Rosie wasn’t too sure she liked the picture.
“All right in here girls?” Rosie jumped as Sam’s face loomed over the stable door.
“Yes, fine,” she said returning his clear, calculated gaze.
Beth couldn’t bring herself to look at him.
“Beth, we’ve got to get Pepper out of here straight away,” Rosie whispered urgently once Sam had walked away.
“We’ll have to be careful, Rosie,” Beth breathed. “We can’t take him too soon or we won’t find out what they’re up to and we won’t stand a chance with the police. Who’s going to believe us? It all sounds so ridiculous.”
“But can’t you tell them that Sam was driving that car?” Rosie said desperately.
“But I said in my statement that I couldn’t remember what the man looked like. And it was true. It was only seeing him today that jogged my memory. It’s going to look very strange if I suddenly come up with the perfect photofit.”
“It certainly doesn’t look that good,” Rosie said thoughtfully. “But we can’t hang on for much longer.”
“No,” said Beth. “But we have to try to get some evidence...see if Sam and Vanessa let anything slip. After all, at the moment, we don’t even know what they’re up to. It’s probably best if you take Pepper on Thursday evening.”
Rosie gulped. “Isn’t that cutting it a bit fine? Someone’
s coming to collect him on Friday.”
“No,” said Beth firmly, “not if I keep an eye on things here. And I’ll phone you if there’s any news.”
“OK,” said Rosie hesitantly. “Thursday it is, then.”
Beth was as good as her word and kept everyone informed about the goings-on at the yard, but there wasn’t a great deal to report and the next few days passed slowly for Rosie. Concentrating on school lessons was near impossible. She couldn’t help worrying that something terrible was happening in her absence. She was sure that Sam and Vanessa must be planning some grand finale before Nick and Sarah returned.
When Beth phoned on Thursday evening, Rosie was shaking so much she could hardly hold the receiver.
“All set Rosie?” Beth whispered. “I can’t talk very loudly. My mother’s lurking in the background. Have you got it all mapped out for tonight?”
“Yes,” Rosie answered. “Yes, I’ve set my alarm for eleven thirty.”
“And you know exactly where you’re taking Pepper?”
“Yes, the old shed to the right of the huge barn. It’s all sorted out,” said Rosie.
“Well, good luck then.”
Rosie put down the phone and looked at her watch. Nine o’clock. Eleven thirty seemed like an eternity.
“Are you all right, Rosie?” her mother asked. “You look a little peaky. You’re not about to come down with something are you?”
“No Mum,” Rosie said. “But I think I’ll go off to bed and get an early night.”
“OK.” Rosie’s mother smiled. “Good night then.”
Rosie padded up the stairs and closed the door behind her. Quickly, she double-checked she had everything: torch, pony nuts, riding hat. Yes, that was the lot.
Pacing up and down the room, she set her alarm clock and pulled out her jodhpurs from the cupboard. Climbing into bed, Rosie turned on the bedside lamp and picked up her latest pony book. But five pages later, she realized she hadn’t taken in any of the story. It was no good. Turning out the lamp, she snuggled under her duvet.
Drifting in and out of sleep, she woke up to see the luminous hands on her alarm clock at twenty past eleven. Swiftly, she turned it off before it could make a noise. Creeping out of bed, she threw off her night clothes and pulled a jumper on over her head as she gathered up her things. Stopping for a moment to plump up her pillows and put them under her duvet, she tiptoed out onto the landing. Her heart was racing and her legs felt like jelly. Easing her way down to the hallway, careful to avoid the creaky stair, she drew back the bolt on the front door and stepped outside.
The cold was the first thing that hit her as she hurried over to her bike. It was a clear night and there wasn’t anyone in sight. Nimbly, she cycled out of the drive, and down the dimly-lit roads. As she headed into the dead of the night, the trees cast their shadowy silhouettes on the ground. Rosie reached Sandy Lane in no time at all.
Jumping to the ground, she wheeled her bike off the drive and hid it in the hedgerow. Taking a quick glance up the drive, she was surprised to see the cottage all lit up. A hazy yellow glow surrounded it. She knew she should go straight to Pepper’s stable but she found herself inextricably drawn towards the light in the cottage. She couldn’t stop herself. What would Sam and Vanessa do if they caught her? Rosie shuddered at the thought.
Ducking down, she stole up on the cottage, like a lion stalking its prey, and peered into the sitting room. Inside, Sam sat twirling a silver cigarette lighter in his fingers. The smoke from his cigarette spiralled out of the open window. Rosie strained her ears to hear what they were saying.
“I should never have listened to this mad scheme. You’re taking things too far, Ralph.” It was Vanessa’s voice.
What were they talking about? Rosie froze to the spot. She took a long look through the window. She could only see Sam and Vanessa inside, so where was Ralph? Unless...
Rosie strained her ears to listen to the continuing conversation. The words that followed sent shivers down her spine. Her heart began to palpitate.
“...I haven’t gone far enough, that’s the problem,” Sam was saying. “I told you we wouldn’t be able to ruin Sandy Lane’s reputation with double bookings and cancelled rides. Nick Brooks – damn him – he’s back on Saturday and time’s running out. I’ve got to do something serious...something to destroy Sandy Lane, once and for all.”
Rosie staggered back, stumbling into the bush behind her.
“Who’s that, who’s there?” Sam called, opening the door to the cottage.
Rosie felt the hairs rising on the back of her neck. Could he see her? He seemed to be looking straight through her. Her pulse was racing. She couldn’t breathe. She felt herself burning up.
“There’s no one there. You’re imagining things,” Vanessa’s voice whined. “Come on back inside. We ought to get some sleep. We’ve got a lot to do over the next couple of days. Pepper’s being collected tomorrow isn’t he? What have you done about payment?”
“Cash on delivery, that was the deal,” said Sam, walking into the kitchen and out of earshot.
Rosie was chilled to the spot. Scrunching herself up into a ball, she sat tight. What did it all mean? What terrible thing did they have planned for Sandy Lane?
She looked at her watch. Half past twelve. How long would she have to wait until the coast was clear to get Pepper? Gingerly, she stood up and looked inside the cottage. Sam was sitting up poring over some papers. Would he never go to bed? She was starting to feel the cold now and the night air was numbing her fingers. She settled herself down again.
It was a good ten minutes before she saw one of the lights flicker off. Her heart leapt and slowly she raised herself to her feet. Vanessa was wandering around the room, switching the lamps off as she went. They must be going to bed. Rosie breathed a sigh of relief. She had made it undetected. She waited a few more minutes to give them time to get up the stairs and into bed, then stealthily she crept into the yard.
Pepper looked wide-eyed as Rosie drew back the bolt and stepped inside his stable.
“Ssh, ssh my boy. We’ve got to get you away from here quickly,” she said, holding out the handful of pony nuts she had brought with her.
Pepper munched contentedly as Rosie shone her light around the stable. Beth had been as good as her word and left the tack out for her. Deftly, Rosie put the bridle on over Pepper’s head.
“Easy now,” she whispered as she grabbed a hay net and slung it over her shoulder. There wasn’t time for a saddle. She’d have to ride bareback.
Leading Pepper out of the stable, she turned him to the gate at the back of the yard. She was going to have to ride him to Mr. Green’s pig farm across the fields, to avoid passing the cottage. With a quick backwards glance, Rosie vaulted onto the little pony’s back. She half-expected to hear an angry yell as she nudged Pepper forward into a trot. But all was quiet.
The further Rosie rode from Sandy Lane, the more confident she felt. Cantering through the fields, they crossed the old coastal track and headed into Bucknell Woods.
It was dark, but Rosie could vaguely see her way by the light of the moon. The sound of a hooting owl stopped Pepper in his tracks, but Rosie was quick to nudge him on. The smell of pine clung in the air as they picked their way through the trees.
“We’re nearly there, Pepper,” she said, more to reassure herself than anything else.
All was quiet as they walked out of the woods and crossed the road. This was the bit where they had to be careful. If Sam had heard them leave the yard, he would be bound to come searching by car. But Rosie could hear neither the sound of a car engine nor see the flash of headlights. She started to relax as they trotted across the tarmac.
Taking the back route into Mr. Green’s pig farm, she headed straight for the shed.
“No one will think to look for you here, Pepper,” she whispered, jumping to the ground. “I know it’s not what you’re used to, but you’ll be safe,” she went on, as she took off his bridle and shut the little p
ony in. “I’m going to have to leave you now – before anyone notices that I’m missing. You’ll be all right, really you will.” She scattered the last of the pony nuts on the floor and attached the hay net to a ring. “And Jess is going to come and see you tomorrow morning before school, with your breakfast.” She patted his speckled shoulder fondly.
Pepper snickered softly as Rosie filled the trough with water. She wished she could stay all night to keep guard over him. But there were other things she had to do. She must be up early to phone everyone and tell them her awful discovery. They needed to make plans. With a heavy heart, Rosie turned for home.
11
PLANS
“Sam’s furious. He’s been running around cursing, accusing everyone imaginable of taking Pepper.” Beth laughed down the phone. “You should have seen his face. He looked absolutely livid. You’re top on his list of suspects by the way.”
“Beth,” Rosie said quietly.
“And I double-bluffed him too,” Beth continued, not stopping to listen. “Asked him why he didn’t call the police. But it’s as we thought. He didn’t want to.”
“Beth,” Rosie pleaded urgently. “Would you just stop and listen. You’re not going to believe it. I overheard Sam and Vanessa talking at the cottage last night...the double bookings, the cancelled rides...they planned it all. It was all done on purpose, to ruin Sandy Lane’s reputation,” she said breathlessly.
There was no answer from the other end as Beth listened to what Rosie was saying.
“Beth...can you hear me? Are you still there?”
“Yes, yes,” Beth said. “I’m still here. But why? Why would they want to ruin Sandy Lane’s reputation? It doesn’t make any sense.”
“I don’t know why, Beth,” Rosie said. “But from the way they were talking they’re certainly not friends of Nick and Sarah’s.” Rosie took a deep breath. “It gets worse. They know that Nick and Sarah are back on Saturday, and they’re planning to do something else...something more serious. Sam talked about destroying Sandy Lane once and for all. What can he mean?”
“I don’t know,” Beth said hesitantly. “I daren’t think. Rosie, are you sure you heard things right?”
Strangers at the Stables Page 8