Racetrack Romance BOX SET (Books 1-3)

by Bev Pettersen

  Martha seemed to read her thoughts. “Dino won’t be able to train for you, dear, but Shane will do a good job. He knows the animals and is already making plans to race at San Antonio. Lyric can stay where she is. She won’t have to leave her stall.”

  “N-now wait a moment!” Ted was so shocked he could barely speak. “This is ridiculous. The property is being sold, and livestock is part of the property. Those animals aren’t pets. Besides,” he glanced pointedly at Becky, “your nurse is far too ethical to accept such a gift.”

  “Oh, it’s not a gift.” Martha’s chest puffed, the way it always did before a big announcement. “Becky will be working with the Malcolm Conrad Rehab Center. If she wants to, of course.”

  “What the hell?”

  Becky heard Ted swearing but couldn’t look at him. Her legs wobbled, and she shuffled sideways and sunk into the nearest chair.

  “Don’t worry, Ted,” Martha said dryly. “There’s oodles of money left, and I’ve made provisions for you as well. You’ll make an excellent administrator and can leave that hospital job you so despise. Of course, we’ll need to find different horses, steady animals, to help with rehab. Horses like Chippy. Dino told me all about what it’s done for Jimmy Jones.

  “Yes, there’ll be a place for everybody.” Her face glowed as she propped herself higher in the bed, eyes sparkling with largesse, the true lady of the manor once more. “Bungalows will be built, and part of the house converted for high-need residents.” She turned toward Becky, eyes sparkling. “Jill Barrett will be able to return to the horses she loves. Slim would like that, don’t you think?”

  Becky gripped the side of the chair, still trying to absorb Martha’s vision. “But what about you?” she finally managed. “Will you like so many people around?”

  “My dear, I’ll never be lonely again. I can watch everyone progress and have permanent access to an onsite health team. Imagine. Injured riders will have a place to heal, a place in the country with fresh air and medical support, a place that will help them climb back into the saddle. We’ll even install some of those sauna and infrared things.” Her voice turned smug. “The race world will definitely remember Malcolm now.”

  “But…” Ted’s face strobed with red.

  “I know. It leaves me speechless too.” Martha’s eyes actually twinkled. “But it’s not entirely my idea. Dino was instrumental. He spoke about Jill and Stephanie and Jimmy. How injured riders are stripped of a way of life when they most need the boost that horses can provide.” She gestured at the table. “He left a picture Jill drew. It’s clear she would thrive in a horse setting and since some other details came to light, I decided to help the people in this industry. Because I should. And because I can.

  “My lawyer will help with legalities,” she went on. “I don’t know why Malcolm and I didn’t think of this before. God knows we have way too much money.”

  Ted jerked out of the room.

  Becky turned back to Martha, her heart drumming a staccato of hope. “So you’re really not moving?”

  “That’s right, dear. I’m not moving. I’m going do something unselfish for a change. You can concentrate on which of your horses will stay at Conrad’s and which ones will race. Do as little or as much nursing as you want.”

  Becky’s mouth trembled. “I can’t accept this.”

  “Nonsense.” Martha waved a hand. “You’re like my daughter. I’m only taking measures to ensure you stay. In fact, I’m going to build a house at the west end of the track so you’ll never leave.”

  Becky could feel her shivers, heard her breath escaping in gasps. She was going to be able to stay with Martha. Have a real home and never move again. A place that would always need a nurse. A place with horses of all types, even grumpy gray ones. “So Shane will be the new trainer?” she managed.

  “Only until Dino’s suspension is over.”

  “You’d hire him again? After…after what he did?”

  “After a positive test? Yes, of course. Always go for the best. And some other information has come up.” She scowled. “But I don’t want him stealing you away. Probably just as well he didn’t get his ranch. He can’t ask you to move away with him now.”

  Becky forced a weak smile. No need for Martha to worry about that. Dino preferred the single life, preferred to look after himself. He’d risked everything to buy his ranch, even Martha’s reputation. “I’m surprised you’d take him back,” she said slowly. “I’m still angry with him even though I—”

  “Love him?” Martha interrupted.

  She rose and walked to the window, pretending not to hear Martha’s question. “Wow,” she said, “we have a lot to do. Not even sure where to start.”

  “Dino will help. He can’t set foot on a public track, not for six months.”

  Becky battled with mixed emotions. At least there’d be more time to enjoy his company, more time to enjoy his attention. She only prayed he wasn’t completely crushed. Her mouth wobbled at the thought of him banned from the career he loved. He’d be miserable. And he’d wanted his ranch so badly. “Six months seems harsh. On top of the disqualification. Isn’t there something we can do? I know he deserves it, still…” Her voice cracked.

  “He doesn’t deserve it at all,” Martha said. “In fact, he’s showing incredible selflessness. It was Slim who gave the steroids to Echo. Slim who planted them in the fridge.”

  Becky whirled from the window. “Slim had been acting odd. Dino wanted him gone but I didn’t want you upset… Oh, no.” She squeezed her eyes shut, swept with regret.

  “It seems Slim had some twisted idea of revenge,” Martha said. “He may have blamed Malcolm for Jill’s accident. And he had access to all the horses.”

  “Then the steroids were my fault.” Becky’s voice dropped to a horrified whisper. “Dino wanted Slim off the property. Now he has nothing. And I blamed him. God, he must hate me.”

  “He doesn’t hate you. Quite the opposite. In fact, he made his priorities clear. I remember when I first met Malcolm and the things he did for me—”

  “What do you mean, made his priorities clear?”

  Martha gestured for Becky to close the door. Her voice lowered. “Slim left a note admitting responsibility. If Dino showed it to the stewards, the charges against him would most certainly be dropped.”

  Becky thrust her fist in the air. “Then that’s perfect!”

  “But Slim’s life insurance would be revoked.”

  “Oh, no.” Becky’s voice hushed, matching Martha’s. “It was suicide? Everything Slim did was for Jill?”

  “I didn’t know he was so desperate. He didn’t ask for help, and I never took the time to offer.” Martha picked up a tissue and dabbed at her eyes. “I don’t want Slim to carry the stain of suicide. And no one will ever know about the…other things. So Dino and I agreed to remain silent. And the note was destroyed.”

  “But that’s not fair.” Becky sagged against the bed. She could understand Martha feeling guilty but not Dino. “You can’t ask him to give it all up—his ranch, training, reputation.”

  “It was his suggestion. Besides, everyone loves him. No one thinks he was responsible. They’ll welcome him back with open arms. But right now other things are more important. He’s very determined, much like Malcolm. Persuasive too.” Martha sniffed. “Guess he’s fine as your keeper man so long as you promise to stay close.”

  Becky’s head pounded so hard she could barely hear, let alone think. She flattened both hands on the bed, trying to steady herself and her chaotic emotions. “I’m not sure he wants to be my keeper man,” she finally managed. “He disappeared when I said I loved him. I called him selfish and wouldn’t answer his calls. I let Slim stay. He probably hates me.”

  “Oh, I don’t think he hates you. In fact, I seem to have a rival for your affections. He even asked your brand of shampoo. Luckily I remember things like that. The hair stylist with the tattoo sold—”

  But Becky couldn’t wait. She grabbed her purse an
d bolted toward the door. “I need to see him,” she called over her shoulder. “Excuse me, Martha, but I really need to see him now.”

  “All right, dear.” Martha’s amused voice followed her down the hall. “But don’t speed.”

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Gravel rattled beneath the Mercedes as Becky jerked the car to a disappointed halt. Dino’s truck wasn’t in the driveway, and his house squatted in the night, dark, silent and deserted.

  She rushed up the steps and turned the handle. Unlocked. Pushed the door open and flipped on a light. His computer was gone but the phone was in the charger, and her breath oozed in relief. His cell was his lifeline. If he planned to sleep at his Lone Star apartment, he definitely would have taken his phone.

  Remembering Martha’s comment, she hurried down the hall to the bathroom. Opened the cupboard door and dropped to her knees, stunned at the sight. Familiar gold caps crowned every bottle of shampoo. Her shampoo. No other brands in sight. No magazines, no conditioners, no hair dryers. Not a remnant of another woman.

  She stared through a blur of tears. Even if he couldn’t speak the words, it was clear he was trying to say something. And this was more than enough.

  Oh, God, Dino. You wonderful, generous, misjudged man.

  Swiping her cheeks, she bounced into the living room. Circled in front of the darkened window, humming with happiness. Eager to hug him, to thank him, to apologize.

  He probably hadn’t gone far, maybe for something to eat. Or maybe he was at the house. She called Jocelyn.

  The housekeeper answered on the first ring.

  “Hi, Jocelyn,” Becky said, breathless. “I’m looking for Dino. Is he there by any chance?”

  “He was,” Jocelyn said. “Where are you?”

  “At his house. His phone is here so I knew he hadn’t gone far.”

  “No, not far at all. Just a minute.” Jocelyn’s voice faded, her footsteps sounding as she walked down the hall. Muted conversation. Becky thought she heard Dino’s voice and her heart did a funny dance of anticipation.

  “He’ll meet you at the barn,” Jocelyn said abruptly.

  “Okay, great,” Becky said, hurrying to the door. “And thanks for sending that wine earlier. It was very thoughtful.” But the housekeeper had already hung up.

  She shrugged—Jocelyn was never one for small talk—jumped in her car and sped to the stable.

  Not surprisingly, the parking lot was empty. It was hours past feeding time, and the barn was always deserted this time of night, a watchman no longer necessary after Slim’s death.

  She tapped her fingers on the steering wheel, studying Slim’s guesthouse and the single porch light. Maybe Stephanie had already moved in. She could pop over and say hi but she wanted to be alone when she saw Dino. And she hadn’t visited Lyric in almost a week.

  She rummaged through her purse, searching for peppermints. Loose change, wallet, cell phone—nothing that would make a horse happy. She tossed her purse on the seat and headed into the barn. Lyric would just have to accept her empty handed.

  Horses peered over doors, contentedly chewing hay, but Lyric stopped eating and swept to the front of her stall, surprising Becky with an affectionate nicker.

  “Did you miss me, girl, or just hoping for mints?” She scratched Lyric’s jaw, unable to believe this horse was really hers. My horse. So much had happened today but two things were clear: Dino cared for her and she owned a number of fine racehorses.

  This was her first visit since turning into a genuine owner, and Lyric seemed to sense the gravity of the occasion. She pressed her head against Becky’s chest before nuzzling at her pockets, still optimistic they weren’t really empty.

  “You’re mine now, girl,” Becky whispered. “And we can stay here forever. Thanks to dear old Martha.” And Dino. She stepped into the stall and hugged Lyric’s neck, overcome with gratitude. This was incredible. Dino was incredible.

  She doubted she’d be gallant enough to make a similar sacrifice. The knowledge was humbling, leaving her with an aching need to apologize. She’d tried to convince herself he didn’t care for people when in reality he was the nicest person she’d ever met—just as Martha had always said.

  Something sounded outside, definitely not a diesel engine. She peered down the aisle but the dark entrance was empty, so she stepped back to Lyric’s neck. Her mane was tangled and she ran her hands through the long hairs, concentrating on removing a stubborn knot.

  “You’re going to have such a good life, girl.” Lyric’s ear flicked as she stood rock still, listening to Becky’s voice, seeming to enjoy the impromptu grooming. “Jill will feed you peppermints too and draw your picture. It’s going to be so much fun.” As long as Dino stays around. Oh, God, she prayed he’d stick around.

  The mare suddenly jerked away, tossing her head and re-tangling the entire section of mane. Becky grimaced. Lyric would never be an easy horse. She stepped closer, trying once again to unravel the knot, but Lyric snaked her head and the rim of her eye flared a warning white.

  Maybe she was a little dangerous; she certainly had strong opinions. Probably best to cut the tangles out, especially as Lyric no longer seemed tolerant of the grooming. Becky slipped her hand in her pocket, turned and jumped in shock.

  Ted stared over the stall door, tall, silent, impassive.

  “Hi, Ted. You scared me.”

  He didn’t say a word, only looked at her with expressionless eyes.

  “Did you come to see the horses?” She hated how her voice squeaked, but the way he stared was so weird. “This is Lyric, and Echo is in the next stall. Echo’s the filly that was disqualified for steroids but she’s fine now. No ill effects.” She was babbling but couldn’t shut up. Her legs and hands were stiff, and the only thing that seemed to work was her mouth. “Do you want to see Dino?” she squeaked, unable to look away from his eyes. “He’ll be here in a minute.”

  “No, he won’t. Jocelyn sent him to the hospital to meet you. Now come out of the stall.”

  Her nails dug into her palms. Tonight, more than ever, Ted reminded her of Craig—the amoral glitter of pale eyes, the cruel set of his mouth, the utter sense of ruthlessness.

  “I n-need to finish grooming Lyric.”

  “Millions of dollars in horseflesh, and she gives it to you.” His lips barely moved, taut with bottled rage. “You ruined everything. My plans. My life.”

  She swallowed, but her words came out scratchy. “Martha wants you to work here. Said she’d make provisions.”

  “Provisions! I’m sick of working.” He shook his head so emphatically spittle flew threw the air. “This was supposed to be mine. I had a buyer. Surveys taken. Now it’s going to the cripples. She’d never have conceived such a stupid idea without you.”

  Actually, it had been Dino. Generous, kind, compassionate Dino, whom she’d so badly misjudged. But it didn’t seem a good time to debate the subject. Ted was in a foul mood, and her heart was pounding so hard she could barely breathe.

  “And Slim. What a waste of money.” Ted shook his head, seemed to be talking to himself.

  Becky’s entire body trembled now and she clung to Lyric’s neck. Please don’t tell me this. She opened and closed her mouth but nothing came out. “Let’s go up to the house,” she finally managed, “and join Jocelyn. We can talk there.”

  Ted’s lip curled. “She wanted to do Martha first, not Malcolm. Should have listened.” He reached in his pocket, held a needle and vial to the light and poured a clear liquid. “Potassium chloride. No one ever questions a heart attack. How much do you weigh?” He tilted his head, surveying her thoughtfully. “Cat got your tongue? Don’t worry. It’s painful but quick. And I promise to stay until it’s over.”

  Terror crashed over her. Her legs would have buckled if she wasn’t clinging to Lyric. “P-people will know. They’ll tie you to Slim.”

  “Doubtful. I already checked his house. Nothing to link us. Now come on out.” His voice turned high, almost singsong. “Or per
haps you’d rather I come in. That’s all right too. Everything will work out just fine.”

  “But Martha—”

  “Won’t be a problem.” He pushed open the door and stepped into the stall. “She’ll be distraught by your death, of course. I expect she’ll lose that newfound energy and kick off on her own. But if she doesn’t…”

  He laughed, an ugly, chilling laugh that made her gut spasm. She pressed against Lyric’s side. The mare swished her tail, humping in protest.

  Ted paused. “I hate horses.”

  Becky’s breath came in painful gasps but she deliberately pressed Lyric’s ticklish spot until the mare swung at the wooden wall with her hind foot. “Lyric doesn’t like you either,” she squeaked. “Better stay back.”

  Ted edged forward. “I don’t like horses. Doesn’t mean I don’t know them. They’re not dogs. They won’t protect you.”

  A whimper caught in Becky’s throat, and she pressed into Lyric’s solid bulk. God, she wished Lyric were a dog. Dogs were loyal. Tough too. They’d fight when cornered, not cower like she always did.

  “Come now.” Ted smiled. “Jocelyn’s waiting for me. We promise to take good care of Martha.”

  Becky twitched in horror. Martha wouldn’t have a chance. She might be suspicious of Ted but never of Jocelyn. No one had even questioned Malcolm’s death. Her hands fisted and she jerked forward, propelled by raw fear. “You bastards. Don’t hurt her!” She kicked at his arm but he leaped sideways, the loaded needle safe in his hand.

  He scowled, glancing around for a spot to place the needle. A sob caught in her throat. Soon he’d have two hands free. She wanted to rush past but her legs wobbled, and he was much too close to the door.

  A couple feet. If only he’d move a couple feet. She squeezed her fists, trying to control her shaking. Maybe she’d be able to get him talking. Maybe even surprise him like she had Craig that day. God, please help me.

  “How did you inject Malcolm?” Her voice was surprisingly steady considering her entire body trembled with an adrenaline shock.