by Wilf Voss
"What happens now?" Amanda blinked away her tears.
"I'm afraid you will have to go to court. We will allow bail."
"What does as yet mean?"
"It means that, although you will not be kept in prison until your trial, you may still be looking at a few years' imprisonment."
"Can I go now?"
"You will be contacted with a court date as soon as possible."
"I want to see Adam. . ."
"Of course. He can leave with you. In the circumstances, we will not be pressing charges."
"Thank you. . ." Amanda stood up. She was led down to the cells, she saw Adam's name chalked on a small blackboard outside one of the cells. When the door opened, she saw him sitting glumly on the end of a plastic bed. "Adam. . ." He looked up.
"I can't take this anymore. . ." Adam looked back at the floor. Amanda sat down beside him. "I thought that they were going to kill you."
"I know. . ." Amanda took his hand. "Shall we go home?"
***
Kate ran towards Adam when he stepped out of Amanda's car. She hugged him warmly.
"Please Kate. . ." Adam smiled briefly. "I'm a bit delicate at the moment."
"I was worried. . . What happened?" Kate took his hand.
"I'll tell you later."
~~~
Chapter 14
"All rise." Amanda stood in the dock; three months had passed waiting for the trial. She just wanted this to be behind her now.
"I have now had time to consider this case." The judge wheezed. "I have looked at the whole situation. I must point out that you Miss Bishop, handled stolen money and used it for your own gains. I understand that you were young and maybe you didn't realise the full implications of what you were doing. However you did break the law and you must be punished for this." Amanda wavered; she grabbed hold of the edge of the dock to steady herself. ". . . I understand that you went through great difficulties, and indeed you and your brother were almost killed in the process of Mr Simpson's organisations 'revenge'. I have to take this into account and the fact that you run a thriving business that is of use to the local community. . ."
Kate gripped Adam's hand tighter as they looked down from the public gallery. They had been told that Amanda could be sent to prison for at least five years, she could never survive like that. She was used to working in the open air, riding out on the moor, living in her own cottage, having her own life.
"So I therefore have decided to sentence you . . .-"
Amanda knew that she deserved everything that she got. She had resigned herself to that fact for many years now. If she had never run away from the home she would have never had this happen to her, if she hadn't taken the money that had been put in her bank account. It was all her fault, she had complete control over her own destiny, now as she stood in front of the judge she deserved five years, maybe even ten.
“- . . . To sixty hours community service. I have decided not to have you imprisoned, as I believe that. . ." Amanda didn't listen to the rest of the judge's speech. She almost laughed aloud with relief. She turned and looked up to Adam and Kate's smiling faces in the public gallery. Perhaps this was a turning point. Amanda paused. This was a turning point. She convinced herself that from now on things would be for the better. "And because of the successful conviction of Mr Simpson there is a substantial reward which will be payable to yourself, your brother and Miss Grimshaw." Amanda snapped back to reality. A reward? See, things were getting better already. She smiled to herself and walked slowly out of the dock. As she stepped out of the courtroom, she was met by Adam who hugged her.
"Well done!" Amanda looked up and saw Simon watching her from a distance.
"Excuse me Adam." She freed herself and walked over to Simon. "Thank you."
"You deserved the judgement you got." He smiled. "I have a gentleman with me who would like to talk to you."
"Oh yes?"
"I think he may have an interesting proposition for you." Simon led Amanda to a small room. She waved to Adam and Kate before he shut the door.
***
"How long is she going to be?" Kate paced up and down the corridor.
"I don't know? I don't think this was a planned meeting!" Adam chuckled. The door opened and Amanda stepped out, smiling warmly. "All right! You look like the cat that got the cream."
"Something like that."
"What was that all about?" Kate stepped towards her smiling.
"You'll find out soon enough. Now I don't think that we ever got you that suit did we?"
"Not as yet. . ." Adam gripped Kate's hand.
"Well while we are in town. I'm sure Kate can find some shopping to do." Amanda chuckled.
"I have a few more things to sort out." Kate kissed Adam and walked off down the corridor.
"What did they say to you to make you so happy?" Adam stared at his sister. "It can't be the reward money; I know you never really cared about that."
"You're right Adam. . . It's not the money." Amanda paused. "Come on, we have to get you a morning suit."
"Okay. . ."
***
"Oh that is very you sir!" The salesperson brushed down the lapels.
"I don't know?" Adam looked down at the grey pinstripe.
"Oh Adam its great!" Amanda smiled warmly.
"And the top-hat sir." The salesperson brought the grey top hat out of its box and placed it lightly on Adam's head.
"I'll think we'll take it." Amanda took out her chequebook.
"Amanda. . . Can't we just hire it?" Adam frowned.
"No Adam you should have your own suit. Anyway I can afford it now. . ."
"A very wise choice sir." The salesperson took the jacket and put it in its suit bag.
Adam walked out of the shop with a suit and top hat in a set of carrier bags. They saw Kate walking towards them.
"Hi!"
"Did you find what you wanted?"
"Yes! Are you going to organise the rest?"
"Yes. . . I'll do it over the next few days. . ." Amanda nodded.
"Great!" Kate hugged Adam. "I think everything is going to be fine!"
"But when is it all going to happen?"
"The local vicar isn't that busy, and there aren't all that many relatives who need to be invited. . ." Kate tapped the points off on her fingers.
"So when is it going to happen?"
"I hope you don't have anything planned for Saturday morning. . ." Kate looked at Adam. "You've gone very pale. . ."
"You two don't half hurry with these things. . ." Adam shook his head.
"I had to have something to take my mind off my trial. . . I hoped that you could have your wedding before I was sent to prison, but now." Amanda paused. "Now that really isn't necessary."
"Anyway, we don't want to give you time to change your mind. . ." Kate laughed. Adam kissed her warmly.
"Don't worry there's no chance of that!"
***
The staff gathered round Adam and Kate as they stepped back on the yard. They bombarded them with questions.
"Please, please. . . We've all had a long day." Adam smiled. "We'll tell you everything later." Amanda stepped out of the car. The staff swarmed round her. She smiled and ignored them before going into the office.
"Well at least something is back to normal!" Kate laughed. "Adam. . . I'm not going to be staying in the flat tonight." Adam frowned. "We're getting married in a couple of days; I have a lot to do. Anyway it’s unlucky to see me in my wedding dress before the big day."
"Where are you going?"
"Amanda is going to put me up for a few days." Kate paused. "I hope you understand. . ."
~~~
Chapter 15
Adam grimaced. His stag night had been the evening before, only a simple affair, just a few drinks with Amanda and some of the staff. Now it was Saturday morning and he was due to get married in a few hours’ time. He grabbed his clock and stared at the figure
s.
"Oh no!" It was eight o'clock already; he had to get to the church by eleven. There was so much to do.
***
"Your hair looks great." Amanda walked into the bedroom and put the mug down on the dressing table.
"I'm nervous. . ." Kate sipped the steaming coffee.
"I bet you are!" Amanda smiled. "You're getting married in a few hours time. I would certainly be nervous if I was in your shoes!"
"Am I doing the right thing?" Kate turned round and looked directly at Amanda.
"I don't think you could do anything better!" Amanda hugged her. "You're very lucky. . . I hope I can find someone like him when I get married."
"Thank you Amanda!"
***
Adam put his jacket on and stepped out of his room. No staff bustling around, only a note pinned to a pair of riding boots standing outside his room. He picked up the note and read it.
To get you to the church on time, your transport will be leaving at 10.30am. . .
Meet it downstairs.
It wasn't signed but he recognised Amanda's flowing script. He picked up the top hat and walked down onto the yard. Outside Caroline stood waiting wearing a beautiful pink silk bridesmaid's dress.
"Caroline!" Adam hugged her. "I didn't know that you were out of hospital?"
"Amanda collected me early this morning; I wouldn't miss this for the world!" She smiled. "I have to show you to the transport."
"Thank you. . . I thought that I would have to walk to the church." Adam gasped as he saw the two sparkling grey's, groomed to perfection with pink ribbons plaited into their manes and tails. They were pulling a delicate carriage that too had been dressed with pink ribbons. "I'm amazed."
"Shall we go?" Caroline smiled and held her arm out towards the carriage.
***
The entire village and all the customers of the riding school were assembled outside the church as Adam and Caroline drew up outside. He stepped down and held his hand out for Caroline.
"I'll see you later; I have some other duties today." She kissed him briefly on the cheek. "Good luck."
Adam walked into the church and down the aisle. Amanda was standing near the altar.
"Hello. . . I thought that you would be looking after Kate?"
"I've left Caroline to that task. I'm going to give you away remember. . . If you pardon the phrase. Anyway her mother is with her now." Amanda wiped her eyes. "I'm sorry. . ." Adam looked away briefly and saw people filling the pews.
"Have you got the ring?" Adam smiled.
"Yes. . . You chose a nice one. . ."
"I had some money to use, Kate deserves the best."
"You'll go far Adam. . ."
There was a sound of movement in the church. The organ started playing the wedding march. Adam gasped as he caught sight of Kate in an immaculate white wedding dress, she was being escorted by her parents and Caroline was holding the train. The rest of the stable staff were there. Adam sighed; he couldn't believe that this was happening. Kate stepped beside him.
***
"You may kiss the bride." Kate lifted her veil, Adam kissed her warmly. The congregation applauded. Adam took Kate's hand and they walked back down the aisle. When they stepped back out into the brilliant sunshine, the staff were in a line facing each other forming a guard of honour with their riding crops held high in the air. The photographer set up his camera on a tripod.
"Now can we have the bride and groom together, and all the brides' maids'." The photographer smiled. "Lovely now, can we have the bride's family, that's right. Just behind them. . . Great." Amanda smiled as she stood beside Adam and Kate. "I suppose this makes me your sister in-law." She laughed, the camera clicked.
***
After copious numbers of photographs the wedding group returned in the carriage with many others walking behind, they turned into the driveway of the riding school. Amanda smiled.
"Now for the reception. . ." She helped Kate down from the carriage. Kate gasped at the tables that had been set up on the yard, each laid with brilliant white linen and sliver cutlery.
"Did you organise all of this?"
"Nothing but the best for my little brother! Take a seat." She pointed to the top table.
"I'm very impressed." Adam hugged Kate.
***
The caterers took away the last of the plates as Adam stood up and started his speech.
"I would like to thank everyone who is here today, not only the villagers and the customers of the riding school. But especially to the staff and their parents, Kate's parents and of course my dear sister, Amanda. I know I speak for both Kate and myself when I say that this has been one of the best days of my life. I wish I could say that we will be going off to honeymoon in sunny climes. But I imagine that tomorrow we will be still working on the yard and still sleeping in the stables flat."
“- . . . I’m afraid that, that isn't quite true." Amanda stood up. "Things will be changing when you come back from your honeymoon." She handed Kate an envelope, she ripped it open and looked at the tickets.
"Oh thank you Amanda, you shouldn't have. . ." Kate smiled and hugged her.
"But that isn't all. As I said, things will be different when you come back. I have run the Redbridge Riding School for a number of years now, maybe too many years. . .." Amanda sighed. "I was beginning to think that this was not the job for me anymore. Therefore, when I was approached after my trial by the chief instructor of the mounted division of the Dorset police, I was rather receptive. I have been offered the position of training instructor, and I am very glad to say that I have accepted. The position includes a cottage within the grounds of the training establishment. There is also a Riding for the Disabled centre on site also, which will allow me to carry out my community service at the same time. This does mean however that I cannot run the riding school as well as working full time at the training establishment, so I'm afraid I will be handing over the running of the riding school. . ..-"
"What?" Adam stood up. Kate took his hand.
"Adam. . . Please let me finish. . . Where was I? Oh, yes. . . I will be handing over the running of the riding school to my brother and his wife." Adam sat down. "The ownership of the stables includes the cottage, so by the time you return; you will have a proper place to live. I do hope this is okay?"
"What can I say?" Adam smiled.
"I thing yes would be a good idea." Amanda laughed.
"Oh yes! What do you think Kate?"
"Oh Amanda! Are you sure?"
"Of course. . . I think I'll be safer working for the police. Anyway, I will be working with Simon."
"Oh yes?"
"Don't be like that!" Amanda laughed. "He's transferring from CID to work in the administration for the training centre."
"Thank you Amanda." Adam hugged her as she sat down. "I owe you for this. . ."
"No you don't!"
***
The party continued well into the night.
~~~
Epilogue
Adam woke and rubbed his eyes. He looked round the room he had slept in for many years. Frowning he got up and quickly dressed. Perhaps the wedding had all been a dream. He smiled as Kate sighed and rolled over beside him. Quickly dressing he left the room and went down onto the yard. He looked across and saw Amanda leaning against one of the stable doors wearing a pink silk dress.
"Hello!" Amanda turned round and smiled. Her eyes and cheeks were red from crying. "What's up?"
"I really don't want to leave this place."
"You don't have to leave you know. Turn the job down..."
"No Adam... I have to do this. I have to make the change..." Adam kissed her on the cheek.
"What's this?" Kate laughed. "I'll have to keep an eye on you! We've only just got married and you are kissing another woman!" She kissed him warmly.
"I have to go." Amanda started walking away.
"Wait..." Adam turned towards her.
<
br /> "I'll look after the yard for the last two weeks. Then you can move into the cottage." Amanda smiled. "Oh I have something for you Kate." Amanda held her hand out and gave Kate a small package. Kate watched as Amanda walked away down the yard.
"What's this?" Kate tore open the small parcel and took out a small wooden chess piece. She showed it to Adam.
"That is the chess piece I was found with when we were left at the hospital. Amanda was only a few years old and I was too young to remember much about our parents."
"Oh?" Kate raised her eyebrows.
"What piece is it then?" Adam started walking down the yard.
"It's a bishop..." She paused. "Is that why..."
"Come on Mrs Bishop... We have to pack."
"Okay Adam..." They hugged each other and walked back to the flat.
***
Amanda watched as the taxi took Adam and Kate away. She smiled as they waved to her in the office. This was the beginning of a new stage in her life; she took down the small wooden sign from the notice board.
The Redbridge Riding School
Proprietor - Miss Amanda King
...And placed it in the wastepaper basket. It was time for a change. New faces, especially a certain detective, well it was a large cottage, and it seemed so wasteful to have it all to herself.
The sun shone on another Sunday morning... A very different Sunday morning.
###
A note from the author:
I hope you have enjoyed this short adventure! When I originally wrote this novella in the 1990’s I was a keen horse rider and was soon to start working with horses for what would turn out to be a short time. Now, many years on, time and money has meant that my writing is about my only involvement with the equestrian world. I am in the progress of writing more, keep up to date on my website: https://www.wilfvoss.me.uk/
About the author:
Wilf lives with his wife, Jane and his son, Sam in rural Wiltshire. As well as being an author (with credits such as this novella and a range of websites, marketing materials and books on business communications) he is a trainer and event manager.