Dark Days at Saddle Creek

by Shelley Peterson

  Sally led Tall Sox out of the field. “Is Mr. Pierson the old man down the road? The one who comes to watch you ride?”

  Bird nodded.

  “He looks like a nice man.”

  Bird nodded again.

  Hannah looked at Bird pointedly. “Bird?”

  Bird looked at her.

  “Aren’t you going to say something?”

  A tear rolled down Bird’s face.

  “Oh no, Bird. Not again.”

  Bird breathed raggedly as Hannah held her in her arms. “Don’t worry about it, honey. It’ll come back.”

  Exactly what Cliff had said, thought Bird. She lost her speech so often, nobody even worried about it anymore. Except her.

  Julia jumped down from the back seat, and crept up beside Bird. She hugged her sister tightly. “It’s going to be okay. You’ll see.”

  Eva chose this moment to come driving up the lane. She stopped beside Paul’s truck and rolled down her window. “I’m here to pick up Julia and I’m running late.”

  Everybody looked at her. “Why the long faces?”

  Hannah answered. “Pete Pierson is back in the hospital. Looks like he had a heart attack.”

  “That’s too bad. Julia, we’re late! Get in the car.”

  Nobody moved.

  “What are you staring at?” Eva looked bewildered.

  “Don’t you think that’s a little insensitive?” asked Hannah.

  “Why is it always my fault? Look, I’m sorry. I’m sorry for Mr. Pierson, I’m sorry you think I’m insensitive. I can’t seem to do anything right.” Eva stayed in her car, her hands gripping the wheel so tightly that her knuckles were white. “Julia, for the last time, you have a dentist’s appointment. Get in.”

  Julia did what she was told. Everybody watched as Eva drove her car right over the lawn and out to the road.

  “Something’s bothering your sister,” said Paul.

  “No kidding.” Hannah stared after the car, concern drawing down the corners of her mouth.

  Bird felt even more deflated than before. Her mother hadn’t even looked at her. She tried not to care.

  Sally broke the silence. “Can I ride now?” she asked, looking at Hannah for an answer.

  “Sure, Sally. Sure. I’ll give you a lesson. Tall Sox’s sore is healing well. You go up and get him tacked, with an extra pad on his back. I’ll be there by the time you’re ready.”

  Sally grimaced. “I can’t do it alone.”

  Bird sighed. She pointed to herself.

  “Thanks, Bird. I’ll be up in a few minutes.” Hannah headed for the house while Paul parked his truck.

  Bird and Sally walked up the lane with Sox.

  “Wow,” said Sally. “And I thought my mother was difficult. I know you can’t say anything, but really, I don’t know how you live with Eva!”

  Bird didn’t either.

  Cliff met them at the barn door. “Bird, did you tell Hannah and Paul about Dexter dropping in?”

  Bird shook her head. She’d totally forgotten — not like she could have “told” them anyway. She pointed to her throat.

  “Oh, yeah, Sorry.”

  “What was Dexter doing here?” asked Sally.

  “We don’t know.” Cliff began walking toward the house. “But I’ll go tell Hannah now. She might just want to give him a call.”

  Bird helped Sally brush Tall Sox. She showed her how to pick his hooves, comb his mane and tail, and brush him. His bridle and saddle were in the tack room, and Bird taught Sally where they belonged so she could find them again. She showed her how to put the saddle pad on, how to place the saddle on it, and how tight the girth should fit. The bridle was a little trickier, but Bird thought Sally would catch on quickly.

  Sally was thrilled. “I never knew how to do anything! Now I can come ride whenever I want!”

  Bird smiled and nodded.

  “Can you ride him first? In case he’s too fresh for me?”

  Bird shook her head.

  “Please, Bird? Dexter always did that for me so I wouldn’t get hurt.” Sally appeared close to tears.

  A transmission from Cody interrupted them. Bird girl. The Indian wants to speak with you.

  Where is he?

  At the end of the far field, waiting.

  Thanks, Cody. I’ll go now.

  Bird looked at Tall Sox, all ready to go. She turned to Sally. She motioned that she would ride him after all.

  “Oh, thank you so much! That would be so great! Dexter always rode him first, but Tall Sox never got calmed down so I never rode him!”

  Bird put one finger in the air.

  “Just this once? I get it! This is like charades!”

  Bird snapped on the chin strap of her riding helmet and took Sox to the mounting block outside the door. She could see Hannah and Cliff leaving the kitchen. She’d have to hurry.

  Sox, how are things?

  Good. I like it here.

  That makes me happy. Where are we going?

  Just to the edge of this field for a minute, then Sally will have a lesson on you.

  Okay.

  She’s going to become a really good owner.

  I think so, too.

  Bird could see a man on horseback, just at the fenceline. It was Frank, on a horse she didn’t recognize. She cantered up to him. I can’t speak out loud, so we’ll have to talk like this.

  Fine by me. I have very little time. I’m exercising this jumper for Dexter, and have several more to ride. Cody told me that Dexter was here today.

  Yes. He was in the field with Charlie and Sox. Sunny and I scared him away.

  What was he doing?

  The horses were running. It looked like he was trying to catch Sox. He left his lunch bag on the ground.

  Do you have it?

  Yes.

  Can you give it to me?

  It’s in the house.

  Good work. I’ll take this horse back and get Glad. Can you meet me back here in one hour?

  Bird nodded.

  Frank and the horse turned and cantered away. As she and Sox trotted back to the barn, Bird thought how exciting it was to be a spy — exciting and productive. She was helping Frank put Dexter out of the horse business. This was good for any horse that might have the bad luck to fall into his hands.

  Hannah stood waiting with Sally as Bird and Sox approached the barn. Bird slid down and patted the horse’s neck. Thanks, Sox. You’re a good horse.

  My pleasure.

  Hannah looked at Bird, confused. “Was there a problem?” she asked.

  Bird shook her head.

  “She just got him warmed up for me.” Sally spoke up. “As a favour. Dexter always did that.”

  “We don’t do that here, Sally. Everybody warms up his or her own horse.”

  “Well, Bird said she’d do it only this once.”

  “Bird said that?” Hannah’s head swung around to look at her niece.

  “No!” laughed Sally. “She didn’t actually say it, but we do charades. I know everything she means!”

  Bird handed Sally Sox’s reins. She waved goodbye and headed down to the house.

  “Oh, Bird? Can you ride Charlie next?” called Hannah. “He hasn’t had a workout this week.”

  Bird nodded and ran. Perfect.

  Once in the kitchen, she grabbed the blue bag out of the cooler and emptied the ice in the mudroom sink. She put Dexter’s lunch bag in her folded jacket, then headed for the door. She had less than an hour to clean Charlie up, work him, and get over to the fence to meet Frank.

  She was almost outside when the phone rang. Maybe it was news about Mr. Pierson. She ran back and picked up the receiver. She opened her mouth to say hello, but no sound emerged. Idiot! She’d forgotten she couldn’t speak!

  “Hello? Who’s there? Hello?” A man’s voice was on the other end of the line — a voice she didn’t recognize.

  “Hello? This is John Budd from Montreal. I represent Alain Morin. I’ll call back.” He spoke to someone
who must have been next to him, “Somebody’s playing games here. I hear breathing.”

  The line went dead.

  Bird stood in the kitchen, receiver in hand. Who was John Budd? He’d said he was representing someone named Alain Morin? Was he an agent? A lawyer? Bird felt goosebumps on her arms. She wrote the two names down on a piece of paper to give to Hannah. The man had said he’d call back. At least she’d be able to tell Hannah that much.

  13

  BIRD THE SPY

  When you are in doubt, be still and wait. When doubt no longer exists for you, then go forward with courage.

  — Chief White Eagle, Ponca, 1800s–1914

  Exactly on time, Bird waited at the fence. She’d had a good workout on Charlie. They’d trotted one concession north then back again, and now the older black horse stood with his sides slightly heaving.

  Keep me walking, Bird. My ankles will swell up.

  Bird chuckled to herself. Charlie was right. Let’s walk along the fenceline until Frank shows up.

  That’s better.

  Frank was late. Bird didn’t have a watch, but it seemed like she and Charlie had been walking for hours. How much longer should she wait? She looked back at the barn. It was close to four, and Cliff was bringing in the horses. Bird’s stomach growled. She’d forgotten all about lunch.

  Bird? Can we go back? My dinner is waiting.

  Can we stay just a few more minutes?

  You’re the rider.

  Bird patted his neck. Thanks, Charlie. Sunny would’ve given her more of an argument.

  All at once, Charlie’s ears pointed sharply, and he twisted his body to face what his ears were hearing. Then Bird heard it, too. Leaves rustled and twigs snapped. A horse was coming, and quickly. A second later, Frank and Gladiator appeared through the woods.

  I was held up, Frank messaged. I have no time. Do you have the bag?

  Bird leaned over the fence and gave Dexter’s lunch bag to Frank. Someone named John Budd called Hannah today about someone named Morin.

  Alain Morin?

  Yes.

  What did he say?

  Nothing. Just his name. Bird reddened at the memory of her muteness.

  Morin’s the man Dexter sold Tall Sox to, without Harold Johns knowing. Lots of things are happening. Today, Dexter bought Glad back from the Woodalls.

  Bird’s head was spinning. Why?

  You can figure it out — but it’s not your problem. Tall Sox is.

  Insurance, of course, thought Bird. What can I do?

  Keep him guarded. Here’s a video camera. Frank reached into his saddlebag and handed Bird a small white sack. Set it up in the barn, in case we need proof of anything.

  Sox has been staying out at night.

  Alone?

  No, with Sunny and Charlie.

  Good. He has a better chance of getting away outside than in.

  And what about Glad?

  I’ll guard him over at Dexter’s. If he’s in danger, he’ll run over here.

  Is that why you rode him over, so he knows the way?

  Yes. Can you leave this fence open? Is there a gate?

  Over there. Bird pointed to a rusted gate, hidden in overgrown weeds and brush. I’ll open it now.

  Frank rode Glad over to the gate to make sure he saw it. Bird dismounted and began to unwind the rusted wire. She noticed Glad’s eyes; they were worried.

  We’ll look after you, Glad, she messaged.

  I know you’ll try.

  Frank turned Glad back into the woods and was gone as quickly as he’d arrived. Bird heard them crash along the untrimmed paths and gallop away.

  Bird’s heart was pounding as she and Charlie made their way to the barn. She thought about how she could accomplish what Frank had asked. The field where Sox and the others stayed was right across the driveway from Bird’s bedroom window. Maybe she could watch from there. But what if she fell asleep?

  And poor, worried Glad. Dexter had bought him. He owned him now, and would get the insurance money if something “happened.” The Woodalls would think that Dexter was doing the honourable thing, since he’d sold them the horse in the first place and it hadn’t worked out. But now, Glad was much more valuable dead than alive.

  Cliff waited at the barn door. “I thought you were gone for good! Where were you?”

  Bird shrugged. One benefit of not speaking was that she didn’t have to come up with lame excuses. But Cliff had to know that Tall Sox needed watching. She gave Cliff Charlie’s reins and ran to the tack room to find a paper and pencil.

  “What — are we a full-service barn now?” he joked.

  Bird reappeared and began to write on the back of a shoeing bill. Have 2 keep an I on Sox ’til we know Y Dexter showed up 2day.

  Cliff agreed. “I was thinking the very same thing.”

  Bird wrote, Split night watch, like when mares foal?

  Cliff read the note and made a plan. “It’s probably smart. Can you stay awake until three, then I’ll take over?”

  Bird nodded. She showed him the video camera, and wrote, U know how 2 use this?

  Cliff examined it, and soon had it working. He showed Bird the on, off, record, and replay buttons. “We won’t need to know more than that. Are you thinking of running it all night?”

  Bird shook her head. Only if there’s something 2 film, she wrote.

  Cliff looked at Bird with admiration. “Good work.”

  Bird smiled at him, grateful for his unquestioning assistance. She untacked Charlie and put him in his stall to eat and rest. Later, he and most of the horses would go out for the night in the cool air.

  “I’ll stay up here for a while, Bird. I’ve got some things to do until night check. Then you’re on your own until three in the morning. Okay?” Cliff ’s eyes twinkled. “Tap once for no, twice for yes.”

  Bird playfully held up a fist and shook it.

  Sunny popped up his head from his grain bucket and stared at her gesture. I don’t want to know.

  Get some rest, Sunny. It’s going to be a long night.

  Sounds to me like you’ll need rest more than I do.

  Point taken.

  Bird rubbed Sunny’s nose and checked his water. Full to the brim. She checked all the horses before walking down to the house.

  Hannah was stirring wild blueberries into muffin batter in the kitchen when Bird entered. Bird rubbed her tummy and licked her lips. She pointed to the bag of blueberries on the counter.

  Hannah laughed. “I know, I know. More blueberries. You always say that.” She dumped more of the tiny purple berries into the mix.

  Bird nodded encouragement as she poured herself a large glass of milk. She chugged it down and immediately her stomach felt less empty. She reached into the cookie jar and pulled out a large oatmeal raisin cookie.

  “A man called John Budd called just now.”

  Bird’s eyes grew large. The cookie remained poised in the air. Hannah continued speaking as she spooned the batter into the greased muffin tins. “He’s a lawyer. He said he called before. Anyway, for some outrageous reason, he believes that we are harbouring a stolen horse.” She licked some batter off her finger.

  Bird stared at her, the cookie forgotten.

  “This is ridiculous!” Hannah laughed. “Can you imagine?”

  Bird reached for the pad of paper and the pencil beside the telephone. She wrote, Tall Sox. Dex sold him 2 a man in Montreal before Sally moved him here. Alain Morin. Lawyer is John Budd.

  Hannah’s smile disappeared as she read the note. She tilted her head. “How do you know that?”

  Frank, Bird wrote.

  “And nobody told me?” Hannah looked at Bird. “No, I don’t expect an answer.” She wiped her hands on a towel. She put the muffins in the oven and programmed the timer. Then she sat down. “So, this man, Alain Morin, thinks he owns Tall Sox? He bought him from Dexter?”

  Bird nodded.

  “Do Sally and her father know?”

  Bird shook her head. At leas
t she assumed they didn’t.

  “Then we’d better tell them.” Hannah moved quickly. She picked up the phone and dialed.

  Bird waited as the rings added up, and heard Hannah leave a message. “Hello, this is Hannah Bradley. Tall Sox is fine, don’t worry, but could you please call me as soon as possible?” She replaced the phone and sat down again.

  “They might not be home yet. Harold picked up Sally about an hour ago, but they might have gone for groceries or something.” Hannah sighed. Worry lines appeared across her brow. “I can’t believe this, Bird.”

  Bird knew exactly how Hannah felt. She didn’t know what to believe anymore, either. Things were getting more and more confusing.

  “Cliff told me that Dexter was here this morning. What do you know about that?”

  Bird shrugged and picked up the pencil again. In the field & left. Nothing happened. Strange.

  “You’re darned right it’s strange.” Hannah got up and began to pace. “Anytime Dexter Pill turns up, it’s strange. He’s not to be trusted.”

  The phone rang, and Hannah answered. “Hello? … Yes, Harold, I did call.” She looked at Bird and pressed the speaker button so she could hear.

  Bird crowded closer. She heard Harold say, “You said Tall Sox is fine? Was there an accident?”

  “No accident, and Tall Sox is fine, but a lawyer named John Budd called. Do you know a man named Alain Morin, from Montreal?”

  “No, I don’t think so.”

  “Apparently, Mr. Morin believes he owns Tall Sox, and he’s hired a lawyer to get him from us.”

  There was a silence from the other end. “Harold?”

  “Yes, yes. I’m thinking, Hannah. How could this possibly be?”

  “I have no idea. I was hoping you’d be able to tell me.”

  “I knew that a man from Montreal wanted to buy him, but Tall Sox was never on the market. Do you have this lawyer’s number?”

  “No. I’m sorry. I thought it was so crazy that I didn’t think to get it.”

  “Why did the lawyer call you and not me?”

  “I don’t know that, either. I didn’t ask any questions. I just told him that we didn’t have a stolen horse on our property.” Hannah touched her forehead with her fingers and closed her eyes. “I thought it was all a mistake.”

  “I don’t like the way this sounds.”