The Heat of the Moment

by Margaret Carr

  ‘I want it sent first thing in the morning. I can trust your discretion, I hope,’ Kane said.

  Frances was outraged but before she could give way to her indignation, Kane turned, moved over to her desk and placed a small parcel in front of her.

  ‘I bought this in Germany, a small thank-you for all your hard work since joining us here. With all the business that has happened since, I forgot about it.’

  He left a shocked Frances staring at the small parcel as though it might run away if she moved. Later in her room, after her shower, she unwrapped the present. To her delight, it was a china horse on the point of leaping into a discipline taught in The Spanish Riding School of Vienna.

  She gazed at it a long time, smoothing its delicate body between her fingers as she now recalled watching him going into the shop in Munich and how long she had waited for him to come out, then given up. She swallowed the lump in her throat then placed the precious item back in its wrappings and tucked it into a drawer.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Kane was as good as his word and came back to Frances with the information that Firefly was doing well and Pilar intended entering him in the Birmington horse trials in England in two months time. Frances was devastated.

  ‘Will you be entering?’

  ‘Of course, and I shall want you with me.’

  She stood and stared at him, bereft of words. She could only gulp air like a fish out of water. When at last she managed to formulate some words they were, ‘No, no, I can’t.’

  A deep frown creased his brow and his eyes narrowed as though to ward off strong light.

  ‘Why would you not want to visit your friends?’

  She could hear suspicion in his voice. Her thoughts flew this way and that, searching for a way out of her dilemma. There was no reason to believe that the Truscotts would be at the horse trials, but it was a certainty that someone from the racing fraternity would be there, then her secret would be all out in the open.

  Would it really bother him to hear that his secretary was actually a has-been jockey, she wondered. Perhaps Gii ert was right and it wasn’t a secret worth trying to keep. So she gave him the best smile she could muster.

  ‘I’d love to go, but it’s one of the busiest times on the ranch. We’re booked solid.’

  She didn’t like the look in his eyes as he gave her a brief nod of the head. ‘It’ll be seen to,’ he said with a twist to his mouth.

  In the office, a fax came through that had to be sorted then she worked on the payroll after which she watered her flowers, but all the time her mind was on the horse trials in ten weeks. Did Kane really believe that Firefly would be ready in time? If Pilar was planning to harm Kane or Firefly in some way, would this be the occasion? Perhaps an unforeseen accident or some dreadful damage to the ranch’s reputation. It never for an instant occurred to her that perhaps her own safety was in question.

  Gilbert’s reply to her worries, when she met up with him at lunch, was simple.

  ‘No, it is not possible, even with a clever, willing horse, to train him to that standard in the length of time she has owned him. If he had not been so green perhaps, but as it is, no.’

  Frances sighed.

  ‘Then why is she going?’

  ‘The Senora Mendoza does not take rejection lightly. If the marriage she brags about does not happen, then she will take revenge. Neither Kane nor your horse will be safe.’

  She shook her head.

  ‘He wants me to go with him.’

  ‘He knows the horse is of great importance to you, that you would wish to watch his performance.’

  She rose from her seat and, moving over to the verandah rail, looked out over the green paddocks and dry, dusty tracks. Hedges alive with flowers led down through the gardens to the barns and schools below. Gilbert moved up behind her.

  ‘You will be in the best place to watch over both Kane and the horse and to see that no harm comes to either.’

  She stiffened, then turned to look at him, her eyes questioning. He gave a little nod and then moved away.

  * * *

  The flight back to England took them just over four hours. There was no sign of Pilar on the plane for which Frances was immensely grateful. Over the past several weeks she had been a real thorn in Frances’s side, constantly at the ranch and on three separate occasions she’d been in the office while Frances was out, making Frances lock the door every time she left.

  When she was riding, Pilar would be hanging over the fence with a running commentary to Gilbert, who ignored her. Frances tried not to let this behaviour upset her and went out of her way to avoid the woman, but she 48 was everywhere or so it seemed. Even in her dreams, she would wake in a sweat as Firefly and Kane sat writhing on the ground beneath a broken fence. Of course it was all a load of rubbish for Kane didn’t even ride Firefly.

  She dismissed her fears as they prepared to leave the plane on landing. Outside the airport, a car waited to take them to their hotel then on to the trial grounds. Kane’s horse, Commander, would already be there in his makeshift stable with his groom.

  The rap on the door of her hotel bedroom made her jump even though she was expecting it. Opening the door she was ready, but scowled crossly as Maurice Beckworth pushed into the room.

  ‘What are you doing here?’

  ‘I’ve come to keep you company. Thought we could do the town together.’

  ‘What on earth are you talking about, you creep! Get out. I’m expecting Kane any minute.’

  He was smiling, a sly smile.

  ‘I don’t think so,’ he said. ‘He’s dining privately with a friend. You and I can do the town and I’ll even buy you a slap-up meal. What do you say?’

  But he wasn’t waiting for her answer, instead he was holding out the jacket she had lain over the back of the chair. These tactics had been used many times before on Frances as the rare female in racing circles. She had learned early to stand her ground. Now she took the jacket out of his hands and placed it back on the chair. Then she picked up the phone and dialled Kane’s room number.

  Maurice made a dive to stop her but she swung away from him. The phone was ringing at the other end but no-one was picking it up. Frowning, she replaced the receiver.

  ‘Now do you believe me?’ Maurice grunted, rubbing his ribs where she had dug him with her elbow.

  ‘Whether he’s there or not I have no intention of going out with you. Now please leave before I call security.’

  ‘But I was . . .’

  ‘Out.’

  She opened the door wide and stood to one side. He hesitated, rocking from one foot to the other, grumbling to himself, then with a huffy growl, he left.

  Two minutes later, Kane knocked on her door.

  ‘Was that Beckworth I saw leaving?’

  ‘He tried to get me to go out with him. He said you would be occupied elsewhere.’

  ‘What is he doing here?’

  ‘I haven’t the faintest idea.’

  Picking up her jacket, she joined him in the doorway. They made their 49 way together along the corridor and into the elevator. On the ground floor they were crossing the foyer when Pilar accosted them. Frances moved a discreet distance away and watched Pilar working her magic. Kane looked over Pilar’s head and his glance connected with Frances, but she turned away, breaking eye contact, and praying that he fell in with Pilar’s demands and didn’t upset her at this point.

  He indicated she join them and all three made there way out to the car waiting to take them to Birmington Park. Once there, they checked on Commander and his groom to make sure all was well. The horse nibbled Kane’s pockets until he was given the expected titbit. Frances noted the closeness of the two and understood how the horse would give his best for this man.

  Pilar stayed outside talking to the groom. Farther down the row, Firefly’s head appeared over the half door. As they walked towards him, he shied back into the rear of the box.

  This upset Frances more than she could say.
It was obvious to her that the animal was nervous and unhappy. She hurried ahead of the other two and spoke gently over the stable door. He eyed her nervously then gradually relaxed and eased forward to stretch his nose out towards her.

  A hand fell on to her shoulder and she looked up into Kane’s face. Pilar spoke from behind.

  ‘Drago has done wonders with him. I really think I stand a good chance this year. What do you think, Kane? Isn’t he in great shape?’

  She pushed through between them to open the door and pat the horse’s neck.

  ‘He’s in good condition, Pilar,’ Kane agreed.

  ‘He’s a beauty, aren’t you, boy?’ she said with pride.

  That evening, they dined together in the hotel but there was no mention of Beckworth. Afterwards Pilar thanked Kane gracefully for the meal and departed to her own hotel.

  I wonder why she doesn’t stay here, Frances wondered, as many of the other competitors appear to be doing so.

  ‘It’s early yet. Would you like a drink?’

  Kane indicated the bar. Soft music played in the background and apart from two or three couples sitting around small tables, the bar was empty. Before she had made her mind up one way or the other, she found herself being led forward and seated at the bar.

  ‘What would you like?’ he inquired.

  ‘Tonic and pineapple, please.’

  He gave her a quizzical look before ordering her drink and a brandy for himself.

  ‘I don’t drink alcohol,’ she said, angry with herself for feeling that she owed him an explanation.

  They fell into a discussion about horses and Frances was carried away in her enthusiasm of the subject and failed to realise her mistake until she caught herself mentioning a famous name in racing. With a warm feeling flooding her cheeks, she dropped her eyes to her glass. When she raised her chin cautiously and glanced across the table, Kane was leaning forward, his hands cupping the brandy glass.

  ‘You were saying,’ he said, showing an innocent interest.

  ‘He’s a friend of the Truscotts.’

  ‘Ah. What exactly does Martin Truscott do for a living? He gave you a glowing reference but failed to mention what kind of business he was in.’

  ‘He’s a vet.’

  ‘Well, I suppose that explains why you are so knowledgeable about horses. A large animal vet, is he?’

  ‘Yes, horses and farm animals.’

  Finishing her drink in quick, nervous sips, she shook her head when he asked if she wanted another.

  ‘No, thank you. I’ll go up now. Good-night.’

  ‘Don’t be in such a hurry,’ he said as she made to rise. ‘I’ll walk up with you.’

  At her door, he said, ‘Sleep well, Fran, if you feel you would like to skip the trials for an afternoon to see your friends please do so.’

  Once in her room, she stood with her back to the door, her heart making odd jumps. It was the first time he had called her Fran and it made her feel shaky, anxious. She wasn’t quite sure why, but one thing she did know was she had never felt like it before.

  The next morning, she made her own way to the park after a late breakfast. The following three days were to be like a holiday with little expected of her except to be on hand if needed. However, threatening danger demanded that she stayed close to both Kane and Firefly.

  Both horses were in the practice ring awaiting their turn at the dressage. Kane brought Commander up to where she stood at the rope. Tony, the groom, stood nearby with brush and sponge handy in case a hair might be blown out of place or a spot of dirt mar the polished hooves. Kane looked magnificent in tall hat and cravat, his boots like mirrors reflecting the glint of spurs on his heels. The steel work on the horses tack had been polished within an inch of its existence. The whole turnout made Frances’s heart swell with pride.

  She felt the hint of a silly grin across her mouth and was aware of the curious glances of onlookers as Kane bent forward from the saddle to ask her to meet him for lunch.

  ‘Oh, I brought it with me actually. I thought it might be easier here in case you were busy,’ she replied.

  ‘Very astute,’ he said, a grin taking the harshness from the words. ‘May 51 one ask where you left this promising meal?’

  ‘In the stable.’

  Kane spoke to the groom in Spanish. Tony came forward and placed his gear on the ground by Frances’s feet then ran off.

  ‘He’s gone to fetch lunch. He’ll take it to wherever you want it. In the meantime, look after his kit.’

  He raised a hand and trotted off as his name was called. Frances was unaware of anyone standing next to her until Maurice spoke.

  ‘You can run after Harding as much as you want, it’s no skin off my nose, but she won’t take kindly to it.’

  He nodded to where Pilar, sitting astride a restless-looking Firefly, was talking to a slim man of medium height in a dark suit.

  Trying to keep track of what the speaker was announcing about Kane’s performance, while being pestered by Maurice, drove her to snap at him. He took immediate umbrage and stalked away just as Tony returned with the picnic hamper.

  When Kane came back into the practice area, Pilar was the first to move forward to congratulate him. As she did so, the man she had been talking to crossed to the entrance of the ring and made his way over to the area set aside for the horseboxes. Frances couldn’t be sure but she thought she saw him meet up with Maurice and together they climbed into the cab of one of the boxes.

  Tony picked up the hamper and his kit and they headed up a grassy hill, around to a point where they could watch the rest of the horses being put through their paces. Once Frances was settled, Tony set off again to see Commander.

  Someone was blocking her line of vision and it was Pilar’s turn in the ring. She sat and seethed for several minutes then decided to push forward herself. Firefly was behaving beautifully and Pilar really did look good. As they passed by, however, Frances noticed the horse was sweating and wide-eyed. When they had finished and left the ring, the animal ducked and dived around the throng of people to follow their movements.

  ‘Not a happy horse, wouldn’t you say?’

  Much to her annoyance, she swung around to face Maurice again.

  ‘Ah, ha,’ he said as Frances opened her mouth to give him a tongue lashing. ‘I come in peace, bearing gifts.’

  ‘I don’t want your silly gifts.’

  She ground her teeth and made to walk away. Keeping pace with her, he grabbed her arm and pulled it through his own as though they were the best of friends then he shoved a flat parcel at her.

  ‘Take it,’ he said. ‘You want the horse, don’t you?’

  Dropping her arm, he disappeared quickly into the crowd. When she looked up, Kane was walking towards her.

  CHAPTER NINE

  ‘I’ve seen more of Beckworth in the last two days than I saw of him the entire time he worked for me,’ Kane said as he came alongside her. ‘I don’t know what he’s up to,’ Frances remarked, ‘but he’s a real pest. Shall we eat?’

  ‘This looks very nice,’ he said. ‘Where did it come from?’

  Lowering himself on to the blanket, he eyed the open basket from which Frances was arranging plates and glasses. There were two bottles of wine, one red, one white, smoked salmon on a bed of cream cheese and spinach, Parma ham with little melon balls, chicken legs and a bowl of prepared salad. There were also fresh fruit and mint sweets, all prepared by the hotel chef.

  ‘The hotel,’ she said as she kneeled by the basket, a bottle in each hand. ‘Red or white?’

  ‘White, I think. What did Beckworth want?’

  ‘Nothing I could make any sense of. He grabbed my arm, pushed me a few yards then stuck a parcel in my hand and left.’

  Handing Kane his glass she remembered that Maurice had also hinted that the parcel was something to do with Firefly.

  ‘Was it anything important, the parcel?’

  There had been no time to open it. Spilling the wine she was
pouring for herself, she shook her head.

  ‘Will Tony stay with Commander? Shall I save him something to eat?’

  ‘He’ll have his own.’

  He was watching her closely his eyes never leaving her face.

  ‘Try this,’ he said, reaching over the basket that lay between them, and offering her a small parcel of salmon.

  Looking up as he spoke, her gaze was momentarily trapped in the brilliance of his eyes. Her mouth opened automatically to receive the food, his fingers touched her lips and a mere instant was frozen in time.

  ‘I haven’t had time to look at the parcel yet,’ she whispered.

  ‘When do you intend visiting your friends?’ he asked, helping himself to chicken and salad.

  Frances sipped her wine and thought about their small Yorkshire racing yard.

  ‘It’s up North. I don’t know that there will be time. I’ll phone when I get back to the hotel.’

  What with trying to keep an eye out for any danger to Kane or Firefly and longing to see the Truscotts again, Frances felt that she was being pulled every which way. Her anxiety must have shown on her face for after a short pause, Kane broke into her thoughts.

  ‘Why don’t I drive you up there on Monday before we fly back?’

  A cloud covered the sun and the breeze brushed goose bumps over her skin. As she was on the point of answering him, there came a growl from the crowd. Kane climbed to his feet to see what had happened in the ring. The incident that was attracting the crowds attention, however, was not in the ring itself but in the practice enclosure.

  Frances joined Kane just in time to see a furious Pilar being dragged across the ground by a terrified, retreating Firefly. Kane ran through the crowd to brush aside the two marshals who were flapping their hands and trying to approach the horse. Talking quietly he walked up to Firefly, flung some order to Pilar and gently took hold of the horse’s bridle.

  The quivering animal had come to a stop as Pilar let go of the reins. Then Kane walked him around to his groom and handed him over with a few words of advice before turning his attention to Pilar, who was shaking herself down. The crowd’s interest had returned to the main ring as Kane escorted Pilar to the picnic area.