by Alison Hart
He sounded so sane and reasonable that Jas almost nodded in agreement. But then the vision of Whirlwind, her eyes glazed over in death, filled her.
“Only you killed Whirlwind,” Jas choked out. “And somehow, you’re going to pay for it.”
Hugh didn’t say anything. Instead, he looked down at the ground, a devious smile planted on his face. The room grew so thick with silence that suddenly Jas knew the truth. She realized why it was important to figure out that Shadow and Aladdin were the same horse. She knew what her brain was trying to tell her all along.
Whirlwind wasn’t dead!
Twenty-three
THE DIM LIGHT FROM THE OPEN DOORWAY streamed across the room and sent a line of gray angling up to Hugh’s face. Jas could see the gleam of his eyes.
“Whirlwind’s not dead, is she?” Jas whispered. “You killed another horse. A ringer. Then you sold Whirlwind to someone else. Just like you did with Aladdin.”
The light caught Hugh’s arrogant smirk. “That’s right. It took me a while to find her twin, almost a year of combing auctions. But I obviously did a good job since even you never suspected it wasn’t her lying in that paddock.”
“Where is she?” Jas demanded.
“She’s safe. But you’ll never find her, which means you’ll never prove she’s alive.”
Abruptly, Jas straightened. “I don’t care about proof anymore,” she said. “You’re evil, Hugh. You may not have killed Aladdin or Whirlwind, but you killed two other horses. Then you blamed one of the deaths on my grandfather. And why? For money. You make me sick. As far as I’m concerned, our deal is off. I’m going to tell everybody what I know. Everybody!”
“No you won’t,” Hugh said coolly and without hesitation. “Because if you do, I’ll make sure your grandfather stays at Stanford House forever. Then I’ll tell Ms. Tomlinson you broke the rules of your probation by coming onto my farm and stealing my property.”
Jas inhaled sharply. “How’d you know that?”
“From the surveillance camera I installed. I have a great shot of you and your boyfriend sneaking into the barn. By the way, how do you think he’ll like the Juvenile Detention Center?”
“No,” Jas moaned, knowing she was trapped. She didn’t care about herself, but she couldn’t get Chase in trouble. And Grandfather would die if he had to stay in the nursing home forever.
“I’m glad you see it my way,” said Hugh.
Jas shrank away from him with a feeling of total defeat.
He’s done it again.
But then something inside Jas snapped.
Reaching up, she wrapped her fingers around the leather reins. She wanted to lash out with the bridle and swing the metal bit so hard it would smash into Hugh’s face.
“Go ahead, Jas. Do it,” he urged, his tone as honeyed as a preacher’s. “Because then it really will be over for you. I’ll tell the police how once again you attacked me viciously and without provocation,” he said, chuckling. “And no matter what you say in your defense, who would ever believe you, a convicted criminal?”
No! Jas’s fingers tightened around the leather. Violently, she shook her head, wanting to deny what he was saying. But she knew it was over. He’d beaten her for good.
“I’d believe her.” Miss Hahn’s voice rang clear and strong through the small room. Startled, Jas twisted sideways as the door flew open behind her. Pushing past Jas, Miss Hahn strode into the middle of the room, her boots echoing on the wooden floor. She reached up toward the ceiling, made a twisting motion, and the light went on.
Jas blinked, half-blind, seeing Hugh for the first time since the trial. He was dressed impeccably in a long-sleeved riding shirt, ascot, tall black boots, and breeches. He stood ramrod straight, and with the light streaming down on him, Jas saw him for what he was—a ruthless, greedy human.
Her gaze shifted to Miss Hahn.
“You told Hugh I’d be here, didn’t you,” Jas accused. “You told him everything.” Without waiting for a reply, she rushed on, “Only I don’t care if you’re both against me. I know what I need to do.”
Boldly, Jas stepped from the shadows. It was time she quit hiding. It was time she told the truth. “I know what Grandfather would want me to do.”
Raising her hand, Miss Hahn silenced her. “Don’t say anything else, Jas, until Hugh tells us what he’s doing here. And why he’s threatening you.”
Surprised, Jas stared at her. Wasn’t she on Hugh’s side?
Hugh arched one brow. “Threatening her? I don’t think so, Diane. In fact, it was the other way around.”
“Bull. I heard enough to know what you were trying to do. Jas was smart enough to figure out how you conned the insurance company and now you’re trying to keep her quiet. Well, it won’t work.”
Momentary anger flared in Hugh’s eyes, but then his composure returned. “I think you’re confused, Diane. And if you persist in taking her side, you’ll be sorry.”
Miss Hahn’s eyes narrowed. Jas had never seen her so angry. And her anger was directed at Hugh.
Suddenly, Jas realized that she’d been wrong. So wrong. Miss Hahn hadn’t been in cahoots with Hugh at all. “Don’t threaten me, Robicheaux,” Miss Hahn replied, her body shaking with rage. “You forget I’ve known you for a long time. I’m just sorry I didn’t have the guts to confront you twenty years ago when you coolly risked everything—even your friend’s life—in order to win.”
Hugh humphed. Stretching out one arm at a time, he smoothed the cuffs of his tailored shirt. “It’s not too late to take me on, Diane—I even look forward to it. But remember, just like twenty years ago, I’ll win.” He touched the brim of his cap politely and, without glancing at Jas, strode from the tack room.
Miss Hahn watched him go, then her eyes returned to Jas, and for a second they stared silently at each other.
“Hey, what are you two doing in that tack room?” Chase yelled from outside. “I’ve got a horse out here that’s trying to eat me alive.”
“We’ll be out in a minute, Chase!” Miss Hahn hollered. “We’re having a girl talk.”
Sagging against the wall, Jas dropped the grooming box to the floor. Her fingers had been holding the handle so tightly, they were stiff and cramped.
“Thank you,” she breathed. “I had no idea …” Her voice trailed off.
“No, thank you,” Miss Hahn said. Exhaling raggedly, she limped over to a tack trunk and sank down on it. “I had no idea standing up to Hugh would be so hard. And I’m a grown woman. I admire you, Jas. You went after him, and you’ve got a lot less years than I do.”
Jas shook her head. “Sure, I went after him. But it’s too late. I lost.”
“You didn’t lose. You have other people on your side now. Dr. Danvers and I will help you get Hugh.”
Jas’s eyes widened with surprise. “All this time I thought you were on Hugh’s side. How do you know what’s going on? How do you know about Shadow?”
“The day I saw you jumping Shadow, I knew the horse looked familiar. Dr. Danvers had already mentioned your—and his—suspicions about Whirlwind’s death. Then he told me about your suspicions about Shadow.
“Today, when we arrived at Lydia’s, you and Chase were so gloomy, I knew something was up. I cornered Chase and he told me about Dr. Danvers’s phone call confirming that Shadow and Aladdin were the same horse. Chase also told me you believed I was in cahoots with Hugh—though I should have guessed by the way you acted around me.” Glancing down, Miss Hahn massaged her knee as if it hurt. “I just thought you hated being at the farm, and that after your experience, you didn’t want to trust anyone.”
“At first I did hate being at the farm,” Jas admitted. “And I hated being a foster kid. It wasn’t until today that I realized that I kind of think of the farm as home now,” she added. Embarrassed, Jas rushed on, “You could have helped me if I had trusted you. I’m so sorry. Still, Chase wasn’t supposed to tell you.”
“But I’m glad he did,” Miss Hahn said. �
�I was coming in to talk when I found you with Hugh. I have no idea how he knew you were going to be here today—I’d hate to think Lydia had anything to do with it.”
“She wouldn’t be the first to succumb to Hugh. Besides, as horrible as it was, I’m glad I talked to him, because now I know that Whirlwind’s alive!”
“Whirlwind’s alive?”
Jas nodded excitedly. “Hugh killed a ringer, just like he did with Aladdin. That means—”
“Jas,” Miss Hahn cut her off. “Don’t get your hopes up. If the insurance company goes after Hugh, the first thing he’ll do is hire the best lawyer in the state. He’ll never admit to anything, which means we’ll never find out what happened to Whirlwind.”
“B-b-ut …,” Jas stammered. She stared at Miss Hahn, not wanting to believe what she was saying, even though she knew it was true. If Hugh was cornered, he’d never admit to his scam. She was lucky enough to find out that Whirlwind was alive.
“At least I know she’s not dead,” Jas finally said, her tone resigned. “And I can always hope that she’s being well cared for and loved.”
“Maybe we won’t find her, Jas, but I promise we’ll get Hugh,” Miss Hahn said. “Mr. Jenkins, the president of the insurance company, is one of Second Chance Farm’s main supporters. He’s going to be very interested in hearing that Hugh might have cheated his company.”
“But Hugh said a clerk was mistaken about the identification numbers.”
“Forget what Hugh said. He’s been twisting people around all his life, and it’s time someone stopped him.”
Jas frowned. “You sound like you know him well.”
“I do,” Miss Hahn said as she patted herself on the knee. “It’s a long story that I’ll tell you all about when we have time. But right now, there’s a horse waiting for you.” Miss Hahn slid a saddle onto her arms. “Come on. I’ll help you tack the big guy up.”
Jas hesitated when Miss Hahn left the tack room. Should I tell her she shouldn’t get rid of Shadow?
But Jas knew that when she and Grandfather moved to an apartment, it would be hard enough to make ends meet. She knew she would have to get a job after school. She knew she wouldn’t have time for a talented but demanding horse.
Bending slowly, Jas picked up the grooming box. With a heavy heart, she followed Miss Hahn out the door.
Twenty-four
“ALL RIGHT, BIG GUY,” JAS SAID AS SHE PATTED Shadow’s neck. “Let’s show Lydia what you can do.”
Eyes focused on the first jump, Jas steered Shadow down the line of fences. He sailed over a three-foot-six fence and then a low spread as if they were not even there. Turning Shadow down the center, Jas bounced him through a tight in and out, then circled right and jumped the last line of fences smoothly.
When she slowed him to a trot, Jas felt like bursting. “You were great,” she exclaimed as her fingers dug into his mane. Although she never wanted to let go, she knew she had to.
Standing by the gate, Lydia and Miss Hahn clapped their approval.
“I love him!” Lydia exclaimed. “I can’t believe you got him from some killer auction, Diane.”
“All the credit goes to Jas,” Miss Hahn said. “She’s the one who discovered him.”
Jas flushed. Steering Shadow away from the gate, she loosened the reins and let him stretch out into an easy walk to cool off.
Chase vaulted over the fence. He jogged over, and when he fell in step beside Shadow, he gave Jas a funny look. “I thought you were going to knock down all the fences?”
“I changed my mind. Shadow deserves the best, and Lydia can give it to him.”
“But you two are a perfect team,” Chase protested. “You’re the one who can take him to the top.”
Halting Shadow, Jas smiled down at him. “Hey, whatever happened to the person who believed a horse didn’t have to jump a fence or win a race to be worth something?”
He shrugged. “Okay, so I’ve reconsidered. Shadow loves jumping so much that I think he’d be miserable just hanging around a pasture.”
“You’re right. He would,” Jas said as she pulled off her helmet and threw it to him. Swinging her leg over the cantle, she dismounted, sliding the last few feet to the ground. Chase gently caught her around the waist. Her heart skipped a beat.
“You know Lydia really likes him,” he said as his breath rustled her hair.
She nodded.
“And you’re okay with it?”
“Just okay. So drop it, all right?”
“All right.” He let go of her waist. Pulling the reins over Shadow’s head, Jas ran up his stirrups, then led him out the gate.
Lydia watched as they approached. Jas took a deep breath, knowing that she had to get it over with.
“He’s everything I want in a horse, Diane,” Lydia gushed. “Bold, athletic, handsome, sane. When can I have him?”
“I’m sorry, Lydia,” Miss Hahn said. “I’m afraid I can’t let you have this one. I’ve changed my mind.”
“What do you mean, you changed your mind?” Lydia gasped.
“What do you mean, you changed your mind?” Jas repeated in confused excitement.
Miss Hahn gave Jas a long, thoughtful stare. Then she turned back to face Lydia. “Shadow belongs to Jas. She’s the one who found him. She’s the one who recognized his potential, and—” her voice broke with emotion. “She’s the one who really loves him.”
Jas’s mouth fell open. “But I won’t be able …”
“We’ll figure something out,” Miss Hahn said firmly. “I promise.”
“Yes!” Chase yelled as he punched the air with his fists.
Lydia put her hands on her hips. “But when you brought the horse over, you implied that if I was interested, I could adopt him,” she said, sounding as imperious as Hugh. “I’ll even throw in a big contribution to the farm. How’s that sound?”
Miss Hahn’s nostrils flared. “I never promised you this horse, Lydia. I’m sorry if you misunderstood me.”
“Well, then.” Fuming and at a loss for words, Lydia stalked off.
“Sore loser,” Chase muttered under his breath.
“She’ll get over it,” Miss Hahn said. “She’s just jealous because she knows that Shadow and Jas have what it takes to be champions.”
Chase grinned proudly. “That’s what I just said to Jas.”
Jas was still frozen to the spot, her lips parted in disbelief. She was afraid to say anything for fear she’d misunderstood. “But we already talked about how I won’t have the time or the money to take care of Shadow.”
“I said we’d figure out something,” Miss Hahn repeated, a stubborn look in her eyes. “I’ll figure out something. In fact, I’ve been mulling over an idea already.”
Snorting, Shadow butted Jas with his nose as if he was tired of being ignored. Jas turned and flung her arms around his neck. “Don’t worry, no one’s forgotten about you.”
“So what’s your idea?” Chase asked impatiently.
Miss Hahn tapped her lip. “Now, it’s just an idea, and I haven’t thought it all through, but … how would you and your grandfather like to live at the farm?”
Jas’s brows shot up. “What?”
“I don’t mean in the house with me,” Miss Hahn explained quickly. “I’d get someone to donate a house trailer. The place desperately needs a caretaker. The volunteers can do only so much, and when Chase goes back to school this fall I’ll be overwhelmed. I know how handy your grandfather is, and of course I know what a hard worker you are.”
“Yee-hah!” Chase whooped. “I think that’s a terrific idea.”
“Are you serious?” Jas couldn’t believe her ears. Miss Hahn’s idea sounded too good to be true. “I mean, I don’t know how strong Grandfather will be, and I have to go back to school at the end of August, too.”
“The things I need your grandfather to take care of won’t require a lot of strength. Something’s breaking in that madhouse every day.” Miss Hahn’s voice rose in excitement.
“And having another responsible person living at the farm means that I could leave once in a while. Maybe even go to a few horse shows.”
“Yes!” Jas screamed deliriously. “I think your idea is wonderful! And I think Grandfather will love it, too. Thank you, Miss Hahn! Thank you!” she exclaimed, throwing her arms around Miss Hahn.
Snorting in fear, Shadow threw up his head, jerking the reins from Jas’s hand. With a shake of his mane, he trotted off, the reins dangling.
“Oh, no!” Jas gasped, taking off after him.
Breaking into a canter, he headed for the other side of the barn. Jas realized where he was going—straight for Lydia’s cow pasture.
“Shadow!” she cried. “Whoa!”
Ignoring her, he cantered right for the four-board fence. After nickering a greeting, Shadow jumped into the pasture.
Jas slid to a halt, Miss Hahn and Chase stopping beside her. She groaned as she watched Shadow gallop toward the cows.
“He’s going to catch his leg in the reins and break it,” she moaned.
“Or run a cow through the fence,” Chase added.
With a sigh, Jas turned toward Miss Hahn. “Are you sure you still like your idea? Grandfather, Shadow, and I might be more trouble than we’re worth.”
“You’ll be worth it.” Miss Hahn patted her shoulder. “I’m sure.”
Chase grinned at the two of them. “I like the idea, too. I like it a loi. But now we better catch that crazy horse. Jas, you stay here and keep an eye on him. I’ll get his halter.”
“And I’ll get the bucket of grain,” Miss Hahn offered.
Jas nodded, too choked up to speak. Walking over to the fence, she propped her arms on the top board and watched Shadow prance through the herd. He looked like a wild stallion, his tail streaming behind him as he scattered the cows across the green pasture.
Jas smiled, happier than she’d ever been. She knew this was only the beginning. Even with Miss Hahn and Danvers on her side, going after Hugh was going to be tough. But she welcomed the challenge.