Riding Holiday

by Michelle Bates

  “Dunno anything about that,” the driver answered. “I was just booked to collect you. So where are you girls from?”

  “England,” Izzy said, starting to feel a little lost.

  “Near London?” the man asked.

  “Not exactly,” Kate answered.

  Then there was an awkward moment when no one seemed to know what to say to each other. Finally the taxi driver spoke up. “Well, let’s go then.” And, grabbing their trolley, he made for the doors.

  As he disappeared off into the distance, Izzy and Kate looked warily at each other.

  “Do you think this is all right, Izzy?” Kate said.

  “I guess so.” Izzy looked uncertain. “But don’t you think it’s a bit weird? I mean, the Bryants did say they’d be here.”

  “I know they did,” Kate murmured. “But I’m sure there’ll be a reasonable explanation when we get to Graytops.” She looked ahead of her to where the driver had stopped and was now waiting. “I think we should follow him, or we might find ourselves stranded at the airport...”

  It was dark when the taxi turned off a main road. Kate sat, wide-eyed, as they drove through some big iron gates. Quickly, she nudged Izzy, asleep at her side.

  “Izzy...Izzy, I think we’re here,” she murmured, not wanting to startle her sleeping friend.

  “What?” Izzy mumbled, her head nodding forward.

  “We’re here,” Kate said, nudging her again as the car sped up a driveway.

  “Here? Where?” Izzy sat bolt upright.

  “We’ve arrived.”

  “Oh right,” Izzy grunted. “I must have fallen asleep.”

  “You can say that again, you were snoring for Britain.” Kate laughed as the car drove up to a grassy roundabout and stopped by a big, white house with grey, sloping roofs.

  “It’s larger than I expected,” Kate whispered, looking out of her window.

  “And it looks very different from the houses back home,” Izzy murmured sleepily. “It’s made of wood.”

  “Here you are then,” the driver interrupted their conversation, getting out of the taxi and going around to the boot. Izzy and Kate pushed open their car doors and stepped outside. The sultry hot night air was the first thing to hit them – after the cool of the air-conditioned taxi it was like stepping into a sauna.

  “Phew, it’s baking out here.” Izzy waved her hand about in front of her face.

  Kate nodded, feeling equally frazzled as the driver deposited the bags at their side.

  “Taxi’s all paid for, so I’ll be off. Enjoy your vacation.”

  “Oh right, well thanks,” Izzy said.

  “That was some taxi.” Kate watched as the car sped back down the driveway. “More like a limousine.”

  “Well, that’s America for you.” Izzy let out a loud yawn. “Everything’s so much bigger out here.”

  Izzy and Kate picked up their bags and made their way up the steps to the front door of the house.

  “Where’s the doorbell?” Izzy hissed.

  “Here,” Kate answered, reaching up to push an ornate button. She took a step back.

  “It’s lovely and peaceful, isn’t it?” Izzy said, looking around her.

  “Yes it is,” Kate said. “It looks like we’re completely in the middle of nowhere.”

  Patiently, Izzy and Kate stood there, waiting for the door to be answered. Finally Izzy took a step forward and looked in through the side window. “You know, there aren’t any lights on in there.”

  “Well, I wish they’d get a move on,” Kate said. “I want my bed.”

  “Same here.” Izzy nodded. She peered in through the window again. “You know, I don’t think there’s anyone at home.”

  “There must be,” Kate said, pushing the doorbell again.

  “Maybe we should go and take a look over there.” Izzy was pointing to the left of the house to some lights in the distance.

  “Okay.” Kate shoved her bag under a bench by the door and followed Izzy across the grass. They reached some trees and turned down a track. The lights seemed to be getting further away and it seemed to be getting darker and darker.

  “Spooky, isn’t it?” Izzy shivered as they headed forward.

  “Yes, but we’ll be all right,” Kate said, glancing up at the overhanging branches.

  “I think I can hear voices,” Izzy said. “Ahead of us...listen.” She grabbed Kate by the arm and they drew to a halt.

  “I can’t hear a thing,” Kate murmured.

  “I feel kind of funny about this,” Izzy said. “It seems weird – like we’re tres-”

  And then there was a voice from behind them that cut Izzy’s sentence off short.

  “Hey, you two! What do you think you’re doing?”

  Izzy and Kate spun round in their tracks, their hearts pounding.

  3

  A STRANGE BEGINNING

  It was so dark that it was difficult to see where the voice was coming from, but then, as Izzy and Kate stood rooted to the spot, they saw a flashlight to their right.

  “Well, who are you?” The voice came again. It was a man’s voice and he sounded angry.

  “We’re...we’re...” Kate stuttered, stumbling for the right words as the man appeared, standing in front of them. He was dressed in some kind of uniform and had a dog on a leash by his side. He didn’t look like he could be one of the Bryants.

  Kate found her voice. “We’re Kate Hardy and Izzy Paterson. We’ve come to stay.”

  “To stay?” The man’s voice still sounded suspicious, but at least it had softened a bit. The dog at his side growled.

  “We’ve come for three weeks,” Izzy piped up. “We couldn’t find anybody at the house.”

  “No, they’re all over at the stables,” the man answered gruffly.

  Izzy and Kate waited, not knowing whether they were free to go on or not. And then the man lifted his hand and jerked it back behind him. “If you head to your right, you’ll get to the stables. I’d take you over there, but I’m too busy. When the track divides in two, take the left-hand fork and then go straight. That’ll bring you to the entrance of the yard.”

  “Er, thank you, thanks a lot,” Kate said.

  “And don’t go wandering off again,” the man shouted after them.

  “No, we won’t,” Izzy answered.

  “Strange,” Kate shivered as the man slipped away into the darkness. “I suppose he must be a security guard.”

  “Even so, you’d have thought he’d have been told we were coming, wouldn’t you?” Izzy said, biting on her bottom lip as they made their way back to where they’d just come from.

  “Yes, you would,” Kate said, feeling strangely forlorn. No one at the airport to greet them; no one at the house when they arrived; the unfriendly man – none of it added up to make either of them feel very welcome and, as they headed nearer and nearer the stable yard, they felt really unsettled.

  “Stop a minute.” Izzy held out her arm.

  “Why? What is it?” Kate answered.

  “There, up ahead,” Izzy said. “Voices...can you hear them?”

  “I think I can,” Kate said slowly. “Angry voices, and look – what are all those people doing?”

  Kate stepped forward and strained her eyes to see. It was dark, but she could just make out an archway and, beyond that, a yard. A trailer stood with its ramp down, and there was a group of people crowded around it. A man looked to be trying to load up a horse and a pale-haired woman by his side was trying to grab the lead rope from him.

  “Seems a little strange,” Kate said. “Why do you think they’re transporting horses at night?”

  “Oh Kate,” Izzy laughed. “It’s hardly strange. This is a racing stables.”

  “I suppose so,” Kate shrugged as they walked under the cover of the trees. When they were within fifty paces of the lights they stopped. The horse had been led up into the box now and the group of people stood, talking heatedly.

  “We wouldn’t do anything like tha
t. Give us the benefit of the doubt...”

  “If you take him away now it could ruin everything...”

  “We’ll get to the bottom of this, it’ll be all right...”

  Izzy and Kate could just catch snippets of the conversation.

  “Come on, let’s go over to them,” Kate said. “I feel funny just listening in.”

  Izzy nodded. They waited for a moment as the trailer backed through the archway, the flash of the headlights lighting up the trees, then quickly they walked forward.

  Everyone was so busy in discussion that it wasn’t until they were nearly upon the group that anyone noticed them. Then, a couple of voices called out.

  “Hey Mom. It’s Izzy and Kate...they’re here already.” Two girls rushed to greet them. “How did you get here so quickly? Are you tired? How was the flight?”

  Izzy smiled tentatively, looking from one girl to the other.

  “Sorry, I guess we’d better start by introducing ourselves.” One of the girls laughed and stepped forward. “I’m Courtney and this is Megan.”

  Izzy was confused. At first glance, you’d have thought that the two girls were identical in every way. Both of them had long, red hair, and bright green eyes, but now that she looked more closely, she realized that the girl who’d said she was Courtney was slightly taller than the other one.

  “Well, hello there.” The woman who’d been struggling with the horse walked over to them. “It’s good to see you both.” She was smiling, but her voice sounded weary. “I’m Mrs. Bryant, but you can call me Sally. Welcome to Graytops. I’m sorry we couldn’t be there to meet you at the airport but something came up and...well anyway, I guess you must be pretty tired after all that travelling. Let’s get you over to the house and settle you in.”

  “Aw, Mom.” Was it Courtney? Or was it Megan? Neither Izzy or Kate could be sure, but one of the girls started talking. “Izzy and Kate’ll want to look at the horses first.”

  “Tomorrow, girls, tomorrow,” Sally Bryant laughed. “I know you’re excited, but it’s getting late and Kate and Izzy have just come off a long flight – I’m sure they’ll want to get to bed.”

  “I never thought I’d hear myself say I’d rather sleep than see horses!” Izzy turned to look at Kate. “But I’m dead on my feet.”

  “Me too,” Kate nodded and sighed.

  Izzy and Kate didn’t need any further encouragement and happily they followed Sally’s lead...back along the track, through the trees, and across the grass to the house. As they walked, Courtney and Megan chattered away nineteen to the dozen – all about the horses; what they’d been doing that day; all the stuff they had planned for the weeks ahead. They hardly stopped to draw breath, but at least it made Izzy and Kate feel more at ease.

  “Well, here we are then,” Sally said finally as they reached the steps of the house. “Courtney... Megan, can you bring up Izzy and Kate’s bags? I’m just going to go on up and get their bedroom ready.”

  “Oh, we can manage our bags,” Kate said quickly.

  “Don’t you worry about that.” Sally raised her arm. “The girls can do it. Now, come with me.”

  “Well, if you’re sure...” Kate and Izzy were too weary to protest and so they turned to follow Sally. Inside, the house was furnished in bright reds and oranges which gave it a warm feel. It was as cool as a refrigerator, and good to be out of the heat. As they climbed the wooden staircase, they noticed all of the photographs on the walls – ‘Seattle Surprise winning the Ashworth Maiden Stakes,’ read one of them. ‘Doug Bryant being presented with the bowl for best new trainer,’ read another.

  It was at that point that it suddenly occurred to Kate that they had neither met the twins’ father, nor heard mention of him.

  “Will Mr. Bryant be back soon?” Kate asked, glancing over her shoulder at the photos.

  “Uh, well no. Actually, he’s not staying here right now,” Sally answered vaguely. “In fact, he’ll probably be away for most of your visit. Now, here we are.” As they arrived at a twin-bedded room, she quickly changed the subject. Izzy gave Kate a look that said ‘that’s strange’ but now Sally was talking again.

  “Oh no, I’ve completely forgotten to make up your beds. How stupid of me. Look, would you mind doing it yourselves?”

  “No, of course not, that’s fine,” Izzy said, trying not to sound too surprised.

  “Thank you,” Sally said gratefully. “It’s been a long day and I’m absolutely exhausted.”

  Sally looked weary as she walked across the room to the window and drew the curtains across...just as Courtney and Megan deposited Izzy and Kate’s bags inside the door. They all looked a bit awkward as they stood there.

  “Okay girls...” Sally broke the uncomfortable silence and turned to Izzy and Kate. “I think you’ll enjoy the view from this room. You can see for miles – right across the paddocks to the hills beyond. Now, if you need anything, I’m just at the end of the hall and the girls are next door.” She opened a door and showed them an en-suite bathroom. “Come on Courtney and Megan...bedtime. I’ll just go and get some bed sheets for Izzy and Kate.”

  “Good night, Courtney, good night, Megan.” Izzy let out a loud yawn.

  “Good night,” the twins responded. “See you in the morning.”

  As soon as the bedroom door was closed behind them, Izzy turned to Kate. “So where do you think Mr. Bryant is?” she hissed. “Bit strange, isn’t it?”

  “I suppose so,” Kate shrugged. “Maybe they’re having marital problems. You never know-”

  “Ssshh,” Izzy whispered. “I can hear her coming back.”

  “Well, here we are – sheets and pillowcases.” Sally pushed back the door and dropped the pile onto the nearest bed. “I think that’s everything so I’ll leave you to get ready.”

  “Oh right, er, so what time should we get up for breakfast?” Izzy asked hesitantly.

  “Oh, just whenever you’re awake.” Sally rubbed her brow. “Anyway, good night, and sleep well, girls.”

  And with that, she closed the door behind her.

  Izzy stood still for a moment, watching as Kate wandered into the bathroom. Then she picked up a sheet and started making up her bed. “It’s all very laid back here, isn’t it?” she said. “And don’t you think it’s a little strange that no one explained why they weren’t at the airport to meet us? And why do you think Sally didn’t make the beds up earlier? They don’t seem very prepared, do they? My mum would never have forgotten something like that.”

  “No, neither would mine.” Kate stood in the doorway to the bathroom, brushing her teeth. “But then maybe Sally’s got more on her plate than our mums.” Kate raised her eyebrows as she came back out of the bathroom. She looked quizzically at the sheets.

  “Here, let me show you how to do it.” Izzy grabbed Kate’s bottom sheet and waved it out in the air. Quickly, she put the pillowcases on Kate’s pillows and tucked everything in before hopping into her own bed. “So, is it what you expected here then?”

  “Well no, not exactly,” Kate answered. “But Courtney and Megan were really friendly when they saw us, which sort of makes up for it. I’ve never seen anyone look so disappointed when we said we wanted to go to bed rather than meet the horses, and Sally – well, if she’s having marital problems... Izzy, Izzy, can you hear me?”

  But there wasn’t any reply to her question and it was only when Kate listened carefully and heard her friend’s rhythmic breathing that she realized that Izzy had dozed off – and just as she was talking! Kate lay back on her pillow, letting the thoughts run through her mind. She was sure that a good night’s sleep would make everything seem much more normal in the morning. And, closing her eyes, she snuggled down into her bed. It wasn’t long before she too was sleeping soundly.

  4

  GRAYTOPS HORSE FARM

  When Kate and Izzy woke the next morning and saw the farm from their bedroom window, all of their concerns from the previous night were instantly forgotten. It looked wonderful �
�� acres upon acres of white-railed paddocks stretched before their eyes. Tall lime trees blew in the breeze and in the distance a watery creek shimmered in the morning sunshine.

  “Wow!” Izzy sighed. “It’s great!”

  “Isn’t it?” Kate smiled contentedly. “Look over there.”

  Izzy looked to where Kate was pointing – a large oval-shaped paddock lay ahead of them on which horses with riders were galloping around.

  “Look at that grey mare,” Kate breathed. “Isn’t she beautiful?”

  “Isn’t she just?” Izzy sighed.

  “I guess it must be some kind of training track.” Izzy jumped down off the window seat. “Let’s get down there and take a look.”

  Quickly the two girls showered and dressed before hurrying down the hall. The doors to the other rooms stood open on each side. Kate poked her head around one of them and called out. “Hello in there...” But there was no answer. Kate and Izzy hurried on, past another empty room and turned the corner of the landing. As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Izzy looked around her. “Doesn’t look as though there’s anybody here.”

  “What do you think we should do?” Kate walked into the kitchen. “Breakfast’s been laid out – maybe we should just help ourselves?”

  “Can you see a note or anything?” Izzy looked around her.

  “No, nothing,” Kate said. “Look, it’s eight-thirty already – they’re probably all over at the yard. Let’s leave breakfast for now and go and find them.”

  “All right,” Izzy said.

  And so the two girls left the house, making their way off across the grass. Glancing left, they caught sight of the security guard pacing around the grounds, but by daylight he didn’t seem nearly as scary. Quickening their pace, they headed down the path through the trees and turned the corner to the stables. There ahead of them stood the arched entrance to the yard.

  It was already pretty busy – horses were being led in through the back gate and jockeys were dismounting. The noise of people talking and horses neighing made a loud commotion.

  It had been hard to see what the stables really looked like last night but now, lit by the morning sun, the farm stood in its full glory. There were two large whitewashed barns standing opposite each other, a tack room, and at the top of the gravelled yard a red-brick building which looked as though it might be an office. Izzy and Kate were just wondering where to go when Sally appeared from one of the barns and called across to them.