by Sioux Dallas
“Hello,” Lynn smiled. “Sharon says you want to speak to me about therapy lessons. I do hope you’ll forgive my appearance. I’ve been working with our vet.”
“You look great to me. I mean - you’re fine. My name is Martin Swanson. Last fall, while riding in a hunt show, my brave steed apparently saw the sun shining on the water jump. He decided to be a gentleman and allow me to go over first. As I left his back and started flying through the air with the greatest of unease, he decided to follow me. We crashed on the other side. I had fallen on the back of my neck and shoulders. He fell beside me but his head hit my chest. He jumped up and nickered to me, but I couldn’t move. Naturally I thought of Christopher Reeve. It took many weeks in the hospital and more weeks at home with therapy. I was finally able to move from the waist up, but my legs have decided they like the vacation. My doctor thinks your riding program may be just what is needed to wake these ole legs and get them going.”
Lynn and Sharon were chuckling at his easy attitude.
“Forgive us. We’re not laughing at you, but we are laughing with you. Wow! You have a great attitude! I’m not sure I’d be so quick to joke if I were in your place,” Sharon explained.
“Why groan and moan? What’s done is done. I need to help myself and cooperate with those who are helping me. A disgruntled attitude never makes any situation better.”
“I salute you,” Lynn smiled. “I can’t just sign you up, though I wish I could. I must have a copy of your medical records and your doctor will have to complete the obligatory papers. Our nurse and therapist will have a talk with you after they peruse your records. Your doctor might feel the riding program is enough or he might recommend the massage therapy and whirlpool along with the riding. If your doctor cooperates, we should be ready to go in about ten days.”
“Good enough. I’ll take care of my part. Would it be too much trouble for me to see what’s around here?”
“Sharon, would you please show Martin round? I need to get back to our veterinarian, but we’ll be in touch. Leave your address, phone number and name and phone number of your doctor with Sharon. Thank you for coming.” Lynn strode off with Martin looking thoughtfully after her. Uh oh, Sharon smiled to herself.
Sharon introduced Martin to the horses and answered his questions about their training. She showed him the special saddles and bridles and related equipment for handicapped riders. They then went to the back ring.
“I’ve heard of the ramp, but how does it work?” Martin was interested.
“Let’s walk over to the ramp and I’ll show you. See, there are two ramps about forty inches apart. There is a level place on top and a ramp down the other side. A horse is walked between the ramps and stopped at the level on top. Two side walkers will take the wheelchair up the ramp, or help a person who has trouble walking. The rider is then lifted to the horse’s back and all safety equipment is put in place. The leader leads the horse out and the side walkers run down the opposite ramp to walk on either side and be prepared to help wherever needed.”
“Ingenious. Whoever came up with that idea deserves an award. Will I start with that?”
“I don’t know, Martin. We won’t know until we get your medical records and your doctor’s recommendations. You might have a backrider to start.”
“What’s a backrider?”
“A qualified person rides double with the rider. He, or she, will sit behind the rider, giving support until the body adjusts to the motions of the animal.”
“I’m impressed, and I can hardly wait to get started. It will be so different for me to have help to ride. Is Lynn’s husband involved in the program?”
“She’s not married.” Sharon turned her back to hide her grin. She had been observing that Martin wanted to know more about Lynn. “This is her life’s dream and she’s worked night and day to make a success of it. Not that she doesn’t date. They’re standing in line waiting to be the lucky one. Some day some lucky man will come along that will appreciate her and give her the support she needs.” Sharon smiled. I’m laying it on thick, but I can’t resist. Who knows. He may be just the one to fill the bill.
“Thank you for the tour, Sharon. I’ll call and make an appointment as soon as I know that my medical records are in.”
Sharon waved as he drove off and then laughed out loud. “My guess is that this is going to be a man who will truly care about Lynn and her work. More power to you, Martin.” She quickly looked around to make sure no one was hearing her talk to herself.
After lunch in Lynn’s apartment, the two girls saddled two young, feisty Thoroughbred geldings for a ride.
“Lynn, as usual, you’ve done a wonderful job starting the training on these boys.”
They guided their mounts across a hundred acre pasture on the far side of the back ring. They worked the young horses to train them to remain quiet while gates were opened and closed by a rider from their backs. As the horses walked briskly, Sharon told Lynn of Jeremy’s violent mood swings and his abuse.
Lynn was furious and hurt for Sharon. “Why didn’t you leave him the first time he showed that side of him? Why did you stay around for more ugly treatment?”
“I had the same thoughts that most women do in the same situation. I hoped he would change. I also hoped that he wanted the marriage to work as much as I did.” She took a shaky breath. “After he injured me so badly and put me in the hospital, I asked him why he married me. He said, “Little Miss Puritan, you had other people fooled, but I know you for what you really are, and so does mom. She knows you’ve never backed me as a military wife should.”
“Oh, Sharon, how in the world did you react to that?”
“I ask him what he meant that I wasn’t backing him and reminded him that I had always been proud of him and supported him. He said, ‘Yeah, but you don’t treat me like mom always did’.”
Lynn laughed. “Poor baby. He finally had to follow rules and think of someone else besides himself.”
Sharon continued. “I ask him again why he married me.”
“What answer could he possible give to that question?”
“He said, ‘because miss goody, goody, pure and proper would not go to bed with me until we were married.’ He left in a rage and I cried until I was ashamed of myself. That’s when I called Dad Taylor and told him what was happening.”
“How did he take it?”
“He cried and was so hurt, but when they came, Agnes Taylor raked me over the coals and blamed me for all that had happened.”
“Oh, that witch. I wish I’d been there to take care of her,” Lynn spit out through gritted teeth. “She’d better hope she never faces me with any of her filthy comments.”
Sharon then told Lynn about being rear-ended and about the murder in the motel where she stopped for the night. “I can’t explain it, but I had a weird feeling that I shouldn’t have given my Zephyrhills address. I know it must sound crazy, but I can’t shake the feeling that I’m being followed.”
“Honey, I wish you would go for counseling. I know you have been very brave and you think you’re in charge of your feelings, but there were a lot of hurts both physically and emotionally. It sure can’t do any harm and it might help to gain some inner peace, especially if you see a Christian counselor.”
“I know you care about me, Lynn, and you’re probably right about the counselor, but I hesitate to tell anyone else about my personal problems. Can we gallop these beasties now?” Racing until the horses began breathing hard, they then settled down for a quiet walk.
“What a beautiful, peaceful trail through these woods,” Sharon sighed. At that moment the young horse she was riding jumped with surprise when a rabbit ran across under his nose. He reared and spun around facing the way they had come. His quick action threw Sharon slightly to one side, but she had a solid seat. She spoke calmly and gently pulled him in. At that split second there was a popping sound. The young horse again reared and screamed. Lynn saw a drop of blood on the tip of one of his ears. At t
he same time she recognized the sound of a bullet as it struck a tree near Sharon.
“Sharon,” she yelled. “Run. Some blasted fool’s shooting.
The frightened, young horses ran hard toward home. When the girls got to the pasture, they had to run the horses in circles to slow them down. Sharon had to run her horse in smaller and smaller circles. They then walked the horses to the stable to cool them down.
Lynn told Jake and some of the volunteers that the horses were too hot to be given water and food. “Groom them first, then give them water and some hay. They can have grain later tonight.”
Sharon and Lynn went into the office to tell Sheilah about their misadventure.
Sheilah was indignant when she heard of the incident. “Let’s go get whoever it was. If we wait, he’ll get away.”
“How in the world are you going to manage that, my friend,” Lynn asked irritably. “Run him down with your wheelchair?”
Sharon gasped. “Lynn! I can’t believe you’d be so callous. Sheilah is concerned and wants to help. She’s just as angry as we are. She cares.”
Sheilah grinned sheepishly. “Lynn isn’t being cruel. I know her well enough to know she couldn’t be like that. You see, about three months ago, a drunk driver came up on the sidewalk and ran me down. That’s why I’m in this wheelchair. I had a back injury. It’s still new and if I get excited, I forget that I’m in the chair.” She turned to Lynn “Why don’t you take the men and hunt for the shooter.”
Lynn shook her head. “He’s armed and we’re not, Citizens shouldn’t try to do what others are trained to do. Sharon, if Jeremy were still alive, I’d wonder about your so-called accidents. It’s still fishy to me. I’ll call Sheriff Howell and ask for his advice.”
The sheriff was deeply concerned. He asked several questions, but realized that Lynn was too upset to talk and make much sense. “Both of you wait at the stable and I’ll send a deputy to take your statements and make a report. In the meantime, I’ll dispatch a patrol car to check along Morris Bridge Road. Tomorrow morning mounted deputies can ride into the woods and search for clues. Call me if anything else happens or you think of something.”
“Thank you, Sheriff.” Lynn sighed with relief that he was going to take charge. She was a very independent person and took charge of her affairs successfully, but the threat to their lives, the safety of the young, innocent horses and all that Sharon had endured, made her want to just stand and scream because she felt so helpless.
In a couple of minutes Jake came running into the office. “Lynn, there’s a Sheriff’s car barreling up the driveway with lights flashing.”
“Stay with us, Jake. I had to call the sheriff. You can hear the entire story as I tell it.”
Jake opened the door and asked the deputy to come in.
“Evening folks. I’m Deputy Vincent Belasic. The Sheriff sent me out to take a statement and find out what’s going on.”
“Please come in, Deputy Belasic. I’m Lynn Yates, the owner of this stable and this is my sister, Sharon. Jake Bentley is stable manager and Sheilah is my secretary and my right hand. Have a seat. This is going to be a long story. Would you like some coffee?”
“No, thank you. Can we get started? Who’s going to talk to me?”
“I’ll tell you what happened to us this afternoon, and then I want my sister to tell you her story,” Lynn sat and began a concise statement.
Listening to Lynn, Vincent, in shock and surprise, got so absorbed in her story, he neglected to take complete notes. “Excuse me. I’m sorry, but this is a lot to take in. Would you mind going over that again and allow me to use a tape recorder? There’s too much to write down and I want to be sure and get the facts.”
“That’s fine with me,” Lynn answered. “In fact, I’ll place my own recorder beside yours. That way we’ll both have a record of what is said by everyone.”
“It’s okay with me,” he said politely. “I’m here to help you, if I can.”
Lynn carefully reiterated all that had transpired that afternoon.
“Well folks, I’m going to suggest to the sheriff that signs be placed along the highway reminding people that horses and riders are in the woods. My opinion is that it was a careless hunter, or kids just shooting for the heck of it.”
“But it isn’t hunting season and the majority of young people, in this area, own their own horses. They’re very careful and conscientious.” Lynn was adamant.
“I still think we’ll find that it’s kids. Now you said you wanted your sister to tell me something.”
“Her name is Sharon, and you will need to record her statement.”
Sharon was so pale and wide-eyed, Lynn held her hand for encouragement. Sharon gave him the highlights of all that had happened to her since her marriage to Jeremy, then the rear-ending and the murder at the motel. “I’m not psychic, but I’ve had strong feelings that I’m being watched and followed since I left Texas.
“Ma’am, it sounds like you’re writing a book of some kind?” he chuckled. “Forgive me. I do take your statement seriously. In a weak way I’m trying to get you to relax.”
Lynn angrily answered him. “Her life was in jeopardy over and over. Oh -- just let Sheriff Howell hear what you’ve recorded. I’ll call him tomorrow. Goodnight Deputy Belasic. Thank you for coming.”
Sheilah soothed Lynn. “We know what is the truth, but others don’t know Sharon like we do. It might sound - oh, I don’t know - really like a story to others.”
As the deputy’s car left, Sheilah gathered her personal possessions together. “It’s late, dear hearts. I hope all of us get a restful night’s sleep. Tomorrow is another day, and a busy one at that. Goodnight all.” She waved as she wheeled out to her special van.
“Jake, you haven’t said anything. What are you thinking?” Lynn placed a hand on her old friend’s shoulder.
“Ah, Lynn. My heart aches for Sharon. You never told us what all she’d gone through. I wish she’d come here sooner. By the way, I haven’t had a chance to tell you, I hired a new man today. He’s worked with me all day though, so, I don’t suspect him of being involved in any of this.”
“Good. I told you a couple of weeks ago to find someone. What’s his name and what do you know about him?”
“Lynn, you’d never guess our luck. He’s a qualified riding instructor, he’s great with the children and almost hypnotizes the horses. He crooned and whispered to that nervous mare you’re boarding and then walked right in the stall with her. She didn’t attempt to kick or bite. She acted as if they were old friends. He cleans up after himself and checks on supplies before they get low. We really lucked out.”
“Sounds great. You’ve told me a lot, but what’s his name and where has he been working?” Lynn was tired and worried and not in the mood for anything that was not serious.
“His name’s David Baughman. He was going to be a career Marine, but his dad died and he came home to take care of his mother and two younger sisters. They’re still out in Indiana. He said he had to leave because his mother kept trying to get him married.”
“What’s happening to his mother and sisters? How could he walk off and leave them?”
“I asked him the same thing, and he explained that his dad had left a huge farm. He knew his mother wasn’t capable of overseeing so much farm work, so, he sold all but a few acres around the house. He invested for her. The older sister is now in college and the young one is a senior in high school. He keeps in touch and sees that all of them get a monthly income.”
“Did you explain to him that we have a month’s trial before offering a contract for a permanent position?”
“Yes, and he’s willing to work with us.”
Lynn turned as Sharon came in from seeing Sheilah off. “Sharon, why don’t you stay with me tonight?”
Sharon hugged her. “Thanks, but I’d rather go on home. I’ll be back early tomorrow morning. Goodnight Jake. See you.” Lynn walked Sharon to her car. Jake stood where he could see both girls
until Sharon pulled away and Lynn came back in.
When Sharon got home, she was surprised to hear a message from Larry Dauber on her answering machine. “I’d like to talk to you. Nothing serious, so don’t get excited. It’s personal. I’ll call another time.”
She shrugged her shoulders and prepared for bed. What in the world can he want with me? I hope he isn’t still thinking I know something about that murder. If it’s important, he’ll call another time, but he said it’s personal. Oh, well, there’s no need to stand and speculate; he’ll let me know what he wants.
The phone rang. “Oh, Larry, I hope it isn’t you. I’m in no mood for a conversation. I’m so tired and I need to go to bed.”
“Hello. Hello? Is anyone there?” She hung up. “Well, it’s either a wrong number or someone thinking they’re cute. A wrong number should be courteous enough to say so. I hope this doesn’t continue. I’ve gotten a few of these calls. This could be bad. Oh, great! I’m talking to myself a lot lately, and I’m even answering myself,” she laughed.
Sharon felt the blows as Jeremy hit her. Running out the front door, she fell down the steps and rolled into the yard. When people began to gather around, Jeremy was saying, “Sharon, baby. Did you trip over something?” He leaned over her and she shrieked so loudly that she woke up.
Dear Lord, how stupid I was to lie for him and tell good friends that I had fallen or walked into something. How embarrassing to learn that they knew the truth all along. Thank God, that’s all over and will never happen again. Why can’t I quit thinking about the unpleasant past and concentrate on a happy future? She got up and took two aspirin with a tall glass of water. Maybe I can get some rest. Five o’clock will roll around soon. Maybe I should have stayed with Lynn. Stop feeling sorry for yourself, you silly baby. I’m sorry that Jeremy ended the way he did, but I didn’t contribute to it. I’m safe now and have family and friends all around me. Go to sleep she said firmly to herself. She got back in bed and picked up a book from the bedside table.