The Michaela Bancroft Mysteries 1-3

by Michele Scott

  Michaela rapped on her door. Audrey appeared, smiling. "Hi honey," she said. "You ready?"

  "You bet."

  "Excellent." She picked up her overnight bag by the door. "I need to give Francisco some instructions. Come on out with me to the barn?"

  "Sure."

  They took a short walk outside to where Audrey housed her animals. She called out to her ranch hand. "Francisco?"

  As they entered the breezeway, a thin, older Hispanic man appeared. "Sí, Señora?" He smiled and nodded at Michaela.

  "I'm getting ready to head out. If you need anything, call my cell. Please feel free to eat anything you like, watch TV. The guest room is set up for you. The cat food is in the laundry room and you know what to do with the horses. My house is your house," she said in Spanish, which Michaela understood because she'd grown up on a ranch, too, often working with Hispanic grooms and ranch hands. Audrey struggled to take a key off her key ring. "Damn. Thing won't come off," she said. "It's the house key."

  "I've got one," Michaela said. "From when I took care of your place a few months ago."

  The key Audrey had been trying to get off came loose. "Oh no, you hang on to that just in case I'm ever in a bind and Francisco can't help out. Besides, I got it now." She handed the key to Francisco.

  "Have a nice time," he said. "Es bueno here, okay."

  Audrey smiled. "Okay. Adios." They started back toward Michaela's truck. "I don't know what I'd do without him. He's been a godsend since Charlie's been gone. He takes care of everything around here for me. Even changes my car's oil when I need it."

  "It's good you have him."

  "It is. Oh, and it is grand to see you, Michaela. We always wait way too long to get together. For goodness sakes, you're only a few miles up the road. Life really has to stop getting in the way. I am so pleased you could join me today."

  Michaela took Audrey's bag and put it in the back of the truck. Audrey, a pretty woman, looked to be aging well, with only fine lines around her lips and light green eyes, some freckles from the sun, and a hint of silver weaving through her light brown hair, which for as long as Michaela could remember had always been worn pulled straight back. When Audrey climbed into the truck, Michaela thought her thinner than usual. Though usually pleasant and generous, Audrey had a tendency to stress rather easily. Michaela hoped everything was okay with her friend.

  They followed the circular drive in front of Audrey's ranch-style home. The early morning sun illuminated large paned windows that fronted the family room, a place where memories of hot chocolate with marshmallows warmed Michaela on crisp winter days after a riding lesson when she was a kid. The porch swing swayed as a slight breeze billowed down through the Coachella valley, only to be stalled by the rising dead heat of the Indio desert.

  They headed down a dirt road. Beads of perspiration slid down Michaela's back as she leaned against the leather seat. She rolled down the window, the combined smell of hay, dirt, horse, and manure wafting in as they passed by Audrey's large pasture on the right, the springtime green grass beginning to yellow with the onslaught of the summer months. Rows of date palms lined the pasture fence, their olive-colored fronds casting shadows that one of the foals inside the pasture chased as he tossed his head and pawed at the ground, trying to make sense of the tricks his eyes were playing on him. All babies seemed to be ever curious of their shadows, human and horse alike. His mother and a few other horses spread out, enjoying their freedom and the grass, a couple of them hard at play, nipping at each other's rear ends, then whirling and racing down the side of the whitewashed fence, tails waving flaglike in the air, a look of wild instinct in their big brown eyes. God, they were beautiful to watch. Michaela couldn't help but smile.

  They pulled out on to the highway, passing several ranches along the way, heading toward Orange County. The desert sky was cloudless, an azure blue that turned into a haze of light brown as they headed farther west. Ah, L.A.

  "So, what's new? Catch me up," Michaela said.

  "Good news. My brother, Bobby, is working for Eq Tech. He runs all of the research studies."

  "That's great. I bet you're proud," Michaela said. She knew how close Audrey was to her only sibling and living relative. Bobby had been through a rough period over the last decade or so. He'd graduated with honors from the veterinarian school at UC Davis, but a broken heart combined with an accident where a horse had fallen on him, breaking both his hips, led him to pain medication and alcohol dependence. The addictions had consumed him for a time. But his sister never gave up on him, and about a year earlier, after paying for his treatment at the Betty Ford Center, saw him on his way to recovery. Hopefully, for both their sake, Bobby would stay clean and sober.

  "I am. He's worked so hard, and they seem to be real happy with him there."

  "I use some of Eq Tech's products. Good stuff. Seems to work well with my horses. Ethan recommends their products." Michaela glanced over at Audrey feeling her eyes on her.

  "Ethan. Yes. Have you seen him lately?" Audrey asked, referring to Michaela's childhood friend and now veterinarian.

  Michaela shrugged. "You know he comes by monthly to give Legend to one of my older mares."

  "Really? I would think you could give that to her. You know how to do an IV injection."

  Michaela sighed. She could see Audrey nodding and smiling from the corner of her eye. "I know what you're getting at. I like to have him out because I, well, because it's good to have him come by and I can ask hime questions about any other issues I might have with the horses."

  "Uh huh. Keep telling yourself that."

  "Audrey were friends. That's it. And I don't think his new wife thinks much of our friendship." Michaela waved her hand. "I don't want to go into it. Tell me more about this thing with Bob."

  Audrey gave her a look that told her she'd drop the inquisition, for now. "Yes. Eq Tech…well, I don't use much of the supplements myself, though I have been giving some to that colt you just saw. Been awhile since I had a baby at home. Thought I might make sure he gets the best. The other horses I have are kind of pets, you know. And…" She smiled. "I suppose I pride myself in being budget-minded. Bob is good enough to give me Eq Tech samples from time to time. I just can't see spending that kind of money on vitamins."

  Audrey had always been thrifty. But the woman was never cheap with her relationships. Once she made a connection it was a lifetime thing, as it had been between Michaela and her. Michaela had total respect and admiration for Audrey, who had taken her under her wing as a kid and introduced her to the show circuit. Michaela's dad and Uncle Lou had taught her the ways of the ranch and the ranch horse. She'd learned how to ride like a cowgirl. But it was Audrey who had recognized talent and put her through her paces in the show ring, until Michaela's family wound up having financial difficulties and could no longer pay the entry fees. "Yes, they are expensive vitamins."

  "I'm just pleased Bob is working for them. I can't wait to get a look at his mug tonight. He had me a bit worried when I saw him recently."

  "Really? Why?"

  "I don't know. He seemed preoccupied. Edgy."

  "Oh." Michaela didn't want to voice the question running through her mind, but Audrey answered it for her.

  "No, I don't think he's using drugs again, or drinking. He just seemed distracted is all. He also gave me one of those large-sized envelopes to give to your vet, Ethan. I think there was a study in there he wanted Ethan to look at. He said that since we lived so close, it would be easier if I gave it to him this week because he knew that Ethan was going to be out of town for a few days and Bob was afraid he'd forget to get it to him. He knew he was going to be busy with the track and over at Eq Tech. Now, I've got that envelope out in my office in the barn, and I sure hope Ethan doesn't need it real bad. Anyway, Bob can be eccentric. When I pressed him on what was going on in his life, he told me it had to do with a woman, and some stuff going on at work. Jealousy in the company, that sort of thing. I tried to press him even more about i
t, but he insisted it was nothing. He clammed up and it bothered me, but I know my place, and I figured it was time for me to shut up, if you know what I mean. If you see your vet before I do, let him know that I have a file Bob thought he might want to look at. Some kind of research thing apparently."

  "I'm sure Bob is fine, and it'll be great to see him. I think it's been a couple of years since I saw him last." And, Michaela recalled, it hadn't been pretty. A drunken Bob Pratt had made a scene at Audrey's Memorial Day party. She decided against bringing it up. "What do you think? Today's races going to be fun? It seems like every year, there's some type of craziness going on. If we don't hear about someone screwing someone over, or screwing someone else's wife, then it wouldn't be the races. What good dirt do you think we're in for today?"

  "Oh, honey, today's races will be more than dirty. I am afraid the shit might fly. I got a feeling that today might prove to be downright…well, how do I put this? Different to say the least and sticky—even ugly—if I don't watch my step. I'm going to need your help to make it through."

  Michaela stared at her, at first thinking she was kidding. But the strain in Audrey's face told Michaela that she was dead serious.

  FOUR

  "WHAT DO YOU MEAN?" MICHAELA'S STOMACH tightened. "I don't like the sound of that."

  "You know, I realize that you've only met Kathleen Bowen a few times and she's even more high maintenance since the divorce." Audrey shook her head. "She's just not herself, and I need to ask a favor of you. It would be a good idea if you didn't mention that we're going over to Hugh's place tomorrow morning to look at horses."

  "You mentioned to me that we were going to check out horses, but you didn't say anything about doing it at Hugh Bowen's place."

  "I didn't?" Audrey asked, not convincingly.

  "No. I think I'd remember that. It's not exactly every day that I visit the wealthiest and most famous racing quarter horse breeder in the country, not to mention restaurateur."

  "Well, honey, it's not as if you haven't met Hugh before. We've known each other for years."

  "I know, but, I haven't been to his place. It's kind of…I don't know, overwhelming. I understand it's the Taj Mahal of training facilities."

  "True. Hugh, he's good man. Good natured. Even so, he's Kathleen's ex-husband, and she is my friend."

  "Let me guess, she has that you-can't-talk-to-my-ex thing going on?"

  "It goes a bit deeper," Audrey replied. "It has to do with Olivia."

  "Their daughter is an adult; what's the deal?" Michaela asked. "Don't tell me they've pinned the kid between them. I hate when parents do that." In some ways, Michaela was happy she'd never been able to have a baby with her ex-husband. Surely she'd have figured him out at some point and wanted out of their marriage, and she'd never want to put a child through that. Her parents had been married for forty years and counting, and she was thankful they'd stayed together throughout the years, for better or worse.

  "Kathleen has very high expectations for her daughter. She wants Olivia to be the next Carrie Underwood. And she could very well be on her way after tonight. Being a part of the opening entertainment is great for her. She's on right before Steve Benz."

  "I've heard of him."

  "He's moving his way up the charts; she's not yet. He's becoming quite the star, and Kathleen wants to see the same thing happen for her daughter. You know why I manage Olivia's career, don't you?"

  "Because you're connected and you were in the business yourself for years," Michaela replied.

  Audrey shook her head and frowned. "Sure, I thought I'd be the next Dolly Parton or Loretta Lynn. I started out my music career playing with Kathleen. It's how we became friends."

  "I know."

  "Anyway, Kathleen and I were wonderful together. We played some great gigs, then she met Hugh and got pregnant, and as Hugh's restaurant business took off, our career nose-dived. I don't know that many people in the biz anymore. As far as connections go, they're minimal at best. I've been able to get Olivia some decent gigs here and there, but nothing spectacular."

  "Today's event is no small feat," Michaela said. "You should be proud of it. Olivia and her mom must be thrilled."

  "I didn't land tonight's event for Olivia. Her father did it for me."

  "Ah, now I'm catching on," Michaela said. "It's obvious that you and him have remained friends after the divorce. You've bought horses from him for quite some time, haven't you?"

  Audrey nodded slowly. "True, but the divorce only happened a couple of years ago and…"

  "And Kathleen doesn't know you still deal with Hugh. If she did, she wouldn't be too happy about it." Michaela knew of Audrey's long history with the Bowen family.

  "Bingo. Hugh wasn't exactly graceful in his exit from Kathleen's life, but my friend was also no angel. No one was right in that mess, and I do agree with Kathleen on one thing: That new wife of Hugh's is no peach. She's a real pain and has driven quite a wedge between Olivia and her father. The only reason I'm managing Olivia's career is because Kathleen can't stand the idea of having her father involved in it. Olivia's dad can do things for her career that I can't. He's got the money and he does have connections. Today proves it, and Olivia has the talent to be a megastar, but I can't take her there. And honestly, I don't think the girl wants to be one. Olivia has her own dreams. She wants to be a jockey."

  "Interesting," Michaela said. She could hear the tension in Audrey's voice. Audrey's own dreams hadn't panned out, and there were regrets. She'd always encouraged Michaela to go after her dreams, just like her uncle had. What she didn't understand was that if Olivia did have this dream of racing horses, then why was Audrey involved in the singing part? "She's certainly petite enough. And, I'm sure she's grown up riding. Why doesn't she pursue her dream? I admire it."

  "It is quite a dream. You know it's not easy for a woman riding in your circuit. Racing is probably even more difficult. The sexism is ridiculous. A lot of owners don't think a woman can ride as well as a man, and I've heard stories where an owner will let a woman ride the worst of his horses. There are also some sleazy trainers and owners out there who will allow a woman to ride for certain…favors."

  "But Olivia shouldn't have to deal with that, with her dad being an owner. She could ride one of his horses. Can't she talk to him about this?" Michaela felt terrible for the girl.

  "It's complicated, like I said. Olivia is angry with her father over leaving her mom and remarrying. Kathleen is even more pissed at him and she'd come undone if Olivia started racing. Yes, Olivia can ride, but her mother won't hear of it. She is a complicated woman. She worries like crazy about Olivia but then pressures her into a business the girl doesn't want to be involved in. She's kind of pathetic. You'll see what I mean. I think Olivia somehow feels responsible for her mother's happiness since the divorce, so she keeps up the singing to please her."

  "And you are caught in the middle." Michaela figured that, because Audrey had been friends with both Hugh and Kathleen for years and she adored Olivia, she felt totally stuck. "What are you going to do?"

  "I don't know what I can do. I do love Olivia as if she were my own," Audrey replied. "But she isn't, and if I cause a rift, not only will I lose my friendships with Hugh and Kathleen, I may lose my connection with Olivia. So, you understand why when we see Kathleen this afternoon, we don't mention anything about Hugh? She would be horrified to learn we're going to his place, especially if the new wifey is around, and she very well could be. I don't think she goes too far from anything that glitters, and Hugh Bowen has plenty of glitter."

  Michaela agreed that mum was the word. Audrey sighed heavily as they pulled in to the front gates at La Catalina, causing her to wonder if there was more on her friend's mind than what she'd revealed during the drive to the races.

  FIVE

  AS MICHAELA GOT OUT OF THE TRUCK WITH AUDREY, the sights and sounds instantly made her smile. The blurs of bright color, people chatting, laughing, the clip-clop of horses' hooves as they were lea
d into the paddock for the preview of things to come, the drone of tractors dragging the track, all of it spoke of great history and tradition. What was there not to love about a sunny Southern California Saturday at the races?

  "I need to check in with Olivia. She should be getting ready for the show," Audrey said, taking Michaela's hand and leading her like a child, which had always been her way. Michaela had only met Olivia twice, but she'd heard quite a bit about her from Audrey over the years. Olivia was getting ready in a room off to the side of the racetrack restaurant, reserved for VIPs.

  Michaela was a bit surprised to see a meek young woman putting her makeup on. She knew Olivia to be shy. But this woman—girl, really, from the looks of her—was pale and thin. Dark circles under her glassy blue eyes made her look gaunt. Her long blond hair hung loose down near her hips. Still, she was beautiful, with an almost haunting presence. "Hi," she said, spotting them, an edge of sadness in her tone.

  "Hi, honey. You look wonderful."

  "Thank you. My mom says I need some more shimmer and glimmer." She frowned. "She doesn't think jeans and this blouse are appropriate," she said sarcastically, holding the ends of a flowing-type blouse, which was white with a pattern of small red roses throughout. It was on the hippy side of apparel. But it worked well for what Olivia was about: a slightly artsy, folksy sort, like an Alanis Morissette meets Tori Amos. Man, did Michaela want to run out and get her a cheeseburger. No, make that a double double. The kid needed to put on some weight.

  Audrey waved a hand at her. "What does she know, right? You look wonderful. You remember Michaela Bancroft? You met her at one of my Halloween parties."

  Olivia nodded. "Oh, hey, hi." She reached her hand out and shook Michaela's with the grip of a child.