‘He might be yet.’
‘Something you’re not telling me?’
‘Well I was asking around and apparently he’s had trouble interstate.’
‘I’m not surprised, but I just wish it wasn’t us who gave him a ride.’
‘Anyway, I’ve officially reported him. Let’s just hope Howie isn’t too worse for wear for the ordeal.’
They fell silent as an exhausted Howie and red-faced jockey came towards them.
The jockey leapt off and threw the reins aside. ‘Here, take your bloody nag,’ he growled, ripping his helmet off and then its silk covering.
Claire caught the small piece of fabric he threw at her. She waited in silence as he struggled out of the silks. She stayed silent, willing them to be still intact when he’d finished. She stumbled backwards slightly at the force with which he shoved them into her chest.
He stomped off and Claire watched as two men in suits carrying notebooks approached him.
Howie stood beside her, heaving and dripping in sweat. Pink-tinged foam clung to his lips. She inspected his mouth and found a tiny patch rubbed raw by the bit in each corner. Thankfully it wasn’t too bad, probably only take a couple of days to heal. But the psychological trauma would take much longer.
Chapter Twenty–three
Claire was pleased to be distracted by Bernadette bounding up and screeching about how it was just like being at the Cup.
‘You’ve never even been to the Melbourne Cup, Bernie. And you’ve been to heaps of race meetings before.’
‘I know, but it’s just so exciting – you know what I mean.’ She took in the troubled look on Claire’s face. ‘Sorry he didn’t win.’
‘Where were you anyway? I thought you were here for moral support.’
‘Out the back with Maddie and Paycheque. I wanted to keep an eye on them while you were busy with the race.’
‘Are they all right?’ Maddie had suggested she lead the horse around for a while so they could bond before she got on him. Claire had been instantly impressed – finally, someone else who understood the complex little horse.
‘So far so good. She’s on and warming him up. Derek’s out there with her as well. He said she rode dressage for years – it certainly shows. Beautiful rider, lovely soft hands – Paycheque seems to be putty in them, anyway,’ Bernadette laughed.
‘Hopefully we’re onto a winner there,’ Jack said.
Claire felt a twinge of jealousy, but reminded herself the results were what mattered, not who got them. As she wasn’t a qualified jockey she had to have outside involvement.
‘How about I deal with this great lump and you two go over and take a look for yourselves,’ Bernadette offered.
‘Sure you don’t mind?’
‘No, I’ll hose him down, dry him off and put his stable rugs on. Oh, and is there something to put on his mouth? Ouch, that looks sore. Poor thing,’ she said, patting the horse.
‘There’s some antiseptic cream in a tube in the box under the pile of rugs. You’re a star, thanks. His feed is in the bucket just outside his stable – it’s got his name on the lid. Once he’s cool and his heart rate settles, mix it with a bit of water and give it to him.’
‘Okay, got all that. Leave him to me,’ Bernadette said, accepting Howie’s reins from Claire.
‘Thanks Bernie – you can come with us any time you like,’ Jack said, and sauntered off.
Claire noticed Howie’s sideward glance, but shook off her misgivings – this wasn’t like handing him over to that jockey. Given half a chance, Bernie would pamper him until he forgot he was a horse.
She stopped beside a float to watch Maddie and Paycheque unseen. Bernie was right: the horse certainly was behaving well. But more impressive were the instructions being issued by Derek standing in the centre of the circle Maddie was riding in.
‘Stretch your legs down a bit more, he’s not tracking true to the circle,’ Derek commanded.
She realised Maddie was riding without stirrups. Her legs, which seemed a lot longer than when she was on the ground, were stretched down Paycheque’s ribcage.
‘Okay, now see if he’ll do a shoulder-in. That’s it, inside leg to outside rein. A little more, put a bit of pressure on – he can handle it. Oh, well done! Give him a pat, bring him back to walk and let him relax.’
‘He looks great,’ Claire said, striding across to Derek. ‘We could put him in the hack ring judging by that.’
Derek reddened a little. ‘Hope you don’t mind. We thought it might help if he was focussed on his rider.’
‘Mind? Not at all. It’s a little unorthodox, but if it keeps him calm and functioning then I’m all for it.’
Maddie halted next to them, her reins hanging loose below Paycheque’s relaxed long sleek neck. Claire gave the horse a pat.
‘You two seem to be getting on well,’ she said, beaming up at Maddie.
The girl was flushed. ‘I think he trusts me now. He was really listening right at the end. Hope you don’t mind – some trainers get a bit weird seeing racehorses doing dressage. They think it’ll corrupt them or something.’
‘Well I can understand that – the way it’s always been done and all that. But no, I say whatever works. I ride with my stirrups long, too – too old and stiff to have my knees up near my ears.’ Claire laughed.
‘Know how you feel,’ Derek groaned and they all enjoyed a brief chuckle. Claire looked at Derek and turned away quickly when he caught her eye.
‘So. Do you feel he’s up to a proper run?’
‘Absolutely. You’ll do your best, won’t you, mate?’ Maddie said, giving the horse’s neck a pat.
Claire checked her watch. ‘Perfect timing: ten minutes till we have to be mounted up. I’ll lead him around while you get ready.’
Maddie dismounted and handed the reins to Claire. ‘I think I’ll be needing these,’ she said, grinning and tugging at the silks in Claire’s hand.
Claire looked down. She’d completely forgotten she was still holding them. She handed them over. ‘Sorry, they’re a bit damp.’
‘That’s okay. Meet you at the mounting yard then. Thanks for your help, Dad,’ she said, and pecked Derek on the cheek before moving away.
‘No worries, see you later – just look after each other,’ he called as his daughter bolted across to the car park.
Claire and Derek walked side by side. ‘I didn’t know you were so hands on,’ Claire said.
‘With what: Maddie or the horses?’
‘Both, I guess,’ Claire said with a laugh.
‘Well you know these horsey girls; I realised early on I’d better join them or feel very left out of it all. So I became an instructor – figured it was safer to stay on the ground. Of course, that was all before work took over.’
‘Your wife’s horsey as well?’ Claire kicked herself for her choice of words, but Derek didn’t seem to have noticed.
‘Was. She died a few years ago.’
‘Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…’
‘It’s okay, Claire. It was a long time ago.’
They fell silent.
‘It was an accident.’
‘Sorry?’
‘Amy, my wife. She died in a car accident.’
‘I didn’t, I don’t…’ Claire’s face flamed.
‘Claire, I know you’re dying to ask.’ He shot her a sympathetic look.
What Claire was really dying to know was how she’d worked with him so long and never known he was a widower with a child. Office gossip had got it so wrong. But Derek continued.
‘They were coming back from a Pony Club rally. I was at work. A roo jumped out and Amy braked but the float jackknifed and pushed them into a tree. Sometimes I think Maddie found it harder to deal with the loss of her horse than her mother.’ Claire could see the pain in Derek’s face. He clearly hadn’t shared the story with many people. Claire felt privileged.
‘Listen to me going on like a sentimental old fool,’ he suddenly said, gathe
ring his emotions and shutting the lid.
‘You must have loved her very much,’ Claire said, cringing as the cliché left her mouth. Why couldn’t she come up with something poignant when it mattered?
‘It wasn’t a perfect marriage by any stretch but, yes, I loved her. Of course, don’t we always love them more when they’re gone?’
‘Ain’t that the truth,’ Claire groaned, not intending to say the words aloud.
‘Ah, hindsight – it’s a dangerous, wonderful thing.’
They arrived at the mounting yard at the same time as Maddie. Claire stepped aside as Derek moved forward to leg his daughter up and give her a quick pep talk, a little miffed at being pushed aside.
Jack wandered over and gave the horse a heavy slap on his neck. ‘Just do your best lad, you’ve got nothing to prove.’
‘I’ll look after him Mr McIntyre. Don’t you worry,’ Maddie said, beaming.
‘Call me Jack, love. Just remember, bail out if he gives you trouble at the barriers. We don’t want any accidents.’
Claire was struggling for words. ‘Good luck,’ was all she could manage. She just hoped the kid would have the guts to ride out the rough and tumble. Looking at her child-like beaming face, tiny hands and legs that now looked half their length all jacked up, she had her doubts. It was all going to end in tears.
‘I’m going to watch from the stands. You coming?’ Derek called as they stood staring after Paycheque who was disappearing out onto the track with the other horses.
‘Shouldn’t we be on hand in case something happens at the barriers?’
‘Claire, it’s out of our hands now. Leave him to Maddie – she looks more than capable.’
Claire looked at Derek.
‘Really, Claire, I know she looks young, but she’s not one to take unnecessary risks.’
‘If you’re sure.’
The trio made their way up into the small corrugated iron grandstand. From the top plank they could see horses moving around behind the barriers, but not in any great detail. Claire held her breath and crossed her fingers as the commentator named the horses that were set to go. Her heart skipped when he announced that the jockey of number twelve – Paycheque – had dismounted.
‘Shit, what’s going on? I can’t see a thing,’ she growled.
‘I’m sure it’s okay,’ Derek said, putting a hand on her knee.
Claire stared at the hand that felt like it was burning a hole in her jeans, only coming to her senses with a start when the caller cried, ‘And they’re off and racing’.
She looked from behind the barriers to the track and couldn’t see Maddie or Paycheque. She wasn’t sure if she should be relieved or more worried.
‘Come on, easy,’ Jack urged.
‘That’s my girl. Let him settle,’ Derek mumbled.
Her heart skipped. There they were, dead last but gathering speed, catching up. She stood and began shouting, ‘Come on, you can do it! Go! Go! Go!’ She didn’t notice Bernie slip in beside her.
‘Look at him go! He’s catching up,’ Bernie cried.
They watched as the horses rounded the last bend and started making their way up the straight. It was a scrappy race. Horses were all over the track jostling each other. Claire held her breath, hoping Maddie would find a line and get through. Paycheque was in the second pack, right on the heels of the frontrunners.
‘Too little, too late,’ she groaned. Maddie didn’t have anywhere to go. The horses approached the finish line with Paycheque locked in behind. He crossed the line in second last place. Claire scowled and let her binoculars fall to the end of the strap around her neck.
They all slumped back down onto the bench with a collective sigh.
‘Damn it!’ Claire said, slapping her leg.
‘God Claire, what happened to no pressure?’ Bernie said, staring at her friend.
‘It was a good run, considering,’ Jack said. ‘Maddie did well to just get him to the line.’
Claire’s face burnt from the criticism. ‘Sorry Derek, I didn’t mean to imply that Maddie…’
‘Hey, I didn’t say anything,’ Derek said, putting his hands up. ‘Out there she’s your employee as well as my daughter. But if I were the owner of that horse I’d have to say she rode the race about right. He landed on the track like a rabbit caught in headlights. You’ll see what I mean when you see the tape.’
‘What tape?’
‘Oh I have a mate tape every race – it’s good for keeping an eye on the competition, amongst other things.’
Bernie leapt up. ‘Come on. Don’t know about you guys but I’m dying to tell Maddie how well she did.’
Claire cringed. These were the things she was supposed to be saying, instead of feeling humiliated for her horse coming almost last.
Back at the stall, Maddie chattered non-stop while they tended to Paycheque.
‘You should have seen the bloke at the barriers when I told him not to touch Paycheque if he wanted to see the end of the day. I’ll probably be reported. They’re meant to be there to help, but they’re all rough as guts. And when I got off and led him in… Well clearly they have a problem with independent women or it’s just a control thing.’
They all enjoyed a chuckle.
‘I wasn’t having them upsetting the poor fellow after we’d done so well to calm him down. He called me a bolshie lesbian.’ She laughed. ‘I can just imagine what he was thinking. Still, better than having them paw you. Men,’ she groaned theatrically as she sat down and put her foot up for Derek to pull off her boot.
Derek and Claire exchanged amused expressions. No wonder the kid was having trouble getting rides, Claire thought to herself. She was liking the girl more and more.
‘I did try to talk you out of this industry,’ Derek said.
‘You go girl,’ Bernadette said, offering her hand for a high five.
The sun was a large red fireball not far above the horizon when they all finally said their goodbyes.
Bernadette had cried, ‘See you at ten,’ at the last minute and Claire had flinched, hoping she wouldn’t say any more. She hadn’t told her father about her plans to find her own accommodation as yet.
Jack and Claire drove home in silence, Jack focussed on driving the ute, Claire on staring out the window and wondering what sort of evening lay in store for Derek and Maddie.
Part of her wished she’d invited them back for a bite to eat. After all, the kid had done more than just be their jockey. She really should have shown more gratitude – she’d have to remember to phone Derek the next night.
Right now she needed a long, hot bath. After that, it would be a big bowl of pumpkin soup and a quiet night in her pyjamas with a DVD.
Her mother had always made a pot of soup for tea after race days and Pony Club competitions. It had been a tradition for as long as she could remember. No matter the weather, it was always just what Claire felt like after an exhausting day out.
Claire turned back from the window at hearing her father’s voice.
‘Excellent, at this rate we’ll have plenty of time to be all settled before The Bill. It’s the series final.’
Claire’s heart sank as her dream evening shattered around her. ‘Is it?’ she said, glancing at her father.
‘You don’t mind, do you?’
‘No, not at all.’
She turned back to the window and pictured herself tucked up on her own couch in her own cute cottage with her own picket fence.
Chapter Twenty–four
The next morning, Claire arrived at Bernadette’s shop at ten minutes to ten, filled with both excitement and trepidation. David arrived soon after in a Mercedes convertible. Claire stared at the gorgeous gleaming red car.
‘Always looks better for this type of excursion to turn up in a Merc rather than a common old Holden,’ David called from the window. ‘No offence, just a tactic of the game,’ he added, getting out.
Claire took in his attire. He looked incredibly fetching in tan dress boots,
navy chinos, and an open-necked long-sleeved blue and white striped shirt with cuffs folded back twice. The girls exchanged quick grins.
‘Thought I should at least look the part of the country man about town,’ he said, twirling around to give the girls the full view. ‘Now,’ he said, leaning into the car and bringing out a cardboard takeaway tray of coffees, ‘I took the liberty of collecting a few goodies along the way.’ Claire and Bernadette accepted them with coos of gratitude.
‘While you drink those, if you will please peruse the itinerary,’ he said, pulling two folded sheets of paper from his jacket pocket.
‘Itinerary, what a good idea!’ Bernadette cried, accepting hers and shaking it open with her free hand.
Claire shook her own copy open. She was amazed to see their day allocated to driving time, six house inspections, lunch and afternoon tea breaks. Each property had a thumbnail photo, a list of ‘must have’ and ‘I wish’ features with boxes to tick, the agent’s details, and a few lines for additional comments. She tried very hard to appear unimpressed.
‘Thanks David, you’re a star. This will make things so much easier.’
‘It’s just like being on a school excursion or something,’ Bernadette said.
‘Just as long as you don’t go putting graffiti in the toilets,’ David said.
‘No,’ Claire said, chuckling, ‘spit balls were more Bernadette’s style.’
‘Thanks very much, friend.’ Bernadette scowled, turning red.
‘Well, we’d better get this show on the road if we’re to make our 10:30 a.m. “Picture perfect – everything and more”. Your chariot awaits,’ David said, opening the two passenger doors. Unless you’d like to be chauffeured properly,’ he added, shutting the front door.
‘Oh yes, let’s. What fun!’ Bernie cried, leaping into the back of the car.
Claire was momentarily stunned. She thought her friend would have wanted to sit up front with David.
‘Come on, Claire, in you hop,’ Bernadette cried, slapping the seat beside her.
Claire gave David a shrug, bounded around to the other door and got in.
‘I would have got the door for you if you’d given me half a chance,’ David said, putting on a pout.
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