by Ruby Loren
Hayley shook her head at him and Miles looked up at the sky. “Wow, that is a mess," she said, not feeling any sympathy for him. “You didn't stop to think that maybe, just maybe, a woman who is scared that her husband is going to find out about an affair that only the murder victim knew about might have a good reason to kill the afore mentioned victim?”
“Jude didn’t think that Kali would tell him. She said they’d work it out,” Miles said, but Hayley could tell he didn’t believe the words he was saying.
“I think Jude may have just become the prime suspect and you’re guilty of helping her to conceal evidence," she said, not noticing that Oliver had walked up behind her.
“Well, well, that sounds like trouble to me, Miles. It would be awful if anyone found out!” Oliver flashed the full force of his smile and Hayley found herself starting to agree with Miles on one point: Oliver Townsby was a snake in the grass. “How about we talk over the terms of stabling Waxwing?” He carried on, smile wider than ever.
CHAPTER SIX
Gift Horse
Despite the bad mood of the day, Hayley took Waxwing out for a proper ride that evening. Whatever Miles’ feelings on the matter were, Oliver had managed to wriggle his way in and there wasn’t much that could be done about it - bar a loss of their reputation. Hayley hated to be beholden to such a man and wasn’t feeling too generous towards Miles either, as it was his transgressions that had landed them in trouble.
“After all that, I think you’re the least of the problems,” Hayley told the sleek grey horse beneath her, who was such a delight to work with. He had his rough edges, but considering Oliver had told her he’d never really been trained properly, his potential was remarkable.
She took him for one final round across the jumps and then walked him back to the stables, her heart feeling light despite everything that had happened that day.
“Hayley, can we talk?”
She looked up to see Miles waiting by Waxwing’s stable. She motioned for him to move aside to a safe distance before she removed Waxwing’s newly arrived tack and put him in the stable, planning a rub down as soon as Miles had said whatever it was he wanted to say.
She turned to face him and waited.
“I just wanted to say, I’m sorry. I’ve been an ass recently and it’s really made a mess of things, especially between us.” He lifted his gaze to meet hers. “You were right when you said I don’t give you enough say in this business. When I asked you to be my business partner, I meant it. I want your opinion and I’ve been a fool for not taking your advice and just assuming that I’m right all the time. I have an idea I’m working on but…” He shook his head. “For now, if there’s anything you want changing or have thoughts on, come and tell me and we’ll talk it out - together.”
Hayley looked in at Waxwing as she wondered if Miles was just telling her what he thought she wanted to hear, or if he really meant what he was saying. Only time would tell. “That sounds like a good plan," she said carefully. “As for the mistakes, we all make them, Miles, but in future it’s usually best if you come clean as soon as you know you did wrong - especially to the people who are close to you.”
Miles nodded petulantly but she could tell a weight was off his chest. “So, how is the new horse?” He asked, stepping a little closer and getting a warning snort.
Hayley raised an eyebrow. “He’s a work in progress. At some point, I’ll need a guinea pig to see if we can’t persuade Waxwing here to get over his aversion to, well… everyone. It sounds to me like a great opportunity for some business partner bonding! But you’re the expert on business bonding, what do you think?” She asked, the smile sliding onto her face.
Miles echoed it. “I think that despite the fee Ollie’s paying me to look after this horror, it’s still not enough to warrant being bitten and stamped all over.”
***
“Sorry, I know it was my turn to host, but my place is an absolute tip,” Shaun said when he walked into Hayley’s apartment carrying a bottle of wine.
She smiled as she took it, her lips brushing his. “I understand, you've been busy. To be honest, I’m just happy to see you at all. This case has been a bit different from the one when we met, but I suppose that’s the nature of police work - every time is different. Besides, your partner seems to be doing a good job of helping out.” She turned away and bit her tongue as she cut up the garlic bread. Had she managed to keep her tone light?
“Partner? You mean Jasmine - Officer Reynolds?”
Hayley's eyebrows shot up. So it was, Jasmine, was it? “Yes, she sticks to you like glue… I assumed she was assigned to work with you, or something?”
Shaun sat down at her kitchen table and rested his head on his hands. Hayley stopped cutting up bread and looked at him in surprise. “Is everything okay?” She asked and Shaun half nodded before shaking his head.
“Not exactly, no. She’s worked with Jenkins since the start of her career and I think he’s put her up to this. She’s been keeping such a close eye on me I can hardly breath without her noticing.”
"Do you think she has feelings for you?” Hayley asked, trying to keep it casual.
Shaun had taken a sip from a glass of water and now he spluttered it all over the table. “Feelings? I don’t think that woman has eyes for anything other than her glowing career.” He smoothed his blonde hair over his forehead. “I think she’s acting as a spy in order to butter up the chief. He’s clearly asked her to watch how I do with this case and report back.” He chewed his lip for a moment. “I’m not so sure that she’s going to be saying anything good.”
“She told me to butt out,” Hayley confessed and Shaun looked horrified.
“Oh, I’m sunk. She did say she didn’t think I should be sharing details of the case with civilians - especially those with, uh, a personal connection.” He splayed his hands on the damp table. “If she told you that, she’ll be whispering in Jenkins’ ear in no time at all." He tugged at his hair. “Maybe we shouldn’t see each other until this is all over.”
“What?!” Hayley said, setting the garlic bread bowl down a little too hard.
"Just until the case is solved! I’m so busy right now, it’s hardly fair on you. Everything will be okay once it’s all done and dusted,” Shaun reassured her.
“Shaun, if you think our relationship is something you can just dip in and out of at leisure, then I don’t think we should be seeing each other at all,” Hayley said, feeling a lead weight sink onto her chest. “I can’t believe you’re listening to Jasmine.”
“Don’t be like that! I’m just trying to not get in trouble at work, it’s no reflection on you, this is all me,” Shaun protested and then started to see that he was only digging the hole deeper. “Look, it was just an idea. I thought it might be easier but I don't want this to end, not like that. I really like you Hayley,” Shaun said, his hazel eyes finding hers.
Hayley sat down on a chair and stuffed a piece of garlic bread into her mouth - the only logical course of action at a time like this. "I just want you to feel that you can trust me," she said, trying not to think about the phone call she’d heard Miles make, which had turned out to be rather important after all. “You don’t have to share everything but I just don’t want to feel like I’m under suspicion. I’m not, am I?" She asked and Shaun hurriedly shook his head.
“Goodness, no! I don’t think it was Miles either. A brief fling with someone you’ve never met before is hardly giving him enough motive to kill. It’s almost certainly one of the bridesmaids but I still don’t know who, how, or even why…” He sighed. “Two more days until they’re due to go home, if they don’t leave before then. They all live locally, but it would be nice to get it wrapped up before then."
“Too bad things aren’t always nice or convenient,” Hayley said drily and Shaun winced at her words, knowing what she meant.
***
The sky was overcast for the last day of the hen’s holiday, two days later. Hayley had been surprised when the
women had announced their decision to see it through, theoretically in memory of their deceased friend. She thought it even worse that one of their number probably knew exactly how their friend had met her end, but they all seemed hell bent on pretending that it was some horrible accident. Hayley had taken to avoiding the subject and had instead focussed on sharing her psychology tips and advising them on the best rides in the area. The less interaction she had with them, the better. Especially with Jasmine still sniffing around whenever Inspector Rouen popped in to re-examine one thing or another.
Instead of worrying about the case, and her relationship with Shaun, she'd thrown herself into working with the young colts and fillies and (her secret favourite) Waxwing. The smoke grey horse had already come on leaps and bounds in his pre-eventing training and she was convinced that he would be ready to ride in events that coming summer, if she could only find a rider for him!
Hayley shook her worries from her head as she walked through the stables towards Waxwing’s stable. She had mucking out duty to do (as no one else could) and then it would be time for her ride, which had quickly become the highlight of her day. Despite the grey weather, she planned on hacking up to the woods and taking a turn around the cross country course that was up there. It was a challenging ride, but she was convinced the young horse could do it.
Hayley frowned as she rounded the corner and saw something placed in front of Waxwing's stall. Her eyebrows lifted as she saw it was wrapped in cellophane. Whoever had left it there must have been brave enough to run the gauntlet of Waxwing.
She bent down and picked it up, the friendly dark grey nose trying to investigate what she had.
“Champagne and chocolate,” she said to the horse, showing him the packet, which he immediately tried to eat. “Stop it,” she told him, plucking the card from the wrapping. Had Shaun decided to make it up to her after their disastrous night in together?
Dear Hayley, I am already hearing wonderful things about your work with Waxwing. Please let me know if you will consider being his rider. He would be all yours,
Ollie xx
“What’s that?” Miles said, seeing her standing there with the ostentatious gift.
Hayley fought the urge to hide it. “Ollie… I don’t know how, but this was left outside Waxwing’s stable.”
Miles frowned. “Typical. He must have paid someone off who works here.” He leant over Hayley’s shoulder and read the note, his frown deepening. “I’ll find them,” he vowed and Hayley rolled her eyes.
“Surely it’s just better to let it lie? He likes to check up on things and is clearly a control freak, but he is paying the stable money and so far nothing bad has happened.” She raised an eyebrow at Miles so he knew exactly what she was referring to.
“Hello, Miles, could we have a quick word?” Hayley spun at the familiar voice to find Inspector Rouen and Jasmine standing right there.
Shaun’s eyes moved from the cellophane wrapped present to Miles and back again.
“No, that’s not from me,” Miles denied, far too hastily to come across as cool.
“It’s from the owner of the horse. Apparently this is how he likes to say thank you,” Hayley said, knowing it sounded weak when the gift had every appearance of being a personal gesture.
A line creased in Shaun’s forehead but he held back whatever it was he wanted to say and instead turned to Miles. "If you don’t mind, a word?”
Hayley waited until they were gone and then stowed the gift in the tack room before leading Waxwing from his stable. "If I didn't know any better, I’d say your owner has cameras all around this place and times everything he does in order to cause the most drama.” The big grey horse whinnied and tossed his head. “I suppose it serves him right that he landed up with an even bigger drama queen for a horse!”
CHAPTER SEVEN
A Woman's Touch
Hayley felt calmer when she led Waxwing back to the stable after their morning ride. The whole day was stretched out before her and all she had to do was work with horses. She was finally able to do the job she loved and nothing was going to get in her way.
“You hang out here for a bit and behave while I go and get the grooming gear,” she told the big horse, who was already eyeing a hay net someone had left outside the stable.
She was only gone a minute, but when she returned someone was reaching out to touch Waxwing. “Whoa! Be careful!” She warned, remembering to keep her voice quiet but urgent. The girl, who had to be in her teens, turned and looked at her in surprise, taking her focus off of Waxwing. Hayley held her breath as time seemed to freeze and Waxwing stretched out his neck… only to nose the girl’s hand.
“Is everything okay?” The teen asked and Hayley quickly rearranged her features into something that wasn’t shock.
“He seems to like you,” she observed, walking over to the horse and girl. “I’m Hayley Argent, the…”
“…Horse psychologist,” the girl finished with an embarrassed giggle. “I know who you are. My mum says you work on our family’s racehorses.” A dark cloud seemed to pass over her face. “Only, I’m too young to ride any of them. They don’t want me to go into racing because it’s too dangerous. I’ve been caught sneaking out and riding a few times and they were furious.” Hayley tilted her head enquiringly and the girl sighed. “Mum had an accident and now she has limited movement in her right arm. She says she doesn’t want that for me, so now all I’m allowed to do is ride ponies in stupid gymkhana events. Where’s the fun in that?” Her shoulder length, dark brown hair swung forwards as she lowered her head. “I’m Lana, by the way, Lana Tristan.”
Hayley immediately recognised the girl’s last name and watched her interacting with Waxwing. An idea started to form in her head. “Was it really just racing your parents didn’t want you to do?”
Lana sighed again and nodded emphatically. “Yes, they say there’s too much that can go wrong, although I’ve seen plenty of falls in gymkhana.” She shrugged. "I guess then it’s more down to the horse and rider, in racing you’ve got all of the other horses and riders to worry about too, so sometimes there's not a lot you can do. They just don’t get it. I don’t want to watch from the sidelines all the time. I want to make my own name!” She turned her serious blue eyes to Hayley and a little smile appeared on her face. “Sorry, I probably sound like any angst-ridden teenager.”
“We've all been there,” Hayley said and then nodded to Waxwing. “Have you ever thought about competing in three day event competitions?”
“Well, sure, but I wouldn’t know where to start. All my parents know and like is racehorses. The only horse they ever got me was some fat riding school pony.” She pushed her hair back dramatically. “I mean, I love Beanie, but it’s hardly the same as…” She inclined her head and Hayley found a smile was on her lips.
“I’ve got a crazy idea that might get us both into trouble but, you sound like just the person I need for it,” she said and watched the teenager's face light up.
Ten minutes later, Lana had been briefed on Waxwing's history of bad behaviour and was still ecstatic about the idea of riding him. Hayley walked the big horse up to the quiet practice field and Lana followed a few minutes’ later, both doing their best to be as inconspicuous as possible.
“Okay, now remember... don’t fall off,” Hayley said as she helped the other girl into the saddle.
Lana laughed a little nervously but then sat up straight and gripped the reins. Hayley could tell that for all her claims of only riding dud horses before, with the exception of her forbidden rides, she knew her way around horses. “This is amazing, I can’t believe you’re letting me ride him,” Lana said when she’d trotted around the field a couple of times.
“Well, he really needs to have someone other than me riding him. He’s attacked everyone else so far and I'm still figuring out why, however…” Hayley thought back to when Waxwing had snapped at Jasmine and decided to put that down to the horse having good taste. “I’m starting to wonder if per
haps he just doesn’t like men. I’ll have to ask Ollie to check if he's tried female riders before but perhaps that’s all it is. He was broken in badly and now he needs a woman’s touch.”
“Okay, jumps?” Lana asked and Hayley allowed her to try a couple of low ones. After all, they were doing all of this without permission!
The young rider and Hayley chatted happily as they walked Waxwing back to the yard, both of them feeling as though they were on cloud nine. Hayley promised to talk to Lana's parents and was hopeful that she would be able to persuade them to allow their daughter to ride Waxwing. She also had a mind to ask Ollie to come over and watch as she had a feeling that she might have just found him his star rider…
***
“Hayley, we need to talk,” Miles said as the evening drew in and Hayley finished up her final coaching session with a young man and his hunter, who had developed a fear of water.