Risky Business: a Kovak & Quaid Horse Mystery, #4

Chapter 1

You have to be kidding!

Kim Kovak shrank back at the fury in her best friend’s voice.

Dixie’s blue eyes flashed. After what he did to you?

He’s sick, Dixie. I can’t just abandon him.

And why not? Peter certainly had no qualms about leaving you to face months of physical therapy and psychological trauma all by yourself.

Kim looked away. I know. It’s hard to believe that I feel this way, but he asked me to help. I feel like I have to do this.

Dixie shook her head vehemently. I disagree. What the hell is so important that he needs to drag you into it? You just got your life back together. She leaned into Kim’s face. "And what about Garrett? Huh? What about him?"

Garrett said he understood. We talked a couple of days ago. He’s all about doing the right thing, so why wouldn’t he be okay with it?

Because after all he’s been through, he was willing to let down his guard and take a chance with you. I hardly think this will help your relationship with him.

Kim watched Dixie’s angry expression change to disgust. In Kim’s wildest imagination, she hadn’t expected her best friend to react like this about the reappearance of Kim’s ex-fiancé. Perhaps Dixie was right, but she couldn’t know for sure how Kim felt. Kim herself wasn’t sure why she’d stepped through that door to the past.

Dixie crossed her arms. "So, what’s this big thing Peter wants you to help him with?"

Kim closed her eyes briefly. I don’t know yet, but something bad has happened, I’m sure of that. I’ll find out tonight. Please try to understand, Dix. I need your support in this.

Dixie’s features softened and she nodded. Okay, I’ll try. But don’t let whatever it is destroy your chances with Garrett.

Later that morning, Kim stepped through the barn door at Running Brook, pausing to let the ambience surround her and filter into her soul. No matter how hard her day had been or how unhappy she might feel, the sounds and smells of the stables were a salve. Today was no different.

Bandit?

A loud whinny reverberated through the rafters and her horse’s handsome head popped over the stall door. He called again, emphasizing his enthusiasm by banging his hoof against the door.

Kim laughed and walked toward the horse that had saved her life. Not literally, she mused, but he’d given her purpose and a way to move past the horror of her own history.

Bandit’s soft muzzle pushed and prodded Kim’s pockets, searching out the carrots she always brought. While he munched, Kim stroked his sleek neck and let the peace of the moment saturate her mind.

A moment later, she grabbed his halter off the hook outside the stall.

You, my boy, are going to get a good workout today. It’s spring and I’m so ready for a trail ride, I can taste it.

Great idea! Want some company?

Kim whirled around. Sandy Barnes! How the heck are ya?

Dying to ride. I haven’t been on Lacey in over a month.

Kim stepped outside the stall. Really? Been too busy?

No, I had pneumonia. Really knocked me off my feet, but the doc says I can go back to my normal life now. She laughed. Whatever that is.

Kim shook her head. That’s awful. But yes, I’d love your company.

I’ll meet you outside in about fifteen minutes.

Kim nodded, then headed for the tack room. Across the aisle, Sandy talked to her pretty chocolate brown mare. Kim smiled, understanding completely the connection she had with her special horse. As Kim approached the tack room, she automatically glanced toward the far corner where Garrett Quaid’s horse had been stalled the last time she’d visited. She stopped and stared in surprise. The black Morgan was still there.

She took a few steps toward the stall, remembering the horse’s animosity toward women.

Hey, Commander, she said softly. How you doin’, buddy?

His ears pricked forward and his dark eyes looked directly at her. She said his name again and he chuckled deep in his throat, but remained at the back of his stall.

Slowly, she approached the door, ready at any moment to leap backward if he lunged for her.

He stood quietly, watching. His ears remained up, his nostrils flared to catch her scent.

What am I doing? she thought.

At that close distance, she could clearly see the scar running down the center of his face. Anger boiled inside her again. How anyone could abuse an animal was beyond her comprehension. A cruel person had taken a riding crop to Commander’s beautiful face, just because he’d panicked from being tied up too close to the wall. Kim touched her pocket, feeling the outline of her gun, remembering how she’d wanted to hunt down that abuser and make her pay.

She let out a soft breath and stepped up to the stall door. How come you’re still here, boy?

Commander’s ears flicked and he shook his head, but didn’t move from his safe spot in the corner.

Kim sighed and turned away. The last she’d heard, Garrett had planned to move Commander to another barn. What had changed? With all the turmoil surrounding Peter’s sudden appearance, she’d been out of touch with Garrett. A murmur moved through her chest as she remembered that afternoon and the almost-kiss just before Peter knocked on her door. Crummy timing.

In the tack room, she took down her saddle and collected Bandit’s bridle, trying not to think about the series of events that had changed her life so completely in such a short time. Changed it, but not for the better.

Sandy’s smile was as bright as the morning sun as they walked the horses along the fence line, heading toward the forest trail.

I can’t believe how much I missed riding Lacey while I was ill.

Amazing, isn’t it? I had some tough times with my injured leg, so I haven’t ridden either. But the leg seems fine now and I need to catch up. We can recuperate together.

A soft spring breeze played across her face as they entered the shade just before the tree line. Bandit’s ears pricked and his pace picked up. Lacey nickered and quickened her step too. As Kim and Sandy fell into single file along the trail, Sandy commented on how well the two horses got along.

Kim chuckled. Yeah, Bandit’s had a crush on her since the first day we met.

Oh, you mean when he dumped you on the track?

Sandy’s infectious laugh echoed through the trees.

Don’t remind me. I had no business trying that stunt by myself.

If you hadn’t, we might not have become friends.

Kim turned in the saddle and looked back. Good point. Speaking of which, thanks for the lead on that horse show this weekend. Your friend was delighted that I could be the photographer.

It’s a nice organization. They haven’t been around long, but I think they’ll grow.

The two women rode in companionable silence for the next twenty minutes until the forest opened up onto a lovely meadow.

Sandy moved up beside Kim and stopped. Gosh, this is beautiful. We should bring a picnic lunch next time.

Great idea. Let’s plan... Kim’s voice trailed off as she noticed a movement in the tall grass off to the left. What’s that?

Sandy craned her neck to see where Kim pointed. I don’t see anything.

The grass rustled again, as though an animal moved through it.

Probably just a pheasant or turkey, said Kim.

As she spoke the words, the grass parted thirty feet in front of them and two small black bear cubs frolicked onto the trail.

Both horses shifted nervously, ears pricked forward, nostrils wide.

Uh oh, Kim whispered. Don’t move.

The cubs wrestled and rolled around on the ground, then stood on their stubby little legs and boxed, making grunting and squeaking noises.

They are so cute, whispered Sandy.

Kim shook her head violently and put a finger to her lips. They had to get out of there as quickly as possible. She nodded back toward the trees. Sandy looked scared, but quietly gathered her reins.

Suddenly a deafening roar filled the air and mama bear charged out of the tall grass toward her cubs. Lacey reared and Sandy screamed as she flew out of the saddle. Kim watched in horror as the brown mare raced away into the woods, leaving her rider on the ground, defenseless in the presence of the bear.

Trying to keep her tone normal, Kim spoke to Sandy. Don’t move, keep your head down.

For the longest minutes, Kim watched the female bear assess the situation. At one point, she swung her massive head toward her cubs, who’d retreated to the edge of the tall grass to await orders. Would she decide they were in no danger, and go away?

Kim almost threw up as the bear began to move slowly toward Sandy’s body. Stay still, Sandy. Don’t move. Kim silently urged her friend to stay alive. At that moment, Kim realized that Bandit had not moved a muscle. Even his ears were quiet, his face straight forward.

Slowly, Kim moved her hand to her gun, easing it out an inch at a time, her finger searching for the safety. She did not want to shoot this animal, but it might be necessary.

Suddenly, Bandit bolted from his rigid stance and charged toward the cubs. Kim’s gun fell to the ground as she tried to rein him in. The cubs squealed and began to run down the trail. The action distracted the mother bear and she turned to follow them, stopping once to look back at Bandit who now stood quietly in the tall grass. A moment later, the bear family disappeared from view. Kim jumped down and raced over to where Sandy lay.

Sandy! Are you okay?

Sandy lifted her head slowly. Am I dead yet?

Kim crumpled into a heap on the ground beside her. Thank God. Listen, we need to get out of here. She might come back after she makes sure her kids are okay.

Sandy rolled over, then got to her feet. Damn. That was certainly memorable.

Kim leaned down and collected her gun, dusting the dirt off the barrel and securing the safety again.

When she looked up, Sandy’s features formed a hard mask. "What the hell are you doing with that?"

Kim cocked her head. Have you forgotten that I’m an ex-cop?

Sandy took a step back. "Ex is the key word here. Why would you bring that along on a trail ride?"

Kim holstered the weapon and put her hands on her hips. Habit. But if I’d had to shoot the bear to save your life, would that make a difference?

Sandy’s face paled and she turned away. Sorry. I just have baggage about guns. Right now, I need to find my horse.

Kim glanced back at the area where the bears had disappeared, then grabbed Bandit’s reins and moved up beside Sandy. We can talk about it later, okay?

Chapter 2

An hour later, Kim lugged her saddle toward the tack room. Sandy had clammed up, withdrawing into whatever bad history she had with guns. Kim could only imagine, but prying into someone’s pain wasn’t her style. When Sandy was ready, she might be willing to talk about it. Until then, Kim could only hope their friendship wasn’t in jeopardy. She glanced back toward Lacey’s stall and a tight band closed around her throat. Friendships seemed to be disasters waiting to happen. First Dixie, now this.

Bandit whinnied from the crossties, then pawed the ground. Kim strode toward him, armed with brushes and a hoof pick.

What’s your hurry? You already ate all the carrots.

As she cleaned each hoof, she thought about the experience with the bear. What on earth had made Bandit charge those cubs? Kim certainly hadn’t given him any signals. Or had she? Trying to recall the exact sequence of events, she could only remember trying to get her gun out when it happened. She stepped back and gazed at her horse. Something in his past must have surfaced. Was he a cutting horse? Hardly. She was pretty sure he was a Thoroughbred, and their long bodies weren’t suitable for the quick actions required for working cattle.

She stepped closer and began rubbing a towel over his sleek coat, concentrating on the sweaty places. His previous owner had mentioned Bandit’s involvement in pony club events. Maybe he had a protective streak that surfaced when he sensed danger. She shook her head and sighed. She’d probably never know, but would certainly be alert the next time they were in the woods. Today’s scenario could have gone either way. A small tremor moved through the pit of her stomach at the thought of the bear attacking her and her horse.

As she led Bandit into his stall, Sandy appeared at the door.

Kim, I’m really sorry about earlier. I just...well...

Listen, please don’t worry about it. I do understand. She smiled. Your horse was the only smart one in the group. Get the heck outta there!

Sandy laughed, and Kim relaxed. Maybe the friendship would be okay.

She latched the stall door behind her. I see that Commander is still here. Do you know anything about that?

Sandy’s eyebrows shot up. Really? Aren’t you and Garrett, uh, close?

Kim’s throat tightened. I haven’t talked to him for a few days. Been tied up with a sick friend. What’s the story?

I was tracking down a temporary stall for him, but apparently Mr. Brooks calmed down after Commander attacked that girl. Brooks knew he was wrong – the groom’s stupidity wasn’t the horse’s fault. He told Garrett Commander could stay.

I’m surprised Garrett agreed to that. He was extremely upset over that stall cleaner beating his horse.

Sandy nodded. I agree, but that’s what I know. Oh, I also found out that Brooks is quite ill. That might have had something to do with his change of heart. She stepped back and smiled. I gotta go. See you again soon.

Garrett Quaid eased his truck into a tight spot at the far end of the funeral home parking lot, cut the engine, then gazed at the sea of vehicles. A light rain fell, and people wended their way quickly toward the entrance to the building. A rainbow of colored umbrellas marked the line of mourners waiting to move inside.

Quaid glanced at the clock on the dashboard. Harriet’s service would start in ten minutes. He’d just wait until then. The rain pattered on the roof and he thought back to the first time he’d met Harriett Post, years ago.

Still in shock over his brother Ben’s death, Quaid had thrown himself into the search for a job, determined that he would not be one of the walking wounded that returned to civilian life in waves. With a military police degree, he took the Ohio private investigators course and aced it, procuring a license immediately. Armed with that qualification and a solid background in horses, he contacted the largest equine insurer in the country. Harriett Post had been his interviewer, and she’d made him jump through hoops to impress her. He grinned. Tough lady, but good at what she did. An excellent boss.

His smile faded and a soft pain moved through his chest. He looked toward the building as the last umbrella collapsed and disappeared through the doorway. With a heavy heart, Quaid walked across the parking lot to say his last goodbye to Harriett.

A couple of hours later, Quaid moved through the throng of people that filled the community room in the basement of the Baptist church. Though the tone at the funeral had been appropriately somber, now smiling faces shared experiences about the woman who’d manned the helm of the fraud division of United Equine Assurance. Quaid greeted folks he hadn’t seen since he’d quit the company six months ago.

His former assistant appeared, smiling widely. Garrett! Great to see you. How’s it goin’?

Good, Steve. I’m doin’ good. How about yourself? He glanced across the room. Anderson got everything under control?

Yeah, sorta. I don’t think he’ll last long. Been a couple of major screw-ups on his watch.

Quaid grinned. I can imagine – beginning with closing the Columbus office before it had a chance to perform.

So what are you doing these days?

I’m up to my eyebrows in work, he lied. The private eye business is booming.

You still do any equine consultations?

Haven’t had time to pursue that yet. But I will.

Steve reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a business card. "You might want to talk to these folks. They’re head-hunting. Hell, they even contacted me!" He laughed. ’Course that might mean they’re desperate, but who knows.

Quaid took the card and shook Steve’s hand. Thanks, I appreciate the lead. From the corner of his eye, he saw Fred Anderson heading his way. Listen, you take care.

He turned to make his escape, but wasn’t fast enough.

Mr. Garrett, you got a minute?

Quaid rolled his eyes. The man still didn’t have the name right.

Sure thing. What’s up?

Anderson shook his head. I’d like you to reconsider coming back to work with us. We really need someone like you. Some of these fraud cases are just too complicated.

Quaid pursed his lips. I don’t think so. When Harriett opened the Columbus office, I sold my home in Cleveland, relocated my licenses and life, and started over. I have no interest in doing that again.

You don’t have to move. You can operate the same way you did before.

Quaid thought about the big money he’d made on commissions with United Equine. It had been more than half his income. Should he negotiate with this idiot and refill the coffers? His own private practice was doing okay, but could use an injection. Then he thought about Harriett’s careful plans being flushed down the toilet when this new guy took over.

Thanks, but no thanks. Nice talking to you.

He turned and walked away.

Chapter 3

As Kim pulled into the parking lot of Peter’s small apartment complex on the west side of Columbus, she thought about all the endless days and nights she’d spent in the hospital after the shooting. Her life as a mounted police officer had come to a horrific halt with just one bullet, but she’d kept herself going with the knowledge that Peter was there beside her, seeing her through the pain of the wound and the agony of losing her police horse, Red. She didn’t let the thoughts go any further. Peter’s support had faded as the months passed and her progress stalled.

She turned off the engine and gazed out the windshield. But that doesn’t make it right for me to do the same thing. He needs help with something and, if I can, I should.

A few minutes later, she took a deep breath and knocked on the door of Peter’s unit. For all her good intentions, a small voice still asked her what the devil she thought she was doing.

The door opened and Peter cocked his head. I was beginning to think you weren’t going to show up.

She stepped across the threshold. The thought crossed my mind.

She found it hard to look at him. He’d changed drastically. His once thick and silvery hair had been one of his most distinctive features. Now, it was dull and yellowed. His strong features had sunken into a gaunt face, the result of extreme weight loss. And those steely gray eyes were empty, eyes that had once reflected merriment, or could send a stab of apprehension through any of his investment clients’ minds.

She thought about the beginning with Peter. What had attracted her to him? For one thing, he’d been totally immersed in his work – a good thing that meshed with her own erratic duty schedules. They’d both been busy professionals who savored the small chunks of time they had together. For four years, they’d been a comfortable couple, content with the status quo. Then Peter proposed. She was truly crazy about him and marriage seemed the logical next step. Life was bliss for about a month after she accepted the magnificent diamond ring. Then the pressure began.

Did Peter ever think about the choices he’d made that changed her life so abruptly? Did his current situation – whatever it was – make him regret those decisions?

Peter touched her arm as she passed and she reflexively pulled away, then turned to face him. Okay, what is it you need from me?

A glimmer of sadness passed through his eyes, then he shook his head. Still mad, huh?

Anger rose in Kim’s chest, but she pressed her lips tightly to restrain the torrent of accusations waiting to explode.

Are you going to tell me or not?

He walked toward the living room and Kim followed. Peter’s stride was no longer strong and confident, but that of a person with a chronic illness. A small stab of sympathy found its way into her head. What had happened to him?

He turned to face her. Okay, so I got into a little trouble a few years ago down in Tulsa.

Surprise colored Kim’s tone. When did you go to Oklahoma?

Peter looked at his hands. Right after you and I, uh, broke up.

Correction. After you walked out on me.

He closed his eyes. Yeah.

Why did you go there?

I got in on the ground floor of a great investment brokerage. The partners were heavily invested in the oil and gas industry down there, and everyone wanted in on the action. A glimmer of the old Peter came through in a crooked smile. "We made a lot of money in a very short time."

Kim sat down and crossed her arms. So why are you back here and what does any of this have to do with me?

Peter stood up and began to pace. "That trouble I mentioned landed me in jail."

Kim sat straight up. What? You’ve been in prison? What for?

He stopped pacing and looked down at her. Well, that’s the deal. I was framed. I didn’t do it.

Kim started laughing. Oh, my God, you sound like the movies. Of course you did it. You wouldn’t have been sent to jail if you were innocent.

She stopped laughing at the look on Peter’s face. You’d better tell me everything.

Peter’s tale of woe unraveled like a miniature version of the Bernie Madoff debacle. Kim watched Peter’s expression as he attempted to convince her that he’d known nothing about the dealings of his partners.

Early on, he said, we couldn’t keep up with the phone calls. I mean, investors were practically knocking down our doors to get some of the action. Peter sat down and leaned his elbows on his knees, clearly enjoying recounting the excitement of the scenario. At one point, the senior partner put me in charge of the foreign investors. We had a lead on shares in a huge boom in southern Texas in an area that had been producing for decades. Man, it was really exciting. I mean, these investments were going to return at six times the initial pay-in, with only a one-percent chance of a well coming up dry. Whew.

Kim found it hard to watch vestiges of the old Peter return, gestures and smiles she hadn’t seen since before the football riot where she’d taken a bullet to the leg. A sharp pain moved through her chest. It doesn’t matter. The past is just that and I need to remember it. Always.

She cleared her throat. So what did you do that got you into trouble?

He jerked upright. That’s just it! I didn’t do anything wrong! I just got caught in the middle and couldn’t prove I wasn’t a part of it!

Kim waited, knowing her silence would prod him to continue.

He shook his head. "Apparently, one of the other partners somehow contacted one of my foreign investors – a guy from Australia who had some knowledge of the oil industry. The guy pressed to come to the States and visit the drilling site. I didn’t think that was a problem, but apparently, there was no drilling site and my partner took the guy to some other well."

Peter stood up and began pacing again. "Long story short, the Aussie had read the entire 100-page prospectus, smelled a rotten egg, blew the whistle with the SEC and the walls came tumbling down. He pinned Kim with a hard stare. I had nothing to do with the fraud."

She nodded. So, if that’s true, why did you end up in prison?

"Because the Feds found e-mails on my computer indicating that I’d transferred funds to the Caymans. Which I did not, but how do you argue with an electronic trail?"

Kim pursed her lips. With great difficulty, I think.

Peter took a deep breath and frowned, then sat down. He looked a little gray.

Are you okay? she said.

He nodded. Yeah, I just get short of breath when I get excited.

Kim narrowed her eyes. Heart?

Major attack just before I was released from prison.

Kim sat back and gazed at him for a moment. Such a serious illness would explain Peter’s gaunt face and frailty. For his health’s sake, he should walk away from the past and leave it alone.

So, why do you think I can help you? I have no knowledge about fraud or securities or any of that kind of thing. I’m just a retired beat cop.

Peter sat up and met her gaze. That guy at your apartment, he’s your partner, right? He’s a private investigator. He could track down the partner who framed me, and I can clear my name. I’ll never be able to work again with a prison record.

Kim jumped up, her anger crashing through her skull like a wrecking ball. "I don’t frickin’ believe you! You have the nerve to just waltz back into my life like nothing ever happened, and expect me to fall all over myself to help you. I will not involve my friend and partner in your skuzzy dealings. I don’t know if I believe your story and I don’t care if you think you’re innocent. I’m not the person to prove it."

Peter rose to his feet, his eyes flashing with anger. After all you put me through with your police work and ‘independent woman’ crap? I think you owe me. I stood by you –

"You stood by nothing!" shouted Kim. You, you... Her breath came short and she couldn’t form the rest of the sentence. She wheeled around and headed for the door.

Kimmie!

A heavy thud sounded behind her. Turning slowly, she gaped at Peter’s crumpled body on the floor.

Chapter 4

Quaid carefully hung his dark suit in the closet, then pulled on a pair of jeans. The dreary day and the somber funeral had dampened his spirits. Ordinarily, he’d go to the barn to see Commander, but today he had the urge to be with human beings. He picked up his phone.

Jenna? You guys doing anything tonight?

His sister-in-law’s chuckle was therapeutic. We have a great movie to watch and lots of popcorn. You coming down?

Be there in an hour.

He walked past his desk and glanced at the business card that Steve had given him. First thing on Monday, he’d give these folks a call.

His phone rang and a woman’s cheerful voice trickled through.

Hi, Garrett. It’s Mary from the realty group. I found the perfect place for you and your horse. Can you meet me there in the morning?

He pursed his lips. Could we make it afternoon? I’m headed to Dayton right now.

"Sure thing. I’ll let you know what time and