HORSES AND HEROIN (Romantic Mystery) Read online

  “You want to join Ramon’s group? That’s your goal?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then we’re playing catch-up so, yes, you’ll be stiff. And next time adjust your bridle inside. Don’t frustrate your horse. Or me.”

  “That was a mistake,” she said. “And I’m sorry to make you wait.”

  “I don’t mind waiting.” His expression turned enigmatic. “Take as much time as you need.” He gave her knee a quick squeeze, stepped outside and mounted Braun.

  Her emotions felt a little jumbled but at least he wasn’t annoyed. And the thought of a hot tub at the end of the day was rather appealing.

  They headed to the far end of the track, away from Ramon’s group that clustered around the starting gate.

  Once they moved into a trot, she temporarily forgot her fears about Joey, her guilt at his disappearance, her reservations about Scott. Problems ceased to exist. It was always like that when she was on a horse. And Jake was a pleasure to ride, with a beautiful floating stride, businesslike and eager to move forward but not fighting his rider.

  “Keep your weight balanced in the stirrups,” Scott said. “Don’t push on his neck. Save that for when you want speed.”

  He was an excellent teacher, patient but firm, and it was difficult to remember that she had ever found this position so hard. A monkey crouch was almost second nature now, easy to do and easy on her horse. She couldn’t contain her smile.

  “You’re ready to learn how to switch your whip hand,” Scott said. “But you can practice that while watching TV.”

  “I don’t have a TV.”

  “I do,” he said.

  He spoke so naturally she nodded, somewhat overwhelmed at the easy way he linked them. She didn’t have much time to worry because already they were increasing speed.

  “The track is clear so we’re going to gallop around once,” Scott went on, his voice rising so she could hear his instructions over the pounding hooves. “I’ll stay on the rail. Don’t let Jake run off. He’ll be eager, especially going down the lane.”

  Jake was eager and she didn’t think she’d ever galloped so fast. Tears blurred her eyes, and it was obvious why Ramon’s top students always wore goggles. However, her hands moved automatically with her horse’s stride, her seat was secure and she thanked her time on the mechanical Zenyatta for helping with the rhythm.

  She wasn’t so good with her whip though and at the quarter pole, she almost dropped it. Switching hands was a whole new skill set, but Jake galloped straight and she was able to keep the whip clutched in her fist. Still, it took every ounce of her strength to keep him from charging down the stretch.

  Scott and Braun were a reassuring presence and she glanced over twice, sharing her exhilaration. She was panting but still grinning when they pulled up, just past the finish line.

  “My legs feel like jelly,” she admitted, her breath coming in gasps as they slowed to a bouncy trot. “If there were horses in front of us, the kickback would really sting. But it was great. Absolutely great. Thanks so much.”

  “You did well,” Scott said. “Tomorrow you can work with the gate. You might want to use a different horse though. Jake will break like a rocket.”

  “He sure can motor.” She gave his sweaty neck an approving pat. “After some gate work, I’ll be caught up to Ramon’s class. Think I’ll be ready to join them soon?”

  “Sure,” he said, his expression unreadable, “or you can stay with me.”

  She glanced over her shoulder at the group milling around the starting gate. Part of her wanted to stay with Scott, wished they had met under different circumstances, but she’d never meet Joey’s friends that way. “I’d like to join their class as soon as I can,” she said.

  He nodded, his eyes hooded. “Certainly. I’ll speak with Ramon. Let’s ride around the grounds and cool out these boys.”

  Jake followed Braun off the track, his ears pricking with interest once they turned away from the barn and headed up the ridge. Megan was just as eager, aware she’d never be allowed to ride the trails unchaperoned. Even the cowbarn was forbidden territory.

  Knowing Scott certainly simplified her mission, although so far she hadn’t unearthed much about Mexico—only Joey’s iPod and a magazine. She shoved away the depressing thought. Didn’t want to brood now. She wanted to enjoy this ride. And Scott’s easy company.

  They passed an ancient starting gate stripped of doors and climbed the steep hill, following an erosion cut lined with balls of sagebrush. At the top of the ridge, the school’s property stretched below in a panoramic view.

  “Wow, look at that,” she teased. “Your villa is the second fanciest on the property. And Tami and I are in the smallest dorm.” She sucked in the beauty, the rare freedom and turned back to him, her smile deepening. “It’s nice to have the chance to ride up here. I really appreciate it.”

  “It is beautiful,” he said softly, but he wasn’t looking at the view and the way his eyes drank in her face made her melt. He exuded pheromones, drawing her like a magnet. She’d thought her sex drive was safely dormant, but he filled her with an unsettling awareness.

  She jerked her eyes away, glad she was sitting on Jake. She was still embarrassed about last night’s embrace in the hall, how she’d wrapped her arms around him as though she’d never let go. “That must be Garrett and Rex,” she said quickly, gesturing at the figures by the cowshed.

  Scott had subtly moved his horse closer, his long leg brushing hers, but his attention shifted to the building below. “There’s someone else talking to Garrett,” he said. “Do you know the second man?”

  She tilted her helmet, shading her eyes against the sun. “Not sure. Looks like he has dark hair.”

  Scott’s gaze remained fixed on the two men but when Rex barked, he reined Braun toward the lower trail. “Let’s ride down there,” he said over his shoulder.

  He pushed Braun into a lope, which seemed to defeat the purpose of cooling out the horses, but it was exhilarating to be riding again, not stuck in a field or even circling on a track. She and Jake gleefully followed.

  It didn’t take long to reach the back of the arena. A horse nickered a greeting and Braun answered, muffling the low voices in the cowshed.

  “Let’s get off and stretch our legs.” Scott dismounted, speaking so loudly it was obvious he wanted the men inside to hear.

  “Sure, that’ll be nice.” She followed his lead and answered just as loudly, flushing at his approving wink.

  Seconds later, Garrett appeared in the doorway, his hand gripped around Rex’s collar. At least, she assumed it was Rex. The dog looked much different than he had during her interview. His hackles were raised, fangs bared and angry growls rumbled deep in his throat.

  She inched closer to Scott, wishing they had remained mounted. Rex looked ferocious, more like a guard dog than a house pet.

  “It’s okay,” Garrett said, noticing her movement. “Rex is okay. You’re not the reason he’s upset.”

  In fact, Rex stared at Megan and began to wag his tail, his growls subsiding. Garrett glanced back in the barn, then released his grip on the dog’s collar. Rex trotted to her side and shoved his wet nose into her hand.

  “Hey, boy,” she murmured, crouching down and scratching the dog in his favorite spot. Jake kept his hooves planted but stretched his neck and gave a cautious sniff.

  “Rex is a sucker for a pretty face,” Garrett said, shooting Scott a rueful smile. “How did you meet her so quickly?”

  “Megan kindly rescued me on the road.” Scott led Braun closer to Garrett. “What was the dog upset about?”

  “He wasn’t upset. It was just a visitor.”

  “Same visitor as this morning?” Scott’s voice lowered. Megan pretended absorption with Rex who now sprawled at her feet, paws in the air, shamelessly begging for a belly rub.

  “Yeah, but it’s no problem.” Garrett glanced over his shoulder at the dark interior of the cowshed. “We sorted it out.”

  “G
ood,” Scott said, but there was something hard in his voice and she peeked at his face, glad he wasn’t looking at her with that unrelenting expression. Sometimes he was so easy—other times, not so much.

  “I’m going to ride with Megan back to her barn,” he added. “I’ll see you in a bit.”

  “It’s fine.” Megan rose, sensing the men had something to discuss. “I can ride back by myself,” she said.

  “I’m sure you can.” Scott walked over and legged her into the saddle. “But students aren’t allowed to ride without an instructor. Isn’t that right, Garrett?”

  “That’s the rule.” Garrett smiled and signaled Rex back to his side. “Are you two going to be riding around the cowshed a lot? Together like this?”

  “Yes, we are,” Scott said, sending Garrett a steely look. He stepped into the longer stirrups of his western saddle and turned Braun. “I’ll see you in half an hour.”

  Megan followed, gripping her reins a little too tightly, hiding her discomfort. Scott was, after all, Garrett’s employee, yet it had almost sounded like Scott had been giving the orders. He seemed preoccupied too, his mouth set in a grim line. When he wasn’t smiling, Scott did have a forbidding look.

  “You obviously know Garrett well,” she said cautiously. “But do you think he minds me riding over there?”

  “Braun is stabled in the cowshed. Obviously I have to ride there,” Scott said, although she noticed he didn’t really answer her question. “Do you know anyone called Miguel?”

  “Yes. He’s a part-time jock student. His dad owns the Baja Tinda.” She paused, doubting Scott wanted to hear about her roommate’s infatuation. “He’s cocky, but okay, I guess. I don’t know why Rex would growl at him.”

  “Rex is a very smart dog,” Scott said.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  “Sorry you missed lunch again,” Tami whispered, her pretty face glowing with excitement. “Miguel sat with me. He even gave me his Jello.”

  Megan nodded, careful to keep her eyes on the instructor. Lydia wheeled from the whiteboard, still talking but searching the classroom for the origin of the whispers.

  “Injuries can occur at any time,” Lydia said. “As riders, you need to be able to feel when a horse is moving differently. The quicker you can pull up, the safer it is for both horses and humans.” Her eyes narrowed. “Do you have something to contribute to the lesson, Tami?”

  Tami hunched her shoulders and shook her head.

  “Then that’s it for today. Next class we’ll be looking at video clips of some breakdowns and catastrophic falls. You all need to understand that riding is an extremely dangerous career choice.”

  Odd. Megan rose and packed her notes. Normally she would have been Lydia’s target, not Tami. Yet today, Lydia hadn’t sent a single snide comment her way. It appeared any fear she had about angering Lydia by leaving her riding class was groundless.

  Relieved, she pulled her headphones from her bag. Whatever Scott had said to Lydia, he’d obviously been diplomatic.

  He’d also been correct about her stiffness. Her muscles ached from the long morning ride, and she stiffly followed Tami toward the exit.

  “Where the hell did you get that iPod?”

  Both Megan and Tami wheeled toward the accusing voice. Eve stood behind them, flashing eyes as dark as her short raven hair. Tami looked at Megan, obviously expecting her to admit she’d found it in the cowshed. But Megan’s hand tightened around the headphones. She didn’t want to give up Joey’s iPod. Listening to his music gave a sense of connection, a connection she wanted to keep.

  “So? Where’d you get it?” Eve rammed her hands on her hips and stalked closer. She was slight and five inches shorter than Megan, but at that moment she radiated such ferocity, she seemed to swell.

  Megan glanced toward the front of the room. Luckily Lydia stacked papers in her briefcase and wasn’t looking their way. Except for Tami and a few stragglers, the classroom had cleared.

  “It’s Joey’s,” she said softly, wishing Eve would lower her voice.

  “I know it’s Joey’s. I see his initials.” Eve’s voice sharpened. “But you didn’t answer my question. Where did you get it?”

  Lydia snapped her briefcase shut and turned around. “Is there a problem, ladies?”

  “Yes, there’s a problem,” Eve said. “Either this student stole Joey’s iPod or else she found it and intends to keep it. She certainly didn’t report it to the lost and found.” Eve gave a contemptuous snort. “I’m sure his family would love to have it returned.”

  Megan jerked her head back, her mouth opening. Finally. Someone who empathized. Yes, indeed. The family would treasure Joey’s iPod. Lying in bed last night, listening to his songs had been bittersweet. Even learning about his music tastes had been comforting. He’d always teased her about liking Taylor Swift. Yet, he had downloaded several of her songs—many of them Megan’s favorites.

  “That iPod belongs to Joey Collins?” Lydia asked. “Give it to me.” Megan opened her mouth to protest.

  “Now.” Lydia circled her desk and thrust out her hand.

  Megan hesitated a moment then reluctantly dropped the iPod into Lydia’s grasping palm. “Eve’s right,” she said quietly. “It should be forwarded to Joey’s family. I think they’d really want it too.”

  Her gaze caught Eve’s and for an unguarded moment she spotted the other girl’s expression, a blend of wistfulness and sorrow that seemed to mirror her own.

  “I’m sure Mr. Baldwin is capable of deciding what to do with it,” Lydia said. “However, there’s a bigger issue here—this item wasn’t voluntarily turned in. And theft is cause for immediate dismissal.”

  “I didn’t steal it,” Megan said quickly. “I found it in the cowshed.”

  “An area which is off limits to students.” Lydia’s mouth thinned. “I’ll be filing an incident report, but I think you’re in a great deal of trouble. Thank you, Eve, for bringing this to my attention.”

  Eve’s gaze flickered to Megan. She turned and left the room. Megan followed more slowly, with a wide-eyed Tami trudging beside her.

  “You planned to turn the iPod in at suppertime,” Tami said, after a moment of heavy silence. “That’s what I remember. And I’ll make sure that goes in Lydia’s stupid report.” But she sounded troubled. “I don’t mind lying for my friends if it doesn’t hurt anyone. You should have guessed someone would notice though. It’s a pretty expensive model.”

  Three hundred and twenty-two dollars. Megan’s fingers curved into her palms. She hadn’t been thinking. It would have been prudent to leave the iPod safe in her room. Now it would be even more difficult to befriend Eve, who obviously had shared something special with Joey.

  “Don’t worry,” Tami went on. “It hasn’t even been twenty-four hours. Last year at school I was caught in a situation like this, and there was a twenty-four hour rule. And I think if Garrett is mad, tears definitely would help.”

  Megan’s breath escaped in a shuddery sigh and she reached over and impulsively squeezed Tami’s hand. “I’m glad you’re my roommate. I really appreciate you.”

  Tami gave a rueful laugh. “Yeah, well, could you show your appreciation by staying away for a bit tonight? I invited Miguel over. Ramon doesn’t let him invite people to the villa. He’s not supposed to get too close to the other students.”

  Megan gave a distracted nod, still picturing Eve’s face. Maybe she should tell Eve she was Joey’s sister. Drop by the jock dorm and talk.

  “Be sure to knock,” Tami said.

  ”What?” Megan yanked her attention back to Tami. For a moment, she feared she’d been thinking out loud.

  “Be sure to knock,” Tami said. “You know, when you come back tonight. In case, Miguel is still there.”

  “Okay,” Megan said. “I’ll knock first.” Besides, it wouldn’t be a chore to stay away. Scott had already invited her for supper.

  “I saw you riding with the hunky professor.” Tami seemed to have perked up thinking of m
en and even gave a happy skip. “Next to Miguel, he’s the hottest guy on campus.”

  “I guess,” Megan said, amused Tami considered Miguel more attractive than Scott. “You really like Miguel?”

  “Oh, yeah.” Tami’s expression turned dreamy. “You should see him ride. Yesterday one of the horses was giving a student trouble, and Ramon asked Miguel to switch. Miguel sure made that horse sorry.”

  “Sorry?”

  “Yeah, Miguel showed the horse who was boss. He’ll be a good jockey someday. Bet he’ll be as famous as Ramon.”

  Infatuation seemed to cloud Tami’s judgment, and Megan shot her a cautious look. Miguel had too much spit and swagger for her liking. And the tractable lesson horses might listen, but she doubted a racehorse would give Miguel any extra effort, not if he were in the habit of roughing them up.

  “I wonder how a horse would respond at the end of a race?” she asked mildly. “When they’re exhausted and the jockey is pleading for every last drop of energy. When they both need to work together and dig deep.”

  “Dunno.” Tami shrugged but her voice turned thoughtful. “Guess the horse was rather pissed. His ears were back and he was wringing his tail. He was listening to Miguel but not really trying.”

  “Guess that’s why we take horse psychology next month,” Megan said. She, of course, wouldn’t be here for that course, but Tami would and she was going to make a good exercise rider. Despite Tami’s obsession with Miguel, it was clear she was open to a wide range of training strategies.

  “Maybe Miguel lost his temper a bit,” Tami added. “Ramon yelled at him for being too aggressive with his whip. But Miguel can stick to a horse better than anyone else, except Eve.” Her voice turned rueful. “Both Peter and I fell off this morning. The gate is tough, especially if your horse breaks hard. My ass still aches.”

  Megan laughed, realizing both she and Tami walked like old women. Her thighs throbbed, and the thought of Scott’s Jacuzzi was doubly appealing. So was the prospect of seeing him tonight.

  She gave a little hop but it only aggravated the muscle ache so she resumed her sedate walk, relieved Tami was too absorbed with Miguel to ask any more questions about their sexy new addictions instructor.