STUDS AND STILETTOS (Romantic Mystery) Read online

“No problem. It was a good chance to check for souvenirs. You’d be amazed how well movie stuff sells on eBay.” She waved a dismissive hand, deciding she was a damn good actress after all.

  Something flickered in his eyes. “You’ll be okay. But I will miss you. Now get your head in the scene.”

  She blinked, absorbing his strange words, but he said nothing more. Merely turned and walked down the track.

  “Move a step to the right and wave your arms,” the man they called the AD said. She obediently followed his directions but wished Dan was working with her, especially when the director complained that her actions were too mechanical.

  “She has to wave her arms so a horse would see them,” Anthony said to his assistant, shaking his head as though she was an idiot.

  Seconds later, she heard Anthony’s strident voice again. “Switch the lead line to her left hand. And add a halter.”

  Then, “Focus the second camera on her chest.”

  Finally, after numerous comments and adjustments, she had the director’s approval. “You know the horse isn’t going to stop,” Anthony said, walking past the assistant director and talking to her for the first time. “This horse is trained to run through a wall.”

  She nodded, rather shocked by his direct attention. He was even making eye contact.

  “But if you stand still and wave your arms until the last second,” Anthony added, “it would be way more realistic. Remember, you’re a desperate groom, trying to stop a valuable animal from injuring himself. And Reckless’s owner, your employer, is watching from the rail. So it’s important you don’t jump aside until the AD’s signal. Can you do that?”

  “Of course,” she said, remembering how Bruno responded to Dan’s direction. Dan might not want her around, but he would never let anyone be trampled.

  “Right,” Anthony said, turning to the crew. “Let’s go for a take.”

  “Rolling,” someone said. “Marker.” A clap stick sounded.

  “Background,” the AD called. She swallowed, tightening her grip around the halter, surprised by the stickiness of her palms.

  “Action,” Anthony said.

  A loose horse abruptly appeared around the turn, dark mane and long reins flailing. She glimpsed Dan’s raised arm. Halfway down the track, a man rushed from the rail. It looked like he would catch the horse. But no, he was knocked over, his body flying in the air like a bowling pin.

  She gulped, staring at the huge horse bearing down on her. Bruno had never looked so big, so powerful…so unstoppable.

  “Wave arms,” someone cued.

  She frantically waved her arms, hoping Bruno would stop but knowing he wasn’t supposed to. Damn, he was huge. And fast. He was tearing along the rail now, nostrils flared, ears back, clods of dirt flying in his wake. She wanted to leap behind the tractor but the stuntman had waited. So could she. The ground shook as Bruno towered over her—

  “Move!”

  She scrambled aside, tripping to the ground in her urgency, almost knocking down the wind fan.

  She peered up in time to see Bruno’s long streaming tail as he galloped in front of the spectators. Only background people. But they appeared genuine, watching the bolting horse with varying degrees of horror. Just past the finish line, a rider appeared alongside Bruno and both horses slowed to a controlled canter.

  “Cut,” Anthony called, his voice much lighter now. “The middle couldn’t get any better,” he said, peering over the cameraman’s shoulder. “Circle that.”

  Anthony walked up to Emily, still smiling. “I like your guts, girl. Come back tomorrow. We’ll find more work for you. Dress the same as today.”

  She nodded, too exhilarated to speak and still punchy with adrenaline. She glanced up the track, glad to see Bruno had already slowed to a trot beside the pickup rider. What an awesome horse. For a minute, he’d looked like a panicky runaway and she’d feared he truly was bolting.

  She brushed the dirt off her jeans and glanced around for Dan. He must be so proud of his horse. And maybe, just maybe, he was a little proud of her.

  “What the hell were you thinking? Are you a total imbecile?”

  She spun around. Dan’s face was ashen and he was breathing hard, as though he’d sprinted up the track.

  Her smile faded. “I did what they said.”

  “Fifteen feet! You were supposed to jump aside at fifteen feet. Dammit. I’m sick of people craving attention. Always wanting the limelight.” He jammed his fists in his pockets then yanked them out again. “You’ll never work for me again.”

  “But I wasn’t working for you.” Her voice quivered with hurt, and anger. “You already fired me. Remember.”

  “Dan,” Lizzie called, her voice breathless. “Why did you leave? I heard it was a wrap.”

  A muscle ticked in Dan’s jaw. He didn’t even look at Lizzie, just stared at Emily, his cold blue eyes filled with such contempt she feared she might cry. And she never cried.

  “They must have liked it,” Emily managed. “Doesn’t a w-wrap mean it’s finished?”

  Dan just shook his head and strode away, shoulders rigid, fists clenched.

  “What’s going on?” Lizzie stared at his retreating back then glanced accusingly at Emily. “I’ve never seen him so upset.”

  Emily pulled at her lower lip, trying to stop it from trembling. “Guess I didn’t move at the right time.”

  “You can’t do anything right, can you?” Lizzie snapped. She pivoted and rushed after Dan.

  Emily pretended to cough, fighting her shame. Reamed out on set. She glanced around, but no one appeared to be watching. The production crew was already headed in the same direction as Dan.

  Moving on to the next scene.

  She hugged her arms over her chest and walked across the track, shaken and confused. She’d tried to follow directions, to wait for the signal even though she’d been terrified. She’d even dared to hope for a satisfied nod. However, it seemed the harder she worked, the less Dan approved.

  The other background performers moved in a cohesive group toward the lunchroom, still talking animatedly about the scene. She hunched her shoulders and joined the stragglers, hoping no one had witnessed her humiliation. But their carefree chatter only magnified her feeling of isolation.

  “That was so exciting,” a cultured voice behind her said. “You did an excellent job.”

  Emily swung around, so relieved to hear a kind word she almost gave Mrs. Hamilton a hug. “Did it look okay?” she asked, desperate for reassurance.

  “Absolutely. That horse even moved like Reckless. Seems like yesterday.” Her voice turned wistful. “He was our only chance at the Derby. We never had another three-year-old good enough. I remember my husband’s despair when he realized Reckless wouldn’t be able to run.”

  Emily nodded. Very few Thoroughbreds were good enough to make the Derby. Qualifying as one of the twenty three-year-olds to enter the gate took a unique combination of talent, training and luck. It was a shame the colt’s groom had quit so abruptly. “Couldn’t you have just hired the groom back?” Emily asked.

  “We wanted to. But my husband couldn’t find her. She’d packed her bag and left. It was a…difficult time.”

  Neither of them spoke for a moment, and Emily wished she could pull back her question. Hamilton was a lecherous creep. If only half the rumors were true, it must have been a challenging situation for Mrs. Hamilton. But why had the groom not stayed for the Derby? If she cared at all for Reckless—and what groom didn’t love their horse?—she could have stayed a few more weeks.

  “At least Reckless finally settled down and ended up racing again,” Emily said lamely. “By the way, I thoroughly enjoyed your travel bag. Thanks very much.”

  “I’m glad it helped.” Mrs. Hamilton gave a gracious nod. “I’m sure you made an excellent impression.”

  Emily forced a nod, waving as Mrs. Hamilton headed toward her car. But it was obvious any impression she’d made hadn’t been a good one. Dan’s eyes had been f
ull of such contempt, she’d wanted to crawl beneath a rock. It wouldn’t have hurt nearly so much if it had been the director who had yelled.

  Dan’s words played over in her head. ‘You’ll never work for me again.’ Which probably meant sleeping with her was out of the question. A hysterical choke escaped. Because being with Dan was what she wanted. It didn’t matter if she shoveled manure or jumped in front of a runaway horse, she just wanted to stay close.

  Instead, she’d somehow managed to sabotage her career and earn his contempt. She jammed her hands in her pockets, fighting her misery, uncertain what to do or even where to go. The bus wasn’t leaving until this evening, but she didn’t want to linger around the set. Dan’s scorn was too withering.

  The director had invited her to work as background tomorrow, but it was clear Dan wouldn’t let that happen. And so what. She raised her chin a notch. After all, she’d finally earned enough money for Jenna’s weekend. Sure, she’d slept in a stall, shoveled shit and tried to flag down a bolting racehorse, but she’d done it. She’d earned her pay.

  And she was going to help her sister. Jenna’s happiness when she learned about the tickets would more than justify this aching misery.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  Emily pulled out her phone and edged along the rail, away from two workers unloading a panel van. She eagerly pressed Jenna’s number. This was the first sister weekend she’d ever paid for, and organized. Jenna would be shocked.

  A horse vacation would be the perfect tonic. She and Jenna were both lonely. Burke traveled extensively, and the annual Stillwater Fair and Steeplechase wasn’t the highlight of his busy calendar. However, Jenna loved the jump races.

  There’d be other fun events too, like the three-legged sack race that Wally always sponsored. But this time, she and Jenna wouldn’t have to get up early and drive to the fair. No, this time they’d be sleeping at the Inn, a first for the Murphy girls. She paced a circle, almost able to forget the disgusted look on Dan’s face.

  “Hello, Emily.” Jenna finally answered the phone but she sounded breathless, as if she’d been running. “I tried to call but your phone is never on. It goes directly to voice mail.”

  “My battery’s low. The charger is back at the apartment. They used me for more background today. I actually stood in front of a runaway horse.” Despite Emily’s disastrous ending with Dan, she experienced a thrill of pride.

  “Do you like the work?”

  “I love being here,” Emily said. “And I like seeing the horses do such amazing things. But acting probably isn’t the easiest career. I’ll certainly never look at a movie the same way.” She hesitated. “The director isn’t very patient. He always yells.”

  “Yelling never bothered you before,” Jenna said.

  Emily scuffed her boot in the dirt. It wasn’t Anthony but Dan’s displeasure that left her stomach in knots. “How did your exams go?” she asked, changing the subject. “It must feel good to be finished.”

  “Yes. The last one was yesterday.” Jenna gave a long exhale, sounding more relaxed than she had in months.

  “You’ll make a great vet,” Emily said. “Those tips you gave sure helped the horse here.” She paused, relishing her heady anticipation and the fact she was calling with a gift, not a request. “I was thinking we should do something special to celebrate. And it’s not shopping either.”

  “Just a sec,” Jenna said.

  A man’s familiar voice rumbled in the background.

  “Burke says hi,” Jenna said, coming back on the line. “He knows a producer in LA if you need a contact.”

  “Oh, that’s nice.” Emily swallowed. She appreciated Burke’s help, but he didn’t think she could accomplish anything on her own. Or maybe he just preferred that Jenna’s sister live far away in California. “I thought he was working in New York for the next month?” Emily asked.

  “I did too.” Jenna gave a bubbling laugh. “But he tricked me. He came home last night, along with a big surprise.”

  “What was it?” For some reason, Emily’s palms began to sweat.

  “We’re going to the Grand National in England.” Jenna’s voice bubbled with excitement. “Somehow he arranged for seats right beneath the Royal Box. I can’t believe it. The most famous steeplechase in the world. Something I’ve always dreamed about but never thought I’d ever see in person.”

  Emily sagged against the rail, unable to speak. Her little gift seemed so mundane now. She’d been naïve thinking she could plan something amazing, especially when the richest man in West Virginia loved Jenna to pieces. But maybe they could still enjoy the local fair. The suite was plenty big enough for three. And it would be nice to see Burke.

  “That’s fabulous,” Emily said, after a moment. “You always loved that movie National Velvet. When do you leave?”

  “Tomorrow,” Jenna said. “And then Burke arranged to cruise up the Thames and also visit Newmarket. He has a special invitation to view Stanley House Stud.”

  “Oh…so you’ll be gone until the middle of next month. That’s great.” But Emily’s voice cracked.

  “The only thing I worry about is Peanut,” Jenna went on. “He’s been having trouble lately. I know Wally will take good care of him, but I’m not sure about leaving for so long.”

  Emily sucked in an achy breath, tempted to agree. However, Jenna always put everyone else’s welfare above her own. She deserved a European vacation, certainly something more special than the local fair. “Peanut will be fine,” Emily said. “You should definitely do the cruise.”

  Burke’s low voice rumbled again.

  Jenna’s voice faded then became clear. “Burke promises we can be home in eight hours if I need to return for Peanut.”

  “See?” Emily said. “There’s nothing holding you back.” But she squeezed her eyes shut, unable to imagine the love of such a man. Burke was so tough but really a marshmallow inside, at least when it came to Jenna. It was astonishing how he’d quietly arranged the perfect vacation. Jenna sounded like she couldn’t stop grinning. Of course, when you love someone, you want to make them smile.

  “Take lots of pictures,” Emily managed. “And check my boxes in storage. I have some gorgeous hats.”

  “I will, thanks. And hopefully you can visit this summer. But only if a big movie star like you can take a break.” The misplaced pride in Jenna’s voice made Emily wince.

  “They won’t even miss me,” Emily said, blinking rapidly. “Now go pack and enjoy your trip. Love you, but gotta go. My battery’s almost dead.”

  She turned off the phone and slowly tucked it away in her pocket. Then propped her elbows on the rail and stared across the expanse of dirt, feeling as lifeless as the deserted track.

  *

  “There you are,” Judith called. “I’ve been looking all over.”

  Emily straightened, stepping away from the rail and swiping her cheeks with the back of her hand.

  “Why are you standing out here all alone?” Judith asked. “You should have watched my other scene. They shot it in the second barn but made it look like the Churchill backstretch. The director even ordered coffee for everyone. I was only a few feet away from Robert Dexter during the break.”

  “That’s great,” Emily said.

  “I’m finished for the day though,” Judith went on, “so I have time to see the stud barn now, if you think it’s okay to visit.” Her eyes narrowed. “Are you all right?”

  Emily averted her head. “I washed my face under a tap, but I think my eyes were a little allergic to that makeup they rubbed on.” She jabbed her thumb toward the footpath. “The barn is that way. Let’s go.”

  She no longer cared about annoying Lizzie who was probably still on the set anyway, panting after Dan. Besides, Emily wanted to see Barney and Ted one last time, and she also wanted to finish cleaning Billy’s cottage.

  “I need to help the retired caretaker afterwards,” Emily warned. “His name is Billy and he’s a bit of a hoarder.” She glanced at J
udith, guessing her friend would have no interest in spending time with non-movie persona.

  However, Judith only shrugged. “I can help too. The bus isn’t leaving until nine. They’re shooting non-stop today.”

  “Great,” Emily said. “We can clean up Billy’s place a bit. Someone checks on him, but I think he needs more support.” She shot Judith a hopeful look. “Maybe you could talk to Mr. Hamilton about him?”

  “Shake that big chest and Hamilton will give you anything you want,” Judith said dryly.

  Emily glanced down. She’d forgotten about the irritating sting of the tape. Turned out it hadn’t really been necessary. None of it was. “My sister’s going to watch the Grand National in England,” she said quietly.

  “Nice. Is that the trip you’re saving for?”

  “No. Mine was the Stillwater Steeplechase. Unfortunately, it’s at the same time. Jenna’s husband surprised her with it, along with a cruise and exclusive visit to some famous race stable.”

  “Oh, no.” Compassion filled Judith’s kind face. “You’ve been working so hard too. But can you still go? Maybe take a friend?”

  Emily nodded. “Yes, the tickets are non-refundable. Two nights at the Steeplechase Inn. Beer, hot dogs and horses. So, would you like to go to West Virginia with me? Everything’s paid. And I’d love for you to come.”

  Judith just stared.

  “I know you like movies more than horses,” Emily went on, uncomfortable with Judith’s silence. “And it’s no big deal if you’re busy. I totally understand. These horses aren’t famous or really even all that fast. And sometimes the beer is a little warm—”

  “Emily,” Judith interrupted, her voice husky, “I’d love to come.”

  “You would?” Emily felt a smile crease her face. “Awesome. And you can meet Peanut. He’s our pony and longtime member of the family. One Christmas we even brought him into the house. Well, not a house exactly, but a trailer. And we’ll have to take the bus to Three Brooks because I don’t have the money to fix my car.”

  “I’m used to taking buses,” Judith said. “Never could afford a car. And I’d love to see all the Center’s wellness features too, if we have time.”