Chapter Twenty-Seven
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
After Helen returned Daisy to her paddock, she walked across to the round pen to wave goodbye to Andy. He was working with a skittish young colt, demonstrating how to calm the horse’s nerves and get his attention. Though she knew she had to leave she couldn’t pull her eyes away. There were no whips, or a chain around the animal’s nose, something she hated but had often seen at Erin’s facility. When the colt stopped acting up and let out a snort, Andy stepped up to him and stroked his neck.
“It’s not magic,” he declared, “it’s just patience and confidence. Horses are extremely sensitive. If you’re nervous, they will be too. They’re looking to you for direction. Give it to them. Show them there’s nothing to fear. When you pass a scary object, touch it, then let them take as much time as they need to approach it and explore it themselves.”
Watching the faces of his clients eager to learn, she felt like one of them. She’d been riding for years, but around Andy she felt like a beginner.
“Now let’s get tacked up and move into the arena,” he continued, then spotting her, he hurried over with a wide smile. She wasn’t surprised when the colt followed him.
“That was wonderful,” she said softly. “You make it look so easy.”
“It is. Are you headin’ off to the estate?”
“I am. What time will you get there?”
“Probably between seven-thirty and eight. We’re supposed to finish at six, but that never happens,” he remarked with a grin.
“What will you do with Ranger?”
“I’m not sure. He’ll probably pretty worn out after all the activity today, but I still don’t want to leave him on his own so soon. I know he’s good about stayin’ in the truck, so I might bring him and let him hang out there.”
“I could put Molly with him.”
“That’s a great idea. They’ll be two peas in a pod. Problem solved.”
“I have to run, I’m a bit late, not that it really matters, but mom will be in a panic.”
“I’ll see you tonight, darlin’,” he murmured, then leaned forward and pecked her on the cheek. “And don’t forget, just follow orders. That detective and the sheriff know what they’re doin’.”
“I will, I promise. Bye…and Andy…I love you.”
“I love you too darlin’.”
* * *
Kenny knew Erin spent the morning on horseback, and started her lessons at one o’clock. Not wanting to be seen he always arrived before noon. Ever vigilant, when he rode his Harley through the gates, his eyes darted around the facility looking for anything out of the ordinary. There were no cars except for her SUV, and two workers were cleaning the stalls. Satisfied, he continued on and came to a stop beside the indoor arena. Climbing off his bike, he removed his helmet, lifted her package from his saddlebag, and walked briskly inside expecting to see her on a horse. But the ring was empty.
“Erin?”
Receiving no reply, he moved hastily through the riding ring to the gate that lead to the grooming area.
“Erin?” he called again.
When he didn’t get a response a second time he began to worry. Her office was at the end of the barn aisle, and marching forward, he reached the door and tried the handle. It was locked.
“What the fuck…?” he grunted.
The whole place felt empty, almost as if it had been evacuated. Snatching his phone from his pocket he sent her a text.
Where the fuck are you?
To his great relief he received an immediate reply.
I’m here. Sorry. I had a horse catch the back of his shoe and it was half on and half off. I had a helluva job removing the damn thing without ripping the sides of his feet.
Just hurry the fuck up
Yep, I’m on my way. Sorry.
Kenny didn’t like last minute hiccups.
Not having any drugs on him when the cop stopped him for speeding the night before had been a good omen. Erin having to mess with a horse and keep him waiting was not.
“I’m here,” she called, breaking into his thoughts.
Glancing down the aisle he saw her half walking, half running towards him.
“Where’s the shoe?” he asked as she stopped and unlocked the door.
“I left it outside the stall for the farrier. He may be able to straighten it out and put it back on. Come in.”
Ken had a keen sense of a person’s state of mind, and she was nervous.
“Erin, why are you so on edge?”
“Have you ever been on a horse that flipped out and caught the back of its front shoe and flipped out again?”
“I can’t say I have.”
“And when you finally manage to get it back in its stall, you have to somehow get the damn thing off,” she continued. “Trust me, it’s no fun.”
“Okay, I get it, but now it’s time for business. Where’s the money?” he demanded as she moved behind her desk.
“One-second. It’s in this—”
“Erin, you forgot to lock the door,” he barked, quickly turning the knob. “You have to get your shit together. In fact, I’m not sure continuing to work with you is a good idea. I’m thinking perhaps I should call this off and forget our arrangement.”
“No! I’m sorry. It’s just been a crazy morning. Please, Kenny, my clients are expecting their stuff this afternoon, and I just got two more people who will be regulars.”
“Then pay attention. If you don’t, it’s over. I mean it, Erin. You can’t forget something as basic as locking the fucking door.”
“You’re right, you’re absolutely right,” she exclaimed as she opened a drawer and pulled out an envelope. “It’s all there. Twenty-thousand in cash for one kilo of cocaine. That’s up five grand from last time. I thought you’d be pleased.”
“I would be, but I can be pleased and pissed off at the same time. I have to go. I’ll call you and we’ll have dinner. I have a new product. It’s called Synthetic Cannabinoid. If you have people who like weed they’ll love the stuff.”
“I do, thanks. I’ll see how many want it and let you know.”
“Yeah, you do that,” he grunted, picking up the envelope and stuffing into his zippered jacket pocket. “And, Erin, calm the fuck down.”
Marching back out to his bike, Ken checked his watch. It would be a busy day and he was on a tight schedule, but a wicked smile curled his lips. It was all so easy.