Chapter 2
CHAPTER 2
A fter the tour, Lyris went with Ray as he carried her duffle bag to the guest house. The small ranch-style house was on the back of his property, on the far side of the pool. She’d originally thought it was the pool house, but he had one of those setting along the south side of the backyard.
The north side of the yard was covered with bushy Blue Spruce trees forming a barrier against the wind and snow in winter.
The rectangular pool was about fifty feet long and thirty feet wide, with a diving board at the end of the pool closest to the guesthouse. The pool itself was about twenty-five feet from the sliding door leading into the kitchen. A covered patio took up twenty feet of that space.
The guesthouse was painted white, same as both the main house and the pool house. A small porch was in the front of the guest house with white columns, like those on the main house, only smaller.
Ray dropped the backpack on the overstuffed chair in the living room. “Let’s head out.”
Ray took her across the patio to the sliding door and held it for her.
He stood and watched his daughter interact with a woman Lyris assumed was his cook.
“Come on in and meet Amy. The woman who keeps us all on track.” Ray approached Maddy and the woman. “Amy, this is Lyris Jennings, our new vet. She’ll be living in the guesthouse and will take her meals with us.”
Lyris extended her right hand to Amy. She was about five feet tall, had silver hair piled on her head in a messy bun, and yet her face was nearly wrinkle-free. She could have been anywhere between forty to seventy, but Lyris thought she was probably in her fifties. “I’m pleased to meet you, Amy.”
“And I you, Dr. Jennings.” She took Lyris’s hand.
“Please, call me Lyris.”
Amy nodded. “As you wish. You’ll have to let me know if there are any foods you’re allergic to and if you want anything specific to eat, like your favorite meal. I’m always looking for ideas.” She turned to Ray. “Dinner will be at five-thirty tonight. I have a euchre tournament to go to.”
Ray laughed. “You and your cards.”
Amy placed her hands on her hips. “Everybody needs a hobby. You need to find one. Maddy is growing up and not going to need you as much. You need to fill the void.”
He matched her stance. “I have my horses. They, and my business, keep me too busy for anything else.”
“Fine. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. By the way, will you be having dinner here next Saturday? You have that gala and I need to know if I need to include you in my supper plans.”
Ray turned toward Lyris. “Will you be hungry before the gala? They have hors d’ouvres along with the champagne.”
Lyris widened her eyes and raised her eyebrows. “I didn’t realize I would be attending a gala and need a gown. I’d have to find one. Why do you want me to go?”
“You have a week to find something. As to why, you’re part of this operation now. I need you to represent it.”
She widened her eyes. He said she’d be attending as if it was the most natural thing in the world for her to attend a formal affair. “I’ll see what I can find, and I don’t need dinner beforehand.” I’ll be too nervous to eat. I have to take a day and go shopping in Denver. I hope I can find something at such short notice.
“Fine. Now let me show you your office in the barn.” He walked with her to the barn. After they entered, he led the way to her office. The barn faced south. When both of the large doors were opened, she bet there was a great cross breeze.
Ray led her to the northeastern part of the barn.
Her office was against the east wall.
He pointed at the room next to hers. “That is my office out here. I actually spend more time here than in the house during racing season, which is basically May through October with the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders Cup. I don’t enter any races after the Breeders.”
“That’s good to know.”
“Right now we have foals being born. You’ll probably be busy with them for the next couple of months.”
“That actually sounds like heaven. That is one reason I wanted to work for a breeder.”
“I’m glad you decided on Whispering Winds.”
“So am I.”
“Well, I’ll leave you to get settled. If you need anything make a list and we’ll tackle everything at once.”
“Okay, I will.” Lyris was touching everything. She was a very tactile person. She checked the shelves for the medicines she would use to treat the animals. She’d already ordered the vitamin and mineral supplements she wanted to use. Magnesium was something she would use stringently. It was called for in the cases of constipation and blockages. Other than that, she wouldn’t use it. It could affect the horse’s performance if used improperly.
A laptop sat in the middle of an oak desk that was beautiful, polished to a high gloss. She didn’t know how to keep it that way in a barn. She was glad to see the entire barn had wood flooring. It kept down the dust and everything remained much cleaner. If she kept the door to the office shut when she wasn’t there, it would help greatly in keeping the desk glossy.
After opening the laptop and setting the password, she started a list of things she wanted. The first things on the list were the chemicals needed to check for doping. She wanted to be prepared. Rumors in her profession were often grounded in facts, much to her dismay.
Ray came to collect her for dinner. The barn and racetrack were on the north side of the property.
As she walked beside Ray, she took in the massive house they approached. The main house was in the colonial style of a southern plantation. A wide porch extended across the front of the west-facing home and halfway around both sides. White columns held up the roof over the porch, which also had a balcony on the second floor. She knew the master bedroom was off the balcony. She could imagine having cocktails up there and watching the sunset over the mountains. Then going back in to enjoy sitting in front of the fireplace.
On one side of the double front oak doors was a round wrought-iron table with four matching chairs. The top was cut into small squares, making it look like it was woven, and on top of that sat smoked glass. It was beautiful.
On the other side of the door, a wooden swing hung from the roof. Sitting out there would be fun on a summer night, or maybe to just sit alone and think.
Ray held the right side of the front door for her to enter in front of him. Then he headed to the kitchen.
Wonderful aromas were wafting through the house. Whatever was for dinner, it had to be good.
Dinner was just the four of them. Amy had prepared lasagna with garlic bread and a green salad for dinner. Lyris was glad she didn’t have a date afterwards. Her breath was atrocious. Of course, she didn’t date. Hadn’t had one in three years. Not since the disastrous relationship she’d had with Kevin. No, I won’t think about that. I wonder what it would be like to go out with Ray. He’s very handsome and seems nice so far. No! No! No! Lyris. You will not get involved with your employer. Remember Kevin. Remember what he did to you. You will not go through that again.
Lyris took the following day to head to Denver. She’d visited three different stores, including a bridal boutique, and hadn’t found anything. This was her last stop. Rachel’s Boutique. A clerk at Gala Gowns had been very helpful and recommended it. Lyris didn’t know where else to go if they didn’t have a gown.
She entered the store and was immediately mesmerized. Every gown she saw was amazing. She walked around the store, touching the dresses. They were all made from materials that were comfortable on the body. She looked up at one of the gowns on display. It was midnight black and covered in sparkling crystals. The bodice was a very low-cut sweetheart neckline. Lyris wondered if it would cover her rather ample bosom.
“May I help you?” asked a deep female voice.
Lyris turned and saw a beautiful woman. She was as tall as Lyris and wore a cocktail length, sleeveless sheath the color of rubies. It set off her pale skin, icy gray eyes, and black hair to perfection.
“Yes, I’m looking for a gown for a gala in a week.” She turned to face the black gown. “I really like this one.” She touched the black gown.
“My dear, with your coloring and that glorious red hair, you need something more.” She headed to another rack and pulled out a deep, forest-green gown. “I want your hair and eyes to pop. This gown will make that happen. I’ll bring you the black gown, too, and you’ll see what I mean.”
Smiling, Lyris agreed. First, she tried on the black one. It fit her like a glove, except for the bodice, which was a little small. Still, she liked the way she looked in the dress.
Next, she tried on the green one. The top of this dress was a deep V ending under her breasts. The bodice had built in support which couldn’t be seen, unlike some of the corset-like tops of several dresses. Her bosom looked fabulous. The dress fell gracefully from the top, skimming over her waist and hips. The skirt had a slit up the right leg to mid-thigh and it opened when she walked, revealing a lot of leg. She loved it. But what was she doing thinking about how good it felt or what Ray would think of it? She knew better than to date the boss or even find him attractive. It only led to heartbreak…hers.
“This is beautiful. How did you know it would look so good?”
Rachel chuckled. “I’ve been in this business for a very long time. You get to know what works for people and what doesn’t. The black one was beautiful on you, there’s no saying it wasn’t, but this one looks spectacular.”
Lyris nodded. “You’re right it does. What kind of undergarments do I need?”
“Just a nice pair of panties, something that won’t show lines. Actually, it would be best if you didn’t wear anything under it. The back is low, so you can’t wear any kind of bra, and the gown fits closely enough, that finding a pair of underwear to go under it will be difficult.”
“This is a business event, I’m not certain that no underwear is appropriate. I don’t want to ruin the gown by having panty lines.”
Rachel smiled. “I understand. I have a nice undergarment that might work. Do you want to try it?”
“Yes, please.”
Rachel brought her a pair of panties like Spanx but thinner and silkier. “This might be just what you are looking for. If you ever go out for pleasure, you might try it without the under garment.” She winked.
Lyris tried on the panties. There was a tiny line at her waist, but otherwise they worked. She sighed. They would have to do; she couldn’t attend a business function with no underwear.
She paid for the gown and headed back to the ranch, smiling all the way. Wouldn’t Ray be surprised when he saw her? She suddenly wondered why she even cared what he thought. Yes, he was handsome…hot, really. She loved the way his blue eyes popped with his black hair and the three-day stubble made him even sexier. But why would a billionaire like him be interested in a veterinarian like her?
The guesthouse had an attached two-car garage. Ray had provided her with the remote.
Lyris entered through the kitchen and headed to the master bedroom. The rod in the closet was too low, so she twisted the gown’s hangar so it would go over the top of the door. It probably wasn’t the best solution for the long term, but it would do for now.
By the time she’d finished hanging the gown, it was time for dinner, and she was starving. She’d missed lunch while she was shopping.
Lyris washed her hands and face, put on a little mascara, some lip gloss, and called it good. She wasn’t big on wearing makeup, given what her job usually entailed. It made little sense to her to worry about makeup when helping to deliver a foal or giving shots or diagnosing an ailment.
She was the last one to arrive for dinner.
Maddy, Ray, Amy, and another man were already seated.
Lyris slid into the chair next to Amy, as she had the previous night.
“Lyris, this is Ted Gulliver. He’s my stable master. He’s been on vacation, and this is his first night back.” Ray waved his hand toward her. “Ted, this is Lyris Jennings, the new vet. I’m sure you’ll get to know each other very well as you work together every day.”
Lyris nodded to Ted. “Pleased to meet you. I’d like to get together to see just what the operation is like. I’ve been doing some preliminary work, checking teeth, looking for overt signs of illness, that sort of thing.”
“It sounds like you have everything in hand.” Ted was in his forties, wiry, with brown hair balding on top.
Dinner was pot roast, one of Lyris’s favorites. She wasn’t a dainty eater and loaded her plate with meat, potatoes, and carrots—lots of carrots. Occasionally, her mother had said she was only into the pot roast for the cooked carrots. Sometimes Lyris agreed with her.
After dinner was over, Ray led the way to the family room where he had a bar cart set up. Everyone but Amy joined him. Instead, she stayed behind to clean up the dinner dishes.
“The full bar is off the movie room downstairs,” Ray said from next to the cart. “Would you like a drink?”
Maddy was on one end of the sofa with her legs folded under her.
Ted sat in one of the overstuffed chairs.
Lyris nodded from her seat on the opposite end of the sofa. “I’ll take a glass of white zinfandel if you have it. If not, I’ll have a screwdriver.”
He frowned a little. “I don’t have that wine. I’ll have Amy pick up some, if you let me know what brand it is.”
She waved him off. “Don’t worry about it. I can get it myself.”
“Nonsense. You live here now. I’ll keep whatever you like on hand.”
Lyris accepted the drink he made her. “Thank you.” She’d never had any previous employer keep her wine in stock. Ray seemed like he treated the employees more like family.
Ray turned to his daughter. “Maddy, are you staying?”
The girl had been quiet during dinner and now unfolded her legs and stood. “Actually, Daddy, I think I’ll head upstairs.”
Ray stopped what he was doing and went to Maddy. He immediately put a hand on her forehead. “Are you feeling okay? Do you need to see a doctor?”
Maddy rolled her eyes. “I don’t need to see a doctor. I just want to vid with Jenny.”
“Oh, well, why didn’t you say so.” He kissed her on the forehead and gave her a hug. “Have fun. Don’t stay up too late. You have to work White Lightning before the big race next Friday.”
She smiled. “I know and I won’t. The same goes for you. Don’t stay up too late.” Then she turned and headed out of the family room.
Ray looked after her for a long minute before turning back. “Where were we?”
Lyris couldn’t help snickering. “You were trying to see if Maddy was staying and then needed a doctor. We hadn’t started another conversation yet.”
Ray sat in the chair across from Lyris. The furniture in the family room was covered in luxurious cream-colored brocade material. It had roses with gold strands running through it. The sofa was very comfortable, and she relaxed on it.
“Why don’t you tell us a little about yourself, Lyris. Where are you from?”
“I’m a Colorado native, though I’ve spent the last two years at an Arabian horse farm in Oregon. That was on my resume though. My parents still live here in Lakewood, a suburb of Denver. I have three brothers, two older and one younger. I went to school in Ft. Collins at Colorado State University in their veterinary program. It’s ranked number thirteen in the country, so it’s a very good program. What else would you like to know?”
“Are you seeing anyone? Should I keep an?—”
“I’m not seeing anyone. No reason to keep an eye out for me. Why did your previous vet leave.”
“He retired. Bill had been with me since I opened the ranch. He worked for my parents before that.”
Lyris took a coaster from the holder on the light oak coffee table and placed her drink on it. She’d be mortified if she ruined the beautiful natural wood. “I’d like to see all the vaccination records and make sure they are up-to-date. Then I’ll do a complete physical on each, including the colts and fillies. I don’t know how long it will take. How many animals do you have?”
He was silent for a moment, then Ray’s gaze locked with hers. “I house forty-two grown horses. Ten that are racing, five stallions in the stud program, twelve mares with foals, ten mares that I’m waiting to confirm pregnancy. I want you to check them out first. Some of their owners are getting antsy and call me every day. Then I have five of my own mares that are about ready to give birth. I want them to be checked second. About fifteen juveniles of varying ages, from a couple of months to eighteen months are also here. Some horses are mine, some belong to other owners who don’t have a place to stable them.”
“I hadn’t realized your operation was so large from our phone interview.”
Ted chuckled. “I can see you wish you’d asked for more money.” He took a chug of his beer.
As she eyed the stable master, Lyris narrowed her gaze. “No, not really. I took this job for reasons other than money.”
He looked over at his boss. “There’s no reason to work if not for the money. Ain’t that right, Ray?”
Ray shook his head. “I agree with Lyris. There are a multitude of reasons to work besides money.”
“Since money ain’t something you worry about, being a billionaire and all, you wouldn’t understand,” grumbled Ted.
Lyris looked over at Ted. “You don’t have to be a billionaire to work for something other than monetary compensation, Ted. I work because I love horses. That’s why I became a vet. I could have concentrated on something else, even become a doctor, but I don’t have the needed bedside manner. My current patients don’t care about things like that.” She took another sip of her screwdriver.
“So, Doc, are you wealthy? Do you work just for fun, like Ray?” Ted took another chug of his beer.
“I don’t work for fun, but I enjoy what I do. What about you, Ted? Do you enjoy what you do?”
Ted shrugged. “It’s okay. I get to be outside a lot, and I like that. I wouldn’t be happy in a nine-to-five job in a dinky cubicle or even an office. I like the flexibility Ray allows me to do my job.”
Lyris looked over at Ray. The man was staring at his stable master. She got the impression this was the first time he’d heard Ted was only in it for the money. She returned her gaze to Ted. “Well, I love the animals. That’s why I do what I do. The fact I can get paid for it is a bonus and, on that note, I think I’ll retire. I have some reading to do, and I want to prepare for my first day with the horses.” She stood. “Goodnight, gentlemen.”
“Goodnight, Lyris,” said Ray as he stood.
“’Night. I’ll see you tomorrow,” said Ted.
Lyris nodded. “That you will.” She walked out the kitchen door that led to the backyard. The fence went around the back of the guesthouse and enclosed the entire backyard, including the pool and pool house.
She didn’t look back, though she wanted to. She wondered if Ted left when she did or stayed to talk to Ray. Assuming the latter, she continued on to the guesthouse. Her mind was a jumble of facts and one assumption—Ted would be the perfect person to be doping the animals. So far, Ray’s animals hadn’t been caught in the net, but if it continued they would be and that would be devasting for Ray. She had to keep an eye on Ted and on the animals to see if they react differently than when she first met them. A race would be held on Saturday, the night of the gala. She’d like to present her evidence to Ray then, but first she had to get the evidence and catalog it completely before she would show him. With a plan in mind, Lyris went to bed, but she didn’t rest well. Her dreams were filled with murder, her murder. Was she in danger?
Ray sat staring into his bourbon and water. “So, Ted, I didn’t realize you were only working here for the money. I assumed you loved the horses.”
The man shrugged and then leaned forward with his elbows on his knees. “Oh, don’t be like that. I do love the horses, but I wouldn’t be working for you if the money wasn’t good. I’d find somewhere else. That’s human nature, Ray; you know that.”
Ray’s stomach churned. He set his drink on the coffee table; he wouldn’t be able to drink it now. “I don’t know anything of the kind. I’m sorry that you feel so mercenary; however, I do understand it.” He stood. “I’m turning in. Show yourself out.” He turned and left Ted alone. He figured the man would have another beer or perhaps he’d take one with him. He didn’t care which Ted did. What did matter was what Ted would do for money. When would he next ask for a raise even though he’d just got one?