Mystery Rider (11 page)

Chapter Eighteen

The day of the parade was hot and clear, with no breeze to break the stillness. Kate, Tori, Colt, and Melissa sat on their horses in the lineup, awaiting the signal to start. Kate couldn't believe the number of people swarming the streets and standing around the start area, not to mention the floats and other entries.

It wasn't anything like the huge Rose Festival parade they held in nearby Portland, Oregon, each year. There weren't any elaborate floats. Mostly flatbed trucks, decorated with ribbons and flowers, carrying kids dressed in costumes, along with clowns, other equestrian groups, decorated cars and pickups, a Boy Scout group, the high school's marching band, and even the rodeo queen and her court.

Kate's dad patted her leg as she sat on Capri. “Your mother and Pete are going to stay with Mrs. Maynard near the end of the parade route. Tori's and Colt's parents and Melissa's mom left to find places midway, but I'm going to walk the entire length with you kids in case you need help with anything.” His brows were drawn together in the way Kate recognized when he was anxious.

Somehow it reassured her rather than scared her, and she reached down to squeeze his fingers. “I was kind of scared at first, but none of the horses are acting up. Colt and Melissa have both ridden in parades, so Tori will ride beside Melissa, and Colt is riding next to me, behind the two of them. We'll be fine.”

The announcer signaled for the police car to start, followed by the lead car in the parade containing the mayor of The Dalles and the guest of honor. Kate grinned at her father. “You'd better get out of the way, Dad. Looks like we'll be leaving soon. I'm glad they put the horses near the end of the line and that noisy band at the front. It's nice having another horse group in front and behind too. It's almost like being on a big trail ride.”

Her dad moved to the sidewalk and waited until their small group moved out; then he kept pace beside them.

When they'd covered a full block with nothing more exciting happening than a little boy running out to grab candy that was thrown, and his mother snatching him back before he fell in a pile of horse droppings, Kate grinned. If that was the worst that happened today, she'd go home happy.

“Tori, how you holding up?” She almost had to holler the words over the noise of the band three blocks ahead of them and the chatter of the crowd on both sides of the street. Most of the businesses fronting Second Street were closed, and the sidewalk was packed with people straining to see. Of course, the majority of these people were in town for the carnival and the rodeo later in the afternoon, but it was still awesome that so many of them wanted to watch the parade.

Tori twisted her head toward Kate, and she wasn't smiling. “I'm still kind of nervous, but Starlight isn't.”

Melissa reached toward Tori with one hand, as if she wanted to reassure her, but she couldn't quite touch her. “You're doing great! Just relax and have fun.”

It took at least thirty minutes to reach the end of the business district, even though it was only about six blocks long. Tori called back over her shoulder, “Are we almost done?”

Colt chuckled. “Nope. We're over halfway. We have to cross the railroad tracks and stop at a big pullout, although some of the entries will continue on a little farther to the rodeo grounds.”

Kate stroked Capri's neck. “You're such a good girl,” she crooned to her horse. “Hey, Colt. Why do you think Tori's still so nervous? Starlight acts like an old hand.”

“Not sure. I guess because she hasn't had as much experience riding like the rest of us. It's a good thing we decided not to toss candy to the kids on the sidewalk.”

Kate nodded. “This is tons of fun, but I don't think I'd have liked that either. I want to keep both hands on my reins. I've only ridden for less than a year longer than Tori.”

They passed a lumberyard with a store adjoining it and saw Mrs. Maynard stand up next to her lawn chair and wave a hanky. “You children look wonderful!” Her voice carried over the thinner crowd, as most of the people had chosen to watch from downtown. Starlight pricked his ears and nickered in reply. “Keep up the good work!”

Kate's dad walked at a brisk pace beside them for the next four or five blocks. “We're almost there. We have to cross the tracks down a side road up ahead, then a short distance to where the horse trailer is parked.”

Kate grinned. “It's a good thing you run so often, or you'd be wiped out by now, Dad.”

“Yep.” He waved, slowed and held up his phone. “I'll keep you in sight, but I want to see if Mrs. Maynard and your mother plan to head this way soon.”

“Okay.” Kate blew out her breath. “This has been great, but it'll be nice to be home.” She looked at the line ahead of them, watching as entries crossed over the railroad tracks. It was a good thing no trains came through this time of day.

The group of horses and riders representing a local 4-H club crossed over the tracks. Melissa and Tori went next, and Melissa pointed ahead of them. “Watch out for that area where the two tracks come close together. You don't want Starlight to get a hoof caught in that crack.”

Tori nodded and tightened her reins.

A child dashed out from the crowd, racing for the last handful of candy tossed out by the group in front of them, and she halted only a yard ahead of Starlight.

Kate's heart nearly stopped as Starlight got closer to the little girl.

Tori gasped and reined the gelding to the side to keep from running over the child, and a second later, the girl's mother snatched her into her arms.

Tori slumped in her saddle and relaxed her hold on the reins, then glanced back at Kate. “Whew. That was close. I'm glad we're almost done.”

Melissa gestured ahead of them. “Watch it, Tori!”

Tori jerked her head around, but Kate could tell she wasn't sure what she was watching out for.

Kate groaned as Starlight's hoof plunged into the area between the two tracks and caught.

Chapter Nineteen

Melissa pulled Mocha to a stop, and Colt and Kate followed her lead. Kate dismounted as quickly as she could and looked around, hoping to see her dad. He'd said he'd keep them in sight, but he must have stayed on the phone a little longer than he'd planned. She turned to Colt. “What do we do?”

He dismounted, then handed her Romeo's reins. “Keep the horses calm. I'll see what it looks like.” He moved forward calmly. “Good girl, Tori. Keep a tight rein on him. We don't want him trying to yank his foot out and hurting himself.”

Tori swiveled her head, and Kate could see tears streaking her face. “I'm scared, Colt.”

“I know. Keep talking to him and stroking his neck. Let him know he'll be okay, and you're here to help him. That will help keep him calm.”

Tori nodded and bent over Starlight's neck. “Good boy.” She ran her hand along his neck. “Nothing is going to happen to you, I promise. Don't move now, okay?”

Colt stepped up to the horse's head and grasped the reins close to the bit. “Get down slowly now, Tori, then come hold him while I see what I can do with his foot.”

Tori did as he asked, slipping out of the saddle; then she walked forward and took Colt's place. “Is he hurt?”

Colt shook his head. “Not yet.” He gritted his teeth. “I wish the rest of the entries would stop going around us. Kate or Melissa, do you think you can find Kate's dad?”

Melissa pivoted her horse. “Sure. I can see better from up here. I'll head back the way we came.”

Kate stood to the side. “What can I do?”

Colt knelt beside Starlight but looked up at Kate. “Stand there with our horses. It's blocking anyone from getting too close to Starlight. Tori, you're doing a great job keeping him calm. Keep talking to him.”

Just then a car pulled across the tracks and off to the side; then the back and front passenger doors opened, and Mrs. Maynard and Kate's dad and mom got out and headed their direction. Kate's hands shook with relief. “Am I glad you went back to get Mrs. Maynard, Dad. Starlight's foot is stuck.”

Two men stopped and surveyed the scene. “Need help?” the taller one asked.

Mrs. Maynard took a moment to assess the situation with sharp eyes; then she gave a short nod. “Thanks, we might. But for now, we'll see what we can do. Tori, when I tell you to, put your hand over Starlight's nose, push backward very gently, and cluck to him. Colt, move slowly and put your hand on his shoulder. As soon as I say the word and you feel him start to shift, slide your hand to his fetlock and lift his foot, like you would if you were going to clean his hoof. Got that?”

Tori shivered but nodded. “Yes.”

Colt put his hand on Starlight's shoulder. “Ready when you are.”

Mrs. Maynard stepped closer. “Now, Tori, gently ease him back.”

Tori didn't hesitate but slipped her hand over the gelding's nose and spoke to him softly, then clucked her tongue and pressed against the soft flesh.

Kate held her breath and waited, praying Colt would be able to extract the horse's foot.

As soon as the horse started to move, Colt slid his hand down Starlight's leg and lifted. The timing couldn't have been more perfect, as the hoof cleared the tight space between the tracks. Colt placed Starlight's hoof a foot back, and Tori kept up the pressure as the gelding walked backward.

A light cheer went up from the group, including the two men who had stopped to help and several other onlookers Kate hadn't noticed before. She grinned. “Thank You, Lord.”

Melissa moved up to stand beside her. “Yeah. I agree. That could have been bad.”

Kate stared at the girl, not sure if she'd heard correctly. “What do you mean?”

“I think God must have had something to do with Starlight staying calm and not breaking his leg. A lot of horses would have gone into a panic and tried to wrench their leg free. It wouldn't have been pretty.”

Kate threw her arm around Melissa's shoulders and gave her a hug. “You've got that right. God even cares about horses. Pretty cool, huh!”

Melissa nodded and grinned.

With Colt's help, Tori led Starlight along the tracks to a place where it was safe to cross. Tori brushed her cheeks with the back of her hand.

Kate rushed to her friend. “You did great! I'm not sure I could have stayed calm if that had been Capri.”

Tori shook her head and sniffed. She glanced over her shoulder at Mrs. Maynard and dropped her voice. “He could have been crippled because I wasn't paying attention. Melissa warned me to stay away from that side of the tracks, but after that little girl ran out in front of us, I forgot. It's my fault. I just know Mrs. Maynard is never going to want me to ride her horse again, and I won't blame her.”

Two hours later, the horses were unloaded at the Blue Ribbon Barn, and the kids and adults were gathered in Kate's house. Her mom brought a tray of lemonade and glasses of ice into the living room, and Kate handed them around. When they finished, they both took seats on the couch, Kate settling in beside Tori.

Kate had been thinking about what Tori had said the entire time they loaded the horses and drove from The Dalles to Hood River and up to Odell. Would Mrs. Maynard blame Tori and not allow her to ride Starlight again? Kate didn't agree that it was Tori's fault and had tried to reassure her friend on the drive home, but she wouldn't listen.

Kate chanced a look at Mrs. Maynard, but she couldn't tell anything from the lack of expression on the older lady's face. At least she hadn't said anything negative, and she didn't look angry.

Tori's parents sat side by side on chairs near Kate's father. They'd come on the scene after Starlight was freed, but they'd heard the story more than once since.

Tori cleared her throat and looked across the room. “Mrs. Maynard, I'm so sorry about what happened. I know Starlight could have broken his leg, and I take full responsibility. I probably shouldn't ever ride him again, and I wouldn't blame you if you felt that way.”

Mrs. Maynard's brows rose. “I don't remember saying that. In fact, I feel just the opposite.”

Tori gripped her hands in a hard knot. “You do? But what do you mean the opposite?”

“That all of you children—no, young people—did a wonderful job today. Each of you did exactly what was needed and did it well. You kept your heads and didn't panic. And you, Tori …” She tilted her head. “In spite of your worry and fear, you were able to help Starlight relax. He trusted you to save him. I could see that as soon as I got out of that car. That's why I didn't come and take your place. Starlight was focused on your voice and your touch. I would have distracted him.”

Tori's eyes widened, but she didn't reply. Kate could only imagine what she must be feeling right now, going from the certainty that she'd lost the use of her dream horse to being told she'd done well. Kate nudged her and grinned. “Way to go, Tori.”

Mrs. Maynard smiled. “I agree. In fact, I'm glad we're all together right now, as I have something I need to share. I talked to my doctor yesterday. He informed me I'm not to ride again. Ever.”

Gasps sounded among the kids, and several of them started asking questions. Mrs. Maynard held up her hand. “Give me a moment, and I'll explain. He's worried about what would happen if I'm riding and have another stroke. As much as I don't like it, I agree. I'm gaining strength every day, and I feel wonderful. But this body of mine isn't getting any younger. If I passed out and fell off Starlight, there's no telling what would happen to me or to him.”

Tori slumped beside Kate, and Kate felt her shudder. “You're not going to sell Starlight, are you?” Tori almost whispered the words.

“Certainly not.” Mrs. Maynard shook her head emphatically. “I'm going to give him away. He has years of riding ahead of him before he's old enough to retire, and it's not fair for him to live in a paddock getting hardly any exercise.”

Tori fixed her eyes on Mrs. Maynard. “Where will he go? Can I still see him?”

Mrs. Maynard smiled. “I should have said I'm going to share ownership. I'll be giving him away, but I'll still own a part of him, so I can keep my visiting rights. I've spoken to your parents, and they've approved my decision.” She looked directly at Tori. “Starlight will stay at the Blue Ribbon Barn, under your care, Tori. You and I will own him jointly. You'll ride and care for him, and I'll pay his expenses. I can't stand the thought of not being part of his life, so I hope that plan will suit you.”

Tori squealed and lunged to her feet, then flew across the room and dropped to her knees beside Mrs. Maynard's chair. “Are you sure? Really?”

“Really.” The older woman held out her arms.

Tori gently wrapped her arms around the slender body. “I love you, Mrs. Maynard. And not just because of Starlight.” She drew back a few inches but kept her fingers wrapped around the woman's hand. “Because you have such a generous heart. I never even notice your scar anymore. God's love shines out of you all the time and makes you one of the most beautiful ladies I know.”

A tear made its way down the weathered, wrinkled cheek. “Thank you, my dear. I will always bless the day the four of you appeared in my pasture. God is good. All the time.”

Kate nodded and smiled at the group. “Our circle of friends used to be me, Tori, and Colt. But now that we've added Melissa and Mrs. Maynard, it's just about perfect.”

Melissa bit her lip and looked like she was struggling between laughing and crying, but a smile won out. “Yeah. Thank you, guys. I think so too.”