Sundancer (19 page)

14
THE PIERSONS

I don't care for anybody when I'm mad.

Hannah was worried. She had no idea where Bird would go in this storm. Bareback on an unstable horse was a bad idea on a good day.

After searching the roads to no avail, she retraced the route back to Saddle Creek. The wipers were clearing her windshield as fast as they could, but still the visibility was poor. Several times Hannah imagined that she saw a horse in the distance, but it turned out to be just her hopes painting pictures.

One of these visions turned out to be real. Not Bird on Sundancer, as she'd fervently hoped, but Abby on Charlie. Abby had thrown on one of Hannah's slickers and saddled up Charlie to follow Sunny's tracks. Hannah stopped her truck to talk.

“Any sign of them?” she asked.

Abby shook her head. “The rain's so intense I lost the trail. I thought I'd head off to look in another direction.” She pointed east. “Good luck. Don't stay out too long in this stuff.”

“Don't worry, Hannah.” Abby forced a smile. “She'll turn up.” Hannah smiled back, grateful for Abby's support. She waved as Abby and Charlie trotted away. The ringing of her cellphone startled her. She picked it up quickly to find Eva on the other end of the line.

“I just heard from Bird.”

“You spoke to her? Where is she?” Hannah asked.

“Safe, and that's all I'll say until I know that those men won't get rough with her.”

“Eva, nobody's going to get rough with Bird! I just want her home safely.”

“She's safe now. With good people.”

Hannah sighed. “Why am I the bad guy here? I sold a neurotic horse for good money. Bird is understandably upset, but it's actually for her own good. She could get hurt on that horse. Badly hurt. She already had a concussion, and you know what he did to Abby today. Not to mention the show he put on at the trailers!”

“I know, Hannah. I just don't trust that Elvin Wainright. He was so mad.”

“He was furious,” Hannah agreed. “If he'd come a minute earlier, he would've had Sunny in the van and been on his way.”

“I never want to see anger like that again.”

“Our father was hopping mad, too, Eva, don't forget.”

Eva was silent on the other end. Hannah had no doubt that Eva was remembering their childhood and their father's frequent rages. “I wonder why he was so mad,” she continued. “It's not his horse, nor his deal. He was just negotiating for Owens Enterprises.”

“Dad doesn't like anything to get in the way of a deal, Hannah. He's always been like that.”

“Maybe. But I can't help thinking there's something personal here.” Hannah heard a signal on her phone. “There's another call coming in, Eva. I'll see you at the house.”

“Bye, Hannah.”

Hannah pressed enter and picked up the incoming call. “Hello?” “Hannah, it's Lavinia. Where's my horse?”

“Hello, Lavinia. Pastor's in the barn where he should be. Isn't he?” Hannah sighed. She did not have time for this right now.

“Not Pastor, Hannah. Phoenix. The horse you call Sundancer.”

“He's not your horse.”

“Yes, he is. I got him from your father. I've been waiting here at Owens Stables and now I hear that Bird stole him before they could pick him up. I want you to bring him back immediately.”

Hannah was shocked. “You bought him from my father?”

“Actually, he was a gift. Your father bought him for us.”

Hannah pulled over to the side of the road and stopped her truck. She put her hand to her forehead and rubbed her temples.

“Hannah? Are you there? Hannah?”

“I'm here, Lavinia. I need to collect my thoughts.”

“Well, I need you to collect my horse. Pronto. And get him over to Owens stables where I can see him.”

“Just a minute, Lavinia. You're saying that my father bought

Sunny for you as a gift? Why?”

Hannah listened as Lavinia sighed in exasperation. “You're always the last to hear everything. Your father and I are dating.” She hung up.

Hannah's head was reeling. This was getting crazier and crazier. Her cell rang again. She thought about not answering, but decided against it. What if it was about Bird?

“Hello?” She spoke hesitantly, then breathed a sigh of relief when she heard Paul's voice over the line.

“I just heard from Abby. Your cell was busy, so she called me. I'm on my way over to the Piersons.”

“The Piersons? Why?”

“Bird and Sunny are there. Abby dropped in to ask them to keep an eye out, and there she was, feasting on roast chicken and gravy with Pete and Laura.”

Hannah turned the truck around as she spoke. “I'm on my way, Paul. My cell was busy all right. I was just on the phone with Lavinia.”

“What's up? Does she need you to babysit?”

“Not even close. Did you know that my father and Lavinia are dating?”

“I've heard rumours.”

“So she's right. I'm always the last to hear. Anyway, Lavinia's under the impression that she owns Sunny, that my father bought him for her.”

“I don't understand, Hannah. Your father was —”

“Was making a deal for Owens Enterprises. Or did he say that? Did we just assume? Look, Paul, I can't figure it out. I'll meet you at Merry Fields.”

Hannah had nothing but questions in her head as she pulled into the Piersons' lane. Paul's muddy truck was already there.

She looked in the window of the kitchen door. The Piersons, Abby, Paul, and Bird were sitting at the table behind steaming plates of food. Bird looked unharmed. Hannah relaxed. She's safe.

Laura spotted Hannah before she knocked, and rushed over to open the door. “Come in, come in, dear! I'll set a place for you. Now sit down. Don't worry about your boots, a little mud never hurts.” Laura took Hannah's raincoat and pulled out a chair for her. She produced a chicken dinner before Hannah had a chance to say hello.

Bird didn't look up from her plate. She wasn't yet sure how she felt about Hannah. Her aunt had sold Sundancer, and that was unforgivable. But Bird knew Hannah's reasons and they would seem like good reasons to Hannah. Bird needed a minute to unmix her feelings. Also, she was embarrassed. Once again, she'd caused everyone anxiety, this time by impulsively running away.

“Welcome, Hannah,” said Pete. “Laura, Bird needs more chicken while you're up. And gravy.”

“Yes, dear. In a jiffy.”

“You eat, Hannah,” said Pete. “We'll slow things down and sort out this whole thing. Can't do anything on an empty stomach.”

Bird glanced up and caught her aunt's eye. Now that they were here at the Piersons, things seemed better. Bird hoped that Pete was right — that they could work something out. Maybe she could forgive Hannah after all. She smiled at her aunt.

Hannah sighed in relief and smiled back.

“Charlie's tucked away in the barn, Hannah,” said Abby. “In the stall beside Sundancer. Hay, water, the works.”

Hannah nodded her thanks and took a mouthful of mashed potatoes and gravy. “Delicious,” she said to Laura.

“After dinner,” Pete said, wiping his chin, “we'll sit by the fire and start at the beginning. Laura has made phone calls to the people concerned.” He smiled comfortably. “Usually things are much simpler than they seem. If everyone is reasonable and honest, we will reach an acceptable solution.”

PEOPLE BEGAN TO ARRIVE as the dishes were being cleared.

Eva, Julia, and Stuart appeared first. After kicking off her boots, Eva ran to her daughter and hugged her tightly. Bird was surprised at how good it felt. It had been a long time. Eva took her hand and sat down on the couch, placing Bird between herself and Stuart.

Julia wriggled her way between Bird and Stuart, and kissed Bird on the cheek. “I'm glad you ran away with Sunny,” she whispered. “That awful man came with a huge van to take him, but you were gone and he was sure mad! Gramps, too! It was crazy!”

An unamused Kenneth Bradley arrived next with a subdued Kimberly and Lavinia, who held Kenneth's arm possessively. Kenneth wiped his shoes on the mat, reminding Bird of a bull pawing the earth before charging.

“Well, well,” said Pete heartily. “Come in, everyone, and take a chair.”

Kenneth half-heartedly shook his offered hand and sat, leaving Lavinia to fend for herself. Underneath her expensive black patent-leather rain cape, Lavinia was dressed for a party. She found seats beside Kenneth for herself and Kimberly. Kimberly didn't look at anyone.

Bird felt badly for her. She wanted to comfort her, but didn't know how. Kimby, she messaged. It's not your fault. I understand. Bird was not surprised that Kimberly didn't react. She hadn't really expected her to.

The last to arrive was Elvin Wainright. He walked in with his dripping coat and muddy boots and didn't bother to remove them. He took the last available chair, to the right of Pete Pierson, looking like this was the last place on earth he wanted to be.

Laura appeared with old newspapers, which she placed under his feet to make a point. He ignored her as he checked his watch and glanced at Kenneth. Bird giggled when Laura gave her a quick wink.

“Thank you for coming.” Pete spoke in a friendly but firm voice. He was clearly in charge. “We'll keep this short, as you all have things to do and so do I.” He looked pointedly at the book club selection beside his chair. “Every person in the circle will tell their story in order. I ask that you keep it short. Then we will try to come to a fair conclusion.” He picked up a notepad and pencil, and donned his reading glasses.

Kenneth Bradley yawned and looked bored. Bird watched him and saw his resentment towards Pete. He liked to be in charge, she thought, and when he was forced to take a lesser role, like now, he needed people to know that it was beneath him. What a sad and lonely man, thought Bird. He likes people to fear him. He plays mind games that leave everyone guessing, and worrying that they might upset him. What made him like this, she wondered?

Bird brought her attention back to the issue at hand. She listened carefully as each person around the circle spoke in turn and argued their point of view regarding Sundancer.

At the end of an hour of self-justifying explanations, Pete sat back in his chair and regarded his notes. Two suspenseful minutes later, he spoke.

“Now it's my turn. Let me summarize.” Pete looked at them over his glasses. “There are three things on which you all agree. One, Sundancer is extremely talented. Two, he is also extremely difficult. Three, you all want to be involved with him, particularly after he did so well at the Rockhill Show. But, there are three things that present problems. One is ownership. Two is value. Three is ridership. All agreed?”

Everyone nodded with various levels of enthusiasm.

“This horse was no good to anyone before he moved to Saddle Creek. Therefore, I propose that for the sake of the horse he remains there with Hannah and Bird.”

“Outrageous!” said Kenneth Bradley.

Pete turned an icy stare at him. “Please let me continue. These are only my proposals.” Pete waited for Kenneth to settle back in his chair.

“Now the question of ownership. Elvin and Kenneth both believe the horse still belongs to Owens Enterprises, even though they also recognize that Paul Daniels took him in good faith.”

Elvin shrugged his acceptance. Kenneth sat back in his chair, eyes closed.

“So, this is my suggestion. The deal to buy the horse for twenty-five thousand dollars is off. Hannah and Bird will train and ride him at Saddle Creek in exchange for regular training and boarding fees. Owens Enterprises remains the owner, collects prize money and has the prestige of ownership. Therefore the actual book value of the horse need never be discussed.”

Lavinia burst out. “Where does that leave Kimberly? High and dry!”

Pete looked at her kindly but with a sternness that was palpable. “You are right, there's more. To complicate things, Mr. Bradley made the deal to buy Sundancer from Hannah and Paul on behalf of Owens Enterprises but then gave the horse to Lavinia and Kimberly Davies as a personal gift.”

Lavinia nodded forcefully. “Absolutely. On condition that Sundancer returns to the Owens stables and is ridden by Leon Parish until Kimberly is ready to ride him.”

Embarrassed, Kimberly hung her head.

“Kenneth had no right to do that,” Pete cleaned his glasses and glanced at Kenneth, “with a horse he did not own. And I suspect that Elvin had no idea that Kenneth had gifted the horse to Kimberly.” Pete looked through his glasses, inspecting for smudges.

Elvin spoke up. “Offering twenty-five thousand was authorized. Making a gift of the horse was not.”

Kenneth glared at Elvin and snapped, “What difference does it make if the child thought she owned the horse? There was nothing on paper. He was going back to Owens. It made everybody happy and no harm was done. Kimberly never was going to be capable of riding him, anyway.”

Bird made note of his logic. It was all about deception.

“That's not true!” Lavinia blurted. “Kimberly is an exceptional rider. She just needed the right horse, and now she's got him!”

“Mom,” whispered Kimberly. “Please drop it. This is getting way too complicated.”

Lavinia opened her mouth to speak, then shut it when Kenneth gave her a censoring look.

Elvin asked, “Now what do we do about Leon Parish? He's been contracted to ride Sundancer at the Haverford Fair.”

Pete sighed. “Let me understand this. You signed a man to ride the horse before you knew you had the horse for him to ride?”

“Yes,” answered Kenneth with a smirk. “Knowing my daughter's financial situation, I felt reasonably confident that we'd had a deal.”

“Really?” reacted Hannah. “Well, I feel reasonably confident that the great Leon Parish will fall on his you-know-what.”

“Is that a dare, Hannah? Can you put your money where your mouth is?” Kenneth Bradley's eyes flashed.

“If Leon can ride him,” challenged Hannah angrily, “You can have him.”

Kenneth sneered. “Done. Tomorrow at 10 a.m.” He rose from his chair and rubbed his hands.

Hannah glowered at her father. “Ten. At Saddle Creek.”

Bird listened in shock. Hannah had fallen for her father's goading. She'd walked right into his trap.

Pete sighed again. People and their knee-jerk reactions. He had no choice but to conclude the meeting. He stood with great difficulty and tried to put a positive spin on the exercise. “This meeting has been helpful. The facts and understandings have been vocalized. If we all meet tomorrow morning at ten o'clock at Saddle Creek, we'll hopefully find a way to stop fighting over the poor horse.” He signalled to Laura.

Laura Pierson had been quietly listening the entire time, filling coffee cups and passing cookies. “It's past our bedtime, folks. The horses are fine here tonight. No need to ride them home in the storm. See you all tomorrow morning at ten.” Laura opened the kitchen door and smiled graciously.

Hannah, Bird, and Paul were the last to go. Laura gave Bird a plastic bag containing her dry clothes and handed Hannah a box of leftover chicken. “It was so good to see you people again,” she said. “Nothing like a little excitement.”

“It was good to see you again, too, Mrs. Pierson, “ said Hannah warmly. “We'll see you tomorrow. And thank you for doing this for us tonight. Nobody else could have acted as mediator.”

“I doubt it was helpful,” said Pete. “We didn't have agreement on one thing, really.”

Paul replied, “You put everything clearly on the table. That's a good start.”

Hannah looked sheepish, “I didn't help, throwing out that dare.”

“Don't you worry about that,” stated Pete with assurance. “You only put wheels in motion. We have to hope for a good result.”

“Pete will work it out. He always does.” Laura beamed proudly and put her arm through her husband's. Pete was not so sure.