Sundancer. Shelley Peterson
considered this new information. “Most times the decision to euthanize a horse is a good one. It’s not taken lightly, especially with an animal as well bred as Sundancer. There must have been solid reasons for each of these trainers to give up on him. No one likes to admit defeat.”
No kidding, thought Bird, remembering her humiliating first encounter with the horse.
“You’re right. Especially pros. His reputation is pretty bad.” “He’s stubborn and proud. I know that from our session this morning. He doesn’t like to be dominated.”
“And he’s ultra-sensitive. Apparently he’s been like that right from the start. He would’ve done well in the wild.”
“That’s an idea. I’ll let him go free.” Hannah chuckled, then said, “Paul doesn’t usually rescue horses. I wonder what possessed him this time.”
Abby shrugged. “The horse is gorgeous, young, and healthy.”
Hannah wondered, “Who owns him now? Paul? Me? I don’t have any kind of deal. I need to speak with Paul and get this straight. Now that I know his origins, I want things to be crystal clear.”
“I don’t blame you.”
Hannah pushed back her chair. She grabbed a paper bag and began loading it with leftovers from the table. “How are Pete and Laura Pierson these days?” she asked, changing the subject. The Piersons were almost surrogate parents to Abby. They lived close by, and were a fixture in the community.
“Fabulous,” answered Abby with a wide smile. “As interesting and welcoming and wonderful as ever. I see them all the time.”
“They must be getting on in years.”
“I suppose, but I want to be just like them when I’m old.” Hannah glanced at Bird, making sure she was finished with her
breakfast. “Kimberly hasn’t had anything to eat. Bird, do you mind running out with this egg sandwich and banana? She’ll be at the barn.”
Bird rose to leave, sorry that the visit with Abby was drawing to a close.
“Well, time for me to get going,” said Abby, rising from her chair. “Chores, job, you know. Thanks so much for breakfast.”
“Thanks for all the information. Come by any time.” “I’d love to see how Sundancer’s doing.”
Hannah smiled at the young woman. “Wonderful. Maybe you could help? I mean, if we decide we can do anything with him.”
Abby wrote her phone number on a piece of paper. “I’d love to. Call me whenever you want. I don’t leave for school for a few weeks.”
“By the way, where’s Cody?” asked Hannah.
“Somewhere close and hidden. You never know where he is, but you’ll see him follow me when I leave.” Abby smiled at Bird. “Goodbye, Bird. See you soon, I hope.”
Bird looked out the window as a shadowy four-legged figure slid from tree to tree, following Abby Malone on her bike. She watched until they were out of sight and then ran for the barn, Kimberly’s breakfast clutched in her hands.
“BIRD PUSHED ME FIRST!” exclaimed Melanie.
“And she ran into me like a bulldozer!” stated Peter.
“She just went crazy,” explained Jo. “It’s amazing that she didn’t hurt anyone.”
“I told them not to bug her about Phoenix,” said Kimberly smugly. “I told them about her tantrum last night at dinner.”
Hannah sighed and rubbed her temples. Ten minutes ago she’d been in the kitchen, cleaning up after breakfast. Now this. “Let’s start at the beginning. Bird brought Kimberly’s breakfast to her.”
“That’s right. She did, and I thanked her. It was delicious, Hannah, thanks. I sure was hungry. Then …”
“I’ll tell it!” snapped Mel. “She came over as we were talking about Sundancer, or Phoenix, or whatever his name is …”
“Only I can call him Phoenix,” corrected Kimberly.
And only I can ride him, thought Bird.
“And I said that my mother said he was crazy,” said Jo. “Well, my mother did and she said that he should be put down before he kills somebody.”
“And Kimberly said that we should be careful what we said in front of Bird,” added Peter. “That she might go crazy, too, like Sundancer …”
“And Melanie said that she’s already crazy,” said Jo. “That’s when Bird attacked Melanie.”
Peter jumped in. “When I got her off Melanie, she ran away, then turned and tried to bowl me over. I tripped her and she fell on her nose.” He started to laugh then stopped himself, eyeing Bird warily.
Bird lunged at Peter, ready for another go, but Hannah’s firm grasp stopped her in her tracks. “Did you listen to what each of you said?” she asked.
They all nodded. “It’s the truth,” said Jo. “That’s what happened.”
“Then can any one of you figure out what might have upset Bird?”
It was Kimberly who finally spoke. “We called her crazy. We hurt her feelings.”
Bird looked at Kimberly. You’re catching on.
Hannah nodded. “Good girl, Kimberly. You remembered from last night. Bird has feelings, just like each of you. She doesn’t talk, so she registers her hurt and displeasure in other ways.” Hannah turned to face Bird. “Not that I condone violence in any form, Bird. You know better.”
“Everyone owes everyone else an apology. Now let’s shake hands all around so we can head out for a ride. It’s a beautiful day.”
Here we go again, thought Bird, as she reluctantly shook hands with Hannah’s students. Most muttered an apology, but only Kimberly looked at her when she spoke. Bird acknowledged her effort with a small smile. To her delight, Kimby smiled back.
Half an hour later, they emerged from the stable one at a time, leading their clean and unbraided horses. Bird listened as they chatted about the latest coloured leg wraps and special flexible stirrups. Everyone wanted the newest thing in saddle pads, and no one could stand the old hard riding caps. Just as they were mounting their horses, Kimberly’s mother arrived in her black Suburban.
“Oh, no!” exclaimed Kimberly.
“Hide me!” This is going to get interesting, thought Bird.
“Too late. She saw you,” whispered Melanie.
“Kimberly!” called Lavinia Davies. “Get in the car.”
“We’re just leaving for a hack, Mom. Please can I go? Please?”
“I don’t think so, Kimberly.” She glanced impatiently at her diamond watch. “I’m running late.”
Bird looked at Hannah and saw her own feelings mirrored in her aunt’s face. Who did this woman think she was? First, she abandons her daughter for an entire night. Then, she shows up and demands that Kimberly leave. Bird glanced at her sort-of friend. Kimby looked as if she were about to cry. In a rush, Bird remembered Eva’s late-night call. She knew just how Kimberly felt.
“Good morning, Lavinia,” Hannah said from the shiny black back of Charlie, her Percheron thoroughbred hunt horse. Bird smiled. Hannah wasn’t even trying to hide the anger in her voice.
“Oh, Hannah, so sorry about last night. I couldn’t quite manage to drop around. But I know you understand.”
Hannah responded, “Actually, you’re quite right. I understand perfectly.”
“You’re a sport, Hannah. Kimberly, let’s go.”
Before