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Chapter One3
I breathed in the clean spring air and looked to the azure blue sky where the sun tried to penetrate the wispy clouds. Gazed out past the buildings to where broodmares and foals fed on new spring growth; the babies gambolling happily together. Now and again a whinny could be heard from the stallion yards as if to let the girls know they were there.4
I hurried towards the stables and indulged in one of my favourite moments of the day – flung open the doors and looked in at the occupants. Creatures of habit, they waited, ears pricked, knowing full well breakfast was on the way. It was a sight that never failed to delight me.5
It was a year since I left New Jersey, my workaholic mother and her detestable new boyfriend for my dad and the rolling green hills of the Emerald Isle. I think my mother knew the phone call and lure of working with horses far outweighed the possibilities of being a blushing debutante on the New York social scene, although I recalled her plaintively asking me to rethink the decision and pleading “at least wait until the debutante season has finished darling”. My mind wandered to Jerry Halle; a thoroughbred my father had sent saying she was no good as a racehorse but her temperament was superb and just right for me to turn into the best showjumper in New York - which I did. Jerry took up the majority of my time which meant Mother was singularly unimpressed and moved to say, within my hearing, that she had produced a sexless child and a son would have proved more useful to her.6
Jerry had been the hardest thing to leave behind in New York and I entrusted her welfare to a school pal who adored horses but whose parents were not high on the New York wealthy socialite list. I made Mother promise that all stabling costs would be met so Miranda could indulge her passion and thereby assure me that Jerry would be in a loving environment while I was gone. I am sure Mother thought I would return once this ‘fanciful notion’ of becoming a trainer was gone from my head.7
It wasn’t fanciful to me, for as long as I could remember I had listened to every jockey, punter and stable boy that surrounded my father; gleaned all I could then questioned Dad until he threw his hands in the air; exasperated by my constant comments. Even though I must have annoyed him slightly as a child, following in every footstep he made I know he was very proud of my thirst for knowledge of the equine breed. I learnt about all the tracks, the Derby and the Triple Crown races that every trainer longed to win. I had no doubt in my father’s ability to win them either. Instead of Versace and Armani, the words on my lips were Bob Baffert, Run for the Roses and every blueblood that set foot on Kentucky soil.8
I had inherited my long copper curls from an Irish grandmother and vivid blue eyes from Mother’s side of the family. Everyone commented on them but they seemed too piercing for my face and I wished I could have my Father’s deep blue ones instead. Dad reassured me I had only to flash them and I would have instant reaction. I never had the need in those first 25 years of life, I got by with brains and attracting a boy by flashing my eyes seemed a little shallow to me.9
Kildare was the horse capital of Ireland and, with its rolling green hills and tall shady trees; it was easy to see why the breeders and trainers gravitated to the area. It was really only a small market town but the thoroughbred business kept the town alive. 10
Being on the main Cork-Dublin Road meant there were the inevitable tourists. The Irish National Stud was barely a mile down the road from the town. That included the Irish Horse Museum, where Arkle’s skeleton was proudly displayed. Arkle; awarded a Timeform rating of 212 – the highest ever awarded a ‘chaser - was as famous a horse in Ireland as Seabiscuit or Secretariat were in America. Arkle had been purchased for 1150 guineas by the Duchess of Westminster, on the advice of her trainer, and named after a mountain near her home in Sutherland. Of course, if horses weren’t your ‘thing’ a visit to St. Brigid’s Cathedral might hold your interest, plus a climb up the 8th Century tower, which was positively claustrophobic. Few prayers at her Wishing Well wouldn’t go astray if you did decide to have a punt on the ponies.11
I had little or no trouble fitting in with the staff and stable lads at Inspiration Lodge. Once they realised I could sit a thoroughbred as well as they could I was treated as an equal. I could give orders to the jockeys and, apart from the inevitable Irish curse or two; they smiled and did as I asked without a problem. I felt totally at home and had no interest in returning to Mother’s corporate world.12
Jimmy the stable lad had been my constant shadow since I arrived. Fourteen, full of enthusiasm, he dutifully showed me every inch of the property. He had a mop of red hair, green eyes and a lilting Irish accent that, as he grew older, would melt the hardest of female hearts, I had no doubt of that. He knew every horse and worker by name although he constantly referred to my father as Boss Sharpely and me as Miss Sharpely. We finally compromised and I became known as Miss Shannon. Jimmy’s chest almost burst with pride at being on what he considered a ‘first name basis’ with the boss’s daughter.13
It was Jimmy who introduced me to Donnelly Clarke, senior jockey for the stable and, from my first impression, a cocky individual. He would tousle Jimmy’s hair; give him a friendly shove and admiration shone from Jimmy’s eyes. From what I could tell Donnelly was as good a role model as any and Jimmy listened well and learnt quickly. HE was going to be just like Donnelly he told me and would ride all over Ireland, England and Europe. We tried to tell him to be patient and gain experience but many a time we found him on one of the paddock ponies flying around bareback without so much as a bridle. Jimmy was a ‘natural’ said dad. Definitely born to ride.14
Donnelly and I had taken one look at each other and our eyes locked. We shook hands and must have held on for longer than usual because Jimmy made the comment that we could ‘let go now’. We both looked away and for a few weeks after that were polite but rarely spoke. I found myself, due to work commitments to be in his vicinity most days and as I was a relentless work rider I spent the mornings on the hills following Donnelly as he was always on the most advanced of the racehorses during work.15
If ever there was a time my mount could overtake him; and there were not many; he would smile and nod and we would canter back to the stable together without speaking yet I knew that he admired my ability as Jimmy was a great source of gossip from the jockey quarters also. It annoyed me that being a typical male he could not tell me to my face. He was far too smart by half and I wasn’t the slightest bit interested in him… or so I told myself. Whenever I had the unenviable task of cleaning the day paddocks, Donnelly would suddenly appear and follow me making small talk which although I appreciated the company was totally unnecessary. I considered him an Irish flirt.16
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We had many a chat during the first few months of my arrival at Inspiration, Donnelly was a good storyteller. Full of the blarney as the locals would say. Donnelly had ridden many places and it was a great excuse for a conversation to talk about the different places he’d been. Dubai was one destination that he enthused about and I was fascinated by Sheik Mohammed and Godolphin stables which were situated near Nad Al Sheba. Donnelly informed me that his full name was His Highness Sheik Mohammad bin Rashad Al Maktoum, which was quite a mouthful especially with an Irish accent. I listened intently to his tales of riding at the Dubai World cup thanks to an invite by Frankie Dettori. I knew it was the richest race day in the world, a cool $8 million in prize money. Donnelly laughed as he recounted asking the Sheik where they got so many bales of green Lucerne hay especially when Dubai is pitched on a desert where water would be considered more valuable than gold. The sheik’s answer was they flew it in fresh from Kentucky. Donnelly would always let you know that he considered himself a good rider but doffed his hat to the Sheik who competes in the gruelling sport of endurance racing. Not long before I had arrived he had competed in Ireland to win a one day 160km European endurance championship. It was easy to tell that Donnelly had a quiet respect for him and his love of the equine. I was glad to pass the time away with him sharing his riding experiences it was only when he got personal that I would step back and change the subject. I told him about the people of Dubai being so poor up until the 1960’s when they discovered that lovely black stuff bubbling out of the ground and how it will probably dry up in the next few years. Donnelly would only smile and say that tourism will keep the Arab’s going long after the oil disappears. I always tried to appear intelligent although I suspect I never really pulled it off with him.18
It seemed amazing to me that my heart did not seem quite in tune with my head whenever Donnelly was around. I appeared to be a witless schoolgirl and said the most insipid things, which brought a smile to his face and made me blush furiously. Try as I might I never made an impression on him that I was disinterested; he was far too clever by half and saw through my indifference as almost a challenge to embarrass me. He did that successfully by just flashing those Irish eyes; he was infuriatingly handsome and it intrigued me. I had heard the lads talk about his many so called paramours and often I had seen him in town with a woman and in most cases it was early morning so I assumed his apartment had seen plenty of action. He never spoke about his conquests which I commended him on as most men think of nothing better than to relate the details to their pals. Most of our banter involved him teasing and me stomping off in a huff with the sound of Irish laughter following me. I always came back for more and if he ever needed another job then I think he could have taken up professional storytelling as he definitely had the gift of the gab.19
Soft whinnies interrupted my daydreaming and I looked around. Not a piece of equipment was out of place in the neat, white painted barn and each large airy stall had a name plate with a card in it. Written on it was the stable name of each resident, Lily, Manny, Rosie etc. They were not very aristocratic names, just ones that were easy to remember and call during riding out. The only one which was blank belonged to the latest edition in the very back stall, ‘The Dungeon’ as I called it, separated by the feed room from the others. Like a plane on auto pilot I bypassed the regulars with cursory glances and shuffled softly to the darkest recess of the barn. 20
There was no sign of life in the end stall so tentatively I took a peep over the door then reeled back as the black horse within threw himself at the door, hitting it so hard it flung me backwards onto the dusty floor.21
‘Beast from hell’ I muttered under my breath as I eyed the colt waving his aristocratic head at me, taunting me to come closer. The whites of his eyes glinted menacingly as the sunlight caressed his face. He had the look of an animal possessed by evil spirits; his nostrils flared as if he was reading my mind.22
He may be a son of the famous Metric Conversion out of the simply stunning English sprinting mare Pocketful of Gold, but he was a damned nuisance to all who encountered him.23
I stood up and dusted myself down. Since this colt arrived my pleasant mornings had taken on a decidedly miserable air. He had flatly refused to be pleasant let alone patted, groomed or ridden. For a 3yo with a champion-littered pedigree he certainly had not thrown to either side of his parentage; the devil had his soul – if indeed he had a soul at all. I was still trying to work out my father’s wisdom in buying this disaster on legs for Lord Williams. Having a firebrand as a young, untried racehorse was foolish at best but Lord Williams then had ownership of the blasted animal transferred to his slothful son Christopher.24
Christopher Williams Esquire to be precise. Son and heir of Lord Carey Alexander Williams and Lady Elizabeth Elaine Montgomery-Williams with net worth reportedly $1billion; Lord knows what that is in Irish pounds! Ever since I arrived I had difficulty with the currency and still found it better to refer to nickels and dimes rather than Punt which is Irish currency.25
Lord William’s had what the English called ‘old money’, he inherited it from a long line of aristocracy but he was a wise businessman also. He had many Arab friends in London and had invested in quite a few ventures in Dubai.26
27
I recall Dad mentioning if any of the horses were good enough to go to the World Cup then we would be staying in a hotel that was partly owned by Lord William’s, I guess you could say that seeing as he had plenty of shares in the Sheik’s company. The Burj Al Arab was one of Dubai’s most luxurious hotels and had a seven star rating. Both Lord and Lady Williams stayed there when visiting the Arab country. You could even tee up a gold ball from the Sheik’s helipad at Burj and if you were good you could land it in the ocean 320m below. Christopher, of course spent many a week in this hotspot where even a tour of the hotel cost you a hundred but it definitely fitted his silver spoon in mouth upbringing. Anyhow; this lunatic of a colt reminded me of Christopher, skittish, oafish and definitely untrustworthy. The only difference was at least the horse had a chance to change whereas Christopher’s penchant for fast cars and even faster women seemed to remain constant albeit a new model replacing the old with unswerving frequency.
The latest human beauty was our stable vet, former Milanese vet of Lady Elizabeth’s cats and assorted Borzois; she had taken a shine to the young heir when they met in Milan - and who wouldn’t if you threw money around like he did.28
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Florian Andelucci; irony not lost on me that her name was also a famous horse of history and movies and her long almost white blonde hair also strangely reminiscent but apart from that I thought her taste in men sucked! I didn’t hold much store in her veterinary ability either but then again cats and dogs were a different kettle of fish compared to racehorses. Lady Elizabeth doted on her pets and I think she had about 20 Siamese, 3 Borzoi’s and the infamous lapdog Fou Fou, an ill-tempered spoilt Maltese terrier who would sink his teeth in without warning. 30
A good kicking was what he needed I thought uncharitably but of course, Lady Elizabeth tsked and smooched him until he was fairly sure he could bite all and sundry without suffering any repercussions. My father had banned him from the stable so on the infrequent visits Lady Elizabeth made, Fou Fou was confined to the Rolls and was babysat most unwillingly by Foster the chauffeur who, I suspected, harboured the same thought I did about the miserable excuse for a dog.
Lady Elizabeth treated Florian like an adopted daughter. Had found her an apartment in Kildare and set up her practice just so she could be on hand should the need arise. Lord Williams, who doted on his wife the same way she did on her pets, allowed himself to be talked into making Florian the vet of the racing business. My father sighed, threw his hands in the air and had no choice but to agree. My thoughts were that young Robert Mills had done a sterling job but he was consigned back to apprentice vet at the Irish Stud and I felt a little sorry for him as he was ready and quite able to tackle the life of a head racing vet. 31
Of course, Christopher now had a ready made love nest to escape to whenever the need overtook him and I think it overtook him most nights of the week and certainly every weekend. It amazed me that a person who seemed to have so many pressing engagements when it came to tending to his father’s horses could find so much time to spend in bed!32
Typically, Christopher had not even bothered to show up to see his million dollar present. I filled the colts bucket with grain and threw it at his manger while he pawed the ground with annoyance,33
He had such a lovely confirmation about him I wondered what had happened to make him so wary of the world. Most racehorses accepted a routine and enjoyed the company of their stable hands so much that they become a bit like puppies and called out to you as they passed by on the way to ride out with the jocks. I deduced that somewhere in his life someone had been pretty cruel and that caused his distrust. Either that or he simply was like a drug addict; high one minute and then down in the dumps the next, just waiting for another hit.34
Sometimes the best breeding will throw up a freak of nature and there is nothing you can do for them. By the time the twenty boxes had been cleaned and residents fed, the sun was high in the sky and work riders and their charges were heading back into the yard.
I breathed in the delicious smell of horses and leather, even at the age of two I knew I wanted to be in this environment and now at twenty five and all grown up (in my mind) I still had no desire to be elsewhere.35
As I turned the corner and headed for the office I was shocked to see a bright red Ferrari in the drive and even less impressed to see designer clad Christopher slither from the driver’s seat. He casually flicked his cigarette toward me and I neatly crushed it beneath my boot without breaking stride. He was a striking individual with a mop of blond hair that never seemed to be combed, standing at 6ft 4in he completely towered over my petite frame. His body was well sculpted and suggested many days spent in the gym and he was well aware of the effect his physique had on the opposite sex.36
‘Why Miss Sharpely, what a pleasure it is to see your exquisite face this morning’ boomed Christopher.37
I eyed him suspiciously, ever since he had been introduced to me I felt uncomfortable in his presence. Christopher had a knack of undressing you with cold calculating ice grey eyes. I felt as if he was doing it now and the hackles went up.38
‘Good morning Master Williams’ I said flatly without smiling.39
Christopher grinned ‘Even in jeans you are a picture of grace, when are you going to accept my offer to take you out to dinner and show you the sights of beautiful Kildare’?40
I sniffed nonchantly ‘I don’t think it would be appropriate. I’m particular in whose company I’m seen’41
I thought to myself you’re a snivelling, ungracious little upstart and I wouldn’t be seen dead in your company.42
Christopher sighed and pretended to be downcast ‘You know I won’t stop asking until I get a yes’.43
He stepped closer to me until I could smell the Calvin Klein after shave. I moved backwards uneasily and stared defiantly into his face.44
‘I am not used to being turned down by a woman and especially by one who I find most attractive and interesting’.45
I could feel the heat of anger in my face and I tried desperately to extricate myself from his closeness and allow some breathing space, but Christopher put a hand out and stroked my cheek. I shuddered under the touch and pushed him away silently.46
“Keep your hands to yourself. You don’t own me and I’m sure the lovely Florian would be most put out to hear you’ve been handling me”47
Christopher raised one eye brow quizzically and I could tell he was not amused by the mention of Florian’s name.48
‘Shannon you presume too much, Florian and I are dear friends but she does not dictate to me with whom I choose to have dinner but if you are that against it I will defer the question until we are better acquainted’.49
He swept up my hand and kissed it, lingering a little too long for my liking and I pulled it from his grasp and frowned at him. “Hell will freeze over before we are that well acquainted. My father is waiting for you in the office, take care you do not leave him waiting too long’ I replied testily.50
He bowed mockingly and smiled, I grimaced and he disappeared into the head trainer’s office. I bent down to retrieve the offending butt when I heard dad’s raised voice.51
Dad is Kent Sharpely, boss and head trainer at Inspiration Lodge, and rarely spoke a word in anger. His staff respected him and his firm but quiet resolve was accepted by horse and human alike.52
53
His love for horses was obvious and I had always known it; for I had toddled behind him in stables across the United States. Dad spends every waking moment with horses, breaking them, training them and winning with them and Mother would find an angle to sell them, given half a chance! The only difference being that she never had the time to find out what a person was really like and Dad well, if he didn’t know a horse’s likes and dislikes including which jock went with which animal, he would not be the successful trainer that he was.54
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‘Get the damn horse ready for the Guineas Sharpely? That’s all that need concern you’ shouted Christopher.56
I peered in the window and saw my father shake his head defiantly, ‘can’t be done Chris, the colt is unmanageable, we can’t even get him onto the track let alone into the barriers. It’s certainly too soon to contemplate a start in a Group 1 race for him’. 57
Christopher raised a finger and pushed it into Dad’s chest and I started for the door when I felt a hand on my shoulder hold me back.58
‘Better let me go in Shannon’, the voice sent a sudden hot rush of colour to my face as I turned to stare into the steady green eyes of Donnelly Clarke. He smiled an even, white toothed grin and I felt a flush of blood envelop my entire body. Donnelly could push all the right buttons in me since the day I’d laid eyes on him although my private school upbringing prevented me from acting on it like a Hollywood whore. I could see that my reaction to him still amused him greatly. Dad had hired the up and coming young jockey to ride exclusively for the stable and at twenty five Donnelly was a very accomplished rider with over 12 Group 1 and listed race victories to his name.59
‘I’ve never heard Dad raise his voice in anger’ I said testily.60
Donnelly sniffed politely ‘Sure and he wouldn’t be putting up with fools like Chris Williams’ everyday would he, so we never see that side of him. Believe me Shannon; Chris is enough to push a saint over the edge. I’m not looking forward to my introduction either as it seems I am the jockey of choice for the black colt, that’s if anyone is to be getting on him at all, and lass don’t think I didn’t see Williams bend down to kiss your hand. Don’t you be going and getting yourself in over your pretty head with that scoundrel. Here I was thinking you’d be saving yourself for me’.61
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Donnelly winked at me and I felt my anger rising but my brain was giving off its own protestations. I had quite often pictured the two of us in bed and imagined what he’d be like beneath the fairisle jumper and jodhpurs. It made me furious that I could even contemplate it but it was about the only enjoyment I had here in Ireland, the men were hardly beating a path to my door, and I hardly gave off the right signals being constantly dressed in grubby jeans and riding boots. I had read enough trashy novels to have evil thoughts about Donnelly and me, truth was that I had never met anyone who I considered an equal until now. Donnelly I grudgingly had to admit was a better rider than I and knew his horses inside out and he made me strive to be better. At least with him a conversation about breeding, races and stallions was met with interest and not complete boredom. He was everything a girl could ask for, born a stone’s throw from The Curragh, he was meant to ride. He had every girl in the district chasing him and dated most of them on a rotating basis. Apart from a few early morning getaways in town I had spied no relationship seem to last very long. I guess he couldn’t be celibate but it always seemed to me dating was done more out of friendliness than anything else but I was far too proud to ever join the groupies and he never seemed to treat me any differently to all the other workers at Inspiration. Apart from his constant teasing we maintained a friendly rivalry. That was until he made this little speech. I was shocked by his directness.63
‘Donnelly Clarke I think you have presumed far too much where I am concerned. You work for my father and I am stable foreman, so technically I am also your boss. For your information’, I added somewhat pompously ‘I have absolutely no interest in Christopher Williams at all. In fact every time I see him I loathe him a little more.’64
I shot him a look of pure defiance and crossed my arms. He stood very still with a slight smile on his lips and the silence made me feel awkward.65
What I didn’t know, as Donnelly stood there staring at me, was that he was taking in what he considered a breath of fresh aired beauty in Shannon Sharpely and he was damned if he could remember a time when a girl had this affect on him. He had to go a way back in time and a girl who had been his one and only but it was too painful so he chose to put it to one side. Yet he was convinced that this girl had captured his entire being with something akin to love at first sight. He knew that was silly so again he chose to put it aside yet every time they met he felt the same pangs in his heart and the same ache in his loins. At the thought of that he blushed and went to walk away.66
I hurriedly resumed the conversation about Christopher and the colt to try and clear the air of uneasiness that had passed between us.67
‘Christopher wants the damn colt in the Guineas, obviously he has run out of Daddy’s allowance again; but its pointless pushing that black colt to race, he won’t win a dime on him’ I said derisively.68
Donnelly nodded in agreement, ‘We all know it but you can’t tell people like Christopher what they can’t have. They never listen to reason. This is his fifteen minutes of fame so to speak’.69
We both turned towards the window again as the voices became louder.70
‘You’ve done what?’ an incredulous Kent Sharpely asked Christopher.71
‘You heard me Kent, I have just signed papers insuring the colt for $2million, Florian is on her way out here to do the vets test and then sign the appropriate papers and he’ll be safe no matter what happens in the race, I don’t give a fuck if he breaks his neck, we all will be paid in the end’.72
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I gasped in shock at such a callous comment and turned to look at Donnelly who was frowning at the dim figures in the window. He moved up the steps and disappeared into the office and as he did Christopher’s voice changed its tone as he welcomed Donnelly and congratulated him on being jockey of choice for the Guineas. It always amused me how Christopher could change moods mid-sentence depending on who he was with. Disarmingly charming around women yet cold and calculating when there was something he needed or wanted.74
Donnelly thanked him but also voiced his concern about the colt’s unwillingness to work. Christopher stopped the conversation with a wave and told Donnelly his job was to ride and the finer points should be left to the owners and the trainer. I frowned as his tone was condescending and it made Donnelly appear to be an insignificant part and one far beneath Christopher’s station. Donnelly appeared down the steps in rather quick fashion with a scowl upon his face. I approached him and quickly took up our previous conversation to alleviate his anger.75
‘I don’t understand this, why insure an untried horse, sure he’s got a great pedigree but the damn thing is unrideable. I can’t believe what the premium would cost on such a deal. Diametric would have to win every Group race this season to pay back a quarter of it.’76
Donnelly replied seriously, ‘The premium on an untried horse is probably not that high and maybe Christopher is just hoping an accident does happen, then everybody wins’77
I looked horrified, ‘What? Cause an accident during the race just to claim the insurance?78
‘Been tried before’ said Donnelly quietly, ‘Mind you, how you’d arrange it is beyond my expertise, it would have to be planned to the minute, most plans get found out before they ever happen in this game. Most jocks in this game have big mouths.’79
I shrugged my shoulders ‘It would not surprise me at all if Christopher was involved in something shady but as much as I have no joy in tending to this black beast, I would not wish any harm to befall him’.80
He patted me reassuringly on the back and I felt more in control now than when he had reappeared from the office for I felt as he emerged Christopher could count himself lucky not to be flat on his back with a blood nose. Donnelly’s face was black as thunder and he was muttering under his breath about the rich, young upstarts of this world.81
‘We’ll just have to keep an eye on the colt and make sure no one interferes. You feed him so; you can make sure his food isn’t tampered with and I’ll keep my eyes and ears open around the track. The lads love to talk so something may come up’.82
Christopher was up to something, every bone in my body suspected it and I was sure that his latest lover and stable vet was involved. I never liked her or her disposition to the horses; she always appeared nervous around them and much more suited to cats and dogs than racehorses. We all had a little giggle every time one played up and she would scream and step away. Some vet!83
The sound of a car engine jolted us back to reality and we turned to see Florian’s Range Rover pulling up outside the office.84
‘This will be interesting’ I noted to Donnelly ‘She wasn’t on the notice board to be here today’.85
Florian poured her tall, Italian frame from the drivers’ seat and smiled that fake but perfect smile at us both. ‘Hello pets, your father is inside yes?
I nodded without smiling back, ‘My father is inside yes, with Christopher’.86
Her eyebrows rose imperceptibly ‘Good, it will kill two birds with one stone, no?’87
‘One could only hope, wish I had a gun!’ I hissed and Donnelly dug me sharply in the ribs.88
‘Pardon Shannon’ Florian inquired in that quaint half English/Italian accent that annoyed me so much.89
‘Nothing Flors’ I replied knowing how much she detested her name being shortened. I watched her bristle and smiled to myself before Donnelly again poked me in the ribs to behave. She turned on her heel and floated up the steps and vanished into the office.90
‘You are not subtle lass are you?’ said Donnelly quite amused by Florian’s look of distaste towards me. 91
‘Subtlety is for simpering fools and women who have an ulterior motive with whatever they say. I don’t subscribe to that theory and I dislike anyone who cannot be straight. It’s far too hard to spend all your time trying to work out what exactly they are trying to say’.92
Donnelly coughed ‘I will certainly remember that if ever I have a need to tell you something. I’ll just come out and say it. I wouldn’t be looking forward to receiving the lash of your tongue Shannon’.
‘You men always have a way of never coming to the point straight away’ I replied93
Donnelly feigned hurt and smiled ‘Most women spend a lifetime making us believe we are never right no matter what we do’.94
I frowned ‘Well I am not most women’.95
He laughed heartily ‘Sure and you’re not Shannon and a spitfire you’d be’.96
I eyed him suspiciously ‘Something you would do well to remember’.97
He put his hands up in defeat and moved off chuckling softly to himself which only served to infuriate me more. It seemed we had an uncanny knack of causing tension between us and the picture of the two of us together sprang back into my mind. I shook my head vigorously and started after him.98
Donnelly and I strolled back towards the stable lads’ quarters, passing Florian’s four wheel drive when Donnelly stopped to glance inside.99
He turned to me and frowned. ‘Now what does a vet need with an entire box of arsenic powder?’100
I popped my head into the open window and saw the clearly marked box on the seat. I thought about it for a moment and then moved closer to Donnelly for fear of being heard.101
‘Perhaps for a horse that needs a little spirit?’102
Donnelly shrugged ‘Maybe’103
I went on, ‘A horse who perhaps has a rather quiet and tractable nature normally that could be persuaded; artificially that is; to take on monstrous qualities of a fire breathing dragon and perhaps, injure himself in the process?’104
I was quite impressed with my diagnosis although getting the facts may prove a little harder. I only hoped that Donnelly would see the possibility too. He did; so I underestimated him, as I was apt to do with men; especially with ones whose close proximity to my body left me barely able to put a sentence together.105
‘If you’re right Shannon, and I have an uneasy feeling that you are maybe, then the colt must not be left on his own, the vet’s register must be signed and dated so we know when Florian has been to the stable.’106
Donnelly turned towards the office window and gestured. ‘Those two, if they are intending to pocket an insurance payout of $2mill cannot be alone in this, I’ll wager Christopher owes someone a lot of cash and I’m thinking if we can find out who then we will have a motive and possibly a better than even money chance to put those two where they can do no harm’.107
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I smiled, ‘Apart from the fact wagering probably got them into this predicament and your choice of words have a slight irony to them Donnelly, I know exactly what you mean. I think right at this moment we need to check Diametric to see if there is any evidence of foul play. If Florian has been feeding this stuff to the horse we should be able to find needle marks. I think arsenic shows up in sweat as well so we may be able to get a sample from that too. You with me’?110
I winked and Donnelly groaned, ‘That means we have to get near the damn beast!’111
I chuckled and grabbed Donnelly’s hand, ‘Come on, I’ll take the first step inside and you can watch from safety you big Irish baby!’112
He shook his head but let me lead him meekly to the stable. I think he actually was enjoying the touch of my hand and it was a clever ploy to allow me the chance although it was against his better Irish judgement to get too close to the Son of Satan.113
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CHAPTER TWO120
For reasons unknown to my logic I took a large carrot from the stable kitchen before we entered the stabling area. A few quizzical looks came from the regular residents and Donnelly too. I think he thought I was foolhardy to think I could get into the stall let alone feed the devil himself.121
A snicker emanated from the stall on my right and I glanced fondly at the 2yo chestnut filly. Little Lil sniffed the air hopefully.122
‘Not today Lily, I have a bigger fish to catch than you my sweet’123
She nuzzled my face and then backed away as if satisfied with the explanation given.124
Donnelly chortled from his position opposite Diametric’s stall, ‘No wonder these horses love you, spoilt rotten the lot of them, it’s a wonder they want to race at all to be sure!’125
I wrinkled my nose at him playfully, ‘My father said a bit of good old fashioned TLC never hurt anyone!’126
‘Ah yes, you are your father’s daughter, Shannon Sharpely, that’s for sure. There I was wondering why there was not a boyfriend hanging around; he’d have to love carrots and Lucerne! I suppose that gives me a better than even chance with you eh’?127
I could see Donnelly’s face light up at the thought of what he had proposed and I frowned. Flippancy was just the thing that turned me off men, they had such a prepotency to make an offhand remark and think they are funny, when I considered them downright rude.128
‘Listen here Donnelly Clarke, you may think you are a hotshot jock but when it comes to my love life I doubt you have any idea what I require in a boyfriend and with your reputation of a woman a night I should think you’re all booked up’!129
My flushed face appeared out of the shadows in front of him and he stepped back embarrassed and perhaps a little hurt. I sensed I may have touched a nerve but then I never did think before I jumped in with both feet firmly planted in my mouth.130
He replied ever so softly,’ I deserved that I guess, but maybe if you weren’t so busy with your nose in a feed bucket you may have noticed that I actually know quite a bit about you. Lets see...’ he stroked his chin thoughtfully “I know your father bought you white roses on your birthday so I gather they are your favourite flower and you wear Diorissima so I know that’s the perfume you prefer. You are right handed and you sit a horse well which tells me you could ride before you could walk and I know from watching you with the horses that you are passionate and that means you have a passion for everything in life. How am I doing so far? Oh and as for all the women you think I romance, whether you believe me or not, I was raised an only child and always wanted a baby sister to tease but was never fortunate enough to have one, so I do enjoy the company of women but none of them have been anything more than good friends. After all I work in a male dominated sport so a little feminine company is quite relaxing now and again.’ and he raised an eyebrow.131
‘So the women I see you with in town are just merely play toys?’ I inquired teasingly.132
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‘So you’ve been spying on me, I am flattered that I could gain the attention of such an attractive, forthright lass’ Donnelly replied and moved towards me.136
A smile played at my mouth and I must admit I was surprised, albeit pleasantly, I shuffled nervously as he came closer then took me in his arms and kissed me.137
The tremor that ran through my body was thrilling and scary all at the same time and I felt myself arch my back and lean into him, kissing him back and then pushing him away quickly regretting being so forward yet enjoying every moment of it.138
Donnelly drew me back to him and whispered in my ear, ‘I have wanted to do that Shannon from the day I met you’. I disengaged myself from him and tried to regain some composure.139
‘Well that was over a year ago, what took you so long?’140
He roared into laughter, ‘Shannon you would have slapped the ears off my face and I am a little surprised you haven’t done it now!’141
I blushed ‘Damn you Donnelly, I blush every time you are near me, are you so thick that you didn’t notice the effect you have on me’?142
He chortled ‘The effect would be every time I tease you, you storm off in a huff. I told you we men are not good at the signs you give off’.
I sighed, ‘Donnelly if you liked me you should have just said so, this dancing we have done over the past months leaves me exhausted. To be brutally honest I have liked you from the start too but you are damn annoying when you tease me and treat me like a blond bimbo. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want you to kiss me’.143
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He brushed a tendril of hair from my face, ‘I had hoped so me darlin’ but I haven’t felt like this for someone in a long time so I just let it be. I was kind of scared of being rejected, being friends with and teasing the boss’s daughter is infinitely safer than the feelings I do have for her. Besides you were always giving me the sign that we were acquaintances, ride out pals. Oh I had seen you look at me when you thought I wouldn’t be watching you. I had done the same thing to you but I am only a jockey; mind you being a good one I could keep you in the style you are accustomed too!’146
Now he had aroused the curiosity within me about what his life had been like before coming to work at Inspiration. Not one of his previous employers had a bad word to say about him but they all made mention of barely a private life, just a dedicated jockey who had perfected his craft and was at the top of the tree. Even Dettori had complemented Donnelly on his ability; mind you Luca would only talk about the ones that Donnelly ‘almost’ beat him on, never the rides when he had triumphed over the world’s best.
Donnelly sensed my questions and kissed my hand, ‘If you have dinner with me tonight, I promise I will reveal all. Is it a date?’147
‘Yes I’ll have dinner with you’ I replied ‘but no holds barred and further more my father does not pick my friends or my dates. Dad has always trusted my judgement in all things’.148
He put his hands up in mock defeat, ‘No holds barred, I promise. Sorry if I questioned your judgement, being poor but honest I’d say your judgement in going out with me was just about perfect. Can I say that to my boss?’149
His green eyes twinkled mischievously.150
‘Well you have now; Donnelly we weren’t born rich but Dad brought me up to be honest. I can say that if it had been my mother then you had no chance in hell of getting a date with me’.151
I looked at his face which was screwed up in a frown so I explained with a laugh.152
‘You are not a quarter back, didn’t go to College and you are way too short!’153
Donnelly laughed with me ‘Sure I don’t understand what a quarter back is but I am glad and beholding that your mother is not at Inspiration’!154
I grinned mischievously ‘Remind me to tell you one day about my mother and her grand plans to have me debut in New York.
Now let’s get back to the job at hand, let’s get a close look at that colt’.155
I headed for the dim dark recess where Diametric had planted himself up against the back wall of the stall. He could be heard impatiently snorting and I assumed he had not enjoyed my conversation with Donnelly, Every now and again, a well pedicured hoof smacked into the wooden boards and I wondered how he had managed to stay sound as long as this.156
I slowly opened the box and silently said a ‘hail Mary’ which was fairly hypocritical as the last time I prayed I was asking for a birthday present of a pony, and it hadn’t worked then either. Donnelly remained stationary beside the open stall door just close enough to grab me back if the need arose.157
Diametric eyed me suspiciously and pounded the ground. I tried to appear brave but in truth, facing this 500lb maniac in his unsociable presence I was scared shitless and the carrot was shaking visibly in my outstretched hand.158
‘There, there big man’ I crooned ‘Come on, you know you want the food’.159
The colt took one tentative step towards my trembling hand and sniffed the carrot almost as if an offensive smell came from it. His lips quivered as he reached a little closer.
‘Come on fella, its ok, take it, good lad’ I whispered.160
He made a sudden swipe at my hand and the carrot disappeared in an instant and he retreated to the far reaches of the stall, munching furiously lest it be taken from him. 161
It was now or never so I reached towards him and ran my hand down his neck and he flinched as if in pain, he was sweating and clammy to the touch. That was puzzling for in this particular stall the sun hardly filtered through so there would be no warmth as such for him to react this way. I motioned to Donnelly to give me a towel which he duly responded and also moved into the stall behind me. I wiped the colt’s neck and shoulder and as I went to his wither, Diametric decided enough was enough. He trumpeted and both front feet came up in front of my face. We barely made it to the door in time and I felt the colt’s teeth latch on to a sizeable piece of my posterior.162
‘Fuck’ I muttered as I stumbled to the floor holding my rear end. Donnelly bent down and lifted me back onto my feet and I winced, more in embarrassment than pain.163
‘Jesus Shannon, you’re lucky he never ripped half your arse off!’ he spluttered, looking so concerned I burst into hysterical laughter.
‘Last time I feed a damn carrot to a fucking maniac’ I chortled rubbing my butt furiously.164
Donnelly suddenly began to join in and we both laughed until tears were streaming down my face. I could see the funny side of it but the pain was awfully real and was beginning to throb.165
‘I have never been afraid of horses until him and I don’t think it’s his fault. Donnelly he is sweating so much that I would swear he had a raging temp yet I know he hasn’t left an oat or appeared listless, God, far from it, he is a pent up ball of muscle.’166
I looked at the towel still firmly in my grip and waved it in Donnelly’s face ‘This is the evidence we need, if there is arsenic in that horses system, the sweat will contain traces. If we can get this analysed then we have our proof that someone is drugging this colt’.167
‘Well it’s too late to do that this afternoon stash the towel in a plastic bag and put it in your room’ said Donnelly seriously ‘Tomorrow I’ll take it to a friend of mine at the racing lab and see what she can do for us. For now, let’s just get ready for dinner and try to act as if nothing is wrong. For Shannon if they catch on to us, $2mill makes people go a little crazy’.168
I agreed wholeheartedly and secretly wondered what Christopher had gotten himself into this time as obviously Daddy could not, or would not, fix it. I limped off in search of some ice and Donnelly headed to his car, I just hope he had not caught sight of my silly grin which I am sure all girls wear when the guy they fancy finally asks them out.
I passed Florian and Christopher, who, along with my father were heading for the stables. It was hard for them not to notice my limp and torn jeans.169
‘What happened to you my girl’ called my father anxiously as he hurried to my side.170
‘Uh nothing, just a slight altercation with Diametric and I guess he won’ I said patting my backside ruefully.171
Christopher could not contain his humour at the situation ‘Oh dear and you said you could handle any horse worth its weight. Seems you’ve been mastered Shannon’.172
I felt the hairs on my neck stand up ‘Really? Well I kinda think this horse has more than his fair share of problems, don’t you? Seeing as you’re his owner that should make you pretty pissed off....’173
‘Shannon!’ my fathers stern voice cut the conversation short ‘That’s enough, apologise to Christopher at once’.174
My eyes narrowed and I glared at Christopher who seemed to visibly shrink back ‘ That’s alright Kent, she doesn’t need to apologise, I’ve had worse things flung at me but I am interested at why she thinks the horse has problems, he’s just an unruly 3yo who needs a firm hand’.175
‘Ha, firm hand my arse’ I retorted ‘Dad I think Diametric’s problems are man made, I think someone has wanted him to behave this way’.176
I turned and looked squarely at Christopher, whose expression had not changed but I did spy over his shoulder that Florian was now wearing a worried look on her tanned face and wringing her hands noticeably.177
‘Come, come Shannon, there is nuzzing wrong wiz ze orse’ she trilled in an attempt to smooth over the tension that was hanging in the air. ‘I would ‘ave zeen it myself’.178
I eyed her suspiciously, ‘Yes you would have. You are a vet after all are you not Flors’?179
She furiously glared back at me and for a moment I thought that the Italian in her was going to explode into life but she controlled it by latching onto Christopher’s arm and smiling coldly at me.180
‘Zis is what I am Shannon, and the horse he is like good Italian Chianti, he get better with age, yes’?181
‘You should know’ I said condescendingly, ‘now if you’ll excuse me, I need ice and I am going to be late for a dinner date’.182
My father raised his eyebrows, ‘Dinner? Where and with whom young lady, I think as your father I should know these things’.
‘Oh Dad, it’s Donnelly if you must know and I guess at the pub, there is no other place to go in Kildare and no, I won’t be late’.183
Kent sighed, ‘Might have known it would be a jockey and that it would be Donnelly, he’s been lovesick for months. Hard not to notice where his gaze lies every time you’re around’.184
I lowered my face and hissed ‘Dad, you’re embarrassing me’185
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‘Sorry Shan but everyone else saw it except you’ he leant over and kissed me on the cheek ‘Have fun love and take it slowly, in your case slowly could take years, never been one for flirting have you? I kinda like Donnelly, he’s a good lad with a good head on his shoulders, and you could do worse for yourself young lady. He may even have the wit to match it with your sharp tongue’.187
Dad shot a withering glance towards Christopher and I understood what he meant perfectly.188
‘I think so too Dad, at least we both agree on that one although Mother would much have prefer a titled heir apparent. So glad I don’t have that taste in men’.189
I shook my unruly curls at him and limped off to the sound of Christopher’s amused laughter ringing in my ears. I shot a glance backward and noted that Florian had not seen the funny side of it and was decidedly nervous as she nodded her goodbye to me.
There and then I knew Donnelly and I were on the right track. I had no idea how my dinner with Donnelly was affecting Christopher. Inwardly he was most put out at having been usurped by a jockey. I tried not to look at him as I waved goodbye to Dad but I could tell by his face that although he was laughing he felt I had humiliated him by accepting Donnelly’s invitation and not his.190
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Chapter 3195
Blackfriars Kettle was a curious affair built in the late 19th century. It had that well lived in look from the outside as all Irish pubs have and a little wooden sign bearing a faded and warped black kettle with a monk stirring some concoction which adorned the wall over the front door. Most of the old pubs had signs, painted in varying stages of skill, indicating the name of the pub, e.g. Pig and Whistle, Rose and Shamrock. That was because most people couldn’t read lettering but they could identify a pig, whistle, shamrock et cetera.
I was suitably impressed at Donnelly’s choice for anyone who lived around Kildare Village knew this was the best pub in town; it was the only pub here that had meals that catered for the racing crowd anyway. The owner being more than a little interested in gambling made it known to all the surrounding tracks that his pub would serve a lettuce leaf and a glass of water to a jock if there was a tip in return.196
Hard to make an unobtrusive entrance for everyone knew Donnelly and I did make a mental note to myself that I must not ask if it was the first time he had been here with a girl. I knew that was simply not true, Donnelly’s paramours were well documented. The locals having not a lot else to gossip about, made it their business to know his. I did believe him when he had told me they were just friendly encounters for you never saw Donnelly with the same girl two nights in a row and never had Donnelly ever kissed or cuddled any of them, well not in public anyway, he was always the perfect gentleman. It kept the locals guessing who he would finally end up with. Most of the Irish thought, at twenty five Donnelly should be well on his way to being married with a brood around his feet. I am sure they took bets on it.197
Terry; the owner; a big, robust Irishman with a beaming smile, ruddy face and a belly that told you he ate here too, greeted us and warmly slapped Danny on the back.198
‘Good to see you, lad and of course you too missy; let’s see Shannon isn’t it?’ he inquired still flashing his pearly whites.
“Why yes it is, how did’ my voice trailed off and he chortled loud and long.199
‘Miss Shannon, Terry O’Toole knows everyone in this village and even your father has a beer every now and again and he does a lot of talking about his lovely daughter and how she never goes out anywhere because of those horses!’200
I grinned at him, he was a most likeable fellow but again made mental note to consult father on not making me the topic of conversation at the pub.201
He motioned towards a quaint rough wooden table with a padded bench seat, a candle gave the faintest light and the entire pub was bathed in a warm yellow hue; it was then I noticed there did not seem to be any electricity in the place. Terry must have seen my frown and answered the silent question.202
‘Much more romantic, candlelight, don’t you agree? Don’t worry the ovens and stove are gas out the back. Your meals will be hot and I hope you are both hungry’.203
Donnelly slid into the seat beside me and then shook Terry by the hand.204
‘I know everything will be great Terry, and too bloody much to finish!”205
Terry broke into that loud guffaw again and toddled off towards the kitchen saying as he went.206
“I’ll be back shortly to take your orders, say in 30 mins’?207
He looked back over his shoulder and winked and chortled again as he disappeared into the kitchen and the heavy oak door shut behind him. It was then I noticed that we were the only ones in the pub.208
‘Strange isn’t it that we are alone?’ I inquired209
Donnelly looked around, ‘No not if you ask the owner for a favour and book out the place’.210
‘Oh you didn’t?’ I breathed out loud ‘You’ll ruin his business being the only pub in town’211
Donnelly shook his head, ‘He backed Zealous the other day when I got it up at 20/1, he made his profit for tonight so I guess this makes us even’212
I smiled knowingly, jockeys and their ‘sure things’ although Donnelly was pretty damn good at judging horses’ chances and most jocks were lamentable at it. Another mental note was ‘I wonder if he gambles’ but before I could finish my thought, Donnelly read my mind.213
‘Terry made the money, I never bet on ones I ride. Call it the luck of the Irish. I reckon if I punt them I am putting an extra stone on their back so I take the glory and my friends, well, they pocket the money. I do alright from the owners and I get good tables at pubs!”214
He laughed at his own joke and I followed suit, he was very easy to talk to and I found myself telling him my entire life story over dinner. If he was bored, he never showed it, just listened intently, asked all the right questions in the right places. Smiled, frowned and patted my hand if the story was sad, yet I never felt as though he was patronising me once. By the time Terry had brought an enormous dessert to the table I was up to present day.215
I wiped my mouth with the napkin and set it down beside my plate.216
‘Well now you know the life and times of Shannon Sharpely are boringly dull. I’ll have you know that if Mother was here she would have dragged Jason with her just to get you out of the picture. I could never understand why she thought he was the one for me. Endless football games and parties with his jock friends; they call football players that too in the US.’217
‘The worst of it was the constant pawing. I never felt like he was going out with me because I was the love of his life. I felt like an ornament and to him I think that if he got past all the bases then I would be added to his trophy cabinet. Then he would have moved on to the next cheerleader or whoever he fancied’.
Donnelly nodded ‘You American’s have a strange way of telling romantic tales, past the bases is it’?218
I laughed ‘I’m sorry but we always refer to love by baseball terms, first base is kissing, second is fondling and third you know about ’.219
He blushed and smiled ‘If you are going to be making love to a beautiful woman why can’t you just tell her that’?220
I shrugged ‘I don’t know, American boys are not quite as open as some other cultures, they would probably just stuff it up and ask the girl if she wanted a screw’.221
I shocked him with the language and he shook his head ruefully, ‘Shannon I can’t believe you would even know of such things’.222
‘Oh please Donnelly, every girl that is in Junior High would have heard that phrase and plenty more like it. There is no romance in American boys, not like the way you Irish seem to put things. You make everything sound poetic’.223
He replied softly ‘If I was to be asking you back to my place I would just lean over and whisper in your ear that this lad would like to be making love to you all night long’.224
He leant over and kissed my neck and I waited for the question to be asked, being the first time; not that he knew that; I was more than a little curious to know what it would be like.
‘But this Irish lad knows that after the first date is not the time to be making such proposals and making his girl feel uncomfortable. So I’ll just leave you with the thought that one day Shannon I will be asking you the question’.225
He made me blush again and I touched him gently on the cheek and he closed his eyes at the feel of my skin against his. It was forward of me but I felt very at ease with him.226
‘Donnelly if you were asking that question now I would think that I chose badly. My mind tells me you are a decent guy and would not hurry me into something until I was ready. I appreciate that and believe me when I say that I have had no experience past second base’.227
Donnelly kissed my hand ‘I believe you Shannon and I won’t pressure you into anything you don’t want. I do have to tell you that you make a lad’s pulse race and I am thinking I’ll be taking a few cold showers whenever you’re around me’.228
I laughed and changed the subject as my feelings were heightened just thinking of the two of us locked in a passionate embrace. I could tell from just looking at Donnelly that he worked out every day and his body was taut and refined from hours and hours spent in the gym at Inspiration. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t interested to see his body naked.229
‘Now apart from your name and your occupation I know little or anything about your life, there must be more to Donnelly Clarke than that’.230
Donnelly sighed, put aside his dessert fork and clasped his hands together.231
‘I was born Donnelly Patrick Clarke, son of Patrick John Clarke and Maureen Clarke. A stone’s throw from The Curragh so you could say racing was in my blood from the beginning. Went to public school, Mum and Da were not poor but they worked hard for what they had and I never wanted for a lot. Being an only child had its advantages, Mum couldn’t have any more kids after me; I was a pretty early arrival which could explain why I am jockey size, anyway she developed problems and they gave her a hysterectomy. Pretty lonely life being the only one but they tried their best to make up for it.’232
‘Riding lessons being free from an old fella down the road was my big treat as a kid but he died when I was 6 and I lost touch with riding for awhile and tried to concentrate at school. Ordinary scholar and only scraped by but that could have more to do with spending too much time at the track than in a classroom’.233
He raised an eyebrow at me and I smiled, knowing I had been just as bad, he went on and as he did I could see the same love in his eyes for the thoroughbred as I had. Donnelly paused for a sip of water and then continued the story.
‘I started mucking out stalls for a local trainer when I was 10, I know I should not have been there but it was like a drug, it would call to me and even though I had all good intentions of going straight to school, it didn’t happen. I am sure I would have got an A in horse manure and brushing if it had been a school subject. . Old Johnny only trained about 5 but I was fascinated watching the stable jocks work them every morning over the hills and I drove him mad to let me up on one. Of course, he had more brains than I, so was resigned to riding a small, fat white grub called Monty. Monty and I became good friends over the next 2 yrs and then Johnny graduated me to a larger, brown grub called Stewart and finally on my 15th birthday, my present was Johnny leading me out on a perfectly conformed bay thoroughbred for my first ride out. Ah Shannon, the wind in your face, pumping your arms and making that beast run every stride faster and faster, if schoolwork had been that exhilarating Shannon I’d be a Rhodes scholar!’234
I had been listening so intently that I hadn’t noticed a tear fall down my cheek; Donnelly wiped it away with his hand.235
‘Tears my lass? I didn’t think it was a sad story’ he said.236
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‘Oh no, no, it’s not. I can just picture the joy of your first ride because I can remember mine and the feeling of pure freedom; just you and the horse. Mine was in the bluegrass of Kentucky and I can still picture the sun shining on the tall green grass and Dad waving me off threatening me with a riding crop if his precious equine came back heaving. Of course, I never listened because the feeling of galloping over the hills was exhilarating and I loved every minute of it. To be completely alone with the wind in your face and the sound of the horse breathing, there is nothing like it in the world. Please don’t stop, go on’ I urged him as I laid a hand over his.238
‘Well ride outs went on for quite awhile and I am grateful to Johnny for being such a stickler for perfection. All the mistakes some apprentices make are in races; I made them during ride outs and it made me a smarter jockey. I didn’t have a race until I turned seventeen and a half, which seemed like a lifetime of course, but I won and then I won again. It seemed that people suddenly wanted me to ride for them but I thought once my claim had gone I would be just another country jockey scratching for rides. But it didn’t stop and neither did the winners. I know it sounds flippant but I felt I couldn’t lose; I wasn’t arrogant, Johnny would never have stood for that; but I was confident horses ran for me and I never felt like I could get beaten even if the thing was a plug! Oh yes I have ridden a fair share of them too!’239
Donnelly took a sip of water again and I noticed that his dessert remained untouched.240
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‘Well here I am Shannon, twenty five and doing ok now that I have a steady income being Lord William’s main jockey but I have never forgotten where I came from and although Mum and Da have long passed on, Old Johnny is still around and I help him out with a few pounds now and again. He never did get that elusive champion; only other peoples cast offs. He’s 80 now and retired but he still loves his races and a visit and always listens to my races on the radio’.244
I gripped his hand tightly, ‘You’re a very loyal guy, Donnelly’ and I kissed him lightly on the cheek and it was his turn to blush.245
He coughed and suddenly changed the subject obviously embarrassed by my clumsy attempt at sentimentality. I got the distinct impression that he had distanced himself from me all of a sudden and I wasn’t sure why but again my annoying habit of sending mental notes to myself told me to keep it safe for another time.246
‘Well maybe we should discuss that colt and the people we suspect are involved in whatever it is they are doing’. he said matter of factly almost kicking himself for not being able to tell the whole story.247
I sighed and nodded, Donnelly had definitely said all he was going to about his life but I was too smart to just drop it. For the time being I let it ride.
‘Well let’s lay out what we know already’ I said ‘one: Christopher Williams is not a trustworthy man and always out to make money once Daddy’s allowance run’s out. 248
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Two: girlfriend Florian is a qualified vet - supposedly – but, quite frankly, I don’t trust her. You can dismiss that as woman’s intuition if you like but her reaction when I spoke this afternoon about the colt was decidedly uncomfortable. Three: we have a colt who is insured for $2million even though he has never raced, can’t be ridden yet has been entered for the Guineas within the month and Four: a vet’s car containing a box of arsenic powder for, God knows what purpose’.251
Donnelly moved uneasily in his seat, ‘It’s not much to go on, more a gut instinct that the colt is not acting normal so we are assuming he’s been drugged. We need that proof before we can point the finger at anyone. Did you leave instructions at the stable before we came to dinner’?252
I nodded as I set my wine glass down, ‘Yup, told Jimmy that he was to take his bedroll and sleep out front of Diametric’s stall. He didn’t even ask why, just did it with a smile as per normal. He is so eager to please and learn I thought he was the perfect choice’.
‘Good girl’ replied Donnelly, ‘Jim’s a good lad and knowing that he is doing it for you, he will stay awake all night if necessary’.
I shook my head worryingly ‘You know we can’t keep this up every night and day, we’ll be exhausted and the work doesn’t stop. You have chores and rides and I do too. I did have an epiphany if you like’.
‘Well I am not sure what an epiphany is but if it’s like an idea’, said Donnelly grinning at my use of the English language ‘Spill it’
I brought a brochure from my handbag and laid it on the table. ‘Its a security camera system, Dad got it a few months ago and he has been meaning to check it out and install it, but you know my father, if it doesn’t directly involve horses then it’s put in the too hard basket. I thought I might be able to take over the responsibility and get them installed....well... one installed first just to see how it works’.253
Donnelly smiled knowingly ‘Just over a certain stall I’ll wager, top idea Shannon and one we need to get moving as quick as possible’.
I raised my hand in triumph, ‘Sorted. I rang them this afternoon while I iced my rear end and organised for a chap to come and install one tomorrow and I think we’ll put the video machine in my room just to be safe’.
He chuckled and waved a finger at me ‘If I didn’t know you, I’d say you’ll be bucking for a job at MI5! You are amazing lass’.
I was pleased by Donnelly’s assessment of my ability to get things done but more than a little worried at us getting in way over our heads. We were not the authorities and if it all blew up in our face someone could end up getting hurt. It probably would be us.
The clock in the pub chimed midnight and Donnelly stood up and offered his hand to me. ‘Best get you home girl, or your father will be taking to me with the crop!’
‘Rubbish, he’s never used one in his life’ I replied grinning, ‘but you have races tomorrow so lets go.’
After complimenting Terry on a wonderful dinner we stepped out into the crisp night air and I pulled my coat close around my shoulders, Donnelly pulled me to him and we walked arm in arm down the village street, as we reached the corner a car hurtled around the bend and took off with a flurry of dust.
‘That was Florian’s 4 wheel drive’ I said as I watched it disappear in the distance.
Donnelly was looking in that direction also, ‘Two people in the car so we can assume Christopher was with her. They were probably on a date too’.
‘Out here?’ I asked ‘Bit late for a picnic, they were coming from the stud’s direction, nothing out that way for them to eat’.254
‘Well food won’t be high on Christopher’s list of things to do with Florian I’ll be betting! They’re gone now, nothing we can do but get you home’ said Donnelly wrapping his arm tightly around my shoulders. ‘Tomorrow may shed some light on it’.
We walked on slowly, not talking but I had the feeling I had made a good choice in trusting Donnelly, I just hoped nothing would spoil a perfectly beautiful night.
In the Range Rover Florian lit a cigarette nervously, Christopher was sprawled in the passenger seat sipping from a silver flask.
‘Christ Florian, draw some more attention to yourself driving like Fangio, you almost hit those two’.
She threw him a withering glance ‘Would have been better for us had I hit zem, that girl Shannon, she knows zomething is up’.
Christopher snorted, ‘Don’t be absurd, how could she know anything, lets face it Florian, she and you, you are just at opposite ends of the female scale. Darling, she’s jealous of your ravishing beauty and she’s just a down home Yankee girl’.
Florian puffed away on her cigarette, ‘No Chris, your flattery will not work here besides I ‘ave seen ze way you look at her. She is not ze down home girl in your eyes, you see her as a conquest and the fact zat she ignores and dislikes you so much does your ego no good. You practically undressed her wiz your eyes zis afternoon. I am no fool and I am telling you zis, she and her jockey are up to zomething and I don’t like it. I have zis bad feeling about the colt and what we are doing’.
Christopher sat up in his seat, ‘Don’t you go getting cold feet on me now, just stay calm and do your job and if you do it correctly, the colt will have a seizure or whatever and the money will be ours my love. As for Shannon Sharpely, you could not be more wrong. After having you in my bed my darling she would appear as a cold American fish and I much prefer a tigress.’255
Florian shook her head, ‘I still not sure, I zink it better we switch horses, you saw zat other 3yo last week at that farm, he was identical to Diametric, no brands and that sesamoid crack was enough to say he’ll break down and have to be destroyed. End of story, no questions asked, ze horse would be dog meat before they checked’.
‘And what may I ask would we do with the real Diametric’ Christopher sneered back ‘Have him disappear in a puff of smoke? No, we keep on with the plan and if you hold your nerve I will get rid of those bloody debts to Alf Redmond and we will still have enough left over to live comfortably in say, Rio?’
Christopher rankled at the thought of having to pay Redmond any of the money, but he had no choice. Alf Redmond was a big player and if you borrowed money from him he expected to be paid back in full. He had waited more than long enough for Christopher to recompense him and after the little visit he had received from the two thugs Alf used to do his dirty work, he knew that waiting any longer was out of the question. After all, $2mill was a good amount and Alf only required a million that is to say; if Christopher paid it back within the month. He was quite sure that he would do it as Alf’s goons, Barry and Roger, were distasteful to his memory and their obvious glee at what they could arrange to have happen to him made him decidedly nervous. Alf loved his thoroughbreds and had a damn fine one at the moment, a 3yo colt called Installments, Chris knew it was almost a sure thing to take out the Guineas but word on the street and around the tracks was that Diametric would be installed as favourite just on his pedigree alone and having Donnelly Clarke aboard didn’t hurt either. It meant that Installments may go out at the generous odds of 5/1 and Christopher knew that paying Alf back was dependant upon that fact. Whatever money he won he would use as a guarantee that the rest would be coming just as soon as the insurance paid out.256
He stretched his body out and glanced at Florian ‘Yes my dear, we’ll be home free if you just hold your nerve and do your part. We will be living like kings’.
Florian frowned ‘I still think...’ Chris grabbed her by the arm.
“I don’t want to hear any more about switching fucking horses, just shut up and drive me home’.
He threw himself back into the seat and stared out the window, Florian knew not to antagonise him further. Christopher was a wonderful lover in bed but his temper was foul and she had felt the back of his hand more than once when she had tried to defy him. She lit up another cigarette and drove on into the night silently praying he would not get her thrown in jail.
In the morning while I supervised the installation of the security camera and video in the stable, Donnelly took Diametric’s towel to his friend in Rathdrum. Elizabeth Gilmor was pleasantly surprised to see Donnelly walk through the door of her laboratory.
‘Not often does a jockey come to this establishment’ she said smiling as she gave him a friendly hug.
Donnelly returned the hug warmly, ‘I know Elizabeth that I don’t get the chance to see you much but in my profession if a racing vet is asking me questions then I begin to worry and especially if she’s accompanied by a steward’.
Elizabeth laughed lightly, ‘Well I don’t see a steward and I do know that you are doing so well I doubt you need any artificial help, so I am assuming this is a personal call; lets just say I am hoping’.
She raised her eyebrows expectantly and Donnelly coughed in embarrassment. “Er… no... not really. I have actually started seeing someone’.
‘About time Donnelly Clarke, although it is my bad luck I guess it’s another girl’s good fortune, does she have a name?’ Elizabeth inquired.257
‘Shannon; Shannon Sharpely’ Donnelly answered back still looking slightly awkward.
Elizabeth nodded, ‘I know, the trainer’s daughter at Inspiration Lodge. Well from all reports you have exceptional taste. I have seen her from a distance at the track with her father. I am glad to hear that you are back into the swing of it. It’s been too long since Mandy passed on and you’ve been grieving too long over it as well’.
‘Elizabeth’ Donnelly said quietly ‘Please don’t bring up Mandy, I’d rather not discuss that part of my life and Shannon has no idea about it either’.
She frowned at him, ‘So still keeping it to yourself eh? Not a great way to begin a relationship. If you like this girl then she should know everything about you’.
Donnelly walked away towards Elizabeth’s desk and looked at the photo in the silver frame that hung on the wall. Elizabeth was a slip of a girl in the photo proudly displaying a blue ribbon from her first Grand Prix dressage competition and the equally attractive blonde girl hugging her also held a blue ribbon in show jumping. Donnelly felt a twinge in his heart as he stared at the face of Amanda Fitzsimon; his first and only girlfriend really. One who could match his daring at horse riding whether jumping or cross country and the first and only girl he had ever made love too.
Elizabeth gently put a hand on Donnelly’s shoulder and patted it sympathetically.
‘It’s been five years since that photo’ she said sadly ‘she was my best friend and fiercest rival yet we never had a bad word to say to one another. I miss her terribly since the accident’.258
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She felt Donnelly tense under her hand at the mere mention of the accident.
‘It wasn’t your fault Donnelly; everyone knew that, you must let it go. Amanda would never have blamed you and you know it. It was her choice to compete that day with a dislocated shoulder; you could not have stopped her’.
Donnelly turned and looked Elizabeth in the eye ‘I didn’t try hard enough. She always had that ability to get me to come round to her way of thinking. I knew it wasn’t good enough to complete a cross country and I should have stopped her. The doctor told me he had not okayed it with the judges, yet she managed to convince the judges she was fine with help from my blasted big mouth’.
Elizabeth nodded and looked away; her eyes were wet with tears.260
‘Donnelly, she made the fatal mistake of taking the triple through the water the short way. Oh she would have been fine with two good shoulders but on one, she should have taken the long route. Again, you had no way of knowing she would try that. You must stop blaming yourself and give yourself permission to love once more; if Shannon’s the one then you must find the courage to tell her about this. Maybe then you can let it go.’
Donnelly signed and reached out to touch the photo gently with a finger.
‘But I did know Elizabeth, she was a daredevil on horseback and to give away precious seconds which could have seen her miss that qualifying time’ I did know she would take the shortcut’
‘But you’re right of course, maybe one day I will let go Elizabeth, maybe one day.
Elizabeth suddenly put on her vets cap and motioned towards the plastic bag Donnelly had brought in with him.
‘I gather this has something to do with the visit?’261
‘Yes it does’ Donnelly looked at Elizabeth hopefully ‘I know most of what goes on at this lab is official, but I am asking you to do me a favour off the record. This towel was used to wipe down one of Lord William’s colts, a very expensive one called Diametric. Can the sweat traces on this be analysed for traces of chemicals’?
Elizabeth surveyed the towel and peered at Donnelly, ‘What chemicals exactly do you want me to look for, not all are visible in sweat you know?’
Donnelly nodded ‘I realise that but I think arsenic is; isn’t it?’
‘Arsenic!’ replied a shocked Elizabeth ‘What on earth would that be doing in a horses system and especially at the stables of Kent Sharpely’.
‘I think you better listen to the whole saga before you jump to any conclusions but I must warn you, this cannot go any further than you and I. Shannon and I have a lot of assumptions but not much proof and we’re hoping this may provide the first link to what’s going on’.
Elizabeth moved towards the kettle ‘Yes I think you better give me the whole story and I have the feeling it will need a pot, so make yourself comfortable and I’ll make the tea’.
Donnelly poured out the entire story of Christopher, Florian, and the horse’s erratic behaviour and of his and Shannon’s theory. Elizabeth listened intently, nodding and shaking her head a lot. This racing game always managed to throw up something new every year and she had never quite got used to how devious humans could be when it involved thoroughbreds and an equally large amount of cash. Christopher Williams had a bad reputation in Ireland already and she felt sorry for his parents as they always appeared quite friendly and never forgot her name whenever they met at a racecourse. As Donnelly finished she set her cup aside and clasped her hands together.262
‘I think you should notify the proper authorities Donnelly. This sounds way too complicated for you and young lass to get involved in, and for me to analyse arsenic means sending the sample to the Dublin branch of the analytical laboratories and they will ask questions; of that I am sure. This is a serious business and I don’t know if I can cover it up’.
Donnelly stood up and paced the floor, ‘I am not asking you to cover it up completely, just long enough for us to get some idea of exactly who is to blame and why. Just this sample won’t be enough to convict anyone apart from them throwing the book at Kent. I am sure he has absolutely no idea what’s going on. All I am asking for is enough time to catch the perpetrators red-handed.’
Elizabeth seemed somewhat unconvinced but finally agreed.
‘It will take a week for the analysis to come back and then I can give you one more week before I have to come forward and tell the racing authorities about this. I cannot give you any longer than that.’
Donnelly shook her hand gratefully ‘That’s all I can ask for, thank you, I knew I could count on you. Hopefully these two weeks will be all we need to get the evidence.’
Elizabeth shook her head ruefully ‘I hope you get it too but in the process don’t go getting your rather handsome head blown off. I doubt that Shannon will go for you in quite the same way!’263
Donnelly laughed as he bounced out the door waving his farewell, ‘I’m forever beholding to you Elizabeth, I’ll hear from you’.264
With a squeal of brakes he was gone leaving Elizabeth holding the towel and wondering just what she and Donnelly and Inspiration Lodge had got themselves into. The feeling that ran through her bones was a cold one.265
CHAPTER 4266
Florian pulled her Range Rover up to the stable doors and surveyed the cobblestone yard for any sign of life. Apart from the stable cats sunning themselves and Ralphy the German shepherd wagging a greeting at her car door, the place seemed deserted. She ascertained that most of the staff would be at the track watching morning work; office staff didn’t come in for at least another hour so she poured herself out of the driver’s door, gave Ralphy a shove out of the way with her boot and headed for the stable entrance.
She pulled back the heavy door and adjusted her eyesight to the dim depths of the barn.267
‘Hello, anyone there?’ she yelled squinting her eyes to catch a sight if anyone was moving.
She shrugged her shoulders and turned back to the rear of the Rover and removed her vets’ bag and began to stroll into the barn. She passed by the vets register without so much as a glance when she heard a little rustle behind her.
‘Oh Jeemy, you startled me’ she breathed smiling at the young stableboy.
He reddened and looked at the floor, ‘Sssorry Miss Andelucci didn’t mean to frighten you, I was in the bathroom; heard the car but ya can’t hurry some things’.
Florian smiled ever so faintly ‘I understand zis Jeemy, now I must start my rounds’.
Jimmy shuffled nervously from one foot to the other, ‘Miss Shannon said you must fill in the book and sign it too’.
Florian threw her hands up in disgust ‘Paperwork, how I hate ze paperwork, you fill it in Jeemy, no? Then I sign at ze end?’268
He didn’t look convinced and glanced nervously over his shoulder. ‘I don’t think I can do that, Miss Shannon’s up in the office and if she were to come down, well I might lose my job and I can’t afford that Miss Andelucci, you see’.
“Alright, alright, give me ze blasted book’ Florian muttered and grabbed the pen from Jimmy’s hand. She began to sign in but deliberately forgot to write in any horses names. Jimmy, on the other hand, was smarter than she gave him credit for.
‘Which horses are you seeing today, Miss Andelucci? I’ll put the names in if you like?’
Florian grimaced ‘Lilly, Manny and I’ll pop in and see Diametric also’.
Jimmy shook his head, ‘The others are there but Diametric’s up at the track with Donnelly and Mr Sharpely having a ride out. They only left about 20 minutes ago’.
‘Ride out eh’ Florian mused to herself ‘His temper must have calmed down a little no’?
Jimmy looked puzzled ‘No er yes it has so they decided to try him out, plus it meant the workers could install the cameras without disturbing him’.
Florian shot Jimmy a withering look ‘Camera’s, what is zis, camera’s’?
‘Miss Shannon had a security system installed for the safety of the horses; I guess they are worth a fair bit’, said Jimmy.
Florian looked up and noted the position of the camera just above Diametric’s stall and she frowned. She had been right to be nervous about Shannon and Donnelly Clarke; they did appear to know more than they were letting on. Christopher was a fool if he thought this plan would work. This was going to be trouble, she could tell.269
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Florian begged off from Jimmy to return to her car for something she’d misplaced and quickly began dialling Christopher’s number on her mobile phone while lighting a cigarette.
It only rang twice before Christopher’s gruff, ‘I’m not awake’ voice answered.
‘Listen’ hissed Florian ‘Your little scheme has hit a big hitch. Sharpely has installed security in ze stable area and you will never guess where ze camera is positioned’.271
Christopher, barely awake one moment, was suddenly very awake, out of bed and lighting his first cigarette of the day.
‘Christ, what the hell for? I thought I’d put that to rest weeks ago when Kent showed me the brochures. I told him it was too damn expensive and that if he was worried to go out and buy some more stable dogs’.
Florian laughed sarcastically ‘Well apparently your persuasiveness did not work because I have seen ze bloody thing. It’s in and, from what Jeemy tells me, fully operational over Diametric’s stall.’
Christopher grumbled into the phone, ‘Shit!!! We’ll have to find a way around it, won’t we? You go on and tend to the horses you need to and I’ll meet you there and take a look for myself. If I insist you look at Diametric, there will be no problem as I am his owner’.
Florian sniffed and lit her own cigarette, ‘He is not in his stall, and he is out on ze track wiz Kent and Donnelly having ze ride out! Apparently he is behaving quite well zis morning yes?272
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‘Damn’ said Christopher ‘I told you we should have given him another shot of that stuff the other night, it had been nearly a week and it’s obviously wearing off. I don’t want them to have that horse behaving perfectly or they will get suspicious if he goes off his head again’.
Florian tutted, ‘No, no I told you zat another dose so soon could kill him and beside look how fine we cut it anyway. Seeing Shannon and ze jockey in town on zere way back to the stable, by ze time we had got things ready we could have been caught. It was bad enough seeing zem at all and I know zey saw us’.
Christopher mocked her, ‘Zey saw us? Well of course they bloody saw us; you drove around the corner like Michael Schumacher. What did you expect you silly bitch? It’s a wonder they never waved hello to us’!
‘Don’t take me for a fool Christopher, all I have to do is take zis to the proper authorities and your plans go pooof! If zey only knew what you were planning, zey would throw away the key’.
Christopher snarled down the phone ‘Listen you smart bitch, you’re in it up to your little Italian designer ears and if you open that mouth of yours, how long you think you would be a practising vet for? Not fucking long and for that matter if you stand in my way of $2million then you may not be alive long enough to worry about being struck off’.
Florian was shocked at the animosity in Christopher’s voice and suddenly realised how desperate he was at getting hold of that money..
‘Darlink’ She cooed trying to pacify him ‘I am nervous, no? I get cold feet when you are not here to ‘elp. Forgive me; I feel as if I go mad. I want it over and done with’.
‘Flor, just hold your tongue and do your job and I’ll worry about the rest. See if you can find out why those bloody cameras were put in and where the video is. Can you do that without losing it?’275
She nodded nervously, “Alright, I try but you get your skinny arse down here tout suite and ‘elp me out’.
She cut him off without another word, butted out the cigarette and headed towards the office in search of Kent or his daughter. She knew damn well why the cameras were in. Shannon and Donnelly were protecting the colt from everyone. Florian felt a cold chill in her spine, if they were discovered before the final outcome, everything would be lost.
Shannon positioned herself on the track rail and watched as her father helped Donnelly aboard the black colt. Apart from a bit of dancing on the spot when they arrived at the track, he had been the perfect gentleman. Now that Donnelly had his weight up there Diametric decided it was time to put on a display and he roared, threw his head in the air and tried to take charge of Donnelly and for a moment was successful. Donnelly held on and reefed the reins, trying to establish some authority. Finally a slap from his crop on Diametric’s shoulder caused the colt to rethink things.
‘Blast this mad beast’ spluttered Donnelly as he turned the colt towards the fence waiting for Kent’s instructions.
Kent coughed trying to hide his amusement of the battle between man and beast. I am sure Donnelly missed it but I could see my father was highly entertained by the carry on.
‘Just high spirits, Donnelly me boy, hasn’t had a workout since he arrived’.
‘It bloody well shows’, said Donnelly, red in the face from the effort.
‘Just canter him a mile and work him hard over a half mile. Let him have his head, he’ll need a good blow’, instructed Kent.
‘Make sure you have someone on duty in the next county ‘cos that’s where we’ll be pulling up!’ retorted Donnelly and winked at me.276
I giggled, the thought of that black beast and Donnelly holding on for grim death into the next county brought flashes of Paul Revere’s ride, the only difference being the English were not on their way but a panic stricken Irish jockey.
Donnelly’s green eyes twinkled ‘You needn’t laugh lass, may be the last time you see me for dust!’
‘Oh bull...’ my voice trailed off as my father threw me a stern glare and I stuck my chin out defiantly ‘you wish, Donnelly Clarke, go on, get on with it’.277
With one reef of the reins he turned the colts head towards the hill and off they went, Diametric reefing and throwing his head around and Donnelly cursing and yelling at him until they disappeared over the crest of the track.
I jumped from the rail and sidled up to my father while he watched the other riders and horses returning. ‘That colt seems better behaved this morning, don’t you think?’
Dad was busy writing down times and barely heard the question at all.
‘Another lap for that 2yo Kenny, ok the rest into the yard and cool off. Did you say something Shannon, what, oh yes the colt; well his temperament is slightly better. I think with some good hard work he’ll be just fine’.
Although he wasn’t paying attention I ploughed on regardless, ‘Wouldn’t you say that he looks better in the coat, not sweating as much and the whites of his eyes were not rolling around like a few days ago?’
Dad stopped writing ‘Is there a point to this Shannon, are you saying that you and Donnelly are responsible for the colt’s change of heart? I think it is just a settling in period, he had a long trip from England on the plane and new surroundings make it tough for young ones’.278
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‘Dad, I didn’t mean Donnelly or I fixed the problem, I just think the colt has been off colour since his arrival’.
Kent pondered the thought, ‘Well Florian accompanied him over and she said he was fine when they left and fine when they got here’.
I sniggered ‘I bet she did. How come she has stayed on and not gone home to be Lady Williams vet again’.
Dad narrowed his eyes at me ‘Now Shannon, I have been feeling that you are less than impressed by Florian and it shows every time her name is mentioned. She came highly recommended by Lord Williams and Christopher’.
I laughed loudly, ‘Oh Christopher, well I suspect it’s not her veterinary talents that he is recommending? and another thing Dad, she is so nervy around the horses. Even Lily can’t cope with her and that filly is a treasure. I think she belongs with cats and dogs not bluebloods’.
Kent smiled ‘Yes, they are quite a couple aren’t they? Different as cheese and chalk I would think’.
I walked towards the office ‘Not so different Dad, I think Florian likes the thought of living the high life off Christopher’s money’.
Dad followed me ‘Well she maybe disappointed. I heard tell that Alf Redmond has Christopher in quite a bind for a substantial loan on his gambling outlays. If Redmond gets his hands on Chris first, there won’t be much left for Florian’.
‘How do you know that?’ I asked quietly.
Dad scratched his head, ‘Think Redmond mentioned it when he rang the other day to inquire how Diametric was. Guess he was a bit worried about his colt’s chances in the Guineas if Diametric gains a start. Really don’t know why because Installments has two Group races under his belt already. 280
He’ll be the favourite; that’s what I told Redmond but he mentioned something about Christopher hoping Diametric starts favourite so he can back Alf’s horse and start paying back his little favour he did Chris a few month’s back. Wasn’t much of a little favour either, Redmond mentioned almost $200,000 as a loan to a valued client.’
My father chuckled at the thought ‘Valued; like hell. Christopher would gamble that away in a casino in one night’.
‘That’s it!’ I shouted and jumped up with glee then timidly looked around at my father, rushed to him and threw my arms around his neck.
‘Love ya Dad’ I said, kissed him on the cheek and ran down towards the office without giving him time to ask why. I couldn’t have let on even if he did, but Donnelly would be ever so interested in this titbit. I could hardly contain myself waiting for horse and jock to return to the yard.
It took an interminably long time for Donnelly to get Diametric back into the stabling area. One would think he should have been exhausted from the hit out but the only one breathing heavily was Donnelly as he slid tiredly from the saddle and handed me the reins.
‘Sod of a horse’ he gasped ‘Plays up like little lord Fauntleroy for half of the mile and then when we get down to business, won’t go a yard until I belt him across his arse, then we finally get to see if the bastard can run and run like the wind he did. Oh Shannon, he can be a racehorse but only if whatever is in his system is well and truly out. His nature is so erratic, hard to trust him’.281
I was so full of excitement that I just waved my hands at Donnelly as if whatever he was telling me had no where near the importance of my news.
‘Alf Redmond’ I whispered quickly ‘Mean anything to you?’282
Donnelly shot me a look of worry, ‘Redmond, a curse to the racing game and anyone involved with him and his cronies. How do you know the name?’
‘Well’ I said gulping an intake of fresh air ‘Apparently Dad had him on the phone the other day inquiring about Diametric and his colt as well, um....Installments I think his name is and....’
Donnelly cut me off, ‘Well if Redmond is behind this thing with this colt we have big trouble’.
I shook my head angrily ‘Oh you men are all the same, shut up and let me finish. He told Dad that Christopher was in to him for a quite large amount of cash; a loan I think he said and he was getting quite pissed off at Christopher not having made a down payment. He mentioned to Dad that if Diametric went out favourite in the Guineas, Chris could win back some of the money on Installments. Don’t you see; if Christopher gets a good price on Redmond’s horse and wins big and Diametric breaks down then he is home free. No more debt and $2million insurance payout. It’s the motive Donnelly, the one we needed!’
I looked expectantly at Donnelly who was busy trying to digest all this information.
‘It makes bloody sense, even the way you tell it my girl. Redmond has always been a money lender to the wealthy and a shady one at that. Figures Christopher would go to him for a loan but his interest rates are fairly high and if you don’t pay, well, your limbs are likely to be broken in various places by his so called associates, I call them thugs’.
I was glad Dad had been so open with the information but then he didn’t realise how important this info was for Donnelly and me. Dad was just recounting a story that he found interesting. Thank goodness, for if he knew what we were assuming he would be livid with both of us.283
Donnelly turned the hose on and began to wash Diametric down in the wash bay while pondering the situation.
‘We just have to keep a closer eye on this lad and hope that Elizabeth can come up with a positive test from that towel. Until we have that analysis, we have suspicions and innuendos but no proof’.
I nodded and began to scrape Diametric down noting his mellow demeanour whilst we bathed and groomed him.
‘I hope she doesn’t take too long, the Guinea’s is only 2 wks away’
‘And that’s all the time Elizabeth will give us’ said Danny solemnly ‘then she will have to tell the appropriate authorities if that test is positive. I bought all the time I could’.
‘Then it will have to be enough’ I said matter of factly.
For the first time the black colt nuzzled into my shoulder as I was towelling off his face and I patted him gently on the nose. He really was a majestic individual and I felt a lump gather in my throat. How anyone could plan to eliminate this beautiful creature just made me so angry.
I whispered softly into his face, ‘Not while I have breath in my body, my man, will you suffer anymore’.
I felt Donnelly‘s hand on mine, ‘Its ok Shannon, neither of us will let him be a pawn in this filthy game.’
I turned and pressed my head into Donnelly’s chest and he held me lovingly for what seemed an eternity until the sound of voices heading to the stable jolted us from the moment.
My father and a very animated Florian entered the stable and her high pitched accent made me wince and Diametric start to snort nervously. I patted him again and silently agreed with him; that woman would make anyone edgy. Christopher was swaggering in behind them both, his hands shoved in his jean pockets.284
‘Shannon!’ my father’s voice rang out inquiringly.
‘Yes Dad, in the wash with the colt, what’s up?’
‘Florian is here to give Diametric his vitamin shots, put him back in his stall will you’.
I raised an eyebrow and Donnelly coughed uneasily at both of them.
Christopher sounded impatient, ‘Just give the horse the damn things and we can go to breakfast, too damn early for me to be considering anything without a coffee’.285
‘Give me the injection, I’ll do it’ I said airily, hoping my tone was friendly enough to allay suspicion.
Florian shook her head firmly, ‘No zis is my responsibility as the vet, and I will do it’.
I sighed and tried again ‘Come on Florian, you know I can do this like falling off a log and you can get going to that 2yo who has the tendon problem’ I shot a pleading look at my father ‘You know the one Dad, Chez Nous, it’s not looking good to me, swelling seems to be up this morning’.
He frowned and nodded ‘Damn horse has always had bad legs, c’mon Florian give the needle to Shannon, tendon is more important than a vitamin injection’ and with that he began to move off towards the day paddocks.
Florian began to protest but Dad cut her off and motioned for her to follow him. She thrust the syringe into my hand with a flashing glare.
‘Make sure you do it right leetle nurse!’
Christopher’s lips tightened ‘I am sure Shannon is quite capable of handling a stallion. You would have had quite a deal of practice as would Donnelly here’?
I glared at Christopher who just smirked at his reference to my love life and I could not resist the temptation to take just one swipe.286
‘Actually Master Williams I quite enjoy stallions if they are well bred and well mannered. Much better than a grouchy gelding any day of the week wouldn’t you agree’?
I smiled sweetly and blinked my eyelashes with all innocence. Christopher muttered and stalked out the stable door without an answer.
Florian turned on her heel and strode after my father while I poked a tongue out in her direction. ‘What a bloody Italian bitch!’ I hissed then turned to Donnelly in triumph. He was shaking his head at me and my predilection of shooting straight from the hip.
‘I wonder?’ I said gleefully shoving the syringe into Donnelly’s hand.
‘I’m on your wavelength lass, I’ll get the car, looks like we are making a quick trip to Rathdrum and Elizabeth’ smiled Donnelly.
I quickly went back to the wash, untied Diametric and put him back in his stall. Glanced at the camera and noted the red light glowing so I was satisfied that he was under no threat for the time being. I threw him an extra handful of Lucerne and proceeded to grab my coat and pocket book and joined Donnelly for the ride to Rathdrum. This day was looking like it could become very interesting.287
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CHAPTER 5292
The drive to Rathdrum under normal circumstances would have been a pleasant one. Thirty six miles from Dublin, it was a quaint town and the rolling Irish countryside was green and dappled with sunlight. Contented horses and cows grazed in paddocks side by side and I noted that there were plenty of foals revelling in their mates while mother’s whinnied out to ensure the babies never strayed too far from view. I stretched out and sighed, it played on my mind that my new life in Ireland and Dad’s, for that matter, had become somewhat complicated. I only hoped that we could sort this mess out and come out of it with a horse intact and that Donnelly and I would make it through unscathed too. Donnelly was pensive as he drove and I wondered what was going through his mind. It was as if I had spoken out loud.
‘Shannon, there is something that I need to tell you before we get to Rathdrum. You already know that Elizabeth and I are old friends but it’s not a boyfriend, girlfriend scene. We go back a little further than that’
I glanced across at him and noted his hands were twisting the steering wheel nervously.
‘Go on Donnelly’, seriously considering whether I wanted to hear this or not.
Donnelly stared at the road ahead and began again, ‘Elizabeth used to attend dressage classes at the stables where I did my apprenticeship, and Old Johnny didn’t have too many thoroughbreds, so he would hire out stalls to some of the locals. Elizabeth was a very polished rider and she kept her warm blood dressage horse at Johnny’s. I got to know her pretty well and from time to time she would bring her friend, Amanda Fitzsimon, with her and they would go riding and practise together. Amanda was from a wealthy local family so she had a horse float bring her horse in when she required it. 293
She was about my age but so far above me in station that I totally ignored her for quite awhile.’ Donnelly paused and smiled as if the description brought back sweet memories to him.
‘Anyway, eventually Amanda asked me out, she had a forward way with her, I guess you would call it confidence and as luck would have it we hit it off in a big way. I know I never told you this at the pub the other night, Shannon, but you have a right to know, it’s just the memory is fairly painful and raw even after five years’.
I could see that Donnelly’s eyes had misted and realised that this had been no ordinary friendship and although I felt a little cheated by him not being completely honest with me at the pub as he had proposed he would; I could tell that he really wanted to get this off his chest, so I nodded silently and listened as he went on.
‘Amanda’s family had invested a great deal of time and money into her riding and also the horses they bought for her. Amanda herself knew that given the time and experience she would make it into an Irish equestrian team. That was her dream and she held it fervently, just as I did of being a full time jockey. She and I worked together on some things and, much to her family’s annoyance, we became an item. I loved her Shannon, more than life itself, she was educated, full of life and dreams and I wanted our relationship to never end. She finally got the call to the National Irish team for trials and she was so excited. All her dreams were coming true. Elizabeth and I went to watch and she breezed through the requirements in jumping and dressage. The last thing that was on our minds was her falling off; it just never happened to Amanda and her horse Miles to Go was such a wonderful horse, they were like poetry together. Well, he got spooked on the way to the cross country and unseated her. 294
She landed awkwardly on her shoulder. Elizabeth and I both could see she was in pain and the doctor took her in to check the damage.’
‘She reappeared with tears streaming down her face and fell into my arms saying the doctor felt she couldn’t continue and that there was always next year. She begged me to talk to the doctor and get him to change his mind and repeated that although she had a little pain, she could move her arm and she’d be fine. I went against my better judgement and because I knew how desperate she was to be in this team and also because I loved her so much, I couldn’t bear to see her hurt this way, I did go to the doctor and told him to give her a shot and let her compete. It took some talking but I guess I had the gift of Irish gab so he relented.’
Donnelly sighed and turned to glance at me; my mouth was slightly open as I tried to take in the entire story. His voice quivered as he continued.
‘She got through the first half of the course with no trouble but I was more than a little apprehensive as I knew there was a triple through the water. The easy way to do it would add seconds to her time but it was the safest route through. I also knew that she wouldn’t take that option. It was as if I had foreseen it happening. Amanda took the short cut which meant quite a large spread down into the water and two quick strides and up to the second log and back into the water. Miles to Go misjudged his strides and baulked at the second log. Amanda was flung over his head and crashed face first into the log.
I didn’t see it as Elizabeth and I were at the finish but when the siren rang out and the ambulance was despatched, I knew it was Amanda.’
I put a hand reassuringly on Donnelly‘s shoulder, ‘If it’s too painful, stop and I’ll understand’.295
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Donnelly shook his head and wiped a tear from his eye. ‘No, no, I need to do this Shannon. By the time we had both got there they were putting Amanda into the ambulance, she had a neck brace on, there was blood all over her face and she was unconscious. At the hospital they whisked her away and left us waiting for hours, although it was probably only minutes. Her parents arrived just as the doctor reappeared in the waiting room. He told us that Amanda had sustained a fractured skull, multiple fractures of her shoulder, broken sternum and she had internal bleeding. It was as bad as it could be and he made no promises. She was taken to surgery immediately and all we could do was wait. We waited 8 hours and finally the doctor re- emerged from the operating room and motioned for her parents to come with him. I was frantic by this stage and Elizabeth tried her best to calm me down, when she was just as distraught as I. I’ll never forget their faces as they came back out to us. Amanda’s mother was white-faced and her father seemed blank. They looked at me and shook their heads. I don’t remember much after that, it all seems a blur. I went in to see Amanda and she looked so peaceful lying there, they had cleaned her face and she looked as if she was asleep but I knew that she had gone. I’d never see her smile again or ride with the wind flying in her face. She had so much internal bleeding that they didn’t know where to begin, she had ruptured the aorta in her heart from the fractured sternum and she drowned in her own blood. Apart from that the doctor had said her brain damage would have been extensive and the Amanda we all knew and loved would never reappear. So maybe it had been a blessing but at the time I never saw it. I blamed myself for her death and in some ways I still do’.
I found myself wiping the tears from my own eyes and I gripped Donnelly’s hand.297
‘It was an accident, Donnelly. No one would have blamed you and by the sounds of it no one could have stopped her from riding either. You must realise that and let it go. It was your first love and no love has a bigger test than to be parted by death, especially when you were both so young. I feel very honoured that you shared it with me and although I could never fully understand what you went through; no one can unless they have had it happen to them; you know I am here for you.’
I found the courage to tell him exactly how I felt for the first time.
‘I’m not going anywhere Donnelly Clarke because although you may not know it, between Dad, the horses and you I think there is plenty to keep my interest here in Ireland and since I got here to be brutally honest you have been the one person who has treated me like a normal person and not the boss’s daughter. I guess that’s what I was attracted to but with the fearful teasing you heaped on me I had too much pride to follow it up. I spent so much time being annoyed with you that I’ve been a fool and wasted all this time. I think I have enough strength for both of us to get through anything life throws at us.’
He took my hand gently and put it to his lips and kissed it gently and smiled.
‘I think I have felt the same way too, Shannon, but teasing was easier as it scared me to have such deep feelings for someone again and I was scared, not of rejection but of that desolate feeling I had when I lost Amanda’.
‘Well, you won’t be losing me’ I stated emphatically, ‘It took us long enough to get it together and I don’t expect you to forget such a beautiful memory but we can have new memories and make the future together for us just wonderful. Amanda would want that for you.’
Donnelly nodded ‘I know Shannon, and I promise I will never let you down’.298
‘See that you don’t for it would be embarrassing to have to fire the first damn man I’ve dated in Ireland’! I teased and squeezed his hand as we turned into Elizabeth’s driveway.
Elizabeth was more than a little surprised to see Donnelly and even more curious over meeting me, I suspected that I may have been the topic of a previous conversation and she confirmed when she warmly greeted me.
‘So you are Shannon Sharpely, I have heard so much about you, I feel I know you quite well’ she smiled and winked at Donnelly who blushed furiously.
She was much as I had expected, not tall but slender with a complexion tanned from riding I presumed. She had an angular face that you would describe as pleasing and her brown eyes were kindly and large giving her an air of a sorrowful puppy or perhaps an intelligent school teacher that felt well disposed to her charges. She put me at ease immediately and I could understand why Donnelly had her as a friend. She was dressed in a frumpy tweed skirt with sensible heels and a white lab coat covering it. Very professional I thought and tidy too, not a hair out of place in her dark brunette bun.
I shook her hand and laughed, ‘Don’t believe all that you are told by this one, he has a touch of the blarney in him! I wouldn’t put it past him to embellish a little on the details’.
Elizabeth shook her head, ‘No, he was right, he said you were beautiful, smart and could almost out ride him, well I can vouch for the first two and we will have to take his word for the third!’
‘Almost eh?’ and I laughed again and shot a wry glance at Donnelly, who by now was feeling most uncomfortable, “I guess our ride out competition is back on boyo!’
Donnelly ran his hands through his hair and chided both of us.299
‘If you are done making fun of me while I stand here, I think we should tell Elizabeth why we came in the first place’.
She beckoned us to move inside her office and we sat down at her desk. I put the offending needle onto her clean white blotter and she eyed it suspiciously.300
While she attended to it I stole a quick look around the confines of her office and immediately spied the large photo of her, Donnelly and a girl who could only be describe as a blonde photogenic angel. Her smile was as Donnelly had described it and the horse that was lingering in the background could be no other but Miles to Go. Elizabeth returned to her desk and followed my gaze then looked at Donnelly who nodded silently. Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief.
‘Amanda was one hell of a rider’ she stated.
‘Yes so I have heard from Donnelly and I have heard the whole thing so you don’t have to tiptoe’ I replied squeezing Donnelly’s hand thoughtfully.
‘I am pleased he told you, there is nothing sinister about it, just young love and a tragedy but it’s in the past and people must move on you know’
I agreed with her and sat back in the comfy leather chair. Her office bore the appearance of almost a trophy cabinet with the walls adorned with photos of winners given by grateful owners and ribbons and sashes that no doubt belonged to Elizabeth herself. There were personal mementos in the collection and a faded photo of Elizabeth with a young man and a sandy haired little boy caught my eye. She was smiling adoringly at the young man who had his hand resting lightly on the little boys head. I squinted and tried to make out the blurry images better; the man’s face was vaguely familiar but I deduced that it could have been any of the more successful trainers in the district at a younger age as all the photo’s had one unfailing sameness, there was a horse or in this case a pony with the people. 301
The young boy had an angelic look about him and I thought it may have been Elizabeth’s brother as they were very alike. The strange thing was that the man she looked at with such love had a face like a blank page. It was as if he was just posing for the picture but showed no interest in the woman or child, barely a smile was visible. I pondered on it for several minutes and then moved on to her many credentials and certificates. She had done well as a vet and her position as the head racing analyst was testament to her ability.
Elizabeth’s face took on a solemn look, ‘You have brought this syringe for analysis and I presume we are looking for the same substance that was on the towel?’
Donnelly and I both leaned forward to listen almost frightened someone else may hear.
‘The towel showed only minute traces but it was categorically arsenic, sadly not enough to prove positive it came from the horse; towels are used for many things and it could have been contaminated from any source so it is not enough for your proof I fear and I don’t even need to guess that you think this syringe also contains it, am I right?’
I nodded sadly, ‘Yes and I took it from our head vet’s own hand’.
Elizabeth grumbled ‘A person who takes an oath to uphold the health, welfare and safety of animals, to do this is just beyond comprehension. The consequence of giving any animal arsenic is repulsive and also cannot be guaranteed to give the same effect each dose. It stays in the system for so long that you are just exacerbating the condition with every needle. I have heard of dog breeders giving it to their show dogs to make them perky for the show ring and at Crufts it has been long purported to have many an owner that do this before the dog is brought to the ring. 302
Thank goodness they have tests for it also. To give it to a thoroughbred where it may have a heart seizure and bring down an entire field is simply vile and illegal’.
She finished her tirade with a thump of her fist on the desk that made Donnelly and I both jump.
Donnelly motioned to the syringe, now neatly inside a plastic bag, ‘So you will analyse this also?’
Elizabeth nodded, ‘Won’t be so easy this time, the head steward asked about the towel and I explained it was from the show circuit and some underhand show ring practices and he bought it, but to bring in a needle, he will be a lot more curious over this. Can’t promise you anything but you know I will do my best’.
‘All we can ask’ I chirped.
Donnelly stood up to leave, ‘We appreciate this Elizabeth and we also understand that your reputation could be on the line too. We hope that a week is all we will need to catch them in the act or at least a compromising situation that leads to the end of this for all of us’.
He kissed her on the cheek and she smiled, ‘It’s nice to meet you Shannon and it’s also nice to know you’ve put a smile back on that Irish face of his’.
I grinned, ‘He’s put one on mine too’.303
‘Ah I can see that and you both look like two people meant for each other but I warn both of you, do not get too deep into this before you enlist the help of the authorities. I don’t want another tragedy, do you understand me?”
I could tell by the severity of her tone she was very serious and I assured her that neither of us would put anyone in danger. 304
It slid easily off the tongue but when I looked Elizabeth in the eye I think she knew that both of us didn’t really believe that at all.
‘You’ll phone me with the results?’ inquired Donnelly, Elizabeth shook her head
‘No, it’s not a good idea to have this done over the phone, we’ll have lunch sometime next week, and I’ll let you know’.
And with that we started on the journey back to Inspiration, hoping nothing had seemed out of place with both of us disappearing without so much as a word. The ride back was quiet with both of us lost in our thoughts and eventually I drifted off into an uneasy sleep to be woken when the car pulled into Inspiration’s yard.
‘C’mon sleepy head, there are horses to be bedded down and fed’. I looked at my watch and gasped, I hadn’t realised how long we had been away and I could see Jimmy’s expectant face at the stable door, no doubt with a few very cantankerous and hungry residents. I raced to the door, flung Donnelly a kiss goodbye and leapt past Jimmy lest he have time to ask me about where we had been. His face was beaming as he must have seen the kiss; I suspect he approved of that too!
‘Did Florian leave any instructions about the tendon’ I asked casually.
‘No Miss Shannon just told the boss to keep doing the pool routine and no other exercise for at least another month. Oh she did ask if you had given the black colt his injection.’
Jimmy looked down at his shoes and shuffled. ‘I told her yes, was that ok; I mean I never saw you but you never forget anything’.
I smiled at him and patted his shoulder, ‘No Jimmy I don’t and yes you can write in the book Shannon did the right thing’.
Jimmy had no idea at the double entendre comment; he just beamed and strode off to write in the book, injection given. I thanked the Lord for sending me a cherubic individual without a devious bone in his body.305
By the time Jimmy and I had swept stalls and fed the evening meal we were both exhausted and I sent him off to the stable quarters for his dinner and I headed to the house to catch Father and hopefully some food as well.306
The house at Inspiration was far too large for the two of us and I felt as if we rambled around it like lost souls. We always ended up eating our meals in the kitchen with Mrs Pruitt, the housekeeper and I think she thought Americans were strange indeed. It obviously was not a done thing in the British Isles to be seen eating with the servants but Dad and I felt comfortable there and it was far warmer than the large, drafty old dining room. In there, if I sat at one end I would have to shout for Dad to hear me as it seated a right royal twenty five people in large, burgundy brocade chairs. The only heating was from wood fires and was another thing my Father made noises about changing but had put in the too hard basket until he felt the Irish winter chill in the air. If it had been a thoroughbred that needed heating it would have been done yesterday. The kitchen was always cosy as Mrs Pruitt had bad lumbago and she kept the wood stove burning saying it helped what ailed her. We thought she was a little strange herself, but she kept us and the workers well fed and rarely grumbled although Donnelly said wait until winter and her really bad lumbago. I smiled at the thought of it and made one of my mental notes to help out when I could.307
I went at first to my large and untidy bedroom which was large enough to be an entire house but I chose it because it looked out onto the back south pastures of broodmares, foals and weanlings who were flying up their paddock at breakneck speed. I spent many a pleasant moment of solitude staring at them from my window seat. 308
The floral patterns on my bed, walls, curtains and furnishings were very, very olde world charm; but a bit too olde world for my taste. It was that excuse I took to throw the odd pair of jeans, jackets, riding boots in any direction apart from my closet to try and lessen the feeling of sleeping in a rose garden. The ancestral pictures looked down on me forebodingly with such serious faces that I had them removed to the library and had brought all the hunting scenes and horse paintings I could find and hung them in my room. Mrs Pruitt had tut tutted that it did not match the fine decor but I didn’t much care what she thought as I had to sleep there and having Arkle, Nijinsky and Mill Reef stare at me was infinitely more pleasing than 15th century relatives of Lord Williams, looking down their supercilious noses at me all night.
After making myself half decent I proceeded down the back staircase to the kitchen and was surprised to find only Mrs Pruitt and quite a bit of the fine porcelain dinner ware on her table but no meal.
‘Your father ‘as company tonight Miss’ she squawked in a broad Irish lingo, ‘Master Christopher is staying the night so you are ‘aving dinner in the dining room’.
She sighed as if most put out at having to dine alone as well as serve the priggish Master Christopher Williams. I sighed as well for the last person I wanted to see tonight was that tall streak of misery. The only thing that could prove positively entertaining was a little, hopefully, productive needling about Alf Redmond. Could do know harm to see what the reaction would be. I breathed deeply and headed off to the large oak panelled doors leading to the formal dining room and stalked in.
‘Ah Shannon, this is a pleasure’ Christopher’s eyes narrowed, ‘could I hope you are joining us for dinner to keep me company?’
‘Not bloody likely’ I snapped which only made him laugh deep and long.309
‘Suppose you would prefer the company of shorter men who ride well, now wouldn’t you?’
I felt the hair on the back of my neck go up at his veiled reference to Donnelly but I let it slide and with equal viciousness replied.
‘And I presume Florian preferred the company of animals tonight rather than you!’
Christopher’s face contorted and for a moment looked as though he would throw his whiskey glass at my head but he controlled it beautifully and sniggered before turning away and facing the open fire place. I contended that it was not hard to bring his temper to a boil and put that in the memory bank for future reference.
Dad broke the silence with his entry into the room, peered at Christopher and nodded a perfunctory greeting and then wrapped his big burly arms around me smothering me in a hug. I returned it warmly as I hadn’t got that big that I would forego a hug from Dad.
‘Hows my girl’ he said thrusting me from him and eyeing the fact I had jumper and jeans on not a dress again.
‘Fine Dad, just dandy and Diametric seems even better again this evening. I just left him with his meal and even got a snicker and nuzzle of welcome. It’s amazing what those vitamin shots must be doing for him. I am glad Florian let me give it to him just so I could experience its value’.
I turned to watch Christopher’s reaction but sadly he had not looked up from the fireplace and he either was not interested or a very consummate player in this game of chance.
‘That’s good to hear, my darling, we make steady progress like this and maybe the Guinea’s not such a far fetched idea eh? What ya think Chris’?310
“Mm oh yes Kent whatever’ Christopher replied nonchantly which proved to me he had not really been listening at all.
‘Penny for your thoughts’ I said sweetly ‘or should that be millions when you are a true Debretts listed heir’?
His eyebrows shot up but no more so than the usual arrogant look, ‘Millions I will inherit Shannon but not for a long while, my Father is a stayer as you Americans would say’.
I couldn’t help myself so I plunged on regardless, ‘Oh Christopher why wait to inherit, you could invest your allowance on your Father’s horses and win the money much faster’.311
He laughed, ‘The bookies would see me coming a mile away being Lord William’s son, I don’t think they would lay a bet for me of anything substantial’.
Here goes, I thought, ‘Well you could always try Alf Redmond’?
The sound of the fire’s crackle was broken by the tinkling of crystal splinters as they cascaded across the parquetry floor. I began by thinking it was quite a pretty sight as the chandelier’s light hit each one making them sparkle like diamonds until I looked up at Christopher’s pale white face and the blood that dripped from his hand where the glass had laid. ‘Gotcha’ I thought gleefully as I proffered a napkin to wrap around his hand.
Dad gasped and grabbed Christopher ‘Good God man, we better get you seen to, that looks like a nasty cut. Come down and see Mrs Pruitt, she’ll have a first aid kit somewhere’.
As Christopher meekly followed my Father he threw me the foulest of looks and I knew my barb had hit home. The name had been an all too familiar one and Christopher could not hide his amazement at me having flung it at him so ruthlessly. 312
The only thing that really unnerved me about him was his cold, grey eyes, they were positively lifeless, ones that I thought I had seen somewhere before but could not recall. I knew if he felt threatened there was no end to what he would be prepared to do. Although the room was warm I shivered and moved closer to the fire.
It was only a few minutes before they both reappeared back in the dining room along with Mrs Pruitt and a shovel and broom, tut tutting at the mess she had to bend over to clean. I offered to do it for her but she just shook her head determinedly and swept away whilst grumbling to herself about lumbago and how strange uppity Lords were to destroy very expensive crystal glassware.
Dinner was a very monotone affair with my Father and Christopher engaged in low conversation while I sat trying to make out any audible tidbits I could. It was one of those annoying male traits, men talk was just that and bad luck if the only other person at dinner was female.
I started my own subject once they had paused and again got a furious frown from Christopher at what I started to say. ‘Those vitamins that Florian gives Diametric, what exactly are they’?
Christopher wiped his mouth with the white linen napkin. ‘How should I know, ask your father’.
‘That’s peculiar for I am sure that Florian said that you had authorised them, surely you know what you asked her to give him’?
I was delighting in his uneasiness and pressed on ‘If you were not on such good terms with Florian she could be slipping him anything from steroids to well maybe poison’.
Christopher’s fork clattered to his plate and he sputtered ‘what bloody nonsense your daughter talks Kent, tell me what are the damn vitamins the bloody colt gets’?313
Dad looked vague, ‘I thought the same as Shannon, and I thought Florian told you what they were’?
It was hard not to giggle at Christopher’s non- plussed face as he strove to get out of the sticky situation.
‘Well must have forgotten, Vitamin B perhaps’? He threw the suggestion up lamely.
I decided that was enough fun for tonight and any more may make him too suspicious. I waved my hand in the air.
‘I am sure Christopher has far more important things occupying his mind than old vitamins. I’ll ask Flors when she comes again’.
And with that I rose from the table and made my goodnights, feigning a long day and exhaustion. I escaped through the kitchen and down to the stable-hands quarters where Donnelly was standing on the veranda smoking a cigar. Something else I would have to get used too I thought, wrinkling my nose at the smell.
I hadn’t been aware that Donnelly had seen me leave the house and had followed my shadow intently as I strode towards him. The mere sight of me apparently made his blood run hot and love surged just as it had all those years ago for Amanda Fitzsimons. His first question was of dinner.
‘Company pretty boring?’ he inquired.
‘Self centred, bloody minded aristocratic fop!’ I spat out and his eyes twinkled as he roared laughing.
‘Spit it out girl, no subtlety now’!314
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I blushed and grinned, ‘Well it threw up an interesting conversation topic. I mentioned off hand Alf Redmond and I got quite a bite, so much so that Dad will have to go out and replace a Waterford crystal whiskey glass. Oh and the merest thought of that vitamin shot and what it was had him fairly blustering with annoyance’.
‘You watch yourself me darling’ Donnelly reproached ‘We don’t want him to become aware that we are onto something. Let’s keep things low and well hidden until Elizabeth returns those findings’.
I wondered why Donnelly had hung around so late. It was unusual for him to stay at the stable quarters. He had a bed there but rarely used it unless he had early ride outs and a race meeting the same day. The stable house housed about ten staff and it was relatively comfortable, Lord Williams had it fitted out with billiard tables, a TV and play station. At the back was a sauna and spa to ease tired aching joints and take off those extra pounds if needed.
Donnelly as far as I knew had an apartment in town and drove to the stable most mornings but it seemed tonight he was intent on staying.316
‘You are here late Donnelly, keeping an eye on me?’ I inquired casually.317
He smiled ‘I like to keep an eye on things I value and when I saw Williams’ car I decided you may have need of a knight in shining armour’.318
‘I can take quite good care of myself thank you very much but it is nice to know that chivalry is not dead’.319
We both grinned at one another and I knew he was worried about how my mouth tended to run away with itself. Christopher managed to bring out the worst but I enjoyed the sport of baiting him quite a lot. Especially when I got such a great reaction from it, Christopher was clearly unsettled. I asked about the photos in Elizabeth’s office.320
‘Speaking of Elizabeth, that old photo on her wall with the young man and little boy, do you know who they are?’321
Donnelly shook his head ‘Can’t say I’ve taken a lot of notice of it, probably trainers, owners or the like’.
I frowned ‘She doesn’t have a younger brother; the little boy sure looked like her?’322
Again he shook his head and inhaled on his cigar ‘Nope, not a brother or a sister’.323
I shrugged it off as it probably was inconsequential and none of my business.324
Donnelly finished his cigar and disposed of it under the water tap before putting safely into the bin and then firmly wrapped his arms around my waist whilst nuzzling my neck.325
I squirmed playfully ‘Sure you are like a colt’! mimicking his Irish brogue.326
‘And a damned impatient one at that Shannon, I don’t know how long I can take having you around me. I want you so much girl’ his voice had grown hoarse and resonated against my neck and I felt my body shiver under his touch.327
I turned to look at him and touched his face tenderly with my finger and traced the line of his brow. ‘I want you too’ I whispered and hesitated ‘But I have never been to 3rd base with a boy so forgive me if it looks as though you frighten me. Its really me I’m frightened of, I have these feelings and I don’t know how to behave or what to do with them and you have had so many girls’.328
He cut me off with a splutter ‘Many girls? No wherever did you get that idea, apart from Amanda none have been in my bed my love. I’m thinking that Amanda fairly chortled thought the first time too; I was that bad. I’ll never pressure you Shannon, when it’s right for us both we will both know, ok?’329
His kiss was both lingering and passionate and I felt the same feelings arise as he pulled me closer and I strained my body to be as close as I could to him not realising that I was driving him crazy in the meantime. As he let me go I bolted for fear of actually ripping the shirt off his back and throwing him on the ground and letting him take me there in the moonlight. Donnelly smiled as he turned to go inside; the feeling had been mutual.330
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CHAPTER 6341
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Saturdays were always a big event at Inspiration and this one was no exception. Four youngsters headed to the Curragh including Diametric; their first foray into racing. Our vigilance paying off over the past couple of weeks with the black colt, he had come along in leaps and bounds and deserved his chance to prove his price tag.
Donnelly had all four rides and the drive to the course with my father was full of excitement and happy banter about the odds and form of our rivals in each race.343
My favourite filly, Little Lil was the favourite for her maiden debut due to the fact she was the only one of the four who had had a public trial and had won it, even though she had beaten only two, her time was a good one. The paper had her at 2/1 which wasn’t going to make me a millionaire but sentimentality dictated I would back her anyway.344
The two bullish colts, a Danehill called Dan the Man and a Sadler’s Wells named Go Well were at longer odds due to no one but us having ever seen them work or trial and also the three year old fields were littered with bluebloods all intent on becoming Guineas or Derby horses. This maiden over 1400m would sort them out for their owners and trainers. Diametric’s first race would be a stakes race as Dad was hopeful of getting a good gauge on the colts’ ability. He was throwing him in at the deep end as he would clash with Installments, who was resuming from his winter spell. I think my father thought the colt would at least meet him underdone. We would all know at the end just how deep an end it was.345
When we pulled up at the course, the truck with its precious cargo was already there and Jimmy was busily attending to the horses every need. They were ensconced in their stalls by the time we had got to them after the inevitable stops to say hello to other trainers and friends. Dad’s anxiety over their welfare was unfounded as Jimmy had it all under control. All had their heads down and dozing in the dappled sunlight. All, save for Diametric, he was far too alert for snoozing or conserving his energy. In these new surroundings he was calling out to each new arrival as they went past. It was preferable for him to relax but I knew that with experience came sensible behaviour. Once both of us were satisfied things were to our liking we made our way to the dining room for lunch.346
Unfortunately the first people we spotted were Florian and Christopher but they just waved and continued their conversation with Christopher’s father Lord Williams. I chose to ignore the wave and hoped I could ignore them both for the entire day.
We sat down at our table and Donnelly dropped by looking longingly at the plates of smoked salmon and I grinned wickedly. It was a pitiful sight to see a jockey salivating when all he had probably tucked into this morning was a glass of lemon tea, if that. He sat with us long enough for Dad to go over instructions for each mount and then with a fond glance at me or my dinner plate, (I was never sure) he beat a hasty retreat to the safety of the jockey’s room where the smell of liniment replaced roast chicken and apple pie.347
I noticed Elizabeth and the on course vet having lunch and also saw Florian and Christopher move in on them to ingratiate themselves; no doubt; on Dr. McKinley. Furthering Florian’s career was her only hobby, save for Christopher. I almost dropped my fork when I noted the look of sheer hatred pass across Elizabeth’s face.348
I hoped she would not say or do anything that would alert Florian to our involving her in our suspicions. I contended it had more to do with her abhorrence of cruelty to animals.349
I watched with curiosity as Florian made idle chat with Miles McKinley and the dramatic Italian hand gestures that punctuated the story she was spinning. Elizabeth sat by with a face made of chiselled stone. More surprising was the haste she showed leaving the table when Christopher arrived back to collect Florian. She did not even acknowledge his presence, I found it quite bizarre but Dad jolted me from my interest and we headed to the betting enclosure. I soon forgot the incident and lost myself in the thrill of over loud bookies and frantic punters desperate to obtain the best odds on offer. All bets placed and pari mutual tickets shoved safely in my purse I decided a quick stroll to the stabling area to check on our rivals was in order.350
Whilst wandering among the stable blocks admiring and criticising the opposition in their stalls I came upon Elizabeth, deep in conversation with a short, stout middle aged man, who could only be described as overdressed for an early spring meeting, at least by my standards. Three piece black wool suit with an outlandishly bright pink tie; he cut the figure of a “try-hard”; someone who wanted to be a part of the upper class landed gentry but had not succeeded on any level. The upper crusts of this part of the world were what my father described as “closed shops”. Self made wealth had little appeal to them, what mattered were the titles handed down over centuries of feudal law. None of them had ever done an honest days work in their lives, they had servants for that. Elizabeth saw me hovering and shook the man’s hand and came hurrying towards me. He stared but did not follow.351
‘Thank goodness for fate’! She breathed.352
‘Gather I saved you from it’ I smiled and noted the man was still staring at us but had not moved on.353
Elizabeth laughed ‘Alf Redmond is I think the most obnoxious owner of a good horse I have ever had the misfortune to meet’.
My eyebrows rose at the mention of the familiar name and I took a longer look at the man who returned my gaze with a leering smile.
‘So, that’s the infamous. .’ my voice trailed away as Elizabeth cut me off.354
‘Infamous, rude and uneducated’ she spat the words out as she turned up her nose in distaste at him. ‘Yes, that’s him and all the people who do business with him; all that and desperate too’.355
‘Is that his colt in the far stall’ I said nodding my head in the general direction.356
‘Mm, no, no not Installments, he keeps a few also rans here on course for amateur races and steeplechases. He was asking my opinion of that colt and his leg problems. I told him that I doubted he would stand up to steeples, his splints are quite bad and the sesamoid has a tiny crack, he needs rest and then maybe’.357
The colt she referred to was jet black from what little I could see and his noble, refined head was pleasing to the eye. ‘Too pretty to be a chaser’ I remarked.358
‘Too slow to be a racehorse’ Elizabeth laughed and linked my arm and dragged me off in the direction of the stands as the hunting horn rang out for the start of the races.359
We took up a position near to the winning post, Lily looked a picture cantering to the barriers and her lovely chestnut coat glistened and gleamed against the undulating green of the course.360
361
The bell signalled the opening gates and they were away, Donnelly had Lily buried neatly on the fence in 4th position and she had her head on her chest almost asleep which most of them did for Donnelly. He had such a knack and I felt the swell of pride in my chest. As they rounded the turn he eased he between runners.362
‘C’mon Lily my girl!’ I squealed sure that she would hear my voice over the crowd.363
Her ears were pinned back with a look of determination on her face, she responded to Donnelly’s hands and heels and they flashed past the post. The crowd roared and I strained to hear the final announcement over the loud speakers. Number 2 went into that frame, ‘damn’ I muttered, she had been beaten a whisker but not disgraced. Dad would be pleased, she would earn her keep. I saw Christopher and his father tearing up their tickets and smiled furtively. Like father like son, win only gamblers. I fingered my ticket in my purse, a well chosen word by Fiona Flanagan, owner of Mystical Welles, I had first and second and with Lily being the beaten favourite had a good 160 quid to put in my kick.364
The two colts went through their respective races with a 3rd and 4th. Dad had them both earmarked as milers so the shorter race was a decent hit out for both.
I collected my Lily winnings and strolled back to the saddling enclosure giving Fiona a wicked wink as she sailed past still gushing over her wonderful Mysty to a less than interested boyfriend Clive whom I believed was better suited to the confines of a musty museum than the enclosure at the Curragh. He always looked creased and dishevelled just like the nutty professor but he doted on Fiona and she always had that permanent look of someone totally besotted.365
Dad was busy towelling off a highly excited Diametric and I could see that Florian’s presence close at hand had put him into a state of chaos.366
He saw me approach and whinnied as if lodging a protest at Florian’s interference. I reached up and petted his black velvet nose.367
‘There, there, no nonsense today my boy; today is your first day on the job, must impress us all’.368
Jimmy beamed away constantly; he was more excited than all of us and took great pride in being the chosen strapper on race day. He took his job very seriously and kept checking and rechecking everything on the colt. He needn’t have worried, Diametric gleamed and there was not a lick of dust on bridle or saddle. Donnelly was the only grimy creature here and Lord Williams’s silks of burgundy and gold hoops were streaked with sweat but the colours only served to make his green eyes even more brilliant.369
Kent hoisted him aboard ‘Nothing over the top Donnelly, nice and easy, just teach him to settle and give him his head a furlong from home’.370
‘No worries boss, the devil will be hard pressed keeping up with us today, he’s ready and he knows it’ Donnelly quipped and let Jimmy lead them onto the track.371
Diametric sniffed the air and eye the crowd, he danced sideways all the way to the barriers and his coat glistened with sweat. I watched through my binoculars fascinated how Donnelly handled the colt; speaking to him constantly and how Diametric flicked an ear backwards and forwards as if he hung on every syllable.372
I felt the shadow of someone at my shoulder and turned to look into the weather beaten pasty face of Alf Redmond together with his two burly attendants, all attired in black suits. He smiled but there was no warmth in it and his eyes were like two small black marbles. The pale, waxy skin made mine crawl.373
‘Good luck Mss Sharpely’ he rasped, almost lasciviously.374
‘Thanks’ I mumbled trying to concentrate on the track instead of their foreboding closeness and I wriggled nervously.375
Once the bell had sounded the field away I made a quick dart down two steps just to put some distance between us.
It wasn’t hard to spot Diametric, his coal black coat stood out but the imposing frame of Installments, who stood almost 17 hands, dwarfed our colt as he sat parked on his outside. This was not good, I had no idea what the black horse would do being hemmed in so tightly and he threw his head in the air a few times which I figured was due to Redmond’s horse buffeting him into the rail. Roughhouse tactics on the newcomer were not unusual but I glowered with anger just the same.376
He got a bit of breathing space in the straight as Installments lengthened stride and shifted out half a horse. That’s torn it I thought as Installments drew a couple of lengths clear, Diametric doesn’t know the game is to chase the other down but to my disbelieving eyes with little or no urging from Donnelly he began to reel the leader in. With every stride he drew level and determinedly stuck that beautiful black head out, pricked his ears almost in defiance. The post loomed, the crowd noise was deafening and I was hoarse from cheering him home. Redmond’s horse got the stitch from his lack of racing and Diametric surged past the post with Donnelly raising his whip in a victory salute.377
I laughed so loud that the nearby crowd thought I had completely lost the plot but as I raced towards the winners paddock I took notice of no congratulations from the not so gracious face of Alf Redmond. I could see his teeth were grinding and he looked positively livid as he stood fixedly staring at the returning hero.378
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I flashed him the best winner’s smile I could and bolted to join my father who looked more in shock than enjoyment of training the first stakes winner of the season. I found out why when they made the announcement; Diametric had lowered the track and 3yo record by a half second; a record held formerly by Installments. No wonder I received the glare; lost race, lost record, lost prestige. There was a new kid in town!381
Far too much partying was done that night and Lord Williams made sure the champagne flowed constantly so any reflection on Redmond or anyone else was forgotten. Winning has a satisfying feeling to it.382
The party gave me a chance to show off Donnelly, most of the stable knew but the rest of the race-going hierarchy were a little surprised. Donnelly was never one to kiss and tell so when he arrived with me on his arm it caused a ripple of whispers through the room. I noted by the dejected look on some of the young ladies faces that they were unimpressed at being outgunned by an American. We laughed and danced the entire night and we had eyes for no one else save each other. It was another piece of information about Donnelly I discovered; he could dance and he swept me around the room as the music played. His eyes gleamed wickedly in the chandeliers light and I felt as if we were the only ones there. It must have been well past midnight when he took me by the hand and led me from the room.383
‘You look tired lass’ he murmured as we strolled towards the car park hand in hand.
‘It’s a good sort of tired’ I said as I laid my head on his shoulder.384
Donnelly took both my hands in his and turned me towards him.
‘You know when we had that talk at Black Friars, how I said if I was to be asking you a certain question that I would do it properly’?385
‘I remember’386
‘Well Shan, I don’t know if you realise just how much you have come to mean to me but over the past few weeks I think we have grown close’.387
I stamped my foot impatiently ‘Donnelly, you said you would ask the question so get on with it’.388
He laughed gently and kissed me sweetly ‘Shannon I want nothing more than to make love to you tonight’.389
I replied thickly ‘Then we better leave this party don’t you think’?390
We hurriedly sped towards Inspiration knowing we would be the only ones at the house. The party would not end for hours and my Father was enjoying his first group success in Ireland far too much to return before dawn.391
I pulled Donnelly into my room and lovingly kissed his mouth tasting the sweet mixture of champagne and cigars. I had grown quite accustomed to it. It was clumsy at best but it felt right, as Donnelly slid his hand down the back of my spine I shuddered and arched my back.392
It would be my first time and unknown to me, apart from Amanda Donnelly had never been with another woman since. I led him towards the bed and turned off the lamp.393
Donnelly was a kind and gentle lover. This was to be my first time but, for some reason, I wasn’t nervous or shy. When we eventually fell asleep in one another’s arms I knew what it was like to truly love someone and was glad I’d waited till Donnelly came along.394
When I finally opened my eyes, very unwillingly, it was past 9 a.m. At first I had almost forgotten that Donnelly had spent the night but when I turned over and smelt him on the pillow I smiled and stretched luxuriating in the memories. I suddenly realised that his body was not there but in his place lay a yellow rose with a small hand written note beside it. I propped myself up on my elbow and read it. The message was a simple one; ‘this is the beginning’. 395
I smiled and remembered his body and how we had blended together so perfectly then I remembered where I was and leapt from bed thinking how unimpressed the horses would be, no food in their stalls and no clean hay for their beds. I needn’t have worried as Jimmy had busied himself and all horses were munching happily by the time I arrived. I remarked on his efficiency and he blushed, all 4ft 6in of him and quietly informed me that my father had suggested that I may make a late entrance due to a large amount of Dom something or other! I grimaced and remembered the headache I had gone to bed with, one which had quickly disappeared with the lovemaking. Jimmy was left happily polishing bridles so I set off in search of Mrs Pruitt and breakfast.396
My father was also found wolfing down a large plate of scrambled eggs and toast, without a word a plate was placed in front of me and I gratefully accepted it. My Father noted my happy demeanour and I blushed furiously.397
‘I gather the redness in your face is not from lack of sleep’? he chuckled at me.398
‘No Dad, I slept quite well thanks’.399
Kent eyed his daughter with amusement ‘I dare say Donnelly Clarke may have had something to do with it. I saw the two of you sneak off from the party at midnight’.400
I coughed and kept my eyes on my plate ‘I was tired and Donnelly had a big day too’.401
‘Shannon, I think it was quite clear from the party that you and Donnelly are more than just friends. I have no problem with that but don’t take your old Father for a fuddy duddy’.402
‘Dad I think nothing of the sort, it’s just; well you know, it’s private and I’d like to keep it that way’.403
He frowned and sighed ‘Answer me one thing; do you care for him’?404
I looked into my Father’s eyes and smiled ‘I love him Dad’.405
It was a simple enough statement but it was enough for my Father and he nodded assent.406
‘Good answer, I hope he loves you as much’.407
‘He does Dad, I am sure of that’ I replied and leant over and planted a kiss on his furrowed brow.408
‘Well we’ll say no more on the subject’.409
He returned to studying the morning papers but did so with a smile on his face.410
‘I want you to come with me this morning to the National Stud’ my father said without looking up from his plate.411
‘Oh what are we going there for?’ I inquired as I took a greedy mouthful of eggs.412
‘They have a few yearlings Lord Williams asked me to go over and I thought you might like the chance to look around’.413
‘Would I? Thanks Dad, but what about the chores here?’414
‘Day off today, good days racing Saturday so Jimmy and the lads can tidy up and feed’ he said good naturedly.415
Dad had always believed a successful race day merited you a reward and that meant everyone involved so it came as no real surprise then, that Jimmy had seemed so jovial this morning.416
By the time we had finished up breakfast and gone to get ourselves presentable there was a commotion in the yard. I glanced out of my bedroom window and saw the horse transport that was now parked there and my father talking animatedly with the driver and of all people Alf Redmond.417
I hurried downstairs and out the door nearly running into the two goons he had had with him yesterday at the Curragh. Dad’s face was lined and worried as Alf was explaining his being there.418
‘My trainer has no more room for these three, Sharpely; they’ll make decent chasers so what say you? Will you take them?’419
‘Not a steeplechase trainer Redmond, I don’t have a jump to school them over’ said Kent seriously.420
Redmond seemed uninterested in the vagaries of the problem and shook his head.421
‘No matter, they only need some slow, long stamina work at the moment, once a couple of my others have gone out for spells, they can go back to my trainer. I’ll make it worth your while’.
‘No doubt you would’.422
I could tell my father had misgivings but he was a generous soul and hated any equine being left in the lurch so to speak. He looked at his watch and finally answered Alf.423
‘Look, 2 weeks, no more’.424
‘Fine, that’s great’ replied Redmond425
Kent motioned towards the stables ‘Get the hands to unload them, my daughter and I am late for an appointment. Leave your telephone number and we’ll discuss it when I return’.426
Redmond followed us to the car ‘No worries, my boys will be happy to unload, just tell me where’.427
Kent thought for a moment ‘End three stalls opposite the black colt, they’re free?’428
He looked to me for confirmation and I nodded. We got into the car and Redmond leant on the driver’s window ledge.429
‘Thanks Sharpely, you don’t know how relieved I am’.430
Dad huffed a reply and we drove off in silence, as we turned down the driveway I watched the driver pull the truck alongside the stable door.431
Dad and I drove to the Irish National Stud. I couldn’t think why I hadn’t visited before as the place is world famous. The Stud had been founded in 1900 by a colonel named William Walker. He must have been somewhat eccentric as he sold foals on the basis of their astrological charts. He had skylights put in the stables so his stallions could be touched by sunlight and moon beams. Bill ascended to the title of Lord Wavertree in 1915. Mainly because he had been smart enough to bequeath a farm to the English. The Stud covers almost 1000 acres and has its own forge and saddlery. The grounds were stunning!! With sweeping lawns, massive trees with branches almost touching the ground and lakes with water birds swimming, I marvelled at the layout. Eccentric Lord W. had commissioned a Japanese garden to be designed and they were laid out in 1906 in the form of an allegorical journey of the human soul as it goes through life. They were very peaceful, even if you didn’t believe the allegory, and totally unexpected in the middle of Ireland. I stopped by the ruins of the Black Abbey, built in 1106 and wondered what dire acts had been committed there in centuries long gone.432
While Dad went off to discuss business I wandered about the stalls and inspected the occupants. It was hard to absorb the amount of bluebloods that abounded those stables. Sons and grandsons of Sadler’s Wells, Danehill, Mill Reef and Nijinsky hung their noble heads over the stable doors. I was like a kid in a candy store but unable to afford any of them. At least looking was free and I did plenty of that. A familiar voice greeted me and I turned to see the figure of Robert Mills walking towards me.433
‘What a nice surprise Shannon, how are you?’ he said and held out his hand.434
‘Robert, it’s great to see you again’ I smiled and shook his outstretched hand firmly.435
‘More acquisitions for Inspiration is it’? Robert looked towards the far paddocks where my Father was inspecting foals.436
‘What else Robert’ I laughed ‘Dad can barely stop himself and Lord Williams just keeps saying whatever he thinks is ok with him’.437
Robert laughed with me and we both strolled down the long stable yard. I inquired how the job was progressing.438
‘It’s good here Shannon, I am respected and valued for my opinions and the racehorses both new and retired just make my head spin. I would hate to hazard a guess how many champions have passed through these doors’.439
I sighed ‘I wish you were still at Inspiration, it’s not been the same since you left’.440
Robert shuffled miserably ‘I am sure Ms Andelucci is doing an admirable job though I can’t say that I was pleased by her replacing me’.441
‘Nor I’ I said frowning at the thought ‘you were a damn fine vet and the horses were calm and confident whenever you had to work with them. Unlike her, she squeals and carries on if one so much as shakes a head’.442
Robert smiled ‘Well before this she had only ever treated small domestic animals, I presume horses were a new experience for her. She’ll get used to them’.443
‘Oh she won’t even try that hard’ I wailed ‘She just does the basics and that’s about it, even that filly Little Lil won’t stand still for her. You know her, Robert; she’s the quietest thing in the yard’.444
445
‘Shannon perhaps you are a little hard on her, I had heard from colleagues she was well sought after in the polo world in Europe. She must have had some knowledge of horses and their injuries. Polo players are notoriously protective of their mounts’.446
I looked at Robert interestingly ‘You hear lots of things in your job I’ll wager, with all the horses coming in from Europe. I would not have thought Florian would have been a topic’.447
Robert cleared his throat ‘Well she’s an uncommonly attractive woman and we men are apt to discuss that from time to time’.448
I watched his face redden and smiled at his naivety ‘Ah well then I can understand it Robert and men are the same the world over, show them a pretty face and voila!’449
‘Shannon I am not that shallow! People were very curious when I left Inspiration but to tell you the truth Christopher fired me’.450
‘Fired you?’ I replied not really shocked as Donnelly and Jimmy had alluded to the same fact quite a while ago.451
Robert fiddled with his pen ‘I guess that the relationship between them outweighed the best person for the job’.452
I nodded sadly ‘Yes Robert I am afraid you have been a victim of circumstance but obtaining the job here must give you some satisfaction. I doubt they would employ Florian so to give you the job almost immediately means they had been impressed’.453
Robert agreed and smiled happily ‘Oh don’t get me wrong I do enjoy it here but I miss your father and the others. It’s a business here but Inspiration was more like a family’.454
I patted him on the hand and bade him goodbye to let him get on with his work. I felt that one day he would make his way back to us and I prayed it would not take too long. He was a likeable young man and a damn fine vet.455
Once I had taken in my fill I wandered back to find Dad shaking hands with the stud manager on a lovely Rock of Gibraltar weanling for Lord Williams. I hoped that this youngster would be kept in Lord Carey’s name and not handed over to Christopher as was Diametric.456
Dad greeted me with a smile ‘Had your fill my girl’?457
‘Well I suspect I could stay here all day and not see all of it but I did enjoy catching up with Robert’.458
Dad raised his eyebrows ‘Oh and how is he, doing well no doubt’.459
‘I think he’d prefer if he was back with us but he seems happy enough’ I replied heading towards the car.460
‘You didn’t give him any false hopes’ said Kent frowning at me.461
‘Don’t worry Dad, I thought it but did not say it out loud, besides I am confident that Florian will shoot herself in the foot one day and I won’t have to do a thing’!462
My father looked at me exasperated but said nothing, he knew full well that Florian and Christopher were at the bottom of my Christmas card list and he would be unable to convince me otherwise.463
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CHAPTER 7
468
When we returned to Inspiration, the sun was setting beneath the horizon and the purplish colour of evening was alive in the sky. I’d had a brilliant day and although the tragedy of the Shergar kidnapping still haunted many of the people who worked at the stud they put on a brave face. The IRA were ever present in Ireland and old hatreds flared from time to time; unwelcome in the thoroughbred industry where the sport seemed to outweigh the dislike of the English and if you were lucky enough to have a winner it made little or no difference if you were Catholic or Protestant. In this neck of the woods, as long as you loved the equine breed you were okay in everyone’s eyes. I eased my tired body out of the car and stumbled sleepily towards the stable. 469
‘Leave that til morning’ my father said yawning. 470
‘It’s ok Dad, I’d rather make sure everyone is safe and sound’ 471
He nodded and disappeared inside the house. I opened the stable door as silently as possible and tiptoed down the aisle way past sleeping animals until I came to the last three on my left. Redmond’s horses were heard munching on lucerne and made no attempt at contact with me. Satisfied they had settled in I stuck my head over Diametric’s door, being black I squinted to make out where he was situated and could only discern a glint of an eye as he turned his head. His breathing was a little rapid for my liking. 472
‘Not impressed with your new stable mates’ I soothed, there was a shuffle of feet but he did not move to the door. I smiled grimly. 473
‘Oh, I get the cold shoulder routine eh? It’s my entire fault that you have to share the end of the barn with others and me out all afternoon too.’ 474
Still no movement from him so I conceded defeat and walked back towards the house more than a little tired and hungry. Aristocratic snob with the sulks; it made a change from the idiotic colt I had first contacted. Still, new charges always made our residents a little nervous; I guess they needed time to observe one another before forming friendships.475
Monday dawned with thick grey drizzle and it made for a miserable bunch who headed out to the hill track for work. The horses were rugged against the damp and riders kept their heads down as rain dripped from their skullcaps. Donnelly arrived with a thick black windbreaker pulled tight around his shoulders. He looked less than enthusiastic but he managed a smile as he approached me. 476
‘Good day off?’ he inquired 477
‘Yes and a wonderful trip to the National Stud, I think Dad has a deal done for a Rock of Gibraltar weanling. Mind you, Lord Williams will be getting no change from 800,000.’ 478
Donnelly managed a laugh ‘Weanling eh? No yearlings pass your father’s inspection?’
‘No he’s particular when it comes to horses, but I could see why this little colt took his eye, nice clean lines, kind eye and straight, strong legs. He had some zip for a 6 month old and the breeding is impeccable. His mother is an Alydar mare and Dad knew her pretty well back in the US. Mind you she tried her best to keep us away from him’. 479
‘Your Dad has a keen eye I am sure he will be a corker’ 480
I tried to blow warm breath onto my hands ‘I saw young Robert Mills there, he had a few interesting things to say about our Florian’. 481
Donnelly laughed ‘Robert, sure to be serious and business like’. 482
483
‘Don’t be like that, I know he appears like a bookworm to you but apparently Florian had quite a bit of contact in the polo world in Europe. That’s where the extent of her horse knowledge was acquired’. 484
‘Interesting’ said Donnelly quietly ‘they are well known for using underhanded methods on their opponent’s animals. Arsenic is probably one of them. She could well have learnt tricks from that world of snobs’. 485
I rubbed my hands together trying to warm them up but to no avail, they were damp and blue. Donnelly gave up his gloves, which I gratefully accepted. 486
‘I did find out that he got fired from this job by Christopher’ I said putting the gloves on quickly and shoving my hands into my pockets for extra warmth. 487
‘Ha’ said Donnelly derisively ‘why am I not surprised by that? It did seem very quick when it happened, Robert was here then he was gone. No one seemed to know exactly why but as I said to you that it appeared the change had been made without your Father’s knowledge. I have never seen Kent dismiss anyone without giving them a full explanation yet he was just as surprised as the rest of us when Robert left’. 488
I nodded grimly ‘Well I suspect that if we can catch them out Robert would be most willing to return’. 489
Kent came along leading Diametric whose black coat glistened with droplets of water and he looked disinterested about going to work. Kent legged Donnelly aboard and told him to do two miles with a quick couple of furlongs. It would be enough in this miserable weather. 490
They set off and disappeared over the rise and we both retreated to the small shack that gave us a little respite from the rain although it smelt of musty, wet wood. 491
It didn’t seem that long before Donnelly was heading towards us again with Diametric shaking his saturated head. 492
‘Bugger won’t go a yard this morning’ 493
Kent looked the colt up and down in the half-light of morning, he was heaving and his nostrils blew out little puffs of steam. 494
‘Maybe doesn’t like the damp’ he said flatly ‘Can’t say as I blame him’. 495
Donnelly shrugged ‘Dunno, I asked him at the three and I swear I could have ran quicker. Maybe he has no liking for the wet, who knows’. 496
I ventured a guess, ‘could be having those three new horses has upset him’? 497
Kent grumbled ‘Shouldn’t bother him that much, the bay gelding is opposite him and the other colts are pretty quiet from what I’ve gathered. Think I’ll get Florian to come and check him over, better safe than sorry’. 498
My first reaction was to tell my father that would probably make him worse, knowing the colt’s dislike of her but I couldn’t argue. He stood there sadly like a wet, soggy nag, no spirit in his eyes at all. 499
Danny jumped off and Jimmy grabbed the bridle and led the horse away. 500
‘Give him a warm wash and put on two rugs Jimmy, mind you towel him off well’ said Kent worriedly. 501
Donnelly legged himself aboard another 3 year old and set off to finish his work but I followed Jimmy back to the wash area. Diametric showed no interest in me whatsoever and it puzzled me. 502
I thought he had become quite fond and I also had grown to appreciate the black colt too but today, there was no light in those eyes at all. Florian reported there was nothing wrong with the horse apart from a slight nasal discharge that was clear in colour so it suggested nothing. She said it could be a chill, asked when he was entered for next and seeing it was over eight days away, she gave him a precautionary antibiotic injection under my watchful eye. 503
She made no attempt to hide her veiled anger at being under scrutiny but I didn’t care. I was hissed at to keep him under watch for 48 hrs and then back to work. There was nothing more any of us could do. I swore silently under my breath that eventually she or Christopher would give us a clue to what was transpiring and then we would have the last laugh. 504
The day didn’t get any better, weatherwise or news; Danny had a call from Elizabeth who informed him our needle contained Vitamin B and nothing more. I was relieved but disappointed; we were no further forward at all. I felt it was a bit strange that she had decided to phone him when she had seemed unwilling to give any information over the phone when we had been at her office. I guessed that because the test had shown nothing wrong she had changed her mind. 505
The preparation into Diametric’s Guinea’s program came to a screeching halt for two days and although he ate and drank well, he appeared disinterested in his surroundings. Jimmy proffered that he may have gone sour and needed gelding. I smiled at the young lad and told him that an expensive colt such as Diametric would have no chance of losing his testicles! Jimmy blushed, nodded and rushed off for safer havens rather than have a sex education lesson from me. 506
Alf’s chasers began their slow work, Diametric would come forward and watch with ears pricked, even give the occasional whinny as they were saddled up. I deduced that he had taken a shine to the bay gelding that was opposite him so on his first morning back at the track I rode the bay with him. Diametric danced and weaved all the way up the walkway even nuzzling the gelding. Donnelly was impressed and so was Kent. I did three miles on the gelding and Donnelly whizzed by once or twice with Diametric seeming to be improving a little. Although he tried pulling up on Donnelly every time he neared the gelding. 507
Kent was more satisfied this morning ‘Times are better but you’d never think he would break a track record’. 508
Donnelly eased Diametric up at the gate, ‘Felt better boss, but still not the horse I rode last Saturday in that stakes, still he may be getting cunning with his work. They say good horses make lazy workers; they save it for the track, it happens sometimes’.
Kent said as he gave the black an affectionate stroke on the neck. 509
‘Still I am not convinced we will see the same display come Guinea’s day that we saw in his first race. Maybe it was just a fluke that he broke the record, some say they only have one run like that in them’. 510
Donnelly shrugged his shoulder and I could see him struggling for an answer. I knew it was not in Donnelly’s nature to be lying to his employer and it must be just tearing him up inside to remain quiet. We had no proof positive to offer my Father so there was no point in telling him anything for the time being. 511
I came back astride the bay and again there was a gentle nicker between the two animals. It seemed strange that Diametric had accepted this strange horse so quickly, even though he was predisposed to myself or Donnelly now, he made it plainly clear that as a stallion he disliked having equine company too close to him. Yet this plain old bay was suddenly his best friend. We turned to head back when Florian and Christopher approached us. 512
‘Hold on Donnelly’ I chortled knowing the colts reaction anytime he even as much as smelled Florian.
‘Ah I see ze colt is ok, yes?’ she asked in her breathless voice. 513
‘Not bad but I’m still not really sure’, said Kent 514
To my immediate surprise, Diametric had not moved one inch and Florian had her hand resting on his neck. No noise was coming from him, no stamp of hoofed indignation. I watched in stunned silence. Donnelly turned and raised his eyebrow at me and I shook my head. This morning was getting stranger all the time. 515
‘He will, of course, be fine for the Guinea’s Wednesday week’? inquired Christopher stiffly trying to warm himself up by jogging on the spot and looking at Kent suspiciously. 516
Typical, I thought, not a care if the colt was ill, just a money making machine. Christopher’s idea of being an owner was winners are grinners and losers could please themselves. 517
Kent scratched his head, ‘Dunno’. 518
‘Bloody hell Sharpely, you know he HAS to be in that field’ sneered Christopher vehemently. 519
‘Ok Chris, I know what you want but if the horse is unfit’ 520
‘Kent I pay you for results not bloody opinions’... 521
Christopher stalked off leaving the three of us with open mouths. Donnelly spat on the ground ‘Arrogant bastard, its not his bloody money paying the bills, it’s his damn father and he should be effing glad that he does’. 522
Kent motioned for us to follow him as he walked. 523
‘The colt is entered and it appears there is no physical reason why he should not run’ Kent sighed and shoved his hands into his pockets, he trudged slowly back to the house knowing he would receive yet another mouthful from Christopher should they still be there. I brought the gelding along side Donnelly as he waited to go back to the yard with Diametric. 524
‘This has all the earmarks of another deception by those two’. 525
Donnelly acknowledged the thought ‘Ay I had the same feeling but neither of them have been anywhere near him and the way he is acting now, it looks as if a dose of arsenic powder would spark him up’. 526
‘Donnelly! I said shocked at the suggestion. 527
‘Don’t worry, it was a rhetorical statement lass; it’s just that he is so docile that I am worried. What with Elizabeth coming up short with our needle what else can we do?’ 528
I agreed and from there we walked our charges silently to the wash where Donnelly had a pertinent idea. 529
‘Shannon, have you checked the security tape this week’? 530
‘Not since Saturday’ I replied, ‘we were at the races all day and Sunday we were at the National Stud’.
Donnelly grabbed my hand and began to run. 531
‘C’mon let Jim finish these beasts, we’ve got a tape to check’. 532
I was downcast, ‘Not bloody likely to find anything, Florian knows the camera is there and every other day I check it. It’s always the same, horses eating, sleeping with you, me or Jimmy. Not exactly great television viewing, it’s like East Enders’. 533
Donnelly was adamant so I unlocked the door to the stable office and junk room, switched off the camera and rewound the tape. 534
I made Donnelly a weak black tea and poured myself a strong coffee and we settled back to watch what unfolded. I fast forwarded through Saturday night which showed all of us heaping praise upon the colt and settling him in. It also showed Jimmy reverently folding the beautiful, blue satin winners’ rug and put it into storage. Most of it was unrewarding. Sunday proved a laugh with Jimmy feeding the colt and giving his best impression of Michael Flatley with his broom as partner. Donnelly and I had a good chuckle over that. The next few frames were of Diametric dozing until around 11 a.m. 535
536
The tape then showed an anxious colt squealing at his stable door and shadowy figures of horses and men. I realised this would have been Redmond and the newcomers arriving. The next few minutes of tape had Donnelly and I aghast and leaning forward towards the screen in amazement. 537
Diametric’s stable door opened and one of Redmond’s goons entered. He was the larger of the two and I recall Alf calling him Barry. He held a head stall and lead rope. He approached Diametric while the shorter and darker skinned man gave the horse an apple. Once the halter was on, the colt was led out of picture. I cursed my inefficiency to buy the second camera for the aisle way. 538
For what seemed an eternity, there was only an empty stall, suddenly, they returned the horse and secured the door; both men patted the colt and left. I stopped the tape and turned to Donnelly who was staring blankly at the screen. 539
‘What the hell just happened?’ I asked 540
‘That’s a bloody good question me darlin’. He replied still staring at the monitor. 541
‘How dare they touch that colt’ I said thickly 542
Donnelly twisted in his chair ‘Perhaps he just got a tad too upset with the new arrivals’ 543
I shook my head ‘You saw him, apart from a few squeals which is normal for a colt, he wasn’t lashing out. No reason for them to remove him’. 544
‘I don’t know Shannon, I surely cannot believe what my eyes saw’ 545
Donnelly took the remote from my hand and rewound the tape; we watched it repeatedly, still puzzled and bewildered at the incident. 546
I was getting more agitated the more I watched, ‘There must be something we are not seeing; maybe the apple was drugged or if they saw the camera they could have done something to him out of sight’. 547
Donnelly fingered the remote, rewound the tape and pushed play. 548
‘Shannon, notice how animated the horse is at the start’. 549
‘So,he’s got two strange men in his stall, it’s not surprising’. 550
‘Ah yes but when they bring him back and turn him loose he’s as quiet as a field mouse. Look, no movement, no rolling of the eyes, he just stands there’. 551
‘Ok I agree with you’ I said puzzled where Donnelly was going with this. 552
‘No me love, look again’ said Donnelly firmly and pushed play. 553
I watched the same scene for the tenth time. Diametric being his typical uptight self and then as Donnelly had said, once back in his box, meek and docile. 554
‘Well I can’t see anything out of the ordinary apart from the fact he starts off as the Diametric we know and love to loathe and then he seems like a different horse’. 555
My voice trailed off as the words came out and I looked across at Donnelly, who was grinning in triumph because the penny had finally dropped. Before he could say ‘Begorrah’ I had raced from the room and disappeared down the stable corridor. I flung open Diametric’s stall with Donnelly in hot pursuit. 556
On first inspection, the black colt was in all respects Diametric. No visible markings on the jet black coat and the only symbol being the sword and crown brand, which was evident on his shoulder. I ran my hand down his torso as Donnelly stood quietly observing the horse. My shoulders slumped in defeat.
‘It’s Diametric, I can’t see anything different’. 557
‘Check his front legs Shannon’ said Donnelly frowning at what his eyes could see. 558
I followed his gaze and ran my hand gently over the colts near front leg. As I moved downwards, I felt a splint and the further I went I felt the heat that came from slight swelling near his sesamoid. 559
‘It’s not Diametric’ I said excitedly ‘This horse has a splint and swelling in the joint, Diametric has perfect legs, not a mark on them’. 560
Donnelly squatted beside me and ran his hand over the same leg. 561
‘No one would have noticed with no work for two days but after that ride out this morning it’s become apparent. I guess if we weren’t looking for it because the colt is sound, it would have gone undetected’. 562
I gripped Donnelly by the shoulder ‘So where the hell is our colt?’ 563
A blind panic caught me and the thought of Shergar and the horror of maybe never seeing the colt again drained the colour from my face. I looked directly at Donnelly. 564
‘We have to contact the authorities, we have to find him’ the words came out like a scream and I shook uncontrollably with fear and rage. 565
I turned to go ...when a firm 'NO' floored me. 566
‘Why not?’ I said, sputtering like a child. 567
‘Shannon, darlin’, they wouldn’t have got rid of the horse so fast, they would not take that risk. He’s hidden somewhere of that I am sure of and I think if we play along with their little scheme we may be able to bring them all down together. You are not to tell a soul, not even your father and I’ll ask around the lads. If there is a new black colt somewhere in the district, he shouldn’t be hard to spot. He’s a handsome brute and most would look twice at him if he went by. Don’t worry Shan, we’ll find him’. 568
Donnelly sounded confident and logical but I did not have that same feeling. He cupped my face in his hands and held me in his gaze. I clung to him limply, my mind still reeling, trying to digest everything we had witnessed. 569
I was beginning to be very afraid, not only for Diametric but for all of us.570
571
CHAPTER 8572
After Wednesday morning’s discovery of Diametric’s disappearance Donnelly and I became masters of deception. I looked after the no name colt with the same diligence I showed Diametric, I had decided that Jimmy should be relieved of his duties around the horse lest he notice the bad leg. I knew it was being careful to the point of paranoia but neither of us could risk anyone else realising the horrible truth. If that were to happen we may never discover Diametric’s whereabouts and the true criminals would just up and vanish. I had no doubt that Redmond was artful enough to cover his tracks very well.573
Donnelly arrived for ride outs everyday with a smile and became adept at raving over the colt’s work progress. This, at least, kept my father happy and with so many youngsters to keep and eye on at the start of a spring season, he only gave the black a cursory glance and a pat before I whisked him away to the wash. This also gave me a chance, in the confines of his stall to ice the bad leg and ensure the swelling was as undetectable as I could make it. Donnelly and I unfortunately could see the work was just making it worse and I wondered when the horse would pull up lame for everyone to see. I prayed that it would last a few more days.
Donnelly had had no luck with his inquiries around town about a black colt. No one had seen or heard of one save Diametric. They had all adopted him as the town hero and as most of them had wagered on him against Installments for the Guinea’s his price with four days to go was 3 to 1 and shortening. 574
575
I could see Christopher’s face grinning wickedly at the prospect of plunging Installments at a healthy 4 or 5 to 1 and Redmond being paid off and winning the prestigious race as well. It made my blood boil and I hoped fervently something would turn up soon.
On Guinea’s eve Elizabeth was sent to do a pre race blood on Diametric, this was routine for a Group One race and each runner was provided with a 24 hour guard to ensure nothing sinister occurred. If they only knew! I accompanied Elizabeth to the stall trying to exude an air of confidence but felt I failed miserably with Elizabeth making most of the conversation.
‘Everything on track?’ she inquired gaily.
“What? Oh yes I think so, um, jockey and horse are fine’
She frowned at me and then laughed.
‘Not so fine the trainer’s daughter eh! Nerves I suspect, happens to the best of us. So many races, so many horses but every now and then one worms their way into your heart’
I felt myself sigh from relief, ‘Guess so’.
Elizabeth touched my arm ‘You’ll be fine and even if he doesn’t win lets hope we put paid to someone’s plans to nobble him, he looked fine winning at the Curragh the other week. There will be plenty of races for him’.
As she made the statement it dawned on me that I hadn’t even thought of the possibility the real Diametric could lose. Not the one he had become without Florian’s little pick me ups and beside’s there had been too much underhandedness to even consider losing.
We arrived at the stall and I followed Elizabeth into the box. The docile colt flicked an ear at us but did not move. She tapped his neck as I held his head still; inserted the needle and drew the blood. 576
The colt winced but showed no surprise or fear. I always admired a person who showed no fear when attending thoroughbreds and you could tell that Elizabeth was well skilled and confident in doing her job. She did it quickly and without fuss.
‘There’s a good lad, done this many times before haven’t we?’ soothed Elizabeth.577
She transferred the sample to a phial, labelled it and tossed it in her bag. I stood looking at her quizzically for a few minutes.
‘What’s up Shannon, it’s routine, nothing to worry about and if there is the steward will contact your father in due course’.
‘Elizabeth you just said you’ve done this to him before and you couldn’t have. This is his first group one race’.
Elizabeth’s face grew solemn and she stammered a reply.
‘Did I, er, well, I mean I have done it before, so many times, that’s what I meant’.
‘No, I distinctly heard you say ‘We’, I replied firmly holding her gaze to mine.
She picked up her bag and giggled uneasily, ‘Slip of the tongue I imagine, you know I have never attended Diametric before, you have the lovely Florian to do that’.
Without any hesitation she started back towards her car yelling her goodbyes as she hurried away. I closed and bolted the box and followed, the statement was swimming around in my brain and all of a sudden an image appeared like a flash of lightning. Elizabeth and Redmond at the Curragh last race day, the moment I had come upon them talking in the stabling area with a black colt behind them, one who was as aristocratic as Diametric himself. It was as if a Catherine Wheel had exploded in my head, she had done this before! She had done it to the same horse except it had been at Redmond’s stables not ours!578
I yelled out to Elizabeth to stop but she did not break stride.579
‘Elizabeth how well do you know Alf Redmond?’ I called out hurrying my steps to catch her.
There was no reply and I yelled louder ‘Elizabeth, why do you have Christopher’s photo on your wall?’
There was slight hesitation when she heard me utter Christopher’s name but she did not stop. I could see Donnelly approaching Elizabeth from the stable lads quarters with a friendly smile on his face and I waved both my hands at him to get him to stop Elizabeth but he just waved at me in acknowledgement of seeing me. I yelled one more time at Elizabeth but watched in frustration as she slid into her car and started the engine.
She was still waving goodbye as I approached the car and almost sent Donnelly flying as she spun the wheels on the cobblestones and headed down the driveway.
‘She’s in a hurry’ said Donnelly watching her disappear in a cloud of dust and then he howled in pain as I pinched his arm.
Donnelly, she knows where Diametric is!’ I gasped for breath.
‘Shannon, how could she....’
I cut him off mid stream and blurted out what had happened in the stall. I recounted her weird statement about attending the horse before today and her nervous behaviour at my questions. By the time I had finished the story and heaved from lack of oxygen Donnelly was not looking at me in disbelief but in surprise, shock and disappointment.580
581
‘If what you are saying is true; although I find it hard to think of Elizabeth doing anything so sinister; she’s always been a model of propriety when it comes to her career; but then again it would be no wonder our needle had Vitamin B in it as Elizabeth would be involved with all of them, Christopher, Florian, Redmond. It just doesn’t make sense, what has she got to gain?’
‘I don’t know the answers but I do know that she knows more than us, I believe she knows Christopher a little better than we suspect as when I mentioned his name I know she had an immediate reaction to his name and she may be the only one who can lead us to the horse. We have to find him Donnelly, the race is tomorrow afternoon and we both know that the colt we have here is not going to make it round a mile and a half before he breaks down. That leg is getting worse by the day’.
Donnelly agreed, ‘Well I will have to go to Rathdrum and check her stables then. She keeps her show horses at the local one next door to her surgery and lab. It’s as good as any place to start’.
‘Good, then I am coming too’ I announced
‘No Shannon, twould arouse too much suspicion for both of us to be missing on Guinea’s eve. Better let me do it alone’.
Donnelly was right, as usual, my father expected everyone to be on hand to fine tune tomorrow’s event. Float packed and ready to go and he always had a dinner for everyone including owners at the house before a group one race and he would not accept me being missing. Without my mother, I guess I was his only hostess at these things. We had no way of knowing how long Donnelly would be gone but Donnelly reminded me that he had to report an hour before the race on track. 582
583
That gave us a little over 18 hours. If I had not heard from him when my father went to lodge our arrival on course I was to spill the entire story to him. I reached up and kissed Donnelly on the mouth, long and hard and as passionately as I could muster.
‘Don’t you dare go and get yourself hurt, you hear me’ I said huskily584
He smiled and murmured into my hair, ‘No lass, I have no intention of doing that. We maybe as diametrically opposed as two people can be but I think we have unfinished business together, I love you Shannon Sharpely’.585
And with those words ringing in my ear he disappeared to his car leaving me standing vulnerable and alone in the yard.
6.p.m. – Donnelly’s drive to Rathdrum was anything but scenic this time, he was going over in his head all that Shannon had told him. He was finding it hard to understand what Elizabeth was doing involved in this shady business. She was a successful vet and needed no extra money, well at least as far as he knew. The visit to the local stables took a mere five minutes for apart from a couple of hunters there was no race horse there. Donnelly spoke to the manager who said that Alf Redmond had been visiting Elizabeth quite frequently in the past couple of months. Donnelly was not really surprised as Shannon had mentioned Elizabeth and Redmond together at the Curragh. He realised that Redmond could have been a client of Elizabeth’s for quite some time as he had a small pre training establishment at Rathdrum. It was this place that he headed for although his better judgement told him that Redmond would not put the colt with his own horses for fear of it being identified by a worker or a farrier as such. Maybe he had no choice in the short term and planned to move him later on. It was the only lead he had at the moment so he drove a little faster.586
He glanced at his watch and looked at the sky, evening was starting to roll in and the red purple glow told him tomorrow would be a fine day for the meeting to go ahead, he only hoped he’s be there to see it.
It took him an hour to get to Redmond’s property and as he drove down the narrow driveway he noticed the truck that had unloaded his horses at Inspiration Lodge parked in the barn. There was no one around so Donnelly decided that he could poke around a bit before anyone noticed. He opened the cross bar gate to the stabling area which was built in a U shape with twenty or so stalls all facing a small courtyard. Heads appeared at their doors as they heard the gate swing open. He checked each and every face but not one was a black colt and there was no whinny or nicker of recognition for him.
He shut the gate behind him and moved back to the car as he did so he noticed Elizabeth’s black Citroen between the trees, wedged discreetly it seemed so no one would see it from the driveway. There were lights on in the small caretaker’s house beyond the stables.
Donnelly edged his way furtively around her car and up to the half opened window, careful not to throw his shadow into the light. He didn’t much care for what they would do to him, should he be discovered. He squatted beneath the window and strained to listen to the conversation. He could make out Redmond’s gruff voice and he heard Elizabeth reply in shrill tones.
‘I know she knows about it Alf’
‘And whose damn fault is that? Bloody stupid woman, how could you make a slip up like that, we were in the home stretch. No one suspected that damn crock of a colt wasn’t Diametric until you had to go and stuff up’.
Donnelly could hear Alf bang his fist down on a table or something solid and the window pane rattled as he did.587
‘We can’t go through with it, not now, Shannon will tell her father and tomorrow at the course we’ll all go down, we have to get out now before it’s too late. The insurance money doesn’t matter if we all go to jail’ wailed Elizabeth feebly.
Alf growled ‘Shut up and let me think, Christopher owes me that money and he owes you too my girl. All those years without as much as a cent to you and you kept up the pretence for his bloody reputation. Stuff his reputation, that money rightly belongs to you and the lad and I’ll be damned if Lord bloody Christopher doesn’t honour it’.
Donnelly listened intently but was growing increasingly perplexed as the conversation continued. Why did Christopher owe Elizabeth money and what lad? It was a confusing dialogue and without being able to see any faces, it was impossible to understand exactly what was happening. Elizabeth was pacing nervously inside the room and Alf was becoming more upset.
‘Sit down for god’s sake woman, you’ll wear out the floor boards, we have time up our sleeve. Instead of keeping the colt here until after the race we’ll just have to get rid of him tonight.’588
‘How, where are you going to take him?’ pleaded Elizabeth.
Alf banged the table again with his hand ‘I’ll get Barry and Roger to get the truck; we’ll load him up from the back shed and take him out to the back field and shoot the bastard. He’s more trouble than he’s worth; he’s kicked, bitten and screamed the place down since he’s been here. Thank god you left that tranquillising stuff with us. Don’t think Barry could have gone many more rounds with him, he’s black and blue as it is’.
Elizabeth sniffled ‘I don’t find that particularly amusing, I hope to god you don’t say things like that when Christian is around. Grandfathers are supposed to be role models to their grandson’s not thugs’!589
Donnelly felt himself go faint and stumble backwards into the bushes. Grandfather! Alf Redmond was Elizabeth’s father? The thought sent him reeling backwards to his car. And Christian!! Who the hell was Alf’s grandson? He tried to gather himself together and he looked around frantically for the shed. He ran back into the stable area and out through the archway that led to the paddocks. He could see in the distance a faint light. It came from what appeared to be the hay shed. In the darkening of evening he heard a squeal and he knew he had found the horse, now he had to get him out of here and quickly.
8pm - Donnelly crept towards the shed; he could make out a figure sitting at the front of the door. He slid quietly between the post and rail fence and made his way around to rear of the shed. He shivered in the night air but it was more from shock than cold. He crept up to the small dirty window and peered through. He could see Redmond’s other thug trying his best to quieten the restless colt whose eyes were wide and white with fear. Suddenly he felt a trickle of warm liquid on his neck; he felt dizzy and stuck his hand out to catch the drip. Donnelly saw the red colour ooze through his fingers and then the night became as black as ebony and he fell to the ground. He could just make out the shape of Redmond’s face and also the ashen face of Elizabeth as he slipped into unconsciousness.590
9pm - This was the only occasion in the racing season I made my father blissfully happy. The Guinea’s Eve cocktail party required me to wear a dress which, in turn, meant I was required to own one. This only happened about two months prior, with my father travelling to Dublin to check up on some English yearlings being delivered. 591
592
He insisted on me accompanying him and harped so much about his daughter looking like the wild woman from the Yukon that I gave in and went shopping. That was the first and only time I had carte blanche on his American Express card!
‘Why not’, I thought, so I found a chic haute couture boutique with a quaint salesman who professed to be Irish but with a name like Juan and a voice that would have not been out of place in Queer As Folk’, I doubted his sincerity. I chose an exquisite Versace black beaded gown that hung closely to all of my curves and I was grateful that due in part to leading such an active life and in part to my Mothers good genes, curves were in the correct places. The price would have fed a yearling for a year but Dad did say whatever I wanted.
From the admiring glances I received from staff and guests albeit slightly disappointed that Donnelly had missed my grand entrance, I guessed I had made a good choice. I tried my best to make small talk with Lord and Lady Williams, the latter chatting away merrily about this puss and that pup; I found myself clock watching and driving Mrs Pruitt crazy asking if there had been any phone calls for me. Of course, there were none and it had been only over three hours since Donnelly’s sudden departure. I was relieved that no one had noticed that he was missing and I begged off from the party for a few moments using the excuse to check on the colt. I knew Lord Williams would welcome my fastidious attention I gave his purchase. It was a chance to get some fresh air and to try Donnelly on my cell phone. I dialled the number and it rang monotonously but he did not pick up. I had a strange empty feeling in the pit of my stomach but I had promised him I would say or do nothing until tomorrow.593
594
595
I reached the stable door and gingerly gathered my evening dress up above my ankles; no point in horse manure perfume being traipsed back in amongst the guests. The security guard had his chair up against the stall wall and was dozing fitfully, snores and all until I stood directly in front of him. He awoke with a start which sent his coffee cup clattering and spilling the contents onto the dusty floor.
‘Sorry Miss didn’t see you there’ he yawned apologetically.
‘It’s alright Fergus, just checking on you and the colt. Would you like me to bring you a fresh cup of coffee?’
‘Not me Miss, ‘tis me thermos I be havin’ with me, thanks all the same’.
I smiled benevolently, for if the coffee was designed to keep him awake I believed he’d need it much stronger. I scanned the barn for young Jimmy; he had been missing for most of the evening. I recalled having seen him not long before Danny left for Rathdrum.
‘Anything I can do for you Miss? asked Fergus politely, pouring himself another coffee and offering me one in the process which I declined.
‘Jimmy, have you seen him tonight’?
Fergus scratched his bald head and rubbed his eyes, ‘Nome, Miss can’t say that I have. He came and fed the ‘orses but I haven’t seen him since. Nice young feller that one; loves the ‘orses he does’.
It was worrying enough that Donnelly was off chasing kidnapped colts, now I’d lost a fourteen year old stable boy too.
‘Never mind’ I sighed ‘Maybe he just got sleepy and went off to bed’
‘That’d be it Miss, for sure, that’d be it’ said Fergus gently.
I took another quick look around; the colt was dozing peacefully and I hoped Diametric was having the same sleep wherever he was.596
I stepped back outside into the coolish evening and wandered down towards the broodmares paddock, I had little interest in returning to the party. I was far too preoccupied with Donnelly and the colt to enjoy the festivities. I was also upset at not having told my Father what had been going on, I had never lied to him and hated doing it now. I leant over the fence and stroked one of the mares who had sidled up for a pat. I heard the rustle of trees behind me and whirled around to see Christopher standing there, leering at me in the light of the moon.
‘What the hell, are you following me now’? I snapped at him as I tried to sidle past him quickly.
Christopher grabbed my wrist and I could smell the whiskey on his breath and I averted my face from his.
‘I saw you leave the party and was worried. Young girl on her own outside anything could happen’ he whispered lasciviously in my ear.
I wriggled my wrist but could not free myself from his grip; I stared defiantly into his eyes.
‘Please let me go, as you can see I am perfectly all right and quite capable of getting myself back to the house without your assistance’.
‘Damn if you’re not the most high and mighty woman I have ever encountered’ said Christopher slurring his words from far too much alcohol. ‘I still find you one of the most attractive young women and I am determined that although high and mighty I will have you. I have wanted you Shannon since the day I laid eyes on you’.
‘I am no such thing, I just cannot stand an arrogant, untrustworthy moron such as yourself and you will not touch me or I won’t be responsible for what happens’ I replied sarcastically still pulling my wrist away without success.
He laughed in my face and I could see that lust had replaced clear thinking.597
Christopher bent low and grabbed me by the waist pulling me roughly towards him; I threw out my other hand and slapped him as hard as I could across his cheek. He recoiled but did not let go of me, it seemed to inflame him more and he grabbed my hair and pulled my face to his. As he kissed me I could feel his tongue probe the inside of my mouth and I felt the urge to gag. I struggled to extricate myself but he was much stronger than me and I could feel his hand slide down my thigh and find its way under my dress. I now was panicked and tried to scream but Christopher forced his mouth down harder onto my lips. It was then I had the revelation and let down my guard for a mere second, Christopher’s eyes were the same eyes that I looked into at Elizabeth’s office. Could it be that he and Elizabeth knew one another? Was the little boy Elizabeth’s or could it be that Christopher had a son! I felt him pull me towards the ground and scramble around under my dress reaching for my underwear; in doing so he released the grip on my wrist and slid his other hand to cup my breast. I let myself go limp for a brief moment and Christopher sighed as he thought I had given in to his desire. At that moment I grabbed my chance to escape and brought my fist down with as much force as I could muster into his groin. He let out a yelp of pain and surprise and I scrambled to my feet and ran as fast as I could back to the house. My heart was pounding as I went, I never looked back but I could hear him yelling at me.
I flung open the kitchen door and ran straight past a shocked Mrs Pruitt and catering staff and headed for my room. Once inside with the door locked behind me I stripped off the dress and threw myself under the shower sobbing like a baby. I scrubbed away trying to delete the memory of Christopher from my brain and finally sunk to my knees crying hysterically.
It was well over an hour before my Father knocked at my door worried that I had been missing for so long.598
‘Shannon, are you there, are you alright’
I replied as lightly as I could ‘Yes Dad, just a headache, is it ok if I don’t come back downstairs’?
His muffled reply came back ‘Sure darling, do you want me to send Mrs Pruitt up with something, she said you ran back inside like a fox being chased by the hounds’.
‘No Dad, I’m fine just need some sleep. I got spooked by the dark outside that’s all. It was so quiet out there’ I lied and hoped he believed me.
‘Alright Shannon, I’ll make your apologies to everyone, sleep well my girl’.
I sank back on the bed and closed my eyes; I wondered what Christopher was doing downstairs and cursed him silently. My mind strayed to Donnelly again and hoped he was safe but wished he had phoned me so I could know what was going on. I opened the door a fraction when I heard applause from the party.
My father was in the process of toasting to the success of tomorrow and bringing home the Guinea’s trophy to Inspiration. I was glad I was safe in my room and had no need to look upon Christopher’s face again that night.
Lord Williams sidled up and slapped Dad heartily on the back.
‘Good luck Sharpely, tomorrow night the champagne will flow if the trophy is ours’.
Christopher had reappeared and slapped his father on the back ‘Father that trophy will be in our cabinet, Kent will make sure of it’.
Kent nodded and managed a smile; I knew what my father was thinking even if I could just barely hear the raised voices, he wished that races were as simple as Lord William’s statement. He had been bothered most of the night by Donnelly Clarke’s non arrival; he disliked it intensely when one of his staff and especially the jockey of Diametric was a no show.599
He had observed me sneaking off outside and noticed when Christopher followed .When Christopher had returned alone with a rather large red welt across his face Dad would have suspected that the two of us had tangled together. He knew his daughter’s dislike for young Williams and he also knew Christopher’s penchant for young women. The mere fact that I was locked in my room smelt distinctly like a rat. He would be glad I had no interest in Lord William’s son but he also worried about the blossoming romance between Donnelly and me. I know Dad was happy for us youngsters to have a relationship but this had all the signs of something unpleasant, we both had been acting strange the past week and it was beginning to get the better of him. He would resolve it; that tomorrow on the way to the course, he and his daughter would have a father/daughter talk whether I liked it or not.600
11pm- Donnelly’s head ached unmercifully and as he woke from his daze, his arms were on fire and throbbing as if someone was punching his wrists in the same spot over and over. His eyes were barely open and his vision was blurry, he tried to focus on his surroundings when he heard Elizabeth’s voice.
‘What the hell are we going to do now? Dad for pity’s sake you have to let him go. The horse is one thing but not Donnelly, you can’t do it Dad. If he doesn’t show tomorrow they will call the police, it will be murder and I will not have his blood on my hands’.601
‘Shut up girl! Donnelly Clarke knows far too much to let him leave, you think because he’s your long time friend that he wouldn’t lag on you to the authorities? Now for Chrissakes, leave me be to think’ growled Redmond.602
603
Donnelly tried his best to focus his eyes but there was dried blood crusting his eyelids and they were stiff and unyielding. He tried to move his hands but they had been tightly bound with hay bale wire and it was cutting deep into his wrists.
Elizabeth stepped forward and offered him a drink of water which he gratefully accepted. His lips were parched and his tongue furry and he wondered just how long he had been out to it.
‘I’m sorry Donnelly, truly I am’ she said as she wet her handkerchief and wiped some of the blood from his face.
Donnelly nodded silently, ‘Why Elizabeth? Tell me that, why’?
She kept sponging his face, ‘For the money, I need the money. I have responsibilities, more than you could ever imagine. The insurance money would set us up for life, somewhere far away. I have had enough of scrimping and saving over the years, this fives us the chance for a new start and a better way of life. I could see no other way of it happening’.
Donnelly’s head thumped with pain and he struggled to understand just what Elizabeth was explaining to him. He had spied the thin steel rod on the floor suspecting it was the cause of the throbbing in his skull.
‘You said ‘us’; who; you and Redmond’? Donnelly grimaced accepting more of the cool water from Elizabeth’s glass.
‘She shook her head ‘No; I mean myself and...’ she paused and then went on ‘and my son’.
Suddenly Donnelly felt his eyes were amazingly open ‘Your son’?
A tear fell from Elizabeth’s cheek, ‘Yes, I have a son, Christian, he is 6 years old. Do you remember the year I studied in Europe, hot it became 18 months instead of 12?’604
605
Donnelly nodded vaguely ‘I recall you being gone and Amanda being reluctant to talk about you to me, did she know?’
‘Yes’ said Elizabeth glumly ‘She paid for everything, hospitals, nurses, nannies so I could finish those studies and then just when I returned she was taken from us both’
Donnelly guessed that the inevitable question had to be asked.
‘Whose is it then?’
‘Christopher Williams’ she replied without emotion.
‘Christ!’ Donnelly hissed through gritted teeth, ‘Does he know’?
Elizabeth began to laugh uncontrollably and it then turned into body racking sobs.
‘Yes he knows, the high and mighty stuck up bastard that he is. He refused point blank to accept paternity, refused to acknowledge that Christian existed. He even accused me of lying to him just so I could get hold of his inheritance. He didn’t understand that all I wanted was for my son to know his father. I didn’t want him to grow up like me never knowing a father’s love or influence. I missed that because mine had died before I could ever remember him and my mother had refused to talk about him. I just assumed that he didn’t exist; it was easier that way as a young child. As I got older of course I discovered differently. Anyway, Christopher could not or would not bear the thought of the disgrace of an illegitimate child. He threatened that if I ever exposed him as the father he would see to it that Christian was taken from me and I would never see him again. He frightened me well enough that I promised I would keep the secret. He had no idea that down the track he would owe my father hundreds of thousands of pounds in gambling debts, and when time came to pay up those debts I would have my chance for revenge. At the same time it would secure Christian a future; one his father had refused to give him’.606
Donnelly closed his eyes to give himself a chance to digest all Elizabeth had said.
‘So Redmond is your father? I thought your father was dead?’607
‘So did I, at least that’s what my mother had always led me to believe, but she lied to me because of what Alf Redmond was; a thug and a conman. He left when I was born; he left and made it big in the world of SP’s. When Mother passed away I found letters he had written, thanking her for her letters and photos of me. I guess that was her way of keeping him abreast of what I’d done all my life, without him being a part of her life. I decided that I would search for him and I didn’t have to go very far for he had never left the county. I can’t say that I admired his way of life but I was glad of a chance to get to know a father I had never really met. When I finally met him, he cried and so did I, by the time we had grown close and he had learnt of all the problems I had with Christopher, he became determined to try and fix them. I thought why not. At last I had a father to love and a powerful ally against Christopher Williams’.
‘And Florian? Where does she fit into all of this?’
‘Stupid Italian cow’ sneered Elizabeth viciously. ‘I actually met her in Milan when I had to meet Christopher for the first and only time after Christian’s birth. She must have seen all of us together and Christopher had sped away after threatening to take Christian away from me for good if I chose to tell the world who his father was. Christian had become upset by Christopher’s angry tone and was crying. She came up to us and handed Christian an ice cream. I didn’t realise that they were an item; I just thought she had taken pity on a young child’s distress’.608
609
‘I knew she was Christopher’s latest slut and when you and Shannon came to me with the towel containing traces of arsenic and the needle full of it. Although I probably suspected it when she got the job at Inspiration, young Robert had mentioned that Christopher had him fired and installed a young Italian woman into the vets role. It dawned on me who it was but by that stage I didn’t really care.’
Donnelly laughed ‘So it was arsenic’
‘Yes of course, I knew then that those two were conniving to take the insurance payout for themselves by causing the colt’s death. I fronted her about it with my father and she squealed like a pig on Christopher. It was her suggestion to switch colts as she never liked the idea of the poison, it was too unpredictable. The switch sounded ideal, especially with Redmond’s colt being so much alike. Christopher is an idiot so he would never have guessed he was being double crossed by Florian and she was money hungry enough to take a cut and retire gracefully to Rio without him’.
‘How much is she taking from you’?
‘$US100,000’ Elizabeth smiled evilly, ‘Not much for one who would have ended up taking the fall while Christian and I sailed away into the blue yonder. Dad was going to arrange that all the evidence would point to Florian and it would fall in her lap completely and she deserved it too’.
Donnelly looked tiredly at her ‘Still no courage to get Williams into trouble huh’?
Elizabeth smiled thinly ‘I guess I will always love him, he was different then to what he is now. He had dreams and ambitions but none of them involved crime. Sure he lived the wealthy playboy life but he was kind and generous. It was my stupid mistake to fall pregnant and ruin it all for myself. I don’t regret Christian for a moment; he replaced Christopher as the love of my life immediately they laid him in my arms’.610
‘The colt, what were you going to do with him?’
Donnelly and Elizabeth both glanced in Diametric’s direction, he was standing watching both of us with wary curiosity.
‘I wanted to change his brand; I had done the other colt ok so I thought I would take him with me. He would have made an excellent showjumper for Christian to ride. My son is already a brilliant and skilled rider’.
‘He takes after his mother, no doubt’. Donnelly retorted testily.
Elizabeth looked down thoughtfully, ‘But now you have gone and messed it all up. Just you and your girlfriend always sticking your noses into things. You can’t possible go free Donnelly. You know that don’t you?’611
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CHAPTER 9
2 a.m.- He stopped, just for a minute or two, maybe it was longer, he wasn’t sure as he wore no watch. He looked up to the sky, the moon was right over his head, big and yellow, with that kindly face smiling down on him. His breath came in shallow gasps and each exhale emitted was steamy white haze. He didn’t know how far he’d come and couldn’t even guess how far he had to go to reach home; he only knew he had to get home. 621
At fourteen, Jimmy had believed he was a man, all grown up and ready to take on the world. After all, he was the eldest of the family and his mother depended on him. With no father and three younger siblings to take care of, Jimmy was the breadwinner. His mother was proud of him and told everyone how he would be a jockey at Inspiration and someday be as great as Donnelly Clarke. Jimmy smiled wryly at that thought. His mother was his greatest fan and he was trying his best not to let her down. 622
At this very moment, he now doubted his ability to do anything. He wasn’t sure why he had climbed into Donnelly‘s car when he overheard Shannon recount her story. He couldn't even begin to understand what he could do to help either one of them. The only cold, hard fact he was certain of was that Donnelly should not be going this alone; to find Diametric was as much his responsibility as theirs. Besides, the Boss had entrusted the colt’s care to Jimmy on race day, and as the strapper, he was going to protect the colt with or without Donnelly or Shannon. He could not let these people down; the ones who had not only given him a job and a home but also made him feel like he was somebody, an important cog in the wheel. 623
He sure as hell wasn’t going to let anybody kill Donnelly or Diametric and for that not to happen, he had to reach Inspiration and let someone know what was going on. 624
Jimmy had no way of telling how long the horse or Donnelly would survive so even though his chest burned with lack of oxygen in his lungs he went on, shivering in the cool night air, cursing his stupidity at not having a coat. His body shook just remembering the sound of crushing bones when Redmond’s thug had struck Donnelly with that steel rod and then dragged him, bleeding, into the shed. Jimmy had cowered beside the window, too panicked to move. He waited and he listened as Elizabeth told her tale. He stayed in the shadows on bended knees until Redmond and his two goons had departed, it took him almost an hour to get the feeling back into his cramped legs but when he felt it was safe, he fled as fast as his tired legs could carry him. He never looked back for fear he would see one of them in hot pursuit. It was only now, at what he considered a safe distance, when he could no longer see any lights or buildings, did he dart into the bushes at the side of the road and rest. 625
Jimmy was perhaps too young to comprehend the story he heard, but he was old enough to realise that Master Christopher, Miss Florian and this lot were in it together, somehow. Christian; he racked his brain trying to put that name in somewhere. A son, Miss Gilmor had said but, Christopher’s son too? It went way over Jimmy’s intelligence and he was scared; scared he wouldn’t make it to Inspiration Lodge and the Boss in time. 626
The friendly nicker of a horse in a nearby field startled him like a gazelle stalked by a lion and he did feel that way since he left Redmond’s. He squinted in the pale light and made out a face. He lit up with a huge smile of relief, ‘ride home Jimmy, you can do that!’ 627
He began to make quite clicking noises with his tongue and the horse replied again. He felt his way long the fence and finally made contact with a velvety nose, he gave it a hearty rub. All he had to do was find an opening, a gate of some kind. He jogged along the fence line, slowly enough that the beast would follow him. It seemed an interminably long time before he came across some loose railings and a post rotted with age. Enough for Jimmy to kick them loose and manage to remove them to make a gateway. He felt his way blindly, groping the horses mane, once he was satisfied he had a good grip, he leapt lightly onto the animals back, turned its head to the road and the distant lights of Rathdrum and at break neck speed began his mercy dash holding on for dear life. 628
By the time he had clattered through the main street of Rathdrum and frightened the town baker half out of his wits, he could see a faint glow of light on the horizon. Dawn was breaking and he pushed the poor heaving animal harder and faster, so fast that he missed the 15km sign to Kildare. 629
4 a.m. – At Inspiration I hadn’t had a wink of sleep all night, the ticking of my alarm clock that was usually so soothing had become a time bomb waiting to go off. I had tried many times to contact Donnelly on his cell but to no avail. Finally, it had gone dead and I cursed the fact that he was always forgetting to put it on the car charger. 630
I could see the glow of dawn out my window and the glint it was sending down onto the spring blossoming trees. I threw on a jumper and jeans deciding to get an early start. I had not located Jimmy; we had no jockey and the wrong bloody horse. What more could go wrong, I thought grimly. My body ached from the tussle I had with Christopher and there were scratches on my arms and legs, I only hoped he still bore the mark from my hand upon his face as well 631
Down at the stables Fergus was snoring, blithely unaware I had turned lights on, until I started banging buckets and dippers in feed bins, he slumbered on. Some security! 632
Eventually his sleepy bald head appeared in the feed room.
‘Morning Miss, early aren’t you?’ 633
‘Yes Fergus, couldn’t sleep, unlike some’ I quipped 634
He reddened and coughed, ‘Er, sorry Miss I only dozed for a couple of minutes’. 635
‘It’s ok Fergus I won’t lag on you’ I replied flatly. 636
He helped me tote the buckets full of grain to each box and waited until I dispensed breakfast to the somewhat perplexed animals. Even they knew it was not routine. The black impostor got a handful, in keeping with the deception that he would race today and I patted his warm coat. I felt sorry for him, he was the innocent in all of this and he knew the whole story but couldn’t tell us. At that very moment, I wished Mister Ed was real. 637
I asked Fergus if he required breakfast but he declined with a yawn, said he could not leave his post until the horses acceptance was finalised at the course. I assumed he would be travelling in the truck with us and the horse. He said, indeed he would be. With that, I headed back to the house for coffee and to try to keep something down in my stomach. I wasn’t confident that this would occur as it had been in knots since Donnelly had left yesterday. 638
Mrs Pruitt was busy in the kitchen and the new brew on the stove smelt good. I poured a cup, sat back in the chair and closed my eyes. My father’s touch of a kiss top my head jolted me awake. 639
‘Nerves Shannon, its way before dawn girl’. 640
I stretched and smiled thinly, ‘Guess I didn’t sleep well, and you can talk, and you’re down here too’. 641
He looked sheepish as he accepted a cup of boiling brew from Mrs Pruitt. 642
‘Yup, haven’t been this nervous for awhile, feels good though. I am jus a little worried about Donnelly’s no show last night and blast that kid Jimmy, had people searching for him everywhere, no luck at all’. 643
I took a large swallow of hot coffee, ‘I found it strange too, Jimmy is usually anywhere Donnelly and I can be found, yet Fergus the security guard said he hadn’t spied him since feed up time last evening’. 644
‘You were my worry last night girl, I have the sneaking suspicion it had something to do with Christopher. I saw him leave not long after you went outside. When he reappeared and you didn’t I went looking for you. Mrs Pruitt here told me how you had run inside.’ 645
I took a sip from my cup ‘It was nothing Dad; we had a disagreement as per usual’ 646
He wasn’t convinced ‘One that caused you to smack him across his face’? 647
‘ Oh really Dad, its fine, just like I said to you last night. You know I can look after myself and Christopher is of no consequence at all. I do think that Jimmy could be the biggest problem, God only knows what he’s been doing since we last saw him’. 648
My father looked worried and I daren’t think what he would have done had I told him that Christopher tried to rape me, Donnelly was missing, and no one knew where he was apart from me knowing that he had gone to Rathdrum. 649
‘I think I’d better telephone his mom, see if she’s seen him. Don’t want to worry her but it’s been too long for my liking’. 650
5.30 a.m. - It seemed that my father had been on the phone to Jimmy’s mother for hours and he could be heard trying to reassure her that we would do everything we could to find him and not to worry. Not to call the police until we had searched every nook and cranny of the Lodge. He threw his hands up in mock anger. On Guinea’s morning he really didn’t need the hassle. 651
Yelling and clattering of hooves in the yard broke our attention from the problem. 652
‘That’s all I need’ Kent muttered ‘escaping bloody horses’! 653
When both of us reached the front door, we were shocked by what confronted us. There kneeling on the front step was a bedraggled, wet, lump of a boy and an even more distressed, heaving, age wearied brown pony. As my father reached out his hand, Jimmy fainted clean away and the pony sank to its knees in sympathy. 654
My Father scooped Jimmy into his arms and brought him into the house, depositing him on the chaise lounge. I organised one of the other lads to tend to the exhausted creature and ran after my Father. Jimmy’s chest was heaving and he was trying to speak but the words just would not come out. 655
‘Save it lad, catch your breath’ said Kent kindly. 656
Jimmy shook his head and gripped my Father’s hand tightly, he tried to drag himself into a sitting position but he did not have the strength and fell back against the cushions. 657
Mrs Pruitt appeared with a jigger of brandy and I looked somewhat surprised, she pushed past me and handed it to my Father who tried to administer a few sips to the patient. 658
Jimmy accepted it gratefully by downing the entire contents of the glass and handed it back to my father for more. Although the liquid made him cough and sputter it brought back his ability to speak’. 659
‘Donnelly, Redmond, trouble’ was all he said and he looked at both of us with sheer terror on his young face. 660
I knew exactly what he meant and I knelt closer to him ‘Jimmy is Donnelly in trouble’? 661
He nodded and I gasped ‘Where is he Jimmy, you’ve got to tell us’. 662
My Father looked at us with amazement on his face ‘what the hell have you lot been up to’? 663
‘I don’t think now is the time to ask that, will you please ring the police. I have a feeling we are going to need them’ I said seriously without taking my eyes off Jimmy’s face. 664
‘Jimmy, I know you are exhausted but I need to know where Donnelly is’? 665
Jimmy nodded and spoke faintly ‘Redmond’s farm’. 666
‘Is the horse there too’? 667
He nodded again and I sighed with relief, both of them together must mean they were ok’.
Jimmy grabbed hold of my jumper. 668
‘Redmond’s going to do away with them both, please Miss, you’ve got to hurry’. 669
My Father returned from his den and explained the police were on their way. 670
‘You have a lot of explaining to do young lady. I knew that there was something going on with Donnelly. You were both acting weird. What the hell have you gotten yourself into’? 671
I stood up to start the story when I heard the sirens coming up the driveway. 672
Jimmy started to rise ‘I’m coming to Boss; I know the way and Miss Elizabeth she was there too’. 673
674
Kent threw his hands up in exasperation ‘More conspiracy, how many people are messed up in this’? 675
I looked at him ‘Dad, the horse in your stable is not Diametric. Donnelly went to find the real colt and I guess he’s caught and now he’s in real trouble. So is the colt. It’s a long story but I’ll tell you on the way’. 676
The Inspector burst in through the front door and Kent pushed him back out, he then picked the lad up and took him into the car with us. 677
‘No time to explain it all, I’ll let my daughter fill you in on the way to Alf Redmond’s training farm’. 678
The inspector could tell by our faces that it was an emergency so he got back into the car and told the young constable to drive.
I only hoped that we were not too late. The thought of never seeing Donnelly again was like a knife in my chest. My Father looked across at me and winked with reassurance. 679
The Inspector turned and looked back at the three of us in the back seat. 680
‘Now who exactly is going to tell me what the hell is going on?’ 681
I volunteered and poured out the tale of Christopher and Florian, the arsenic and the colt. Pausing to take a breath I then led into the facts that Donnelly and I had arrived at when we discovered the colt had been switched. I told them of Elizabeth’s slip up when she came to give the colt his pre race swab and how I had told Donnelly who had gone off to find the horse. I finally confessed about the night of the party, how Christopher had tried to rape me and that I had realised he was the man with the little boy in Elizabeth’s photo.682
By that stage, the Inspector and my Father wore looks of pure shock, and then Jimmy piped up and explained how he had sneaked into Donnelly’s car when he heard me talking and had gone with him to Redmond’s farm. 683
Once we had finally finished we received a lecture from the Inspector about taking the law into our own hands. One I was very familiar with and then I looked sheepishly at my Father who just glared at me and I knew that I had it coming when this was all over. 684
7 a.m. - Although Donnelly was facing away from the small window he was aware that dawn was here. He could finally see Diametric clearly in all his black splendour. He figured Elizabeth must have been looking out for him as he looked none the worse for his ordeal and he couldn’t imagine she would be cruel to any animal. 685
He tried to ease his aching joints by stretching but it only served to make the pain in his head return. His stomach growled with hunger, he would have had a piece of toast and a lemon tea by now. There would be no worries about making his riding weight he thought miserably. Donnelly had never won a Guinea’s and the way it was looking he probably never would. He heard the door creak open and footsteps shuffled in. Elizabeth stood in the morning light holding a paper bag and bottled water. She knelt beside him and held the bottle to his lips; he drank greedily. She offered him a sandwich but he hesitated, he had that uncomfortable feeling that arsenic could linger between the slices. He hated having these thoughts about a woman he had classed as a close and dear friend. 686
‘Go on’ she chided ‘it’s not as if it will ruin your race weight diet, with that head you wouldn’t make it past the on course doctor.’ 687
‘Is it that bad?’ Donnelly asked feebly. 688
‘It’s stopped bleeding but I think it needs stitching’. 689
Donnelly laughed at the irony of the comment ‘Not much bloody point in that, is there?’ 690
It was more a pleading question than a statement and Elizabeth stood up and averted her eyes. She couldn’t bear to look into Donnelly’s face for fear he would see the guilt she held. She had never meant to get him involved in this but she knew her Father was correct. Donnelly could have her exposed and thrown in jail. Christian would end up in foster care and she wouldn’t allow that to happen. She had managed to keep him safe from his father for so long she was not about to lose him now. Elizabeth knew that to win this thing she had to make sacrifices and Donnelly would be her first one. 691
Redmond and his clowns burst in on them, flinging wide the door so violently the rusty hinges gave way. It hung limply creaking backwards and forwards. Diametric roared disapproval and Alf waved a hand at him. 692
‘Shut up you black bastard or I’ll shoot you where you stand’! 693
‘Dad please!’ Elizabeth gasped shocked by the viciousness in her father’s voice. 694
Redmond looked solemnly at his daughter. ‘Elizabeth I want you to go up to the house, get Christian, pack some things and leave. I have left you an envelope on the table. Take it, fly anywhere, and use it for what you need. Just get the boy out of here. I want you to both be safe. I will give you a couple of hours before I finish with this problem.’ 695
Elizabeth said no more, she looked sympathetically at Donnelly and then simply turned on her heel and left. Donnelly felt for her and the boy, Christopher had plenty to answer for, and to cause a good woman to go to these lengths was disgusting to him. 696
697
He sighed loudly ‘Well at least you won’t have to watch your father’s handymen at work’ he shouted after her. 698
He doubled over in agony from a well placed kick into his ribs from Redmond’s steel capped boot. Pain in his side flooded his already aching body and he struggled to regain his breath. 699
‘You shut the fock up’ yelled Redmond ‘You’re in no position to tell us anything’. 700
Elizabeth was back in the door way when she heard Donnelly’s yelp of pain; Redmond turned and was furious when he saw she was still there. 701
‘I said get going, Elizabeth; GO’! He screamed in her face.
There was no emotion in her face but the tears streamed down it in silence and then she was gone. It felt to Donnelly as if he would never see her again. He thought back to the three of them, he, Elizabeth and Amanda. How happy they had all been back in their youth. It was parties, riding and love, nothing more nothing less. Then Amanda had been taken from him and in this twist of fate, he was to lose not only Elizabeth but also the chance for real happiness with Shannon. Barry and Roger, the two thugs, circled Donnelly almost begging him to be discourteous to their boss once more; it was the only excuse they needed to inflict more pain on him. Donnelly decided that silence was indeed golden at this time and in this place. 702
He heard Redmond ask them ‘Where’d you build it?’ 703
Barry replied jokingly ‘In the thicket at the end of the back field, nought can see it and nought will find it’. 704
His big gipsy gold earring jangled as he eagerly told Redmond the place. 705
Donnelly lifted his head slightly, ‘So, going to shoot me and the colt, Redmond? It will be a big day for you’. 706
Redmond sneered at him, ‘If you don’t focking shut up, the only quick bullet will be for the horse and I’ll let these buggers deal with you’. 707
He leant down close to Donnelly’s face; his breath was heavy with alcohol even at this early hour. Dutch courage thought Donnelly; maybe he didn’t really want it to get this far either. He cursed the day he and Shannon had decided to play amateur detectives. 708
‘You’ve been a good friend to my daughter and I was going to make it quick and painless. If you stay quiet it will be short and a clean shot’. 709
‘Remind me later on just how generous you are’ said Donnelly turning his head quickly as Alf threw a backhander across his cheek for good measure. 710
They untied Donnelly’s hands and he shook them ruefully. The wire had cut deep into the flesh on his wrists and there was a nasty red blue welt encircling them both. He clenched both fists willing them to recirculate; they felt clumsy and numb. He could not stand alone so they helped him up and steadied him, his head spun in mad buzzing circles. They half dragged him to the open door and he squinted in the bright daylight. Redmond threw a lead rope on Diametric and picked up Elizabeth’s tranquilliser gun. The horse rebelled against the rope as if sensing that something dire was about to happen. 711
8 a.m - The walk to the back pasture was arduous, Donnelly was in no fit state to walk at all so he was unceremoniously pushed or dragged bodily most of the way. His head was searingly hot with pain and all the movement had started the bleeding again. He felt it drip from his forehead onto the damp ground.
As they entered the paddock, Donnelly could see the dark thicket of woods on his right. It was so dense that no sunlight shone through the branches of the pines. They drew closer and Diametric began to toss his head and snort at the fear of the dark unknown bush. He rolled his eyes; Redmond kept a tight grip on the rope and tried in vain to pacify him. The closer they got the worse the colt became until he planted his feet and refused to go another step. 712
Donnelly could just make out the pile of wood and dead branches arranged in pyramid fashion and the tin of petrol beside it. The first wave of nausea hit him and he wretched violently. Barry laughed in his face. 713
‘Shame we ain’t got no sausages eh boy? Seems a waste of a good bonfire not to cook something eh? 714
'Hang on a mo’ we are gunna cook someone thought ain’t we’? 715
Roger tittered at his partner ‘or marshmallows’. 716
Barry snarled at Roger for his lame attempt at humour and Roger scowled back. 717
Donnelly wiped his mouth, said nothing and turned to watch Redmond remonstrating with the stubborn colt. 718
‘I am to burn at the stake, so that’s the deal Redmond?’ 719
Alf was fast losing his temper with the horse and with Donnelly’s smart mouth. 720
‘No remains, nothing left to tell tales, dead men don’t talk do they boy?’ he spat at Donnelly maliciously. 721
Diametric still stood rooted to the spot and no amount of coaxing would convince him to move. 722
‘Get your bloody arses over here and help’ yelled Redmond to his goons. 723
‘The kid’ wailed Barry pitifully. 724
‘If he tries to crawl away then bloody well shoot him, you imbecile!’ shouted Redmond impatiently. 725
They let Donnelly slide thankfully to his knees and he remained, on all fours watching them dance with the young stallion. 726
Barry and Roger approached Diametric from behind shouting and clapping their hands. This only served to panic him even more and he reared up, striking at the air with his hooves. 727
Redmond was lifted off the ground and as Donnelly watched in amusement at their incompetence, Diametric took his half chance, yanked the rope from Redmond’s hand and bolted. He rushed past Donnelly with the rope flailing behind him. Donnelly silently thanked him and God for buying him a little more time. The two idiots raced past him in hot pursuit with Redmond hurling abuse after them. 728
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Chapter 10740
Guinea’s Day dawned clear and bright, back at Christopher’s’ apartment Florian was busy putting hairspray to an already over the top hairdo. She had lain out the red Dior dress, which she thought went perfectly with her light blonde hair. She had never felt a need to blend in with the crowd, she wanted to own it and invariably she always did. Christopher was in the shower and she could hear him humming cheerfully, she wished she could be more like him; blasé about everything. She had checked several times to ensure that the syringe was in her handbag. Florian knew that for the deception that she and Elizabeth had planned Christopher must never suspect there were any changes. She would go to the stall and inject the black colt with harmless Vitamin B, Christopher would never know the difference as he had never bothered to so much as look when she did any of the others. The liquid could be bright blue and fizzing and he would have said nothing.
Florian actually felt sorry for Christopher, Elizabeth’s son Christian was a sweet child and had no vices in him at all. Christopher had missed out on watching his son grow up and develop as a human being. Florian knew that if he had given it half a chance he would have loved Christian in his life but, as usual, a son had not fitted into the plans at the right time. When Elizabeth had fallen pregnant, Christopher was living the life of a rich, spoilt playboy. All his toys were young, beautiful and accommodating and he had the money from his father to spend it on lavish and unnecessary gifts.741
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When Florian had run into him at a polo tournament he had not long left Elizabeth and she had no idea that he had left her alone and pregnant. She suspected that Elizabeth may not have told him about the pregnancy until after the boy had been born, for Christopher and his foul temper may have had the pregnancy terminated with or without Elizabeth’s permission.744
Florian had found Christopher strikingly handsome and was fascinated by his worldly charm and manners. He had smiled and been polite to her but she was five years his junior and had not much experience in the ways of men, although she was learning quickly. Especially in the world of horses, racing and eventing, owners and trainers were lecherous the world over and even worse in Italy. The more that Florian met Christopher at tournaments and race meetings the more notice he took until he finally asked her out to dinner. She was enamoured and he was flattered by the undivided attention she paid him. He had seen her at a local polo match and had fallen for the tanned and tall blonde haired Valkyrie and she had made him chase her. It had always been a game of hers with the local boys to tease them until they practically begged her for a favour. Florian had many pieces of jewellery to show for her favours but Christopher Williams’s diamonds had dazzled her beyond her wildest dreams. The courtship lasted about a month before she finally succumbed to him, she had been amazed that he had waited so long and had understood her resistance to jump into bed with him. Her parents were not wealthy but they were good Catholic stock and had taught her right from wrong. Florian grew up knowing that to get out of the small village and become something would take more than brains. She knew she had them but she was also well aware that she was a stunning girl and that took you many miles further than just intelligence.745
Florian and Christopher were tyros in bed and she could match his passion minute by minute until they both were exhausted, then she could bring him to climax again with her mouth. She knew how to keep a man satisfied and this was confirmed by Christopher; making the plea on her behalf to his mother. She finally had a way out of Italy and a lucrative job as vet to Lord Williams and his racing stable.746
Florian was jolted back to reality when Christopher flung open the bathroom door and stepped into the bedroom with just a towel draped round his waist. She couldn’t help but admire his physique, he kept himself in good shape with his personal trainer and Florian found it hard to keep her hands to herself.
‘Today is the day we walk away with $2mill’ he said to her brightly
‘Zat’s if we get away wiz it’ she retorted
Christopher frowned, damn woman could be so annoying and negative sometimes but standing there in red lingerie he found he could not be angry, she was just too bloody attractive.
Christopher had become her obsession and they spent many a Milan night lying in each others arms. The only time she could remember being angry with him was when she had caught him in the piazza with a young woman and cherubim of a little boy. A lady was taking a photo of them and as she approached them Christopher had snatched the camera and had leapt into a taxi. The woman and child had been left standing alone and she could see that the boy had been frightened.747
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Florian had bought a gelato from a street vendor and had bent down and given it to the child. He had looked up with those beautiful blue eyes and smiled. Florian knew at once it was Christopher’s child but the woman had snatched the boy and ran down the street and out of sight.750
Florian had forgotten it until she came to Ireland and saw Elizabeth Gilmor at the races. She knew that Elizabeth had recognised her but her relationship with Christopher made it hard for Florian to get anywhere near Elizabeth. The poor woman would only shoot her a withering glance and disappear quickly before Florian ever had a chance to find out the real story. She would never get it from Christopher as in all those years he had not so much as mentioned a son and when Florian had brought up the possibility of marriage and children he had laughed in her face. She remembered exactly what he had said.
‘This will be the last line of Lord Williams’s I can assure you of that my love. I have no wish to see you fat and pregnant, good lord I may have to trade you in for a sleeker model if that happened’.751
Florian grimaced at the memory; Christopher had no idea how that had hurt her to the bone of her being. She had become sick of lying to her parents that they would be married and live happily in wedded bliss.
She knew now after three years that the possibility of becoming the future Lady Williams was just a pipedream.
It had been that and an overpowering desire to help right Elizabeth’s wrong that had Florian carrying out her deception. Elizabeth would have money to ensure Christian flourished and Florian Andelucci could be her own woman again and live without the arrogantly single Christopher Williams.752
It had taken many months before Elizabeth had finally told her the entire sad story and although Florian had sympathy for her and her son she vowed that Christopher would never know that she had discovered his secret. His obvious distaste of the child was evident by the fact that whenever he saw Elizabeth, there was no glimmer of recognition for the woman at all. Florian found this repugnant and although he was a generous benefactor to her need; she had been glad to help Elizabeth finally get her rightful inheritance for Christian. She had also retrieved the film from the camera Christopher had taken and had it developed. Elizabeth had wept when Florian had given her the photo of the three of them; it was the only one that could show Christian who is father was. The child deserved to know his father existed.753
When Elizabeth had come to Florian with the idea to kidnap Diametric she had been surprised but not shocked as it had been her wish all along that Christopher do the same thing instead of trying to kill the poor beast. Although Florian had been wary of the other woman she found herself telling her about the poisoning and how it went against all her veterinary knowledge to harm an animal. Of course Elizabeth had not been surprised either to find out how cruel Christopher could be when it involved money and his precious standing in society. Florian was amazed that Alf Redmond, who was of such ill breeding could have been Elizabeth’s father but she also knew that it was his influence and shadiness that would turn an idea into a workable plan and pull it off. Once Elizabeth had told her that Christopher would be the one holding the baby, so to speak Florian had laughed gleefully at the irony of the statement.754
755
It had taken Elizabeth and Florian a mere thirty minutes to arrange the brand on Alf’s black colt and they were well pleased with their handiwork; even Alf said it would take an expert to detect it. That was what they were hoping for; Ronan Fitzgibbon was as good a head steward at the Curragh as a Queens Counsellor on the High Court bench. He missed nothing and jockey’s incurred his wrath if races did not go smoothly. They all knew him as hard but fair and not many chose to appeal his decision on a suspension. Both of them knew Fitzgibbon would check the brands on each and every runner of the Guineas field and therefore the horse would be detected long before he ever reached the barrier. The stallion’s legs would be his downfall even if the bran stood the test. Ronan was too smart not to notice the stand in did not have the legs of Diametric’s.756
Florian was adding finishing touches to her Guineas hat. She stood back and admired herself in the cheval mirror. Not too bad for Italian peasant stock who had realised her dreams. She knew that without Christopher all those years ago she would still be in the village tending to cows and swine.
‘Are you ready my sweet’? Said Christopher; appearing at the bathroom door in boxers and socks and reaching for his suit.
‘Soon, I ‘ave to joost put on ze ‘at and I am ready’ Florian purred and smiled at him, the memory of morning lovemaking still fresh in her mind.757
‘We do not want to be late; I want to be at the course when Kent arrives with that blasted beast’.
Florian smiled, took the towel from Christopher’s hand and began to dry his hair.
‘We will not be late, Kent will ‘ave evryzing under control and you will soon ‘ave ze trophy and ze money’.758
Christopher snorted derisively, ‘To hell with the trophy, Kent can take that to the Lodge and display it for everyone to remember the sad loss of a fine horse. You and I my dear will be rolling in money’.
Florian forced herself to laugh and ran her hand across his lean torso ‘My sweet I will make love to you wiz ze money all around us, no’?
Christopher drew her to him roughly and kissed her on the neck, whispering into her hair ‘every night my love, every night you can imagine’.759
He quickly smacked her behind and sent her leaping towards the door ‘Now let’s get this show on the road’.760
Florian grabbed her hat and bag and smiled inwardly thinking ‘You do not know ze half of it’.
Christopher was sweating profusely as they drove in the racecourse gates. He knew that this scheme was nearly at an end and he just wanted it to end simply and without fuss. He had not admitted to Florian that the nearer the result got the more he was panicked by the thought of being caught and spending years behind bars. His upbringing had not equipped him for those establishments and he had no wish to find out about them for himself.
Florian poured herself out of the car, straightened the rose red strapless dress and swept the large hat onto her head. She was in her element to make a grand entrance and she was going to enjoy Christopher’s face as the black colt’s impostor did not make it through the vet’s or stewards inspection and was scratched from the race. Of course she knew there would be a strategically placed phone call to Lord Williams’s cell phone informing him that in exchange for a few pounds Diametric could be returned. Florian knew Alf would not allow this to happen but no one would be the wiser.761
She recalled the story of Shergar and how he was never found; she wondered if the deed had already been done. Florian frowned and tried to put the distressing thought out of her mind, it was unfortunate but necessary. Elizabeth would be well on her way to wealth and Florian would become her own woman again. She would miss Chris in the bedroom but she would not miss the back of his hand when his temper got the better of him.
Christopher was scanning the stables for a sign of Kent and the horse but was frustrated when he realised that no one from the lodge was there at all. He looked nervously at his watch, it read 11 o’clock. He knew that Kent was cutting it fine and cursed under his breath that Kent’s daughter, Shannon was probably behind it. She would do anything to try and unsettle him and it worked although as Donnelly had found, she was an uncommonly attractive Yankee girl. Had Christopher not been so caught up with his own problems he may have just had a try himself. He cursed himself for being so drunk at the Guinea’s party and forcing himself on Shannon. He sniffed and shook his head; that was sheer madness, the girl could not abide him and she would definitely not be the titan that Florian was in bed. He doubted that Shannon and Donnelly had even done the deed yet. Blasted Irishmen were so loyal and courteous Donnelly would probably wait for the violins and roses for that to ever occur.
Florian leant on Christopher’s arm ‘Zey are not ‘ere’?
‘Not yet and it’s damned inconvenient, I wanted to have lunch with the committee and my Father and now we are late for that and Kent is late with the horse’.
Florian noted Christopher’s dark scowl upon his face and used her soothing touch across his cheek.
‘Let us enjoy lunch, ze ‘orse will arrive wezzer you see ‘im or not’.
He threw her a glance and nodded ‘You are probably right, let’s go’.762
As Christopher pulled the chair out for Florian to sit he noted the unusually high presence of security and remarked to his Father.
‘Yes son, I saw them all. It is the Guineas and the IRA is still around. It’s just a precaution, nothing to worry yourself over’
They served chicken almandine and salad. Christopher just picked his way through it and his Mother chided him for not eating. ‘Anyone would think you were riding that animal in the race, Christopher you are positively glowing. Go and clean yourself up in the bathroom and try to regain some composure’.
‘Yes Mother’ said Christopher softly, he was actually grateful for the chance to escape all the eyes of the room that he perceived were staring at him.
Once in the bathroom he splashed cool water onto his face and towelled it dry. He stared into the mirror only to find a grinning face staring back; but it was not his.
He whirled around to see the figure of the head steward Ronan Fitzgibbon standing solemnly by the door.
‘Ronan, what the hell are you doing sneaking up on a man like that, you almost scared me to death’
Ronan eyed the young man with disdain ‘I’d be thinking that the man had something to hide if he is that scared by my presence’
Christopher laughed nervously ‘Good God man, whatever does that mean’?763
‘You would be good enough to be telling me Master Williams’ said Fitzgibbon quietly.
Christopher wiped his forehead with his handkerchief and found he was beginning to perspire again.
‘Ronan I don’t know what you are implying but I am intrigued’.764
The door to the bathroom opened once more and the large figures of two rather burly policemen stepped inside the room.
‘I think that we may discuss this further in more suitable surroundings Master Williams, if you don’t mind’.
Christopher’s mind was racing now and he knew if he appeared flustered or nervous that the plan would go up in smoke.
He rose to his full height and walked towards Fitzgibbon.
‘Look I demand you tell me what the hell is going on, I have a horse in the Guineas as you well know’.
Ronan Fitzgibbon shook his head ‘I am afraid that you don’t have a horse in the Guineas sir nor does one Mr Alf Redmond.’
Christopher’s face drained of colour and he stammered ‘What did you say?’
‘That’s right; Mr Alf Redmond’s 3yo has been scratched as of five minutes ago. Mr Redmond has been detained by the constabulary for kidnapping, attempted murder and I do believe race fixing’.
Christopher went for the door handle but the two policemen grabbed an arm each and detained him.
Ronan shook his head sadly ‘It is a sad day when criminals are involved in one of the greatest days of racing at this fine racecourse. Mr Redmond has confessed to the kidnapping of your horse Master Williams and to the detainment of one Master Donnelly Clarke. Whilst outside at your Father’s dining table your companion Ms Florian Andelucci gave us enough evidence to involve you in the race switching of the registered colt Diametric. She did however implicate herself and Miss Elizabeth Gilmor in the application of a brand to Mr Alf Redmond’s steeplechaser Jump Start.765
766
He is the horse that would have started in the Guineas for you Master Williams. No doubt he would not have finished the race for he had quite a substantial hairline fracture to his off front leg’.767
Christopher blustered at Fitzgibbon ‘Are you mad man, why would I switch horses when I had a chance to win the damn race’?
‘For the insurance money, another little offering from your companion’ said Ronan flatly.
Christopher’s mind was racing and he started to realise he had become a victim of his own scheme and that Florian had played him like a Stradivarius violin and had obviously been plotting with Alf Redmond to gain a financial outcome for herself. He smiled thinly, she was a better con artist than he had realised. He still, however, did not know why Elizabeth Gilmor was involved in any of it. He had a vague recollection that Florian had spoken to her on the odd occasions they were at the races together but it was hardly a friendship; or so he thought.768
‘Well Master Christopher, if you don’t mind, we would like to avoid a scene on Guineas day so if you would just walk slowly to the car park, you will find the Inspector waiting for you. We need not disturb the patrons need we’?
Christopher shook his head forlornly, ‘No we need not Fitzgibbon’.769
The hardest thing for Fitzgibbon to do was inform Christopher’s parents of what had happened. Ronan actually liked the blustering Lord Williams and his wife who seemed quite normal as opposed to some of the simpering aristocratic twits he had to deal with. He shook his head and thought quietly to himself; if it was his son he would be almost likely to have a heart attack on the spot. 770
No one likes to think of their own flesh and blood being able to conjure up such a disgraceful deal that brings not only the family but the racing world in to disrepute. Ronan also knew that it would not be the last time that someone tried to better the racing fraternity as there were many a conman ready and willing to make a quick punt at the sport of kings.771
Both men stepped from the bathroom to the dining room where he could see his parents talking with Kent Sharpely and he hung his head in shame and defeat. He could not bear to look at his Mother’s face and the disgust it wore or his Father’s furious demeanour as Kent was speaking to him. As he passed Florian on the stairs where she too was being escorted to the car park and the waiting paddy wagon she smiled at him.
‘You will ‘ave need of a good lawyer, ‘yes’?
‘You bitch’ hissed Chris as he spat the words in her face.
She laughed evilly ‘Me, zat is calling ze kettle black, you who would not see your son, ze angel zat he was!’
She looked at him with unveiled hatred and tears blinding her eyes. He was puzzled at how she could have known about his son but it dawned on him how the friendship had come about between the two women now.
‘Yes Christopher, I knew, I have always known, ever since I follow you from ze apartment in Milan and see you wiz zat woman and leetle boy. I see how you treat zem both and how unhappy zay both are and how frightened the child was. All you could do was jump in your car and speed away from zem wizout even a backward glance. How could you do it when you knew he was your son? Now you ‘ave no one and nuzzin’, zey are both dead. The son you never acknowledged will now never know ze beast zat you are and zat is ze only good thing in zis whole mess’.772
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Christopher slumped forward trying to ingest the information that Florian and Ronan had just provided, it all still reeling in his mind and jumping around like bumpers on a pinball machine. He well remembered the day Elizabeth had sent the telegram informing him that she was in Milan and wanting to see him. He had been furious when he had seen them both in the piazza. The boy had been like a clone of himself as a child and instead of feeling warmth or love towards him he had felt despair. He would be trapped into a loveless marriage with a child he didn’t want. He knew his father would demand it and his wild life and extravagances would be gone. He had told Elizabeth that if she so much as mentioned the child to a living soul he would have the child taken from her and she would never have contact again. Elizabeth had called him a bastard and had railed him but it was of no use. Christopher was adamant that the child would be taken to an orphanage and kept there without Elizabeth’s knowledge. He assured her he could do this without much effort and he saw in her terrified eyes that she believed him. She had managed to ask for a photograph and a passer by had taken it, Christopher had ripped the film from the camera before hurling it onto the pavement and he had then got into his sports car and driven off, leaving them both standing alone. Christopher had not seen Florian but she obviously had made herself known to Elizabeth and the boy.
He looked into Florian’s tear stained face realising what she had just told him. Dead! Why? He never wanted the child but he did not imagine that he would die so young nor his mother. Christopher’s head slumped to his chest and he sighed.
Christopher shot a look at Ronan who lowered his head.774
‘Its true, Elizabeth Gilmor and a young boy were killed in an unfortunate accident a little while ago at the Dublin turn off. They came upon a police road block and she must have panicked and the car rolled in a ditch and burst into flames. There was nothing the police could do, they would have died instantly’.775
Florian wiped tears from her eyes, ‘Elizabeth and Christian zey are better off wizout you. You could never have been a father to zat young child. A child needs a role model, someone who is strong and supportive. Loving and kind, able to teach his son all ze zings that he needs for a good life. You are not zat person.’
Christopher had heard enough and tried to brush past her but she blocked his path and with a parting gesture she slapped him hard across his face in triumphant revenge and leered at him.
‘If I had ze gun I would keel you now myself, just for ze boy and Elizabeth, but zat would be too good for you, I hope you will enjoy ze pleasure of ze Queen’s cells. You will ‘ave no need for ze woman now Christopher for you will be someone else’s play toy in jail and zat is all you deserve’!
With that last statement Florian allowed the police to take her downstairs and she raised her head high as she descended pausing only to flash Christopher her most brilliant smile before disappearing into the sunlight of the day.776
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Chapter 11780
9 a.m. - Elizabeth had dutifully gone back to the house to get Christian and pack some of their belongings. She picked the envelope up and checked its contents. Her father had been generous, there was 10,000 pounds; more than enough for a good start. She knew she was a good vet and would get work wherever they ended up. She decided on the location as she dialled the airlines. Argentina; she had contacts in the polo world there and she was sure they would accommodate her and find her a position.781
Christian was a little alarmed at being dragged from his toys and organised to go out with his mother. It was far too early for his young mind to comprehend, but he waited patiently as his mother threw suitcases into the boot of the car. Elizabeth ordered Christian into the back seat and finally turned the key in the ignition.782
‘Where are we going Mummy?’
‘Away darling, on a plane to a new home, you’ll like it. You will be able to keep a pony with you and go riding every day’, said Elizabeth smiling fondly at the small sandy haired boy in the rear vision mirror.
‘What’s it called?’ he inquired innocently.
‘Argentina’
‘Where’s that?’
A really big country in South America darling’.
‘How long will it take to get there?’
Elizabeth became frustrated with all the inquiries and she raised her voice.
‘No more questions Christian, let Mummy drive now’.783
The silence from the rear of the car told Elizabeth he was now sulking. Such a bright child, he always expected answers to his questions and if not delivered he would sulk for hours. She suspected the journey would be very quiet indeed. As she pulled out of the driveway onto the road she made a judgement call to return to Rathdrum and collect things from her office. She would need her qualification certificates and there were the precious photos on her wall. She could not leave without them.
She slowly accelerated without realising just how fast she was travelling, she knew she had to make every minute count, the speedometer ticked over at 80 mph and she skidded slightly as she took the bend, it even made Christian gasp with fright. Elizabeth glanced back trying to calm the frighten child when she realised that bright lights had appeared from nowhere. Looking back out through the windscreen she saw two police cars blocking her path. She slammed her foot on the brake and the last thing she remembered was the horrified face of Shannon Sharpely standing behind the cars.
I saw Elizabeth’s face contort as she swerved to avoid the police car, her mouth was open and though I couldn’t hear her I knew she was screaming. The car lurched and hit the ditch; it bounced and then flipped not once but twice. When it finally hit the Oak tree head on it stopped. A tangle of metal and chrome with smoke pouring from the engine, I tried to turn away from the horror but was transfixed. There was yelling as the police tried in vain to get to the car, I heard a voice say ‘they’re dead’ and as if on cue the car exploded into flames sending people scattering in all directions. I turned towards my father who wore a look of sadness on his face and I felt the tears wet my cheeks. The inspector walked back to us and handed us a singed photo frame, in it was the picture of a family, a man and woman and a little boy. I slumped into my father’s arms and sobbed.784
10a.m. - The colt led the blokes a merry dance around the paddock and there was much cursing and yelling as they tried to round him up.
Donnelly had just lain on the wet earth as he was in too much pain to contemplate an escape, besides that, he could not beat the speed of a bullet. He still had it in him to be mildly entertained by Redmond’s buffoons and their inept display at capturing one horse. He was also impressed by Diametric’s skill at elusiveness. He would stare straight at them and when they were just about to grab the rope he would leap sideways and prance off about 100 yards and basically laugh at them. Donnelly prayed that he would keep it up long enough for someone to come looking for him. He gathered it was mid morning from the sun in the sky and hoped Shannon had lost her nerve to keep the story quiet until the race course. He thought of her as he laid there, his sweet, sweet, Shannon. All those unruly copper curls and the way she tossed them when she laughed, those deep blue eyes that shone with love when she looked at him. He felt the tears well up and trickle down his cheek. Would he ever see her again, would he ever be able to tell her how much he loved and adore her.
Redmond grew tired of the colt’s game and stumbled, out of breath, back to Donnelly and hauled him out of his thoughts.
‘Well fock the horse, we’ll do you first’ he snarled and dragged Donnelly towards the bonfire. He pushed him down onto the branches and tied his arms together again with wire but this time he also tied his feet. Redmond pushed him into the thickest part of the firewood and went to retrieve the can of fuel. Donnelly felt the liquid poured over him and the pile, he spat the vile stuff out of his mouth but he could feel it burning his eyes and his scalp where he had been belted.
For the very first time in his life, he was afraid; not even when he had taken a tumble in a race had he felt this mortified and when Alf lit a match he actually stained his pants.785
‘Goodbye Donnelly Clarke, shame too, you were the best I’d seen on a horse but you always have to tie up loose ends’ Redmond said almost apologetically.
Donnelly watched as he tossed the match towards the top of the pyre and the rush of wind as it lit up the dark thicket. He felt the heat and smelt the smoking pine needles start to choke his already collapsing lungs and he heard an almighty bang.
He saw Redmond fall holding his leg and writhing in pain whilst screaming. He felt arms around him pulling him free of the lit branches as the pyre started to crumble around him and ash singed his hair. He saw the hallucination over him of Shannon’s tear stained face as she threw herself down to him; only it wasn’t an allusion as he smelt her perfume and felt the light brush of her hair as she held him, murmuring over and over again, ‘Thank God, thank God’.786
11a.m. - I couldn’t believe it, he was alive and in my arms. I must have almost smothered him for he began to splutter as I crushed him against me.
‘It’s ok Shannon; I’m fine girl and bloody relieved to see you’.
‘Donnelly Clarke, don’t you ever do this to me again!’ I chided him wiping the tears from my eyes.
‘If it hadn’t been for Jimmy and the pony and the goddamn luck of the Irish we may never have found you at all’.
I was blubbering so fast and Donnelly was obviously in pain that he looked absolutely bewildered with what I was telling him.
I laughed and stroked his face, ‘My sweet man, I truly believe in little people now. Jimmy stowed away in your car when he heard us talking about Elizabeth, he was determined you shouldn’t go alone to face adversity and thank goodness he was there. While you were being held captive he overheard Elizabeth tell you the entire saga and when it was safe enough he bolted.787
He ran most of the way to Kildare and was lucky enough to spy a horse in a paddock which he absconded with and rode like the devil himself to Inspiration’.788
Donnelly’s face was pale and shocked as I continued with Jimmy’s heroics. I recounted the forlorn twosome as they both collapsed at my father’s feet on the front doorstep. How it took us two full glasses of brandy to bring him around enough to tell us what had happened and where you were. The pony was exhausted but fine and, as Jimmy had done all of this with no bridle or saddle, I smiled as I told Donnelly that I doubted young Jim would be able to sit down for weeks.789
Donnelly tried to laugh but his face twisted in agony as his busted rib dug into his lung and I beckoned the fast approaching ambulance bearers to him.
‘He needs to be in hospital’, I told them and stood up to let them check him over.
I turned to see another pair assisting Redmond back up the paddock and two burly policemen with Redmond’s associates and behind them at a respectful distance trotted Diametric.
‘Come here fella’ I shouted and the beautiful black colt flicked an ear and cantered towards me snorting approval. He thrust his fine head into my face and blew a warm greeting in my ear. I laughed and cried all over again grateful that he was safe. I took hold of his rope and followed Donnelly to the ambulance with the colt happy to amble along behind.
‘Elizabeth’? Said Donnelly faintly knowing by my face it was bad news.
My eyes clouded for a moment and I shook my head, ‘She’s dead Donnelly and so is the boy’.
He looked at me in stunned disbelief, ‘But Alf sent her away hours ago, he was her father Shannon, and can you believe that?’790
‘Its hard to understand much Donnelly but I believe the photo I saw in Elizabeth’s office that day was a photo of the same boy that we found in the car and I am almost positive that Christopher Williams was the father of that child’. I said flatly.
Donnelly’s forlorn face told me I was right.
‘Shannon, Elizabeth was the boy’s mother. His name was Christian and you are correct, Christopher is or rather was the boys’ father. He would not accept his responsibility for him so all this elaborate plan was to enable Christian to enjoy a legacy from his father, even though his father didn’t know it’.791
It was my turn to look shocked, ‘Christopher, my God, I thought I recognised his face in that picture, it was his eyes so cold and cruel. There was no emotion in them even though Elizabeth was looking at him so fondly. She must have loved him very much but the feelings were not reciprocated. It was only after Christopher had come after me the night of the Guinea’s party that I saw those eyes again. I assume that photo would have been the only one ever taken; she must have been heading back to her office for it. They rolled the car just near the Dublin turn off but she was trying to go straight ahead not to the airport.’792
‘He did what to you?’ Donnelly‘s voice trailed away.
I shook my curls vigorously, ‘He didn’t hurt me’ I said impatiently, ‘I got away, but he intended to and he was very drunk. I knew from then on that Elizabeth and he knew one another somehow. It was his eyes’.
I shuddered at the memory and I felt Donnelly’s hand tighten on mine.
‘I would have killed him myself if he had hurt you’ he said feebly.793
‘No doubt, you are after all my knight in shining armour but maybe on a black horse not a white one’.
He smiled and winced with pain ‘Elizabeth; did they....’
‘I think it was painless my love, an instant death for both, she was travelling very fast and when she saw us I guess she must have swerved. She needn’t have, there was room to pass, I am so sorry I know you respected her as a vet and a friend’.
They put Donnelly into the ambulance and my father appeared with a still sheepish and dishevelled Jim. I handed Jimmy Diametric who whinnied a greeting. Jimmy beamed even though it was all he could manage.794
I gave Jimmy a peck on the cheek and he blushed from head to toe.
‘I think Diametric will be very happy to have you as his permanent protector and strapper Jimmy. He looks pretty good considering what he’s been through, and you my lad could use a bath yourself’.795
Jimmy glanced down at the dishevelled clothes he had been wearing since the day before and nodded quietly.796
Kent chuckled ‘I think the both of you better have a wash don’t you think’?
I looked at Diametric’s dusty coat and patted him gently ‘If that’s the worst that happen then we are extremely lucky’.
Robert Mill’s sombre face appeared and looked at the horse and then at Donnelly and smiled.
‘I got the strangest phone call from Kent. He was in the back of a police car no less and asked me to meet him here’797
I took one look at Dad and burst into laughter for the first time that day, went to him and gave him a hug. I knew straight away that things would return to normal at Inspiration and Diametric would no longer have to put up with Florian and her inept veterinary ability.
He shook Donnelly’s hand and went straight to Diametric’s side and began to check the colt over, for the first time the colt lowered his head towards Robert in complete acceptance.
Donnelly looked up at Dad, ‘Sorry Boss, I don’t think I’ll make the Guinea’s this afternoon’.
Dad smiled ‘Don’t you worry son, get yourself fixed up. There will be more Guineas I daresay for you and more Group One races for Diametric once you and he are well again.’
Donnelly leaned forward ‘Florian and Christopher?’
Kent patted his arm, ‘don’t you worry about those two, they are about to have a very interesting day at the races! I just spoke to the Inspector and Redmond has confessed to most and I am sure Florian and Christopher will fill in the blanks.’798
I hopped into the back of the ambulance with Donnelly and took hold of his hand. He looked into my eyes and spoke ‘I love you Shannon Sharpely’.799
I winked, kissed his hand and suggested we find a new jockey until we attended to unfinished business.
‘And we will need a new vet I’m thinking’ said Donnelly.
Dad and I raised our eyebrows, shot a look at Robert and said in unison.
“Please God let it be an Irishman!800
THE END (50,056 words)801
Author notes
This is my first attempt at a novel, and I decided to write it about something I know and love...horseracing. I have aimed it at the teen to adult market. Any comments would be gratefully appreciated.
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 5 of 5
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This was a great story. I'm just sorry it took me so long to get to it. As usual the descriptions were magnificent. So deep and detailed. I can't wait to read the next.
~Syren~
beginning: 4, language: 5, plot: 5, ending: 4, dialog: 5, characters: 5.
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Overall, I think this story is really good! I like how it is so descriptive too! This is long enough to be a novel, keep up the good work! I'm still struggling to get my stories long enough. (AT LEAST 50,000 words.) What's your secret?
beginning: 5, language: 5, plot: 5, ending: 4, dialog: 4, characters: 5.
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more than amazing
I LOVE IT!!!! it took me two days to read, but well worth it! its soooo amazing. i understood most of it, but i dont know much about horseracing, so you might want to explane what they are doing and why in those scenes. But i really love this. It is one of the best novels ive read
Keep writing! maybe you should write a sequal....but this is good enought anyway!
~Aurora
beginning: 5, language: 5, plot: 5, ending: 5, characters: 5.
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Just a quick punctuation note: “at least wait until the debutante season has finished darling”. Periods belong inside the quotation marks, "like this." I also think you could have a paragraph break right after that quote, before Jerry Halle. In "and thereby assure me that Jerry would" I don't think you need the "me." The first sentence of paragraph 8 was a bit flighty...how about this: "But it wasn't fanciful to me. For as long as I could remember, I had listened to every jockey, punter, and stable boy, gleaning all I could, then questioning Dad until he threw up his hands in the air in exasperation." "Learnt" should be "learned," I believe. In P 9, "I would have an instant reaction" seems better grammatically. (sorry, this story is too long to keep up the nit-picking critique...I'll bet if you just reread it to yourself, outloud maybe, you'll catch most of the things I would say anyways
. About "Mother's corportate world" - I didn't imagine her as the corporate type, more the rich debutante type...I do think there's a difference. P 24 - what does 3yo mean? A technical term that I don't know? I'm not a very knowledgable horse person In P 66, the sentence "He had to go a way back in time and a girl who had been his one and only but it was too painful so he chose to put it to one side" seems to be a pretty important sentence, but it's awkward and weak - possibly consider rewording? Florian's accent sounds French, but you say she's Italian. When the couple walked into the pub, you say that everyone recognized Donnelly, but then they pub is empty except for them...how does that work? P 264 - I think Donnelly means "beholden to you" not "beholding to you." --Sorry, I didn't realize this was so long...I'm going to have to come back and finish reading this later; I'm on Chapter 4. I promise I will though 
It's really good so far - you have a knack for storytelling (kind of like Donnelly . I can't wait to see how it turns out! Keep up the great writing!
beginning: 5, language: 4, plot: 5, dialog: 4, characters: 4.
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'please God let there be a sequel
i hope thats how you spell sequel, anyways, wow, i'd read the first paragraph and already decided you must have already published a book or something like that, are you famous because you should be, it was so long i had no chance of finishing it(not my fault, it took me 3 weeks to read harry potter and the order of pheonix, i'm just too slow) it was perfect, there was nothing wrong with it at all, my dad likes it because he watches horseracing and bases his life around it. don't mind if i pop back to finish it, for say, the next, 13 years? made me want to cry in happiness that there is actually some serious writers on this thing.
beginning: 5, language: 5, plot: 5, ending: 5, dialog: 5, characters: 5.
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