“Well, you can’t. The best thing you can do is keep busy and help this woman with her horse. Go and take a shower and get dressed. If we’re going to be at her place by nine-thirty we don’t have a lot of time.”

  “Yeah, okay, but this sucks.”

  * * *

  Megan had always been a chatterbox, but driving to Carrie Phillips’ ranch she had remained ominously quiet. To his chagrin, Teddy knew what that meant. In the summer months at Furlong Farms, anytime she was reserved, trouble was brewing. Sometimes it was mischief in which she’d want to involve him, while other times she’d be brooding because of an insignificant slight she’d taken too seriously, and plotting her revenge. Either way, it rarely ended well.

  “Are you going to tell me what’s running around in that head of yours?” he asked as the navigator announced they’d arrived.

  “I’m worried about Bonny, of course!”

  “Hey, I know you are, but you don’t need to take my head off.”

  “What if Brad can’t convince this jerk Bonny needs to stay with me?”

  “Megan Newman, I know you. There’s something else going on.”

  “Not really,” she said with a dramatic sigh as they approached an impressive green and white barn. “Wow, look at this place. This is awesome.”

  “That barn looks brand new,” he remarked, glad to be changing the subject. “Amazing that you knew this woman in Los Angeles. What a freaky thing she should end up here.”

  “The world is full of freaky things. Look at the riding ring. It’s so big, and that round pen is covered,” she declared, then frowning, she added, “I sure wish I knew where Brad went this morning.”

  “Megan,” he said solemnly as they rolled to a stop, “you need to stay focused. You won’t be able to help that horse if you don’t.”

  “You’re right. I’ll do my best.”

  As they climbed from the car, a middle-aged, attractive woman walked up to greet them, immediately throwing her arms around Megan and hugging her like a long-lost friend.

  “It’s so good to see a familiar face,” Carrie exclaimed. “Karen’s in the round pen waiting for you.”

  “It’s good to see you too. This is my friend Teddy. He knows all about thoroughbreds. His father owns a racing stable. Breeds and trains.”

  “Is that right? Pleased to meet you, Teddy. Follow me.”

  “Carrie, this place is amazing,” Megan exclaimed as they started off. “How many acres do you have?”

  “Forty, all relatively flat, and we have plans, big plans, though I’m not sure how far we’ll get.”

  “Did you hear that, Teddy? Forty flat acres.”

  “What?” Teddy muttered.

  “Carrie has forty flat acres! Can you imagine what could be done with that much usable land?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  He’d barely heard the question.

  As they’d approached the round pen, his eyes caught sight of a petite blonde, and though she held a glowing chestnut horse, all he could see was her.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Stopping at the gate while Megan entered the pen, Teddy gazed longingly at the ravishing, golden-haired angel. As his eyes fell on her strawberry red lips, he could almost taste them, and wanted to, more than anything in the world.

  “Hi, Megan. I’m so happy to see you,” the blonde beauty said as Megan walked in. “This is Copper Penny. I really hope you can help us. We can’t take the halter off because we’ll never get it back on again, let alone a bridle.”

  “She’s off the track, right?” Megan asked, studying the mare’s expression.

  “Yes. She’s been here almost three weeks and she’s settled in pretty well, except for this.”

  “Some idiot grooms would have twisted her ears to keep her still.”

  “That’s what we figured, but we can’t get her past it.”

  “Don’t worry. This shouldn’t take long. Why don’t you watch from the fence? That’s Teddy, by the way. A friend of mine. He’s harmless enough. Hey, Teddy? This is Karen.”

  He’d watched, spellbound, as the beautiful blonde creature had explained the issue, but now she was gliding toward him. For a moment he couldn’t breathe.

  “Hi,” he managed, and though he tried desperately to think of something clever to say, his mind remained pitifully blank.

  “Hello,” she murmured, a soft smile crossing her luscious lips, but as her bright blue eyes caught his, she blushed.

  “I’m going to start rubbing her neck and withers,” Megan declared.

  Much to his chagrin, the statement caught Karen’s attention, and though he wanted to keep staring at her, he moved his eyes to Megan and the pretty mare.

  “She’s not bothered,” Megan continued, “so I’m going to slowly move my hand up her neck, and in a minute I’ll very quickly flick my fingers over her ear. She’ll respond, but only for a second, then I’ll do it again. She may respond then too, but after a few times she’ll realize I don’t pose a threat. Once she’s okay with this ear, I’ll repeat the exercise on the other. Remember, a horse has two brains. Well, not really, but you know what I mean.”

  True to her word, it didn’t take long before Megan could move her hand over Copper Penny’s ears, then remove the halter and put it back on. Teddy had pretended to watch, but his attention had been consumed by the faint smell of strawberries coming from the gorgeous girl beside him. Not only did her lips look the color of the delectable fruit, he was sure the delicious aroma came from them too.

  “Megan, that was brilliant,” Carrie declared as Megan walked up and handed the halter to Karen.

  “Not really,” Megan replied modestly. “Your turn, Karen. Make sure you stand at her side, and be confident, like what you’re doing is no big deal. Treat her as if she was any other horse. Don’t expect her to react.”

  “Will you come with me?” Karen asked nervously. “She’s been so upset whenever I’ve tried to get near her ears.”

  “I could, but then you’ll think I’m influencing her. Teddy, why don’t you go in with Karen. That way she’ll know Penny’s better because she is, not because I’m standing there.”

  “Yes, sure,” Teddy said eagerly, amazed by his luck, then suddenly wished he hadn’t sounded so enthusiastic.

  “Do you work with horses too?” Karen asked as they walked up to the mare.

  “Yes, all my life. My father owns a racing stable about thirty minutes from here, but don’t judge us too harshly. He’s a very kind trainer. He says that’s why he gets such great results.”

  As they reached Copper Penny, Teddy hoped he hadn’t been babbling. It was a habit around girls he found attractive, and Karen was lightyears beyond attractive.

  “Here goes nothing,” she said, taking a deep breath. “Stay close, okay?”

  “No problem,” he replied, thanking God for the miraculous moment. “Remember,” he added, “just like any other horse.”

  “Right! Like any other horse.”

  Karen slid the halter up and over Penny’s head, and when the mare didn’t blink, she turned around and stared at Teddy, her crystal blue eyes wide with surprise.

  “I could cry,” she murmured. “I can’t believe it. I swear, I could cry.”

  “Okay, great,” Megan called from the fence, then turned to speak to Carrie. “You’re all set. If you have any more problems, just let me know, but you shouldn’t.”

  “My gosh, Megan, thank you,” Carrie said gratefully, as Karen and Teddy walked back to the gate. “Do you have time to come into the house for a cup of tea? I’d love to tell you about our plans for this place, and I want to hear what’s been happening with you.”

  “We have time,” Teddy said quickly. “We’d love to, wouldn’t we, Megan?”

  “Uh, sure, but you guys go ahead. I just remembered something I need to take care of, but I won’t be long.”

  As she hastily turned on her heel and jogged to her Jeep, Teddy wondered what could be so important, but the thought was fleeting. He couldn’t wait to sit across the table from Karen, gaze at her pretty face, and listen to anything and everything she had to say.

  * * *

  As Karen and Teddy had walked back to the gate, Megan had glanced at her watch. When she’d seen it was approaching nine forty-five, she’d been seized by a sudden panic attack.

  Out of nowhere she’d imagined Jennifer Roberts driving her trailer into Hammer and Nails ranch, followed by a black limousine with tinted windows. Heavyset goons climbed from the car and threatened to shoot Catch if Brad didn’t load Bonny into the trailer.

  Though she kept telling herself she was being ridiculous, when Carrie had invited her to stay for tea, Megan couldn’t stop the anxiety coursing through her veins. She had to get back to the ranch and see what was happening! Running from the round pen, she’d jumped in the Jeep and headed off.

  “I’ll drive past the gate and look in,” she muttered to herself as she turned on to the main road. “If there’s no sign of a truck and trailer I’ll just keep driving, but if there is, I’ll go in and put up a fight. Sorry, Brad, but I won’t stand by and let the bitch from hell take Bonny.”

  The trip was about twenty minutes, but if she put her foot down she could make it in fifteen, maybe even twelve.

  As she raced down the narrow country street, Megan thought back to her quick departure. She couldn’t believe her luck. She’d expected Teddy to at least ask where she was going, and she’d been prepared to do battle if he’d put up a fuss, but he’d been so dumbstruck by Karen he hadn’t even blinked.

  Reaching the end of the lane and turning on to the main road, she pushed her foot on the accelerator. It was a straight run, with no dangerous turns or narrow bridges. The only potential problem was wildlife, but she didn’t think they’d cause an issue in the middle of the day. The trees and shrubbery whizzed by, and taking a deep breath, she tried to relax her grip on the steering wheel.

  Suddenly, to her horror, she heard a siren.

  Glancing in her rearview mirror, she saw a car with red and blue flashing lights was gaining on her.

  “No, no, no! How could this be happening?”

  Having no choice but to comply, she slowed down and pulled to the side of the road. As the patrol car stopped behind her, she leaned her head back and closed her eyes.

  “I’ve been an idiot,” she mumbled. “A complete and total idiot.”

  * * *

  Brad had woken up knowing it was early, and glancing at the clock he had read 5:27 a.m. Yawning wearily and glancing at Megan, an odd feeling had rippled through his body. In spite of his clear message the night before, and logic insisting she’d stay away from the ranch until he’d given the all clear, he’d been unable to shake the feeling she’d return to the ranch wanting to plead her case to Tony Roberts.

  Unable to fall back asleep, he’d slipped softly from the bed, picked up clean clothes from his closet, then crept from the bedroom and showered in the guest quarters at the end of the hall.

  But the hot water had not washed away the worry.

  Meandering into the kitchen and making himself some coffee, he’d carried it to the window, his favorite place to think. As the early morning sun cast its golden light on his treasured ranch, he sipped the hot, rich drink and pondered the pressing question. How could he stop Megan arriving unannounced?

  Returning to the coffeemaker for a second cup, he’d walked back to the window and had seen Teddy arrive to deal with the horses.

  “You’re a solid kid, Teddy,” Brad had murmured as he’d watched the young man walk to the barn. “Workin’ for your dad at Furlong Farms might not be the right job for you, but you’ve gotta lot to offer.”

  That’s when the answer had dawned.

  Leaving the kitchen, he’d hurried off to give Teddy the spare remote control for the gates and the message for Megan, then jumped in his truck and headed off to the diner, placing a call to Doug on the way.

  “Brad? This is an early hour to hear from you,” Doug had said, worry in his voice. “I hope things are okay.”

  “Mornin’, Doug. As you know I need to follow up with Concord and his cracked heels, and it occurred to me, if Tony agrees, Furlong Farms might be a better place to meet up. By any chance do you need to see him as well?”

  “Actually, I do. We need to make a decision about Jen’s Pride and her next two races. I’ll call Tony and get right back to you.”

  Brad didn’t doubt for a moment Doug had read between the lines. Brad didn’t want Tony at Hammer and Nails. Doug called back a couple of minutes later with the good news. Tony had agreed.

  “He was happy to do it,” Doug had reported. “He was going to call me and ask if he could swing by after visiting with you. This has saved him time, and for Tony, saving time is a big deal.”

  Logistically Brad’s idea worked well for everyone, and he wouldn’t have to worry about a spontaneous visit from Megan. He’d also realized Tony’s consent to meet at Furlong Farms meant Tony hadn’t planned on arriving at Hammer and Nails hauling a trailer.

  It was a good sign.

  Arriving at the diner and choosing a table on the back patio so Catch could stay with him, Brad ordered a large stack of black walnut pancakes. The indulgence was one he reserved for those times he needed a boost. Facing Tony Roberts, aka Tony Romano, definitely qualified.

  Feeling the rush of carbs the pancakes never failed to deliver, he placed the right amount of cash, along with the bill, inside the leather wallet left by the waitress, then checked his watch. He’d arrive at Furlong Farms ten minutes early. Enough time to set things up and gather his thoughts.

  “Okay, Catch, I guess it’s time to take care of business,” he declared, rising to his feet and picking up the leash. “So far, so good, but I’m not takin’ anything for granted. Who knows what Tony’s gonna demand. Could be just about anything, and that’s what I’m preparin’ for.”

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Rolling into the motor court in front of Doug Haskell’s large home, Brad and Catch jumped from the truck and walked up to the front door. Catch was always welcome, and Rosalie greeted them with a dog treat at the ready.

  “I’ve left refreshments in the conference room for you and Mr. Roberts,” she said, ushering him into the foyer. “Do you want Catch to stay with me, or will you take him?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “Mr. Roberts loves dogs,” Rosalie said earnestly. “He has five.”

  “Five? Tony Roberts has five dogs?” Brad exclaimed, taken aback by the news.

  “Sometimes they’re even in the car with him. He has two golden retrievers, a cute little terrier, a cattle dog like Catch, and something else that’s really big and has way too much fur,” she said with a laugh. “Mr. Roberts has a real soft spot when it comes to dogs, and his horses too, I hear.”

  “Then I guess Catch stays with me. Thanks, Rosalie.”

  “You go on through. I’ll tell Doug you’re here, and bring Mr. Roberts down when he arrives.”

  Shaking his head, wondering if he’d made a rush to judgement about the alleged gangster, he moved down the wide passageway and into the expansive meeting room. He’d been there several times for various reasons, but he was always impressed when he walked in.

  A gleaming, formal conference table took center stage, and a couch and chairs were grouped around a coffee table in front of a marble fireplace at the far end. A large screen television was mounted above the mantel, with a credenza holding a DVD player, cable box, and other electronic equipment alongside.

  Though Brad was not sure whether to sit at the table or on the couch, the large thermos, along with a plate of pastries, sat on the coffee table, making the conversation pit the natural choice.

  Removing a CD from inside his jacket pocket, he opened the cabinet doors and loaded it into the player. Running the first few seconds to make sure it was cued up correctly, satisfied, he turned it off, sat down and reached for the thermos of coffee.

  “I’ve already had three cups this mornin’. Whatta ya reckon, Catch? Should I have one more to wash down one of Rosalie’s delicious muffins?”

  “Might as well.”

  The voice had come from behind him, and rising to his feet, Brad turned to meet the infamous Tony Romano.

  The man was exactly as Brad had imagined. Thick, black, wavy hair expertly styled, dark brown eyes, strong but handsome features. Though dressed in jeans, they were pressed into seams, his shirt was crisply white, and the light tan sports coat fit as though tailor-made. Brad assumed it was.

  “Mr. Roberts,” Brad said respectfully. “I’m pleased to finally meet the owner of the horses I’ve been shoein’, though I have a feelin’ the circumstances aren’t the best.”

  “Call me Tony,” he said, walking across the room and sitting in one of the armchairs. “Will you be pouring that coffee? If you are, I’ll take one.”

  “Yep, I reckon another cup will keep me revved up for a few more hours.”

  “So this is the dog I’ve been hearing about,” Tony remarked, smiling down at Catch. “Doug says he can snatch things in midair. Come here, fella.”

  “Go on, Catch,” Brad said as the dog looked up to him for permission.

  Closing the small space between them, Catch sat in front of Tony and raised his paw.

  “He likes you,” Brad said, placing the mug of coffee on the table front of them. “He doesn’t lift his paw to just anyone.”

  “I wish my dogs behaved like this. They’re an unruly lot. Always getting into trouble, but they’re great. Couldn’t live without them. I fly private just so they can join me.”

  “Rosalie told me you have five! How can they all fit in one of those small jets?”

  “They can’t. They have to take turns. Mind you, if they were as well-behaved as this guy they could travel together.”

  “Dogs are kinda like women,” Brad said with a chuckle, “but don’t tell anyone I said that. I’ll be run outta town.”

  “Yeah, you would, but how do you figure?”