With a clutching in her gut, Bird ran across the lane to watch. The small coyote was creeping out long and low. Step by step he neared the far corner of the field where the man was heading. Cody wouldn’t hurt anyone unless he was attacked, but he sure wouldn’t hesitate to scare someone. Bird watched as Cody sprang, and she cringed at the man’s scream.
Sunny reared at the far corner of the fence, then spun and kicked out. Cody reappeared from the woods a moment later, and Lucky came bounding toward her. Bird took a deep breath. The man was gone.
Hopefully, he wouldn’t come back, but that man had been around far, far too much. Who was he? What was he up to? Why did he keep showing up? And was he harmless, or harmful? Bird thought about it for a moment. He did such odd things, but for some reason she wasn’t totally afraid of him. Should she be? She considered her reaction. He was creepy, and she was suspicious of him. She didn’t like him lurking around, but she was more curious than afraid. Bird shook her head. This needed more thought.
Lucky reached Bird, wagging his tail wildly. I scared him away, girl! I’m a good dog now!
Yes, Lucky. Good dog! Bird gave his chin a firm scratching.
Sunny trotted up to the fence. The wild man. He was here all night. In my shed. I licked him.
You did what?
Never mind. He’s scared, but he’ll be back.
Why do you say that?
Just a feeling.
Is he dangerous, Sunny? Does he want to hurt us?
Maybe. Maybe not. He’s crazy. You can’t tell what he’ll do.
He’s weirding me out.
Me, too, Bird. Are we jumping this morning?
Good idea.
Bird went back inside the house, cleaned up Lucky’s messes and grabbed her helmet and chaps. Cliff was in the barn when Bird arrived to get her saddle.
“You’re up early, Cliff. It’s only six o’clock.”
“I couldn’t sleep. Thought I’d get moving.” Cliff spoke quietly, much more so than usual.
Bird stopped in her tracks. “What’s wrong?”
“Ah, nothing. I don’t want to worry you.”
“I’m already worried. Tell me.”
Cliff reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. “If you’re already worried, this is not going to help.”
“When did you get this?” she asked, taking the note from him.
“It was on my door. I found it when I let Boss in for the night.”
“Did you call the police?”
“No.”
Bird read the words aloud.
“Cliff Jones, you are duly warned. You are going to feel what it’s like to get a tire iron across the head. Be afraid.”
Bird handed the note back. “Cliff, you’re not the only one who got a letter like this.”
“Who else?”
“Pierre Hall. He came over last night looking for protection. He wouldn’t call the police so Hannah did. You have to, too.”
“I thought about it, but they won’t believe me. They already think I’m the bad guy. They’ll figure I wrote it myself.”
“Cliff, listen to me. You’re innocent! How can the police prove that if they don’t know what’s happening?”
Cliff took a moment to consider Bird’s advice. “They can’t. You’re right. I’ll call them.”
Bird smiled grimly. “It’s the right thing. Meanwhile, I bet Philip Butler got one, too. And the wild man would’ve got one if they knew where he lived.”
“Who’s ‘they,’ do you think?”
Bird tilted her head. “Very good question.”
That question was still on Bird’s mind as she and Sunny worked in the ring. Who had sent the notes? They walked, trotted and cantered in circles, keeping a steady rhythm. It was boring work, but essential. To be ready for the show ring, a horse had to be fit and limber, and respond willingly to leg aids. Abby Malone had told Bird to think of the jumps as obstacles to a steady course on the ground. It was a helpful piece of wisdom, one that helped calm her nerves when she saw the size of the jumps.
Where are you, Bird? Your mind is all fuzzy. Sunny’s thoughts broke into Bird’s own. What’s up?
I’m wondering who threatened Cliff and Pierre.
Oh. Can we jump now? Or go for a ride? I can’t take much more of these circle exercises. My muscles are aching and I’m dizzy.
Bird shook her head and laughed out loud. Why don’t you complain a little more? It may be hard now, but you’ll thank me Friday at the show.
You’re heartless.
You’re complicated.
Complicated?
What other horse argues with its rider like this?
What other rider argues back?
Enough, Sunny! Concentrate.
As Sunny and Bird were finishing up their flatwork, a beige Toyota turned into their lane — Liz’s mother. It was early; it seemed as if nobody had slept well. Regardless, it was as good a time as any to find out if Phil had gotten a note like Cliff ’s and Pierre’s.
Bird waited patiently for Patty Brown to let Liz off at the barn. She made her move as the car drove back down the drive.
“Hello, Mrs. Brown,” Bird called out from Sunny’s back as the car slowed.
“Morning, Bird.” Patty looked tired.
“Are you all right?” asked Bird.
“Not really.” Bird saw a tear forming in her eye.
“I’m sorry.” Bird knew this was her opening, and she jumped in. “But it seems that you’re not alone. Cliff isn’t all right either. A horrible message was nailed to his door last night.”
Patty’s eyebrows shot up. “No!”
“It was a threat. And Pierre next door got one, too.”
“What did they say?”
“They were the same. Something awful about a tire iron.”
“And that he should be afraid?”
Now Bird knew for sure that Phil had received the same note.
“Philip got home late and found one stuck under the knocker,” Patty continued. “I wasn’t going to say anything, but now that I know ...”
Bird nodded. “You’re absolutely right. The only thing to do is to call the police, or else whoever’s threatening people will get away with it.”
Patty nodded slowly. “Of course. I’ll call them now.”
Bird waved goodbye to Patty and continued up to the wash-stall with Sunny, deep in thought. Who had written the notes, she wondered again, and why? It was upsetting.
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