Sundancer

As they sat eating their steaming omelettes, there was a knock at the kitchen door. Bird’s stomach tightened. She knew who it was, and trouble always came with him.

Eva was the closest, so she got up and answered the knock.

A smiling Kenneth Bradley stood at the door. Framing him, Bird saw black rain clouds in the sky, then a flash of lightning accompanied by a rumble of thunder. Pathetic fallacy, she thought. She’d learned about it in school. When inanimate objects reflect human emotions. In this case, she thought, the weather perfectly reflected her grandfather’s soul.

“Daddy, what a nice surprise,” Eva enthused. “Come in!”

“I will, sugar pie. Are you having a late lunch after the horse show? I’m not disturbing you, am I?”

Hannah joined them at the door. “Not at all, Dad. Please join us. I’ll whip up another omelette in a jiffy.”

“I’ve eaten, Hannah.” He patted his stomach. “Got to watch my weight. I’ve got a new girlfriend, you know. Much younger.” He winked at his daughters. “No. I’m here on business. Good news for you, Hannah. It’ll make your day.”

They made room at the table, and Kenneth pulled up a chair.

Abby Malone blushed uncomfortably. Bird knew why. Abby had not seen Colonel Kenneth Bradley since that day in court, years earlier, when she’d testified against him. Bird understood why she could barely sit in the same room with him now.

Bird observed her grandfather from across the table. He was smiling broadly, looking friendly. Bird thought a giant great white shark might smile that way. Just before it ate you.

“I heard what happened at the horse show today.” Kenneth looked around importantly. The indecision and uneasiness that met his words satisfied him. Briefly, he rested his eyes on his granddaughter. “Congratulations, Bird. You did a fine job of riding Prince Redwood. Well done.” He reached out to shake her hand.

Bird stared at her plate and refused to react. He called him Prince Redwood, thought Bird. Guess where this is going.

Without missing a beat, Kenneth Bradley continued. “Prince Redwood surprised us all today. He’s been a bit of a rascal, to be sure. His trainer always believed that some time off work would do him a world of good. He thinks he’s ready now to return for some serious training.”

“You’re talking about Elvin Wainright?” asked Hannah.

“Yes. His trainer.”

Paul asked, “Mr. Bradley, may I ask exactly how you are involved?”

Kenneth laughed heartily. “How sweet. You’re speaking on my daughter’s behalf. You want my credentials? I’m a director of Owens Enterprises.”

Everyone was stunned. This was news to them all.

“You’re a director?” asked Hannah. “Of Owens Enterprises?”

“I’m on the board of the company. I’m also a horseman, as you well know, and thereby very involved in the operations of the stables. Elvin is a valued employee, and I trust his opinion. By the way, he told me the entire history of this horse.” He glanced dismissively at Paul.

“What story did he tell you?” Paul was not intimidated.

“The correct one, no doubt, but I’ll humour you. You took the horse because you were under the false impression that nobody wanted him. No legal deal was drawn up at that time, and none has been drawn up since. No papers were signed over. In other words, in a court of law, you could not claim ownership.”

Paul shrugged. “Bluntly stated, Mr. Bradley. And true. But the fact is, I was given the horse outright. The staff loaded him on the Owens trailer and brought him here themselves.” Paul paused, watching Kenneth for his reaction, then continued. “I had verbal assurances from Elvin Wainright and the manager. Indeed, the entire stable was relieved when I took him off their hands. They wanted nothing to do with him.”

Kenneth was impassive. “Well, they do now, and they have the right.”

Paul held the older man’s gaze.

“Let’s be adults and agree to disagree, shall we? Because I come with very good news.” Bradley again smiled the shark smile. “Owens Enterprises wants to take the horse back to his rightful stable. We’ll pay you for all your trouble, Hannah. Handsomely.”

Bird was worried. Hannah always needed money.

“We will not press charges for theft. We will not sue for injuries sustained today. We will pay you for boarding, training, and rehabilitation, with a little extra to sweeten the pot. What do you think?”

Paul was dubious. “What are you offering?”

“Ten thousand dollars.”

There was silence around the table. Hannah immediately thought of all the uses to which she could put the money. Bird read her thoughts and shook her head. This was going to be bad, she could feel it.

“Dad,” said Hannah, trying to be fair. “Sundancer, or Prince Redwood, is a difficult horse. More accurately, he’s completely messed up. He’s unpredictable and strong-willed. Nobody could make him do anything before he got here. Do you think that he’ll stay well behaved when you take him back? He’s the same horse as the one that Elvin and your manager wanted euthanized hardly a month ago.”

“Elvin changed his mind.”

“What if somebody gets hurt?”

“We’ll take that chance.”

Hannah looked at Bird. She had tears on her cheeks and her fists were clenched. For a moment, everyone was silent. Then Abby spoke. “Mr. Bradley, you talk of forgetting the past. I hope you understand that doing so would be impossible for me.” Bird gasped as she picked up on Abby’s memories — thrown into a dark, smelly shed at gunpoint, door locked. She shuddered.

“I’m not referring to our past, Miss Malone. I will never forget what happened between us.” He pursed his lips and squinted at her, the anger clear on his face. “You testified against me in court.”

Abby swallowed her own anger. “And I’m glad I did, but this has nothing to do with us. I just want to say that there is only one rider who can communicate with Sundancer. That rider is Alberta, your granddaughter. Without her unique ability to connect with horses, Sundancer’s talent would not be realized.”

Kenneth smiled condescendingly. “I appreciate your sentiment, Abby, but don’t try to tell me my business. I heard about what happened today. Just because you can’t ride him doesn’t mean that Bird is the only rider who can. Although it might make you feel better about your own limitations if that were true.”

Abby clammed up. With a brief nod in Hannah’s direction, she rose from the table and left the house.

“I agree with Abby, Dad,” said Hannah, hoping that Abby was still close enough to hear. “One hundred percent. Bird and Sundancer have a relationship. The horse trusts her, and nobody else. If you take him back, he will be just as dangerous as he was before.”

Kenneth rolled his eyes. “What’s it to you? He’ll become our problem. I’ve hired Leon Parish. Tell me that he can’t ride.”

Bird was surprised; in fact, everyone at the table looked a little shocked. Leon Parish was widely considered to be the best rider in Canada. He had recently come out of a drug rehabilitation program and was looking for work. There was no doubt about his talent.

“If you’ve got Leon, you’re serious,” said Stuart.

“Dead serious. We’ll keep his new name, Sundancer, since he’s already shown with that on his passport. We feel confident that he’ll be a contender at the Haverford Fair.”

Paul asked, “You won’t show him under Prince Redwood, his registered name?”

“No. It’s easier this way.”

Paul nodded. “Easier.”

“I’ve had enough of your insinuations, Dr. Daniels. If you have proof of any wrongdoing, show it. Otherwise, I don’t want to hear it again.”

“Point taken. Hannah will have to think about this offer before she can give you an answer.”

“Can’t you speak for yourself, Hannah?” asked Kenneth, ignoring Paul.

“Paul is my full partner in this venture, so he has a right to speak. And he’s right. We need to think this over. There’s a lot to consider, Dad, including Bird’s feelings. She loves Sunny.”

Kenneth furrowed his brow. He glanced in Bird’s direction and shook his head. “Sentimentality is a beautiful thing, Hannah, but don’t let it get in the way of business. We’re offering compensation for his training. Simple. We need not offer one cent, since no deal was made. If you don’t accept, we’ll take you to court and sue you.”

“You have such a way with words, Dad.”

“Don’t be sarcastic, Hannah. Granted, life would be easier for all of us if we can cut a deal and avoid court. But don’t stretch my patience. I will take this to court. Twenty thousand is my last offer, which is roughly the cost of lawyer fees.”

“Twenty?” Hannah repeated. She thought she’d misheard him.

“Twenty. Take it or leave it.”

Paul caught Hannah’s eye. He raised his eyebrows and nodded slightly.

“Dad, Paul and I need a moment.” Hannah rose and signalled to Paul.

“One minute is all you get.” Kenneth’s shark smile was gone, Bird noted. She felt powerless. Sundancer’s future was being decided and she could only sit and wait.

Out in the hall, Hannah whispered, “But what about Bird?”

“You and I both know that Sundancer is a dangerous horse. He demonstrated that twice today. I’d never forgive myself if something happened to Bird. Time to cut our losses, Hannah, and make a deal.” Paul paused. “Also, your father’s right. We could spend a lot of money on legal fees, but we have no proof of anything. If they take us to court, we don’t have a prayer. We really have no choice.”

Hannah saw resolve in Paul’s face. He made sense. She nodded and led the way back into the kitchen.

“Twenty-five,” said Hannah as she sat down. She could hardly believe she’d said it.

“Deal. You cut a tough bargain, Hannah. Chip off the old block.” Kenneth put out his hand. Hannah, ignoring a queasy sad feeling, shook it. Kenneth took his cellphone out of his jacket and punched in a number.

“Elvin? Kenneth. The deal’s done for twenty-five.”

Bird listened in horror. She stared at Hannah and then at Paul. Neither would meet her gaze. She pushed out her chair and stiffly backed out of the kitchen, ignoring her little sister’s voice calling her name. She could not stay inside, not now. She had to get to Sunny. Bird ran outside and jumped the fence. Under the darkening skies, she raced as fast as she could through the field, accompanied by a rumble of thunder.

Whoa there, Bird girl. Where’s the fire?

Sunny! Hannah sold you! She sold you to the Tall Man and my grandfather.

You must be joking. No, I can see it is the truth.

It’s the truth. What can I do?

You must tell them it is a terrible idea.

I can’t talk, Sunny. You know that.

You won’t talk, Bird girl. I know you are able.

I can’t make the words come out!

You must. I will not go back. They hurt me there.

I know! Bird sobbed, burying her face in Sunny’s warm neck.

I won ribbons today. Why does Hannah want to get rid of me?

You also hurt people today, Sunny. You looked vicious.

I only hurt the people who hurt me. It’s fair.

What about the coyote lady? You hurt her, too.

I didn’t mean to. I got scared.

I know how you see it, Sunny. I’m telling you how humans see it.

Then tell the humans how I see it! You must!

I can’t!

Sunny kicked up his heels and ran off into the field. Bird knew he was angry with her for letting this happen. Bird was angry at herself, too. Why couldn’t she speak when she wanted? The words always got stuck in her throat and wouldn’t come out. She clenched her fists and punched the air. She tried to scream. Only a low, throaty groan came out.

“I’m guessing that Hannah took the offer.” Abby’s voice startled Bird, and she turned quickly, angrily wiping a tear from her cheek. “I know how hard it must be for you, Bird. You don’t want to hear this, but it’s probably for the best.” Abby reached out to touch her, but Bird backed away. “Sunny is a loaded gun. An accident waiting to happen. I know that. Deep inside you know it, too.”

Bird shook her head fiercely. Of all people, she’d thought that Abby would understand. She wanted to tell Abby that she was wrong. Sunny was not a loaded gun for her. They talked to each other. She wanted to tell her that selling him was a huge mistake. That those people had hurt him. That Sunny would hurt them, too. But nothing came out except a strangled little squeak. How could she make Abby understand? Bird groaned as the realization hit her: She couldn’t. No one would ever understand. Once again, Abby reached out to comfort her. Bird shook her head. Don’t touch me! Just go away. She closed her eyes and flailed her arms. Go away, go away, go away. Before she knew what was happening, her fist made contact with Abby’s chest. Bird stopped moving and opened her eyes. What had she done?

Abby jumped back in surprise as Cody charged from the bushes. He knocked Bird over and held her down, growling in her face.

“Cody!” commanded Abby. “Get off!”

Cody, I didn’t mean to hit her.

You swore you would never hurt my Abby. You swore the oath.

It was a mistake. I lost control.

“Cody, get off her, now!” Abby’s voice seemed very far away.

Are you mad at her?

No. I’m mad at myself. I’m mad that I can’t talk and tell Abby why Hannah should not let Sunny go to the Owens stables.

Then hit yourself, girl.

I will, if you let me up.

I will let you up if you will not hurt my Abby. Ever again.

I promise, Cody. I mean it.

Cody backed away and let Bird get up. He waited for her to punch herself, as she had promised. He was satisfied when she did, but still he watched her carefully and stayed by Abby’s side. Abby gave him a pat.

“What was that all about, Bird?” asked Abby. “Why did you hit me?”

Bird felt miserable. She opened her mouth and nothing came out. She punched her chest again, then squeezed her eyes shut and scrunched up her face, but nothing worked. Tears poured out of her eyes and down her face. Finally, she began to sob. The sobs made sounds from her throat, and Bird tried again.

“So … rrr … y,” she grunted.

Then she ran. She ran to Sundancer and grabbed his mane.

We’re getting out of here, Sunny.

Good plan. Where are we going?

Sunny dropped his head and bent his knees, making it easier for Bird to get on his back.

Anywhere but here. Let’s go.

Hang on, Bird girl. We’re going to fly!

Sundancer galloped lightly to the fence. Bird wove her fingers through his mane and held on to his sides tightly with her legs. He gathered his impressive strength in his haunches, sprang off the ground with no effort and sailed over the four rails with air to spare.

Bird looked back to see Abby and Cody standing in the field staring at them through the gathering mist. She also saw the big blue Owens Enterprises horse van turning into their lane.

Just in time, Sunny!

They’ll never catch us!

Sundancer and Bird raced through the fields behind the farm. The rain had started to fall, and it was getting steadily heavier.

They splashed through Saddle Creek and along the ridge, heading for the woods. Sunny slowed down to a trot as they followed the dense forest trails, then moved faster into a gallop as he found better footing in the meadows. Big black and white Holstein cows looked up from their wet grass in wonder.

My legs are getting tired, Sunny. Slow down.

I’m having fun, Bird! See how fast I’m running?

Yes, I do. But you’re all wet and slippery and I’m having trouble staying on.

I’m the fastest horse in the world! The best racehorses can’t beat me!

Sunny, I’m serious. You might slip in the mud. Slow down!

You’re no fun.

The big chestnut gelding slowed to a trot, then a walk. Then he stopped.

What’s wrong, Sunny? Why’d you stop?

Where are we going?

I don’t know.

I can feel that. Horses always know if their riders don’t know where they’re going. It’s a terrible feeling. So I’ll just stop here until you decide.

Let’s see. We’re close to Hogscroft, the James’ place. That’s where Dancer lives. We’re not far from Abby’s barn. The Piersons are very close. The Owens stables aren’t far, and the Casey’s farm is over there.

We need cover. I’m getting nervous out here with the lightning. Who would hide us?

The Piersons don’t use their barn in the summer. Their Herefords are out and they don’t have horses anymore. They probably won’t even know we’re there.

BIRD WAS HAPPY TO be out of the driving rain and on solid ground again. She was shivering, and her clothes were drenched. Her leg muscles felt like wet noodles, they were so weak. Sunny was delighted with the large clean dry stall he’d chosen, and more than pleased with the quality of hay and water.

Do you think anybody saw us, Sunny?

No chance, Bird girl. I was as quick as a bunny.

A bunny, eh? A fat, slow bunny?

What are you saying?

That the back door just opened and someone is coming.

What!

Mrs. Pierson is on her way.

Great. I guess I’ll have to do the talking.

A talking horse. That’ll be the day.

There’s more chance of me talking than you, Bird girl.

“Hello?” Laura Pierson was dressed in a vibrant orange raincoat and matching rubber boots. She entered the barn, put down her turquoise umbrella, and fumbled for the light switch. “Hello? Please speak up, I know you’re in here.”

You’re scaring the old lady, Bird girl. Say something.

I can’t.

Do I have to do everything myself?

Staring at Bird resentfully, Sunny neighed loudly.

“Thank you, horse. That was very polite. Now, I know there is a girl in here, too. I saw you both through my window.” Her hand searched the wall for the switch, to no avail. “And my, my! You both jumped that fence well.”

Bird’s eyes were adjusted to the dusk, and she walked over and turned on the lights.

“Oh! It’s you! The little girl who lives at Saddle Creek. Hannah’s niece. That explains the silence. You don’t speak, do you?” Bird nodded. She liked this woman right away. She was kind and gentle. Someone she could trust. “Who’s your equine friend?” Laura continued. “I thought for a minute it was Dancer! That gave me quite a start. He was a brilliant champion, and a dear, dear horse.”

No better than me.

Bird rolled her eyes at him.

“I feel quite embarrassed, but I forget your name. It’s a province, I think, and your nickname is an animal. It’ll come to me.”

Her name is Saskatchewan, Sasquatch for short.

Sunny, you’re so funny I forgot to laugh.

“It’s Alberta, isn’t it! You’re Bird! Well, I’m very happy you dropped in. Is your horse looked after?”

Bird looked at Sunny. He loftily ignored her and munched his fresh hay. She nodded.

“Good. Then why don’t you come in and dry off and have a bite to eat with Pete and me. We’re all alone tonight and would love some company.”

Go ahead, Bird girl. It’s been a long day, and I need some rest. The horse show, the kicking at grooms, the great escape. Quite a day.

Okay. I hope they’ll let us stay for the night.

That part’s up to you. I’m just a horse.

Right.

Bird and Mrs. Pierson entered the kitchen together, leaving the rain outside. Pete looked up from his book and smiled warmly.

“Well, well! It’s Bird from down the road. Soaked to the skin. I haven’t seen you for over a year. To what do we owe this welcome visit?”

“Pete, dear, she doesn’t talk.”

“Oh, yes. That’s right. Then, sit down here with me while Mother gets you some dry clothes and the dinner ready. I’ll just keep reading. I have a lot to cover by tomorrow. Book club. I don’t want to let Laura down. She chose this book, and I can’t quite get into it. It’s not my type of thing.”

“Pete, the book can wait. Bird came here for a reason, and we should find out why.” Laura hustled away and called back, “I’m getting some nice warm towels, Bird, and I’ll find something cozy for you to wear.”

Pete studied Bird’s face. She cast down her eyes.

He was unsure where to begin, so he waited for Laura to return. Soon, Bird was all changed and dry. She sat warming herself by the fire, looking somewhat comical with her wet, spikey hair and oversized blue and green flannels. The sound of Bird’s clothes in the dryer provided a soothing background noise.

“Does Hannah know where you are, dear?” asked Laura.

Bird’s eyes flicked up at Laura then dropped down.

“I thought not. Now, Bird dear. I must telephone her and tell her that you’re safe.”

Bird jumped up and started for the door.

Pete was alarmed. “There’s something amiss here, Laura.”

“Have you run away, dear?” asked Laura. Her voice was low and sympathetic.

Bird turned from the door and stared into her eyes. If she could tell her the situation, she knew that Laura would understand. Bird opened her mouth, but predictably, nothing came out.

Pete rose from his chair with great difficulty and went to her. “Families are complicated things, Bird. We find ourselves at odds with the people we love sometimes. It’s natural.” He reached out and tousled her short, choppy dark hair. “Right at this minute, your aunt is at her wits end with worry. She probably wonders if you’ve been in an accident or kidnapped, or have fallen off your horse and are lying somewhere with a broken neck or leg, or both. We can’t let her worry.”

“You can stay here as long as you want, dear,” said Laura. “We have a spare bed. Your horse is welcome, too. There’s lots of food and water for him, and fresh bedding.”

“The deal is this.” Pete had to sit down again to rest his limbs. “You can stay here with us until you want to go home, but Hannah must know where you are.”

Bird didn’t know what to do. She wanted to run away with Sundancer, even on this stormy night. She didn’t want Hannah to come and get them, only to sell Sunny to people that hurt him. But if she got on Sunny and ran away again, these nice people would still feel it their duty to call Hannah. Bird felt trapped. No win. She walked over to the black phone beside Pete’s chair and picked it up. She dialed her home number and held it out for Pete.

Laura swirled over and scooped up the receiver. She listened attentively to the rings with her head tilted expectantly.

Eva answered. “Hello?”

“Is that Hannah Bradley? This is Laura Pierson.”

“No, I’m sorry she’s out.”

“Who is this, please?”

“Eva Simms, Hannah’s sister.”

“Oh my. The beautiful little Eva. Bird’s mother.”

“Yes. Did you say you were Mrs. Pierson? I wasn’t paying attention. We’re so worried. It’s horrible out there and Bird hasn’t come home. Hannah’s out looking for her, and I’m waiting here for Bird, just in case.”

“That’s why I’m calling, dear.”

“That’s very kind of you, Mrs. Pierson. A lot of people have called, and a lot of people are out looking for her. I’ll call you when we find her.”

“No, dear, you don’t understand. She’s here. With us.”

“Bird’s there? Is she all right?”

“She’s perfectly fine. She’s here with her lovely horse. They just popped over the fence for a visit.”

“Thank heavens. She’s safe.” Eva was overwhelmed with relief. “I’ll call Hannah on her cell and tell her.”

“Not so fast, dear. I want to know why your daughter ran away. Kids don’t just jump on horses bareback and hide in strange barns for no reason.”

Eva paused for a moment, then began the story. “Hannah sold the horse. Actually, he wasn’t her horse because he was supposed to be put down and he was given away to the vet instead, but Bird did so well at the show today that the Owens barn wants him back and they’re prepared to pay twenty-five thousand even though they have the papers and Bird was so upset that she ran outside and Abby saw her get on Sundancer and jump the fence and gallop away and we’ve been looking for them ever since and the Owens guys are really mad. They’re threatening to sue and I think they mean it, and my sister doesn’t have any money for lawyers, but the important thing is that Bird is safe.”

“My, my. Get your breath, dear Eva, and relax. I’m going to talk this over with Pete. He’ll know what to do. In the meantime, call Hannah and tell her that Bird and the horse are safe. Sundancer, did you say?”

“Yes.”

“Is he related to Dancer?”

“No, his sire is California Dreamin’.”

“Really?” Laura paused for a moment. “I was under the impression that that stallion mostly shoots blanks.”

“Pardon me?”

“Sorry dear. California Dreamin’ is a gorgeous stallion, but he unfortunately can’t always reproduce.”

“I didn’t know that happened to horses.”

“It doesn’t matter. It’s just that this horse looks so much like Dancer that I wondered. Anyway, Hannah should know they’re safe, but perhaps nobody else should just yet, until we figure this out.”

“I agree. I don’t want those men going to your house. May I talk to Bird please?”

“Absolutely.” Laura handed the receiver to Bird.

She put it up to her ear. “Bird, it’s Mommy. I’m so glad you’re all right. I was so worried. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Bird squeaked into the phone.

Eva whispered, “I’m so sorry about everything, Bird. I love you.”

Bird’s lips quivered. Her eyes filled with tears. It was the first time her mother had ever said that.