It was a cold start to the day. The bright sun was slowly clearing the fog hovering over Treweham village. Dylan straightened his tie and pulled out the navy woollen jacket hanging in the wardrobe. Flora was busy rootling under the bed.
‘They must be here somewhere,’ she said in exasperation as her hands felt for any sign of the newly purchased suede boots.
Since arranging to go to the Tingle Creek Chase with Gary and Tracy, she’d been deciding which outfit to wear. The dress code for Sandown Park was smart, but not too showy. In the end, Flora had opted for a chocolate-brown dress, matching brown suede boots and a dusky pink pashmina. The effect was simple, classy and fit the bill perfectly. Dylan watched her through the mirror on the wardrobe. Hell, she was pretty, in a totally natural, unspoilt way. Her good nature meant she was just as nice inside as out. She caught him looking at her, as she eventually managed to find the boots and sat on the edge of the bed tugging them on.
‘What are you smiling at?’ she asked.
‘You.’ Dylan turned to face her. Flora stood up.
‘How do I look?’
‘Wonderful,’ he replied, pulling her into his arms. ‘Looking forward to the races?’
‘Yes, course I am. It’ll be fun with Gary and Tracy.’
‘It will.’
Originally, Tobias and Megan had been invited to join them as well, but they’d declined. Or rather Tobias had answered for them both, not wanting Megan standing in the cold at six months pregnant. Finula and Marcus had also been invited, but with The Templar so busy at the moment, Finula didn’t want to take any more time off. So, it was just the four of them. Secretly Dylan was pleased: it would give him a better chance to speak to Gary alone. There was something he was eager to run past him.
*
Tracy Belcher sat waiting by the lounge window, looking out for Dylan and Flora to arrive. She, too, was pleased that it was just the four of them today. Tracy had always felt somewhat intimidated by Lord Cavendish-Blake and since that interviewer had commented on them overpaying for the Gate House, her unease had grown. She begrudged being taken advantage of.
Gary, on the other hand, had never let it bother him. He could take or leave Tobias Cavendish-Blake and he was more than happy with where he lived, even if he had paid slightly over the odds for it. So what? They could afford it, and it was a damn sight better than where they’d been. Not that he didn’t miss Lancashire – he often did – but not the so-called ‘mates’ that, in his eyes, had ripped them off even more. At least with Tobias it hadn’t been personal. With his friends in Preston, it had been, and it still stung that as soon as he had mentioned moving away they’d all practically dropped him. Apparently, him going (and taking his lottery winnings with him) was all it took to completely disown him. Even Finchy, his best mate, had never got in contact, which he could have done quite easily, as Gary had purposely kept the same mobile phone number. But no, not a word. It was as if he had never existed. That was why he had made such an effort to settle in the Cotswolds. Gary was a larger-than-life character, but there were reasons behind his full-on bonhomie. He wanted friends and he craved the same camaraderie he thought he’d had back home.
‘They’re here!’ called Tracy, jumping up from the chair with excitement. She’d been unsure of what to wear, so had looked up the dress code online. Still feeling a touch self-conscious in her short tweed skirt and matching jacket (especially as Gary had laughingly called her Miss Marple) she answered the front door.
‘Hi, ready to go?’ beamed Flora. ‘Hey, loving the outfit.’
‘I’m not sure. Do you think it’s the right thing?’ Tracy chewed her bottom lip anxiously.
‘Of course! You look great, really,’ assured Flora.
There was no such reservation with Gary, as he ushered them all to the car, where Dylan sat waiting behind the wheel.
Dylan couldn’t help but smile to himself, watching Gary in his dark suit and bright pink tie, bellowing with laughter at something Tracy had said. Once again, he was glad it was just the four of them.
They all enjoyed the trip, chatting together amicably about the prospect of the races. Dylan tried his best to keep a straight face when he’d noticed Gary studying a map for Tingle Creek village.
‘Tingle Creek Chase is named after a horse that had a particularly good record racing at Sandown Park,’ he explained.
‘Oh, right. I thought it was the name of the village it’s in,’ said Gary, not at all embarrassed or offended by the correction.
Dylan smiled. ‘No, it’s in Esher.’
As Dylan pulled into the racecourse car park, Flora’s anticipation rose. She loved the races and seeing horses perform at their best. Her thoughts turned to Phoenix; she knew he was every bit as capable as the horses here. She imagined him taking part, lining up with all the other thoroughbreds, ready to chase and glide through the air over the fences.
Dylan had booked them into one of the Imperial Boxes, to experience the thrill of the races, situated above the winning post. This would provide the perfect environment to entertain them all. The box had an ideal view of the live racing action with direct access to a private balcony. There was also a champagne reception, buffet and complimentary bar. Dylan had pulled out all the stops. Today was about impressing Gary and Tracy, and ultimately getting them on board. He had a plan, and it required their co-operation.
*
The lavish spread had had the desired effect and Gary and Tracy had been gripped by the whole experience. Gary proved to have a winning streak and Tracy forgot any inhibitions she may have had in the excitement of it all. Flora chatted easily with her and the two had gelled well. Seeing them huddled together, deep in conversation, Dylan made his move.
‘Having a good time?’ he grinned at Gary.
‘Bloody brilliant, mate. I think I’m a natural,’ he bellowed, patting his inside jacket pocket, which was bulging with all his winnings.
‘Still thinking about learning to ride a horse?’ ribbed Dylan with a smirk.
‘Nah, but it’s good watching ’em race.’
Dylan paused; now was the time. ‘Ever thought about owning one?’
Gary turned to him. ‘What, a horse, you mean?’
‘Yes. Maybe in a syndicate, or partnership?’
‘Why? Do you fancy it?’
Dylan nodded. ‘I’d like to buy a horse for Flora, one we’re training at the moment. It’s got great potential; could end up somewhere like here.’ He pointed towards the race track. Gary’s face lit up. Sensing he’d grabbed his attention, Dylan continued, ‘I’d want a partnership, joint owners.’
‘Why not just buy it yourself?’
‘Basically, the current owner is a nasty piece of work. If he knew I wanted the horse, it could make things difficult. If an outsider who he didn’t know bought it, then he wouldn’t bat an eye… and believe me, he wants rid.’
‘Why? If it’s got potential?’
‘Because it’s not the potential he wants, or can even see. He’s not a horse lover, just a businessman.’
Gary warmed to the idea of part-owning a horse. He pictured himself in the winner’s enclosure, basking in all the glory. Dylan could see he’d caught his imagination.
‘This could be a regular thing for us.’ He nodded towards the girls chatting animatedly. Tracy was giggling into her champagne flute and it was the happiest Gary had seen her in a long time.
Gary put out his hand. ‘Let’s do it,’ he said with gusto.
Dylan shook it firmly. ‘You’ve got a deal.’