FROM CHAPTER TWO
Sitting astride her gelding at the starting line she faced forward and didn’t dare look at any of the other jockeys lined along both sides of her, still the feeling of being studied and observed became strong. She took in a calming breath just as a jockey next to her tried getting her attention, but luck was with her as the bell sounded and they were off. She couldn’t worry about her concealment at the moment. Instead, she focused on winning.
But she was noticed, and not in the way she had feared. Lord Blackburn had a good eye for promising, talented riders. While watching his own horse race down the wide stretch of dirt John smiled with pride. Chief was flying by straining thoroughbreds, kicking dirt into their faces. Training the stallion himself, he considered Chief his masterpiece. The stallion’s name flowing out of prospectors’ mouths held enough evidence of Chief’s newfound popularity. John knew Chief would win by a long shot. He could feel it in his bones: the horse was fast.
John continued cheering in silence, watching the powerhouse pulling ahead, having one last gelding to pass. Chief was able to pull away, but not by much. The unknown gelding stayed close behind and would not be left to choke on Chief’s dust, but it wasn’t the gelding that necessarily impressed John, it was the rider. Without realizing it, he began comparing his own jockey with the newcomer. The unknown rider seemed to encourage the speed of the horse, cheering him on with supporting gestures. Chief flew through the finish line, the gelding a close second.
John kept his attention on the unknown jockey who rode past Chief, going toward the stables without waiting for an outrider’s assistance.
Having a single purpose in mind John told Robert that he’d return shortly, leaving Robert to handle associates who approached their viewing box in congratulations.
John continued to make his way toward the stables when he spied Kurt leading the fast gelding, not in the stables but behind it and toward the backstretch. By the time John reached the backstretch, Kurt had finished circling the gelding to cool him off and was leading him into a small wooden structure. Putting the gelding in that small building and not in the stables struck John as odd. He knew the young men used the old shack as a hideaway for themselves but he’d never seen them bring horses along, especially when they had limited space to contend with.
Not a trainer who usually disturbed the groomsmen, John strode in the direction of the building, curious more than anything about what was going on, when Kurt stepped out before him.
“Lord Blackburn, I was currently on my way to Chief.”
“What’s going on, Kurt?”
“Sir?” Kurt responded, a little shaken.
“I saw you lead that gelding in there. What are you gentlemen up to?”
“Well, sir, the gelding belongs to a friend of mine and I was looking after the horse. I’ve put him in a separate place, that’s all.”
“I see. Where’s your friend now?”
“My friend is tending to the horse, sir. They like their privacy,” he revealed, motioning to the small building behind him.
John’s patience began to wear. “Does your friend have a name, Kurt?”
“Mel. It’s Mel, sir.”
“Kurt, I’d like to talk to Mel. Can you arrange a meeting for us?” John’s suspicions grew with Kurt’s continuing agitation.
“Well, what is it about, sir, if I may ask?”
Yes, something strange was happening here. “I was quite impressed with his riding skills. I believe he has tremendous talent and I’d like to know his plans for the future.”
“Sir, Mel is an amateur.”
“Kurt, I’d like to talk with Mel myself, if I may.”
“When, sir?”
“As soon as he’s done tending his horse.” When Kurt stood there staggered and unmoving, John pursued further. “Are you going to let him know then?”
“Yes, sir,” he responded with shifting eyes. “What about James?”
“James is busy with congratulations so he can wait a moment longer,” John told him.
Kurt sauntered through the groaning wooden door, making Melissa jump at his early arrival.
“I thought you were caring for another rider?” she inquired, taken back by Kurt’s quick appearance.
“I will be, but we’ve got trouble,” he responded in distress.
“Trouble? What kind of trouble?”
“Lord Blackburn is standing right outside this door, inquiring about you.”
“What? Well get rid of him, Kurt.” What in the world is he so worried about she wondered as she continued brushing down her gelding.
Kurt stepped to her side, whispering in harsh tones. “I can’t get rid of him, Mel. He’s the owner of a couple of horses I take care of. He’s a highly respected man round here.”
“Don’t tell me you’re afraid of his title Kurt?” Melissa still couldn’t figure out what was so urgent.
“That is beyond the point.”
“Are you absolutely sure?” she asked, reaching for the gelding’s tail, taking long sweeps with the grooming comb.
In defense, Kurt answered her. “I do not fancy myself being in the same circles as those superior snobs, but Lord Blackburn is different. He’s a real person, like you and me.”
“So what does he want to talk about then?”
“About your plans for the future. You impressed him with your riding Mel, and now he wants to talk to you about it.” Kurt sat on a splintered chair, raking his fingers through his hair. “Of all the luck, why did you have to ride so well?”
He looked distressed and exasperated. “Forgive me for disappointing you Kurt, but that’s what I came here to do.” Now she was feeling sorry that she had put him in this position. She went over to him and put her hand on his shoulder. “Tell Lord Blackburn that I’m not interested in meeting with him and that I have another engagement I must attend.”
“It will not be that easy with him. He sees potential in you Mel. He’ll want to train you to ride on his team. I’ve seen it happen before. That’s how he got James.”
The grooming comb slipped from her dangling hand to the hardened dirt floor. “Train me? He’s a trainer?”
“Yes.”
“You didn’t tell me he was a trainer Kurt.”
“Why would it matter?”
“This is brilliant! In a thousand lifetimes I wouldn’t have dreamed of this kind of luck! A trainer!”
“I don’t know what you’re rambling about Mel. It cannot work,” he informed her as he stood.
“And you say that even though he’s “Lord Blackburn,” he’s like you and me?” After he nodded she spun around. “This is turning out splendidly.”
“Mel, have you heard a word I’ve said?” He had to snap her out of this daydream.
“What is it Kurt?”
“He thinks you’re a man!”