STUDS AND STILETTOS (Romantic Mystery) (33 page)

He’d order in some extra heat lamps. A quiet horse would help too. Splash would be the best. The gelding loved water and would stand for hours. It would be easier for her to concentrate on the lines if she didn’t worry about a horse bruising her toes.

“Do you think I should act scared here?” Emily tapped a spot on the page, pulling back his attention. “When Billy enters the barn? Or maybe it’s better to act irritated that Tracey didn’t show for work? Or maybe a smile’s best?”

“Don’t worry.” Dan chuckled and steered her out of the way of a sound technician. “Anthony will tell you tomorrow. I expect he’ll want a little fear but maybe he’s looking for something else. Remember, just say ‘no’ if you’re uncomfortable with it. They’re still working out the scene, based on Billy’s…perceived interaction with Tracey.”

She grimaced at his choice of words and he used the bustling production crew as an excuse to pull her closer. Damn, he couldn’t keep his hands off her. Soon he had to drive to Churchill Downs and already he dreaded the limo’s arrival.

“Do you think he killed her?” Emily asked, her eyes troubled.

Dan hesitated. Part of him suspected Billy was involved in Tracey’s disappearance, but if it had been a sexual crime, it didn’t make sense that the man had stayed away from women for the next twenty years. And Tracey had been tight with Hamilton who claimed she’d barely known Billy. “I’m not sure,” he said slowly. “Apparently Billy worked normally that day. Hamilton said he fixed some plumbing in the stud barn. In fact, they’re planning to use that wash stall for your scene.”

Emily tilted her head. “Billy may have lied about his work that day. Because the stall still doesn’t drain properly. I showered there and almost flooded the aisle.”

Dan’s mouth tightened. The realization that she’d showered in an isolated barn, slept in an apartment where a groom had gone missing—even sat down alone in Billy’s cottage—now bothered him. Clearly she was single minded and brave. Her buoyant energy and resourcefulness were as much a part of her appeal as her bold heart. But those kind of people were hard to love.

She studied him with thoughtful eyes. “You’re being very helpful for a man who doesn’t like actresses. Are you trying to get rid of me?”

Every once in a while, she sucker punched him with surprisingly intuitive questions. Of course, he didn’t want to get rid of her. But if she intended to chase an acting career, it was much better to find out now. He wasn’t testing her. Not really.

He preferred to believe that if acting was her passion, he’d be chivalrous and help her succeed. However, he certainly wasn’t going to invest any time or heartache in a relationship that was doomed from the start.

“I just want you to be happy,” he said, a trite phrase he’d used on more than one woman.

“Excellent.” She flashed a mischievous smile. “That’s all I want too.” But her big eyes softened with the same understanding she’d shown last night. “This will be my one and only time in the movies. I’m not going to get the acting bug and take off. I’m not a fan of long-distance relationships either.”

Her gaze drifted past him, and she quit talking.

“Hey, Dan,” Anthony called, pushing past a cameraman, his arms swinging with purpose. Hamilton trotted pompously by his side. “We’re leaving for Churchill in ten minutes. Ride in my car so we can discuss the paddock scene.”

Anthony gave Emily a distracted nod then looked back at her with a marked increase of enthusiasm. “Good morning,” he said. “Would you be able to do a couple interviews later? Maybe talk about your conversations with Billy and what you saw in the cottage? Movie fans would love the inside scoop. I know you saw Tracey’s bag,” he added. “And that Billy said some things—”

“You saw Tracey’s bag?” Hamilton asked, his eyes bulging. “Why didn’t anyone tell me?”

Dan eased in front of Emily. “This is still under investigation. So any interviews should probably wait.”

“Fine,” Anthony said. “But I want her available to shoot footage at some point. The movie is trending on Twitter.” He rubbed his hands in glee. “We’ll keep everything quiet for a bit, then stagger enough tidbits to keep it in the news.”

“How did you know it was Tracey’s bag?” Hamilton asked.

“Her name was on it,” Emily said. She glanced back down at her script, and it was quite clear, at least to Dan, that she preferred to concentrate on her acting role tomorrow.

Hamilton edged closer, his complexion pasty white. “But did you look inside? What was in it? What did Billy say?”

Dan’s jaw tightened. Anthony shot him a warning look then placed his hand on Hamilton’s arm.

“This will all come out later,” Anthony said. “It’s a difficult time, but we do have a movie to shoot. And scripts to study. So no more questions at this time.”

Dan’s jaw slowly relaxed. But he didn’t want to drive to Churchill Downs and leave Emily alone. At least, police investigators made appointments. Hamilton, however, owned the property. He was also a movie backer. When the man spoke, people had to listen.

And despite Anthony’s directive, Hamilton still stood too close, hoping to bully Emily into talking. It was a tough situation for an aspiring actress who had to please all three men. Dan wanted to whisk her from the set. But he certainly couldn’t tell her to stay in his trailer all day. That would be like confining an energetic filly to a gloomy stall.

“Excuse me, Dan.”

He turned toward the accented voice. He’d never been so happy to see Lizzie.

“Do you want six horses in the paddock at Churchill?” Lizzie went on. “Or the ten we discussed?”

“Ten,” Dan said. “And, Lizzie, take Emily back to the wranglers’ barn so we can check out a horse for tomorrow’s bath scene. I’m thinking Splash but she’s already worked with Bruno.”

Anthony gave a knowing smile. But Hamilton’s nostrils flared, and it was obvious he’d planned to grill Emily with more questions once Dan and Anthony left.

“See you tonight.” Dan leaned down and kissed Emily’s cheek.

She seemed startled but covered it well, perhaps understanding he was trying to extend some much-needed protection. Dan shot a look at Lizzie who gave a little nod.

“Okay, then,” Anthony said mildly. “Let’s go, Dan. It’s obvious everything here is under control.”

*

Emily dragged a sweat scraper over Splash’s slick neck then gave the horse an appreciative pat. He’d jumped into a swimming pool before so it was obvious he was trusting and tractable. Now she’d learned he was bomb proof.

Lizzie had rang an ear-piercing bell and also hung a bucket over his hind leg to demonstrate Splash’s calm nature. It would be a cinch to bathe him tomorrow, even when surrounded by cameras and a demanding director.

More remarkable was Lizzie’s helpfulness. Although her mouth had remained in a flat line, she’d brought Emily to the wranglers’ barn and served as a private assistant, even filling the bucket and mixing the frothing herbal soap.

“We won’t completely wash Splash now,” Lizzie said, handing Emily a dripping sponge. “But you could put water in his ears and he won’t shake his head. So no matter what the director wants, you can concentrate on your lines. He’s smaller than Bruno but the cameras can adjust the angles,” Lizzie added. “He’s really the best horse for any water scenes. I think you should choose him.”

“I get to choose?” Emily’s eyes widened. Most actors were just handed a horse.

“Yes,” Lizzie said grudgingly. “It’s rare but those were Dan’s instructions. You’re definitely being primed for success.”

“What do you mean?”

Lizzie shrugged. “Getting you lines in that scene. I’ve never known him to ask a director for a favor.”

“He asked Anthony? I didn’t know that.” Emily’s hand fisted around the wet sponge, so tightly water dripped on her boot. Dan had sent a text last night. And almost immediately afterwards the casting director had called. “But that doesn’t make sense.” She shook her head in confusion. “He doesn’t even like actresses.”

“That’s right,” Lizzie said. “He doesn’t.”

A chill swept Emily despite the water warming her hand. She understood now why Dan had interfered. It was a test.

She gulped and tucked a strand of hair back in her ponytail. It hurt that he didn’t trust her, but she understood his motives. He wanted someone dependable, someone who’d stick around. And she’d show him. Usually she flunked tests, but this one she intended to ace.

She tossed the sponge into the bucket and wiped her hands. “Thanks for showing me the movie horses. I’d love to use Splash. He’ll be perfect for tomorrow.”

“Okay. Now would you like a cup of coffee or something?” Lizzie asked.

“No, thanks. I’ll put Splash back in his stall and then help you with whatever chores are left.”

“Not necessary,” Lizzie said. “Everything’s done. They’re using on-site track horses this afternoon at Churchill, and only Splash is working tomorrow.”

“There must be something left.” Emily checked the rafters. She didn’t see a single cobweb, but her adrenaline was pumping. “Maybe I could wash the walls or scrub some buckets?”

“There’s nothing. Dan wants you to have time to practice your lines. I can read them with you, if necessary,” Lizzie added.

“But I’d prefer to help with wrangler stuff. What about cleaning tack?”

“Everything’s done.” Lizzie’s mouth clamped in a stubborn line. “Dan will have my head if I make you work.”

Emily wrung her hands, fighting a rush of panic. She didn’t need to be an actress to be happy. And she was dependable. That was all Dan needed to know. Two simple things but very difficult to prove. And while she wanted to be dependable, she wasn’t. Not really. She wasn’t much of anything.

She slumped down on a bale of hay, cradling her head in defeat.

“Look,” Lizzie said, her voice softening. “I just want to get along here. Sorry I was a little hard on you earlier. But Dan…spoke to me. He made it clear I can’t assign you any work.”

Emily glanced up. Lizzie actually sounded apologetic, and clearly she’d jump through hoops to please Dan.

“I’d really like to help with wrangling stuff though,” Emily said. “And you’re not assigning me anything. I’m offering, so it’s different. Actually, I’m begging.”

Lizzie heaved a sigh but seconds later she dropped two loaded buckets at Emily’s feet. “Okay then. It would be a big help if you’d deliver these bath props to the stud barn.”

“You’re awesome. Thanks, Lizzie.” Emily scrambled up, grinning. “Is that where they’re shooting the rest of the movie?”

“Only the bath scene and the part when you bang on the apartment door.” Lizzie gave a tentative smile. “Come back afterwards and I’ll show you everything a wrangler does. If that’s what you really want.”

“That’s what I want.” Emily nodded gratefully. “I’ll be right back.”

She scooped up the buckets brimming with soap, brushes and a sweat scraper, and hurried toward the door. Lizzie wasn’t so bad; in fact, she was rather nice. Emily shook her head. Maybe if she’d tried a little harder at the beginning, they would have made out just fine. It was clear she could learn a lot from the capable wrangler.

She cut though the woods to the stud barn, swinging the buckets, her natural optimism renewed. If every minute of her spare time was spent helping the wranglers, Dan would realize that was her main interest. Yes, this would all work out perfectly.

Barney nickered when she entered the barn, leaning against the stall door and stretching his neck. She dropped the buckets and paused to scratch his jaw. He was such an affectionate fellow, always eager to please. Dan was adamant about not shipping extra horses back to his ranch, but while Splash was a super performer, there was something special about Barney.

“No problem,” she said. “We’ll just have to try harder.”

He pressed his head against her chest and sighed, as if accepting he’d be returned to the contractor with the rest of the herd but bore no ill will. His tendon would require special care for at least another month, and she prayed he wouldn’t get lost in the shuffle. Under Dan’s care, he was kept under confinement, not fun for a horse but at least it gave his leg a chance to heal.

There wasn’t much time left to prove Barney was worth keeping. Heck, Dan didn’t even want to know his name…or her last one, for that matter. He had experience with so many horses and women, he’d become rather hardened.

She pressed a kiss against Barney’s velvety nose and scooped up the buckets. Dan cared. He was just cautious. There was no way someone could act like he did and not have feelings. It was obvious in his kiss, his touch, the way he listened. Like she was the most important person in his world. And for now, that was enough.

Humming, she placed the buckets on the side of the wash stall while Barney watched with curious eyes. Tomorrow this aisle would be much busier. People and equipment would be everywhere. And thanks to Dan, Jenna would see Emily speak on screen.

She already had memorized her script, and clearly Splash wouldn’t give any trouble. For Dan’s sake, she wanted the scene to go super smooth. Hopefully, the aisle wouldn’t flood.

Frowning, she kneeled and checked the drain. It looked clear but Anthony would understandably flip if a flooded aisle caused delays. Lizzie probably knew the procedure to have set construction check the plumbing. Fixing it today would save everyone time and trouble.

Barney snorted, yanking back her attention. Mrs. Hamilton walked down the aisle, her high heels muted on the rubber in the aisle.

“Hello,” she called. “Have you seen my husband?”

Emily’s glance automatically shot to the apartment door. She scrambled to her feet and brushed at the knees of her jeans. “I haven’t seen him. But the lock is still on the apartment so I don’t think he’s up there.”

Mrs. Hamilton frowned and checked her watch. “If he does come by, could you remind him the theater luncheon starts at one?” She glanced at the buckets, her expression softening. “Do you need more shampoo?”

“No, thanks.” Emily smiled. “This isn’t for me. It’s for a horse.”

“Well, if you need any more product, I have some in the trunk.”

“I’m fine, thanks,” Emily said, realizing she’d stopped obsessing about hair or makeup—rather ironic since she’d always associated actresses with glamour. “We’re just stocking up for the scene here tomorrow.”