STUDS AND STILETTOS (Romantic Mystery) (37 page)

“Thank God.” Jenna’s relief escaped in a grateful sigh. Seconds later she leaned forward and even though she was four thousand miles away, her confusion was apparent. “Why are you even home, Em? You have a speaking part.”

Her voice turned accusing. “You didn’t quit, did you? Burke says the movie industry is very tight. They don’t forgive performers who aren’t dependable.”

Emily tried not to wince. Tried not to think of Dan. “It’s just a couple lines,” she said. “And the casting director said everything is okay as long as I’m on site early tomorrow.”

Jenna nodded, her beautiful face softening. “You shouldn’t have left your job, but I’m grateful you did. According to Wally, you’re the reason Peanut pulled through.”

“He would have been fine without me. Colin figures it was a reaction to the spring needles. They all gave him super care.”

“Should I fly home?”

Emily shook her head. “No. Stay and enjoy your vacation. Peanut’s fine now. Improving every hour.”

“Guess we’ll have to reconsider his vaccines,” Jenna said. “Maybe consider intranasal options. He can’t be on the Center grounds if he’s not up-to-date, and I’d worry about cutting out the tetanus and West Nile.” Her face disappeared as she reached for a pen, and Emily heard a muted discussion about pharmaceutical companies.

Moments later, Jenna reappeared. “No worries. Burke will check into it.”

Emily smiled. If her recollections were correct, Burke Industries owned an equine drug company. Peanut’s allergies would not be a problem. Jenna winked, and it was obvious they were in complete accord.

“Burke’s amazing,” Emily said. “I saw the guesthouse. It’s not what I expected. I thought… Well, it’s just perfect. Thanks to you b-both.” Her words tangled with such emotion she could only touch her lips and place her fingers against the screen.

“It’s your home.” Jenna’s voice bubbled with delight. “All yours, whenever you want it. We wanted to surprise you. It was Burke’s idea to make the connecting balcony. I didn’t even know that was possible. He’s buying a local construction company so he can relax in Three Brooks more. This vacation gave us a chance to talk about a lot of things.”

Jenna glowed with so much happiness, it was apparent the vacation had been the perfect tonic.

“Are the English races what you expected?” Emily asked.

“We didn’t leave the hotel suite for the first couple days,” Jenna admitted, her smile rather wicked. “But the races we saw yesterday were super. The fences are huge and how they jump at such speed is amazing. But we saw enough. I’m coming home now.”

Emily walked from the feed room, holding the phone in front of her. She’d anticipated Jenna would jump on the first plane, despite assurances that Peanut was out of danger.

“We’re all glad you’re having a good time,” Emily said. “And there’s a little guy here who thinks you should stay and enjoy the vacation. You’re a vet. Judge for yourself how he’s feeling.”

Emily tilted the phone while Peanut sniffed at the screen, his eyes bright and curious.

“See.” Emily turned the phone back to her face. “He’s fine. Even his hives are almost gone. So don’t you dare come home. Besides, Burke deserves this vacation as much as you, especially after he built my super cool house.”

Jenna’s brow furrowed. “Peanut does seem okay. But are you sure, Em? You have your own life. You can’t be on call for our old pony.”

“I most certainly can,” Emily said. “He’s like a crusty uncle. And you’re not in this alone. There are two of us who love him. If necessary, I can come back, much quicker than you. So relax and have a good time.”

“Okay.” Jenna’s voice faltered. “I just hope you didn’t give up too much to come home. But thanks, sis. Just a sec.”

Burke’s face replaced Jenna’s on the screen. “How are you getting back to Kentucky?” His voice was crisp and authoritative. “Wally reported you didn’t drive your car. That an eighteen-wheeler dropped you off.”

Emily stiffened. It seemed a lifetime since she’d wrecked her car. She hadn’t talked to Burke since that happened. No doubt he’d accuse her of reckless driving and grill her about insurance premiums, totally understandable really, considering he’d bought the vehicle.

“I’ve arranged for a car to take you back,” he went on. “Wally has the limo number. You can call anytime.” He smiled then, looking surprisingly boyish for a hardnosed executive. “And no matter what you told Jenna, I know it’s not possible to walk away from a movie set without repercussions. When we get back, I’ll introduce you to a competent producer in California. Just in case you need some new contacts.”

“Oh, but I don’t want—”

Burke frowned and she quit talking.

“You’re unorthodox,” he went on. “And often I don’t understand you. But you’ve always had Jenna’s back. Whenever she needed it.” His voice lowered. “You’re blue chip. And I appreciate you, very much.”

Emily gripped the phone, barely able to concentrate as he went on about agents and commissions and how his legal team should vet any new agreements. Burke had given her a compliment? And he’d said she always had Jenna’s back?

“Let me speak.” Jenna’s head poked in front of Burke’s. “I don’t want my only sister living far away in Hollywood,” she went on. “You’re good with animals. What about being a vet assistant? You haven’t tried anything like that yet.”

Emily pressed her fingers over her mouth, feeling much lighter than the last time they’d discussed her various careers. It seemed Jenna didn’t care what she did. And Burke only wanted whatever made Jenna happy.

“Actually,” Emily admitted, “I’m hoping to get a job as a horse wrangler. And then maybe move on to trick training.”

“That’s great, Em,” Jenna said, not missing a beat. “As long as you come home more often, even if it’s just for a couple days.”

Emily blinked. She could have said she was running off to join the circus; Jenna really didn’t care. The only thing her sister wanted was to see her more often. They may have had a piss poor father but Emily definitely could never find a better sister. Or brother-in-law.

“Have a good time in England,” Emily managed, her chest fuzzy with so much emotion it spilled into her voice. “I’ll visit when you’re back. And don’t worry about Peanut. I love you both.”

The call ended. But Emily palmed the phone long after they’d hung up. It was great talking with them, seeing their faces. However, now that they were gone, her loneliness felt more acute. If only she could see Dan, or at least talk to him.

Mrs. Hamilton hadn’t returned her call though. There was one message, but that was from Judith. At least Emily’s phone was charged, thanks to Charlie. She pressed Judith’s number, needing to talk to someone who knew Dan.

“Did you hear?” Judith asked, her voice thick with relief. “Your shoot isn’t until tomorrow. They’re not using the little barn either. They have to make a fake door for the scene. Isn’t that weird? That Mr. Hamilton won’t let them use the bottom of the stud barn?”

“Yes, weird but lucky,” Emily said, rather distracted. “Do you think the casting director gave Dan my message? About Peanut being sick?”

“I don’t know.” Judith blew out an impatient breath. “Does it matter?”

“Of course. He was at Churchill yesterday so I couldn’t talk to him before I left.”

“He’s so busy he probably didn’t notice,” Judith said. “Just get back here. You can talk to him then.”

Emily twisted a strand of Peanut’s mane around her finger. She didn’t want to wait, didn’t want Dan to think she’d disappeared for no good reason. “I’ll probably come back tonight,” she said, “so I can do the scene tomorrow. Peanut is doing quite well. And I won’t have to hitchhike.”

“If you’re here before dark we can check the area around Billy’s cottage.” Judith’s voice lifted. “Investigators finished checking the rubble, and the area is no longer restricted. But everyone’s speculating about the fire. I wish they’d bring in one of those machines that hunts for graves.”

Emily turned from Peanut and paced a circle in the stall. She hated to think Billy was a murderer. Sometimes she wished they hadn’t found Tracey’s duffle bag. “I don’t think he would have buried her in the yard. It’s too open. And judging by the kennel, there used to be dogs around. They would have dug up a body.”

“Yes,” Judith said. “There was a bag of moldy dog food in the closet. But where else would he have buried her?”

“I don’t know. But not close to the road.”

“I’ll check if there were any pigs,” Judith said, her voice strained.

Emily shuddered at the thought of what a pig could do to a body. “Hamilton Stud doesn’t seem the kind of place that would have a pigpen.”

“I have to go,” Judith said. “The bus just stopped.”

“The bus?” Emily asked. “Where are you?”

“At the site. I’m doing background today.”

“Then you’ll see Dan soon.” Emily swung around, so excited that Peanut stopped chewing hay. “Can you tell him that I’ll be back tonight? Maybe you could have him call me. Or get his number so I can call him. Please, Judith.”

“Slow down,” Judith said. “He probably won’t give me his number but I can pass on your message. And yes, I’ll do it. I won’t even go to the background tent first.”

“Thank you.” Emily sighed with relief. It was quite a favor for someone like Judith to delay her check-in.

“I don’t know why you’re worrying,” Judith said. “Dan isn’t the type who gets attached. Bet he didn’t even notice that you’re gone.” Her words turned rushed as voices swelled in the background. “I’ll call you later. Bye.”

Emily put away her phone and turned back to Peanut. He pushed his head into her chest so she could scratch his shaggy ears. “Judith doesn’t know everything,” she whispered. “And I think Dan noticed.”

Still, it would have been simple for someone in his position to find her number. Yet he hadn’t called, not unless it was before her phone was charged. Peanut nudged at her pocket, blithely unconcerned about the lack of calls, and despite her preoccupation with Dan, the pony’s interest in treats was an immensely positive sign.

Her phone vibrated. She yanked it from her pocket so quickly, she almost dropped it in the shavings.

“Hello, Emily,” the cultured voice said. “This is Louise Hamilton. I received your message. Were you able to meet your drive on time?”

“Oh, yes. Thanks for taking me to the highway.” Emily kept her hand on Peanut’s neck, drawing support from his stoic presence. “I just wondered if you were able to pass my message on to Dan?”

“Certainly,” Mrs. Hamilton said. “I spoke to him yesterday. I do hope everything is okay.”

There was a slight question in her voice, but she was clearly too refined to ask details, and Emily’s appreciation of the lady grew. “Everything is fine. I’m hoping to return tonight. Luckily my scene was postponed. But I wonder, do you have Dan’s number?”

“If I don’t, I can get it for you,” Mrs. Hamilton said. “Wait one moment while I check with my husband.”

Emily squeezed her eyes shut and even Peanut’s neck relaxed, as though sharing her relief.

“He’s calling Anthony’s assistant now,” Mrs. Hamilton said, mere seconds later.

A man’s voice rumbled in the background. Shortly after, Mrs. Hamilton relayed Dan’s number.

“Thank you very much,” Emily said. She quickly pressed the number into her phone, wishing there were some way to repay Mrs. Hamilton for her many kindnesses. But she’d worry about that later. Right now it was more important to call Dan.

“Cut!” Anthony said.

Shania nodded at the actor playing Billy, grabbed a bottle of water from her attentive assistant and sauntered off the set, her tight jeans plastered to shapely legs.

“We got the flashback on the second take,” she said, stopping by Dan. “I’m glad they added those extra scenes. A famous racehorse is fine, but now we have the human-interest element. And that’s what sells movies.” She took a dainty sip of water, her black-coated eyelashes fanning her cheeks. “Do you think Billy killed her?”

“Investigators didn’t find anything in the rubble,” Dan said.

“Perhaps they should dig deeper. Playing the role of Tracey has made me sympathetic toward the girl. It’s unfortunate the cottage was badly burned. I heard someone found a duffle bag but then took off.”

Someone.
Dan’s mouth tightened.

“Billy may have been a cross dresser,” Shania went on. “Otherwise it’s doubtful he’d have Tracey’s bag unless it was for nefarious reasons. The only other man who moved around freely was Thomas Hamilton. Let’s get together tonight and compare notes.” She placed a hand on Dan’s forearm and blinked her big eyes. “I gave you information on the ball cap, but my assistants gathered much more research on Tracey. Just think of the headlines if we helped solve this mystery.”

Dan gave a dismissive shrug. Shania seemed to think he wanted to be an investigator, probably because of that call he’d made for Emily. “Anthony would want to hear this,” he said, “but I’m primarily interested in the horse aspect.” He didn’t want to shake off Shania’s fingers and look rude, but this was a hectic morning and he had a lot to do.

“Oh, but I have plenty of horse research too.” Her hand fluttered higher on his arm. “I interviewed three grooms. One of them covered for Tracey the morning she went missing. The poor girl broke her wrist trying to hold Reckless for his bath. That’s when they noticed the colt’s violent behavior.”

“Broke her wrist?” Dan rubbed his forehead. Anthony had requested a quiet horse for the bath scene and that had suited him fine, especially since Splash was safer for Emily to handle. But Emily was no longer here and the movie was taking a darker twist, one that the company seemed keen to pursue. Anthony might want to consider Shania’s information, especially since the script supervisor was still making changes.

Dan’s phone vibrated and he slipped his hand in his pocket, using the movement as an excuse to free his arm.

“Barrett,” he answered.

“Hi, it’s Emily.”

He hated his rush of relief, the pure happiness he felt at the sound of her voice. “Where are you?” he asked. “Are you okay?”