Unfinished Business: a Kovak & Quaid Horse Mystery, #3

Chapter 1

Oh, no!

Kim Kovak stood up quickly, sending her cat leaping for safety. Kim moved closer to the television screen, as if that might make the news more clear. A reporter faced the cameras, wide-eyed and breathless against a glowing backdrop of leaping flames.

Fire departments from four towns have joined in this battle against one of the biggest fires in Burbank’s history. The blaze is believed to have started sometime in the early morning hours, but by the time firefighters arrived, the entire show pavilion was engulfed. At this time, it’s impossible to determine the cause, but it appears that the facility is a total loss. None of the adjacent barns were involved, and no horses were on the grounds. This is a huge blow to the local economy, as the facility is home to many horse events year ’round.

Kim sank back onto the couch and tossed the remote aside. Un-believable.

She stared out the deck doors at the snowy landscape, an Ohio view she’d been seeing for more weeks than she cared to count. Plans for a trip to sunny California had been her light at the end of the winter tunnel, but now it looked as though that plan had gone up in smoke. How long would it be until the show manager called with the bad news?

The phone rang and Kim shook her head. The poor guy would be beside himself over this catastrophe only two weeks before the event.

She picked up her cell, but the name on the screen wasn’t that of the horse show manager.

Kim’s best friend, Dixie Davis, was up early. Hey, girl, you up for coffee? Saskie and I don’t have to go to work until ten.

Could you put a shot of Jack in that? I’ll be right over.

Twenty minutes later, Kim shook her head after giving Dixie the details. I sure do lead a charmed life.

Dixie sipped her coffee, then set the mug down. Everything happens for a reason. Maybe you are meant to stay home right now.

Maybe, but tell that to my bank account. She smiled. So, how’s Dana?

Dixie’s eyes sparkled and a pink flush moved across her cheeks. Perfect. Absolutely perfect.

Kim delighted in the happy tone of her friend’s voice. Dixie was a model friend, a wonderful woman, a first rate sheriff’s deputy and, until recently, one of the loneliest people Kim knew. Losing a life partner would knock the stuffing out of anyone, and Dixie had never been the same after the love of her life had died of breast cancer. But time has a way of healing those wounds, and another good soul had stepped in to fill that void in Dixie’s life.

Kim grinned. I still can’t get over it. And Quaid! Oh my gosh, he was so blown away when he saw you with Deputy Dexton.

Yeah, she was a little surprised, too, when she saw him. A sly smile crept over Dixie’s face. I guess the two of them had a little dust-up during that theft case.

Dana didn’t appreciate us interfering in her investigation, but it all turned out okay. I think we solved the case for her, or at least gave her solid evidence to go on. But Quaid isn’t easily intimidated by anyone, so it was a little tense there for a bit.

Dixie’s voice softened. So, have you seen him lately?

An uncomfortable feeling moved through Kim’s stomach. Not since we helped him move into his apartment. I think he’s probably busy getting up to speed on the new job. I still don’t understand why he was willing to take it. He said that he couldn’t afford to lose the income from the insurance company, but I don’t understand why he thought that might happen.

Corporations take care of themselves first. Garrett’s no dummy – he would know that.

Kim thought for a moment, remembering the conversation about her possible involvement with him at the new office. Torn between wanting to continue to work together and protecting her independence, she’d waffled. When she’d finally said no, he’d almost been relieved – another situation that bothered her. Had he only made the offer because he felt sorry that she’d had a rough time and needed money?

Kim, what really happened in Chicago? Between you and him.

A long sigh escaped before she could stop it. Nothing. And everything. I really thought that turning down his offer to work together was the right thing to do. I couldn’t just walk away from everything I’ve worked so hard to achieve, but he needed someone on call at a moment’s notice. Kim barked a derisive laugh. So much for protecting my work! I’m now the proud owner of an expensive airplane ticket to California, but no reason to go there. She narrowed her eyes. Except maybe to track down Jasper Martin again.

Dixie put her hand on Kim’s arm. Listen, that case is over. You just have to forget the guy. If he’s a dirt bag and doing bad stuff, he’ll get caught for something else. You know that. She glanced at her watch. I need to get going in a minute, but you still haven’t told me what happened. And I don’t mean the job.

Kim gazed at her friend for a moment. Garrett’s an amazing person. I like him a lot, and I think he likes me, but we ...the chemistry is there, but something is interfering and I don’t know what it is, or what to do about it.

Dixie stood up. "You could start by connecting with him again. The more time goes by, the harder it will be. Stop by his new office. Take him to lunch. Do something!"

Chapter 2

Back in her own living room, Kim scooped Miss Kitty into her arms and paced the floor in front of the deck slider door.

"What do you think I should do? Is Dixie right? Should I just show up, uninvited, on Garrett’s doorstep?"

The cat butted her hard little head against Kim’s chin and purred loudly. Through the glass door, Kim caught sight of Dixie’s distinctive black and gold K-9 patrol car easing down the driveway, plumes of white vapor rolling behind it in the crisp morning air. The condo complex was quiet, most of its inhabitants long gone to work. Kim felt alone and isolated, no longer content with the defiant independence she’d felt when she’d turned fifty.

I should have taken the job with Quaid. The photography business has never been stable. No matter how good I am or how popular I am, the economy rules people’s lives. And fate. She shook her head. And I’m not getting any younger. She glanced down at her leg. Three months’ convalescence after her injuries during the theft case the previous summer had taken a huge bite out of her work schedule and her savings. The Chicago case had paid enough to get her through the end of the year, but she’d been counting on the California show to tide her over until the horse show season started up again in late March.

Maybe it was time to eat some crow.

She deposited Miss Kitty on the couch and stroked her head. With my luck, he’s already hired someone else.

The phone chimed and she groaned as the California horse show manager’s number appeared on the screen.

Hi, Clark. I’m guessing you have bad news.

Oh man, can you believe it? I haven’t been over there yet, but one of our members called and said the place burned to the ground. He exhaled sharply. I don’t have a plan B yet, but thought I should give you a heads up. I’m not sure we can secure another show site on such short notice. We’ll probably have to either cancel the show or move it to another month, but I imagine your schedule is already booked, so ...

I’m fairly open right now, she lied. So just keep me informed. I can change my airplane ticket after I hear from you.

Gosh, thanks Kim. I appreciate it. Guess I’d better get on the phone and see what’s what.

Good luck. Hey, Clark, do you happen to know anything about a trainer named Jasper Martin? I believe he’s from your area.

Oh, the tax evasion guy. Yeah, he had a place down here, but I heard that he cleared out last fall. Left a bunch of horses with his sister and disappeared. Don’t know much else.

Yes, that’s what I heard too. Well, thanks. Let me know what you decide about the show.

Kim pocketed her phone and gazed down at Miss Kitty. Somehow, someday I’m going to nail Jasper Martin. But right now, I’m gonna go see my horse.

Chapter 3

The long driveway leading to the barn at Running Brook Farm formed a black ribbon between snow-covered pastures on each side. The picturesque barn and outbuildings presented a Currier & Ives image on this frosty January day, but in a month or so, the snow would be grey and glazed, and frozen barren earth would show through in a patchwork of melted areas. Kim pulled into an open parking spot near the barn door. She hadn’t called ahead to let them know she was coming, but that didn’t matter. She didn’t plan to ride Bandit today – she just wanted to see him. And Commander.

She climbed out of the car, shaking her head. The black Morgan she’d rescued from going to auction was now becoming a white elephant, and putting a drain on her pocketbook. Thinking back to the day she’d overheard the barn owner’s wife discussing the horse that no one wanted, Kim huffed a sigh. At the time, she’d simply wanted to keep that beautiful horse from dying at some slaughterhouse. Her impulsive action had done just that, and she wouldn’t mind so much if he was a nice horse. But he was not. He frightened her with his wild eyes and habit of charging the door if she came near.

And how could she have been so stupid to think that Quaid would just take the horse because she thought he’d like it? She kicked a chunk of snow. He hadn’t even been out to look at Commander yet. He’d been too busy with a new house and settling in to his new office. She stopped and took a deep breath of crisp air, trying to clear her mind of the negative thoughts, trying to recreate those hours they’d spent together in Chicago. But the magic of the memory had faded as the weeks went by, and Christmas had put her into a blue funk, as usual. Now, in the new year, she was not in good financial shape, still alone, and didn’t have a plan.

She squared her shoulders and strode through the barn door. If nothing else, she would find a way to get Commander to accept her.

The warm interior of the barn welcomed her with the soft sounds of contented horses, country western music playing low in the background, and the familiar scent of fresh hay. She stopped for a moment, savoring the world she’d never tired of in all her years as a mounted police officer. The barn at the Columbus unit wasn’t large like this one, but all the elements were the same.

A tiny hitch stopped her breath at the reminder of a life loved and lost. She put her hands on her hips and stared down at the floor. Why couldn’t she just move on? Why did her past continue to haunt her when she least expected it? Almost six years had passed since the shooting. She’d carved a new life for herself, one that brought her some modicum of pleasure and, yet at times, she still felt unsettled and incomplete.

A shrill whinny echoed through the barn, followed by several nickers and snorts from various stalls. Kim grinned and headed toward the handsome brown head hanging over a stall door.

Good morning, Mr. Bandit. I missed you too.

As she neared his stall, she glanced across the aisle to Commander’s corner. The horse stood with his rump against the back wall, watching her with dark eyes. Heaviness filled her heart. What had happened to that poor animal to make him so belligerent? Mr. Brooks, the barn owner, thought the horse might have been badly abused at some point in his later years, but no one knew for sure. The previous owners had abandoned him, and probably wouldn’t admit to anything anyway.

Bandit’s soft nose snuffled through Kim’s hair, bringing her thoughts back to the horse that was her own salvation. She stroked his jaw and gazed at the expressive brown eyes, reminded that he, too, had an unknown past.

If any of you could talk, we probably wouldn’t want to hear the stories.

Bandit drew his head back, then circled the stall, stopping in the center. He dropped his head and nosed through the remainder of his morning hay, leaving Kim to wonder exactly how much these creatures understood.

Turning around, she studied Commander as he watched her, his small fine ears pricked forward. Brooks had posited that perhaps the abuser in the horse’s life had been a woman, since men seemed to have little trouble with him. Though the horse was high spirited and a challenge to handle, his animosity seemed to only surface when a woman tried to get near him. Kim thought Brooks’s assessment was probably correct. Horses had acute memories. The problem was, how to convince Commander that she wasn’t going to hurt him. She swallowed hard. And make sure he didn’t hurt her.

A soft chuckle and warm breath tickled the back of her neck, and love swelled her heart. Turning to the object of her affection, she stroked Bandit’s jaw.

Don’t worry. You’ll always be my favorite.

Bandit looked past her toward Commander’s stall, then bobbed his head twice. In that moment, Kim became convinced that these creatures were completely in tune with their humans, and each other.

The sound of the barn door rolling along its track interrupted her introspection. James Brooks stepped inside and pushed the door closed, then turned and waved.

Mornin’! Cold enough for ya?

Definitely not trail riding temperatures. I’m from down south, so I’m a bit of a wimp.

The old man stopped in front of her and smiled. Southern belle, eh? Georgia? South Carolina?

Kim laughed. Marietta. That’s south, isn’t it?

Yeah, but it’s still Ohio.

Ah, yes, but it’s right on the Ohio River, so the temps are a little warmer in winter. Relatively speaking. She tilted her head. Last fall, you offered to show me Commander’s performance abilities. Are you still willing to do that?

He pursed his lips. Haven’t handled the guy in a long time, but I guess I could give it a try. He threw her a stern glance. You do know he’s a drivin’ horse. I don’t know if anybody ever put a saddle on him.

I just want to see him work on a longe line, see how he moves. I have to make a decision what to do with him and, if I decide to sell him, it’ll be easier if he has some talent.

Thought you had someone interested in him.

Still do, but it’s on hold. She reached for Bandit’s halter, hanging on a hook by the stall door. Let me know what you decide.

Gimme a couple of days to see how he behaves, then we can set up a showing.

Driving home later, Kim thought about the reality of her ownership of Commander. When she’d taken over his board fees last fall, it had been with the idea that Quaid might want the horse. She’d been naive in that respect. He’d been amused and flattered, but his life was in turmoil and he’d said that the last thing he needed was something else to worry about. Now, two months later, Kim hadn’t even seen him more than a couple of times, much less discussed the horse.

Dixie’s advice of the morning rang through Kim’s head and she glanced at the clock on the dashboard. It was well past lunchtime, but maybe she could just drop by Quaid’s office and offer to buy him a drink after work. Yes, that would work. Casual, spur of the moment, nonthreatening.

She barked a laugh. Nonthreatening for whom?

Chapter 4

Garrett Quaid looked up from his desk when his assistant, Gail, rapped lightly on the doorjamb, then stepped into the room and held out a file folder.

This one’s been flagged for a closer look.

Quaid opened the folder and scanned the top sheet. Do you know why?

The client seems to have a larger than expected number of mortality claims. I think the head office just wants to be sure the claims are legitimate.

Okay, I’ll add it to my to-do pile.

They want it to be first priority. She shrugged. They didn’t say why.

Understood. Thanks.

She disappeared into the other room and Quaid looked again at the claim filing form. Wheeler Arabians in Portland, Indiana. Full mortality insurance on a colt foal.

He whistled. Wow. $75,000.

He quickly scanned the horse data, noting that the dam was also insured, but the sire was owned by someone else. Foal had been conceived by transported semen, full term pregnancy, no complications. Foal had been vet-checked soon after birth, and pronounced healthy. Seventy-nine hours later, the foal died of so-far unknown causes. Quaid squinted at a note scrawled at the bottom of the claim form, written by someone who thought the foal might have been kicked in the head by its mother.

Quaid sat back and pursed his lips. Didn’t sound right to him – the instance of a mare purposely injuring her foal was almost unheard of. Not completely though – sometimes a maiden mare wouldn’t accept her first foal. Quaid checked the age of the mare. She was no first timer.

The thing that really bothered him, though, was the amount of the claim. Seventy-five thousand dollars for a newborn seemed high. Policies were usually written based on two to three times the stud fee, or the championship status of the mare, or her history of consistently producing champion offspring. In the current economy, it was unlikely that the stud fee and market value of the colt were high enough to justify the insurance amount. How had such a miscalculation happened? Had someone at United Equine Assurance screwed up?

Quaid picked up the phone and dialed, glancing again at the name of the claimant. May I speak to Vivica Wheeler?

This is her. Who’s calling?

Garrett Quaid from United Equine Assurance. I’m handling your claim for the colt that just died, and I need to set up a time to meet with you, the sooner the better. I’ll also need your veterinarian’s report on the death and the blood tests to determine the cause. Would tomorrow morning work for you?

Uh, yeah. I’ll have to take off from work, so make it around ten. And you’ll have to call the doc’s office to get that other stuff because I don’t have copies yet.

Something in the woman’s voice awakened Quaid’s radar.

You have the body, right? he said.

In dead of winter, the ground would be too hard to dig. With any luck, the body would be available to him to examine.

We hauled it out back and covered it with a tarp to keep the crows off ’til I can get a backhoe out here.

Quaid frowned at the woman’s dispassionate discussion of the lost foal. He hadn’t known many horse owners who weren’t crushed by the death of a baby horse they’d been anticipating for eleven months. This woman was one cold fish.

Okay, don’t do anything until I have a look. I’ll see you around ten tomorrow morning.

He hung up and shuddered. This wouldn’t be a pleasant experience. He picked up the phone again and punched the interoffice number.

Gail, would you pull the original paperwork on this dead foal case? File number AFD7934. Thanks. Just leave it on my desk, I need to go get something from my truck.

Chapter 5

After swinging by her condo to change clothes and comb her hair, Kim headed for the northwest side of Columbus. She’d never been to Quaid’s new office in the Metro Center, but it wasn’t far from the little house he’d rented in Dublin, the one that she and Dixie had helped him find and move into. She grinned. Those days had been fun, filled with laughter and lots of pizza on paper plates.

Probably the most memorable was moving day when Dixie arrived with Dana Dexton. Quaid’s jaw had almost hit the floor and Kim had been stunned too. What an unlikely coincidence that Dixie would become romantically involved with the stern sheriff’s deputy from Delaware – the beautiful African American woman who’d been instrumental in helping solve Teri Fortune’s murder.

Kim pulled into a parking spot in front of Quaid’s office building and sighed as she turned off the engine. Poor Teri. She’d made some wrong choices and paid with her life, but if that hadn’t happened, Kim and Quaid wouldn’t have stumbled onto the biggest and most cunning international horse theft scheme imaginable. A scheme that, as far as Kim knew, might still be operating. She had the uneasy feeling that a lot of unfinished business remained on the table.

Quickly checking her hair in the rearview mirror, she picked up her purse and climbed out of the car. The cold air snatched her breath away and she pulled her coat closer as she walked toward the entrance. Her breath came short and her step faltered. What if he was busy? What if he didn’t want to see her? This was a terrible idea. She stopped, ready to turn back. The door opened and Garrett stepped out.

Kim! Hey, what are you doing here? I mean, gosh, hi.

His dazzling smile seared through her chest and she almost couldn’t speak. He was clearly happy to see her.

Taking a silent breath to calm herself, she fabricated an alibi. I was in the area and thought I’d drop by and see how the new job is going.

He chuckled and grabbed the door. Hey, come inside. It’s colder than hell out here. The job is going okay, just takes some adjustment. Ha ha, insurance joke.

Kim stepped inside and grinned mischievously. "That’s your claim."

Garrett laughed. You’re in rare form, as usual. How’ve you been? I’ve been meaning to call, but by the time I get home at night, I’m all out of steam. And my place is still a wreck.

Kim thought for a moment. Should she offer to come over and help him get organized? Would that be too obvious? Probably.

I understand. Moving’s a bitch. I can’t even imagine having to do it again. She chuckled. I’ll be in that condo until they take me out in a wheelchair.

Hey, if you’re not busy, do you want to get a drink later? I have some calls to make about an appointment tomorrow, but then I’m done for the day.

I’d love that. What time and where?

Five at the Dublin Village Tavern. You know it?

I do, and I need to stop at the grocery store, so that works just fine.

She reached for the door handle and gave him a little smile. Garrett saluted, then walked quickly toward his office, leaving Kim feeling just a little stunned.

Chapter 6

Quaid sat down at his desk, startled by how happy he was to see Kovak again. In truth, he’d honestly been busy and had intended to call, but the underlying worry about getting involved had probably been a greater source of resistance than his busy schedule. Since moving to Columbus at the end of November, the weeks had flown by in a blur. Christmas in Dayton with his family, some settling-in time at both the office and his new house, plus several trips to Chagrin Falls to finalize the sale of his house there. Now, at the end of January, he was hoping for some