Homicide by Horse Show by Arlene Kay

Author:Arlene Kay
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Published: 2019-07-29T14:33:26+00:00

Chapter 18

Poor Cleo. She kept her tail down and lowered her head as if she were traumatized by her owner’s downfall. Horses, like dogs, are sensitive, intelligent beings capable of giving unqualified love to even undeserving owners. It is one of the strengths of the human-animal bond. Felines are far less forgiving and more discerning. Witness Thatcher’s elaborate system for keeping me firmly in my place.

I followed the steward as he attended to the mare’s needs and found a vacant stall for her to rest in while Jakes straightened out his feud. He probably wouldn’t get arrested although it was likely that a stiff administrative penalty would dampen his show career. Hers too, unfortunately. What a fool!

As word of the fracas filtered through the show community, a number of visitors agog with curiosity flooded into my shop trolling for information. Violence at these events was mostly verbal—deathblows to careers were administered through innuendo or falsehoods rather than fists. Boorish conduct and brawls were virtually unheard of in a genteel sport that valued decorum above all else. As the day wound down, I put up the closed sign and prepared to leave. Officials would ensure that Cleo was safe until Jakes was able to claim her.

Just before I locked up, the man himself flung open the door and confronted me. Keats and Poe were outside, and I could hear their growls of protest as they sensed danger.

“Where is she, bitch?” Jakes’s face was contorted with rage, his fists clenched. “Just can’t mind your own business, can you?”

I fought to remain calm and slowly unhooked my belt. The narrow aisles of the shop restricted room to maneuver, but I refused to panic. The heavy silver buckle could land a painful blow if needed. One false move and Jakes would feel its sting.

“Your horse is fine. Check with the stewards or the show officials if you’re interested.”

He gave a mocking laugh. “Oh, she is, is she? Is that part of your blackmail scheme?”

I was genuinely perplexed. Admittedly, Jakes was a nutcase, but I must have missed a vital clue, something that connected to Ethel. I had no idea what he was blabbering about.

“What did Ethel want from you?” I asked. “What was worth murdering her for?”

Jakes stepped closer, backing me against a rack of show collars. I clutched my belt waiting for the right opportunity.

“Murder?” he bellowed. “Lady, you are delusional. I have a solid alibi for that hag’s murder. Just ask the cops.” His eyes glittered with malice. “But I have a pretty good idea who killed the little twist and I plan to make it pay.”

He didn’t frighten me. Maybe he should have but he didn’t. I had handled far worse cases than a maniacal biologist. Instead of fear I felt disgust. Jakes was nothing but a puny worm masquerading as a man.

“You love calling women names, don’t you? Back off!”

“If the shoe fits… You need someone to teach you a lesson.”

I swung the belt—buckle first—at his face. At that distance I couldn’t miss, and it struck him squarely in the nose.

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