By: Kath Tate
By Kath Tate, 1999
Legacy and characters are the property of Alliance.
Clay was not prepared for the horse to throw him. Certainly, it wasn't the first time he'd been unsaddled and the bone jarring thump as he hit the ground was all too familiar. However, the sensation of the hoof clipping his chest was a new experience.
As he lay on his back gasping for the breath that had just been kicked out of him he was vaguely aware of Lexy's cry. Dust kicked by the retreating horse was swirling in his vision. He could see Whitcha standing a short distance away looking at him reproachfully as if to say "What made you think I would jump that?"
Before Clay could continue the conversation, and perhaps ask, "Why'd you have to do that?" his view of Whitcha was blocked by Lexy's anxious face.
"Clay? Are you alright?" Wanting to downplay both his pain and his embarrassment Clay tried to push himself up. He didn't get very far before a stabbing bolt of pain shot across his chest. He gasped and decided to stay on his back for a moment more.
"I'm getting Pa," Lexy announced and moved out of Clay's field of vision. Ned was walking away from the house towards the stables when he heard Lexy calling him.
He turned with surprise and some concern as his daughter's tone spelled alarm, not excitement.
"Come quickly!" was all she managed to gasp out as she tugged his arm and pulled him back the way from which she'd come. Rounding the corner Lexy broke into a run but Ned, taking in the two horses and the jumping course, could not see the urgency.
Then his heart leapt to his throat and he jogged after her. Clay was lying in the middle of the course. Ned's first fear brought the worst possible scenario to his mind. Relief came with the movement of Clay's hands, clenching and unclenching into fists.
"Clay?" Lexy knelt beside him. "I brought Pa." Clay managed a weak smile for his sister before Ned's form came into view.
"What happened?" asked Ned, more to Lexy but it was Clay who answered.
"Horse threw me," he told Ned through clenched teeth. "And then clipped me," he added, wincing. Ned began doing a check of Clay's limbs, looking for broken bones.
"Where'd he get you?" he asked his son gently.
"Chest," wheezed Clay. "Up, up..." As his father pressed lightly on his shoulders Clay cried out. He bit his lower lip. "Yeah, 'bout there."
Ned turned back to Lexy who was watching with wide eyes. He took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "Go find Isaac, or Sean, and tell him to go for the doctor." Lexy nodded but hesitated. "He'll be fine," Ned assured her. "He's just gonna be a little sore for awhile."
*****
Ned reentered Clay's room after seeing the doctor out. Lexy, seeking solace, was standing with an arm around Sean. Alice was fussing over Clay's comfort. It was a needless task and a thankless one since Clay would have none of it. Finally, exasperated by his behavior, Alice stood back with her hands on her hips. She looked like it was taking all her strength to bite back a lecture.
"Broken collarbone," Ned announced. He had suspected as much. And he knew what it was going to mean for Clay. Ned appreciated that the doctor had confirmed this as he suspected Clay wasn't going to be happy with the recommended treatment.
"So he's going to be ok?" Lexy asked. Ned took another step into the room. "He's going to be good as new...in about four weeks or so."
"Four weeks!" exploded Clay, trying to push himself up and instantly regretting it. He winced and swatted away Alice's move to help him.
"The doctor recommends bed rest for at least a week, and depending on how you feel then, maybe some light activity," Ned continued.
"The race is in three weeks," stated Sean. "Will he be able to ride by then?"
"No," Ned said curtly. "No riding for at least four weeks. Now, why don't we clear out of here and let Clay rest." He guided Lexy and Alice towards the door. Sean looked down at Clay just to be sure his brother didn't want company. But Clay avoided Sean's gaze by glaring up at the ceiling, his mouth set in a grim, angry line. Sean closed the door quietly behind him.
*****
Lexy found Jeremy sitting alone in a corner of the barn. He was flipping an envelope over and over. Although Lexy did not know it, Jeremy hoped with each flip that the words would suddenly make some sense to him. He sighed.
"Pa's looking for you," Lexy told him, making him jump slightly. The envelope fell from his fingers. "You startled me!" he said, unnecessarily. Lexy retrieved the envelope.
"You got another letter?" Lexy well remembered the excitement of the last letter Jeremy received.
"Will you help me read it?" he asked, sheepishly.
"Sure." Lexy sat next to him. With some prompting and guidance Jeremy managed to decipher the words. Although a painfully slow process, he felt some pride when they reached the "Yours respectfully" at the bottom of the page. The proud feeling was quickly overshadowed by a tremendous weight of worry as he somberly reflected on the letter's contents.
"What are you going to do?" asked Lexy after a few moments.
"I don't know," Jeremy confessed. He laughed a little, nervously, and looked away. "I really don't know." Lexy stood.
"Why don't we go to Pa and ask him if..."
"No!" The force of Jeremy's negative reaction to her suggestion surprised Lexy. Realizing this he softened his tone.
"No. I want to try to sort through this one on my own first."
"How are you going to get that much money without help?" Lexy asked, with a practical tone. Jeremy shook his head.
"I'll work something out. But please promise me you won't tell anyone." Lexy looked skeptical. "Try to understand," Jeremy continued. "Your family has already done so much for me. I just want to try to handle this without asking for more help."
"But Pa would help you. I know he would!" Lexy urged.
"Please Lexy, promise me you won't talk to him about this." Lexy couldn't understand his reluctance to seek out Ned's advice, but she could tell he was serious.
"I promise. I won't tell anyone," she vowed. Jeremy folded up the letter and put it back in the envelope. "Thanks Lex."
"So this is where you two are hiding!" Ned's voice came from the door of the barn. He spied the envelope in Jeremy's hand.
"Another letter?" Ned wondered with amusement what chaos this correspondence might bring. "
Jeremy read it all by himself," Lexy informed Ned proudly. "Well, sort of. I helped a little."
"You helped a lot!" Jeremy said laughing. Satisfied that they were safe from chaos, for the moment anyway, Ned changed the subject.
"I wanted to talk to you about riding for us in the race," he said to Jeremy.
"But Clay..."started Jeremy. "Clay isn't in any shape to race and he knows it," Ned interrupted. "Now he's understandably disappointed but that doesn't change the situation."
"Well then." Jeremy didn't know what to say. The last time he'd raced had been tense in the Logan household. "I think you stand a good chance of ranking high," Ned told him as they walked out of the barn. "I've seen the competition and I've seen what you can do." Jeremy brushed off the compliment with a short laugh.
"Alright then, let's get to work!" Ned said.
****
Alice carried a tray of clean silver into the dining room. From upstairs she could hear Clay's negative reaction to Lexy's offer to read to him. It was going to be a long week of bed rest for him if he didn't change his attitude. Setting down the tray Alice peered out the window. She could see Sean and Pa, who were conferring with Isaac. But it was time for supper so she'd better start rounding them up.
"Lexy!" she called up the stairway, hoping to prevent further outbursts from Clay. "Is Jeremy up there?"
"He's outside," was the muffled response. Alice left Lexy scolding Clay and opened the door to call in her family. Jeremy was sitting on the porch steps. "Oh! There you are," Alice said and sat next to him.
"Here I am," agreed Jeremy without much interest. "Everything alright?" Alice asked softly.
"Let's see." Jeremy rolled his eyes upwards as though pondering. "Yup. All's well with the world."
Alice didn't believe him and she falsely attributed his unease to nerves about racing. "You'll do fine, you know," she tried to reassure him. "Last time you ranked third. And remember how much fun it was?"
"Clay would win," Jeremy said, trying not to sound bitter. He knew it was foolish to compare himself to a man who'd grown up around horses. But Jeremy couldn't forget that he was representing the Logan family and the Logan's family business was horses. "If I don't rank high, it could reflect badly on..."
"Nonsense!" burst out Alice. "You think Clay's never lost a race?"
"Well, not recently," Jeremy said with a hint of a grin. His expression grew serious again. "I just don't want to disappoint anyone. I'm not..." He hesitated then plunged on. "I'm just not used to people having any expectation of me."
"Ah yes, expectations," Alice repeated with a nod. "Well, since you're not used to it I'll give you a quick and easy lesson about Pa's expectations." Jeremy gave her a smile to acknowledge her sympathy.
"Pa expects only one thing from you at that race. For you to do your best. How that pans out in the ranking at the end isn't very important to him."
"How can you say that?" protested Jeremy. "Winning isn't important? Of course it's important. Otherwise why do we do it?" Alice held up a hand to stop his outburst.
"Now I'm not saying he'd be unhappy if you won. I'm not saying he wouldn't be thrilled! But as long as you try hard, give it your all, as long as you do that, then he'll never be disappointed in you." As Jeremy still looked troubled she added, "Remember when Lexy said sometimes spirit counts more than speed?" Jeremy nodded. "Well, who do think taught her that?" Jeremy smiled and nodded again, conceding the point.
Lexy walked out the door. "Where is everyone? I thought it was supper time," she said. Alice stood.
"It is. Lexy, go and call the others and I'll get the food to the table."
*****
Jeremy had almost made it all the way into Lexington before he stopped. His horse, unbothered by the sudden interruption of their pace, took the opportunity to graze. Jeremy stared glumly at the path. What was he thinking? Did he think he could just magically conjure up money where none was? What was he going to do? Steal it? Jeremy remembered the last wallet he'd stolen - for Clay because it was the only way he knew how to fix the situation. Clay had insisted they return it. Jeremy shook his head with disgust at himself for contemplating trying the same trick. It was one thing to do that with their backs to the wall in a big city where no one knew them. There was no way he could pull it off in a town like Lexington. And if he couldn't pull it off...if he was caught... He'd promised Ned Logan to leave behind all con games.
He'd be on the street for sure if he stole from the Logan's friends and business associates. Jeremy turned his horse around to head back to the house. Asking for Ned's help was surely preferable to facing his wrath even if he dreaded the conversation.
So intent was Jeremy on rehearsing a speech for Ned that he didn't notice the men until they were nearly beside him. Surprised by their presence and close proximity Jeremy grew cautious. He couldn't remember seeing them around.
"Afternoon, Mr. Bradford," said the one on his right.
"Hello," responded Jeremy slowly.
"I understand you're riding in the race," the one on his left drawled. "For the Logans, I do believe?"
"That's right," replied Jeremy coolly. He was sure now that they meant trouble; he just wasn't certain exactly what kind of trouble.
"We have a proposition for you," the one on his right told him. Jeremy said nothing to this. He didn't think he was going to like this proposition. He considered trying to make a break for it but rejected the idea. Even if they weren't riding so close, they were undoubtedly carrying weapons.
"We'd appreciate it if you didn't win that race," said the left side man, as though chatting with a neighbour. Jeremy laughed. Partly, it was from nervousness, and partly from relief. If that was all they wanted it wasn't going too hard giving it to them. Still, it was always best to bluff when you didn't have the cards.
"I'm sure you would," he replied, eyes front.
"In fact," continued the left man with that annoyingly chatty tone. "We'd appreciate it so much we're willing to compensate you for your loss." Jeremy twisted around to stare at him with amazement.
"Is this some kind of joke?"
"I assure you, Mr. Bradford, it is no joke," the man on his right said somberly. "What say, $250 now, just as a show of our gratitude, and another $250 after the race is over," suggested the man on the left.
"Let me get this right," Jeremy said, astonished. "You're going to pay me to lose the race?"
"Not precisely, Mr. Bradford. We are paying you not to win the race," corrected the man on the right. "You can place anywhere else you like, as long as it isn't first." Jeremy didn't think he had any chance of doing better than third. Would taking the money be so dishonest since he wasn't going to win anyway? Jeremy pondered this. Faced with asking Ned for money, or taking it for doing nothing more than he was going to do already...
"You've got a deal," he told them.
"But Mr. Bradford," the man on his right warned. "Not a word of this to anyone."
"I'm not stupid!" protested Jeremy. "Aye and I'm sure you're not at that," agreed the man on his left. "But still we wouldn't want anything to happen to that lovely little Logan lass, now would we?"
"No," Jeremy said, upset at the thought.
"Good. Here you go then." And with that he tossed Jeremy a bundle of bills. "We'll see you after race." "Good day, Mr. Bradford." As they rode off Jeremy stopped his horse and examined the bundle. He couldn't believe what had just happened. It was like an answer to a prayer.
Jeremy started back home at a fast gait. He felt vaguely uneasy with a tiny prickling of conscience. He knew what he'd agreed to do was wrong. He also knew Ned Logan would take a very dim view of what had transpired. But more than this he felt overwhelming relief that his problem had been solved.
*****
Jeremy found Lexy working on her lessons in the drawing room. The house was quiet. He had already checked to be sure that Ned wasn't in his study.
"Hey Lex," he said jovially, sitting next to her.
"Hey yourself," she grumbled. "Pa's not happy you missed your lessons."
"Don't worry," Jeremy said. "I'll make up for it tomorrow. Lexy, will you help me with something?"
"I've got work to do," Lexy complained.
"But look!" Jeremy pulled the bundle of money from his pocket. "I've got the money. I just need help sending it." Lexy's eyes widened at the sight of the bills.
"Where did you get that?" she asked.
"I can't go into details now," Jeremy said hastily. Lexy looked at him suspiciously.
"You didn't take it from people, did you?" she asked, her voice low. "No." Jeremy shook his head.
"No. Absolutely not. It was given, not taken." Lexy looked down at her page of sums. She wanted to believe that Jeremy hadn't stolen the money but she couldn't believe someone had just given it to him either.
"It's sort of like a loan, see?" Jeremy tried to explain. "Will you help?" The loan explanation made more sense to Lexy, although she was still perplexed by Jeremy's reluctance to talk to her father. Still, helping him was a lot more interesting than arithmetic. "Ok, let's go," she agreed.
*****
Ned was standing by the track watching Jeremy practice when Sean approached. They followed Jeremy's progress in silence.
"He's doing well," commented Sean.
"That he is," agreed Ned, with some pride. "I've just come from the Jockey Club," Sean told his father. "And there was some news about the race." Jeremy had finished his circuit and now turned around to ride over to where they were standing.
"What news?" Jeremy heard Ned ask. "It seems both Harry Griffith and Tom Henderson have pulled their horses out."
"Why would they do that?" Jeremy asked with a sinking feeling.
"No riders," Sean said. "Colonel Griffith's was injured yesterday in training and Phil Henderson is in jail."
"In jail!" exclaimed Ned with surprise.
"What for?" questioned Jeremy sharply.
"Being drunk and disorderly, mostly. He instigated a brawl at the saloon. Poor Bob Wilson needed stitches after it was all through."
"That doesn't sound much like Phil," Ned mused.
"From what folks are saying he was goaded into it," Sean added. "Although...no one seems to remember exactly what happened." Ned shook his head and then looked up at Jeremy who was staring at his hands.
"Well that narrows the competition down a bit," Ned told Jeremy, trying to be cheerful.
"I guess," Jeremy mumbled.
"Go take care of the horse," suggested Ned. "It's almost time for your lessons."
"Yes sir." Jeremy seemed relieved to retreat. Ned watched him go, with a puzzled look.
"Pa?" Sean's voice brought Ned's attention back to his son. "Colonel Griffith said he was going to stop by to see you about something."
*****
Ned ushered Harry into his study. His old friend looked worried.
"I'm sorry to hear you're out of the race," Ned said, offering a cigar. Harry took the cigar but didn't light it.
"Ned, I'm very disturbed about something. Very disturbed." He sat down and fiddled with the cigar. Ned sat at his desk.
"What's on your mind, Harry?" he asked seriously.
"I was wondering..." Harry paused as though reluctant to proceed. Ned nodded to encourage him. "Clay's accident. Was there...anything about it to make you think it wasn't an accident?" Ned's eyebrows flew up momentarily and then his forehead creased.
"What on earth would make you ask that?"
"What happened to Clay?" persisted Harry. Ned made a non-committal gesture.
"He was trying the jumping course with Lexy. Foolish of him but... Anyway, his horse balked at the jump and reared, throwing him. He got a clip to the collarbone in the fall." Ned shrugged. "It was stupid and avoidable if he'd been thinking, but it was an accident." Harry was silent.
"What happened to your rider?" Ned asked softly.
"Bad fall," Harry said shortly. "His saddle had been...tampered with." Ned's eyes widened.
"You think someone was trying to hurt him?"
"More than that, Ned," Harry said somberly. "I think someone wanted him out of the race. The same someone who wanted Phil Henderson out of the race. And Clay too, if he weren't already out of it." Ned sat forward in his chair.
"Harry, do you realize what you're saying?"
"Yes, I do," Harry replied quietly. "I take it you've heard nothing that would make you suspicious?" Ned shook his head, leaning back in his chair once more. "This is the first I've heard of the possibility."
"And Jeremy has had no 'accidents'? No trouble that you know of?"
"None," Ned said. "But then, he probably wouldn't be considered a serious threat..." His voice trailed off.
"I don't know about that, Ned." Harry managed a weak smile. "I'd say he's a threat now."
*****
Jeremy paced in his room. Oh what a mess! He couldn't see any clear way out of this. He'd stewed all through the lessons, barely aware of the tutor's words. He'd taken the money. Not only that but he'd sent it to his mother so he couldn't return it. He'd agreed not to win. But what hadn't seemed likely at the time was now a possibility. And he'd promised not to tell anyone. The thinly veiled threat directed at the younger Logan daughter weighed heavily on Jeremy's mind. How could he tell Ned? What would happen then? But how could he not?
Jeremy sat on his bed with a thump. He thought he'd never been so miserable. Alice's words came back to him. "...as long as you try hard, give it your all, as long as you do that, then he'll never be disappointed in you." Somehow Jeremy felt certain that Ned would know if he didn't try his best to win. Better to tell Ned now than to try to explain it later. Feeling a little better, but not that much, for having made a decision, Jeremy left his room in search of the senior Logan.
*****
Clay's eyes followed his father as the older Logan paced the room. He glanced over at Sean who looked uneasy but calm. Pa, well he looked like a cannon about to blow. Ned stopped moving and turned to Clay.
"You're sure there's no way your fall was anything but an accident?" he asked sharply. Clay opened his mouth but it was Sean who answered.
"Pa," he said reasonably, "it was three weeks ago."
"It was just bad luck," put in Clay. "It was just a stupid..."
"Yes, it was stupid!" interrupted Ned. He resumed his pacing. If Clay still hadn't felt sore he would have slouched in his chair.
"Pa." Sean tried again to be the voice of reason. "We don't know that Colonel Griffith's theory is anything more than just a theory. It could just be a coincidence..." Ned interrupted again.
"A coincidence? Is it a coincidence that his rider's girth strap was cut? Is that what you'd call a coincidence?" Sean looked to Clay for support but Clay was silent. It was a change for him to have his father rant about someone else and he didn't want to bring that wrath down upon himself.
"And Phil Henderson?" continued Ned, slightly calmer. "You know Phil. Is he the type to start some kind of bar room brawl?"
"I agree it looks contrived but we don't have any proof," stated Sean.
"You don't suppose William Winters is behind this, do you?" suggested Clay timidly. Ned swatted the idea away with a hand.
"William's not smart enough to pull something like this off. And Vivian wouldn't let him anyway. The Winters have to do business in this town."
"I don't know, Pa," Clay rushed on with enthusiasm for his idea. "He'll do just about anything to win. Remember how Clancy was attacked before the election? And William once tried to hit my hands with his crop during a race. 'Course I still won but..."
"Clay!" Ned snapped and then sighed. "There's a big difference between trying to throw another rider off stride and trying to fix a race."
"Results the same," mumbled Clay, shifting uncomfortably. Ned brought his fists down heavily on his desk causing both his sons to jump.
"DAMN this makes me angry! Anyone who'd throw a race is no better than a horse thief! Hanging's too good for them!"
"Perhaps you'd prefer a firing squad?" suggested Sean. Ned sat in his chair, his anger spent. He ran a tired hand through his hair and looked at his boys.
"What are you going to do?" asked Clay. Ned pondered a moment.
"We are going to carry on, business as usual."
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" questioned Sean. "If we pull out now then they really have fixed it, haven't they," Ned said. He stood, feeling more decisive. "Now Jeremy stands a good chance of winning that race tomorrow and I sincerely hope he does! Not only for his sake, and ours, but to thwart the despicable efforts of those responsible for this mess."
*****
Jeremy ran out of the house blindly, seeking only to get away from the sound of Ned's voice. He hadn't meant to eavesdrop but Ned's anger had made it difficult to miss hearing. No better than a thief.... Hanging too good for him.... Jeremy fled before he could hear more. He couldn't face Ned with the truth now.
*****
Alice approached her father with caution. She had heard most of his outburst even through a closed door. Sean gave her a comforting pat on the shoulder as he left the room. Ned seemed lost in thought.
"Pa?" she called to get his attention. "Can I talk to you about something?" Ned smiled at her and tried to relax but the furrow of worry didn't quite leave his brow.
"What is it sweetheart?" Alice marvelled at how quickly Pa could switch from anger to gentleness.
"It's about Jeremy. I saw him leave the house just now and he looked really upset. I think...I think he's worried about the race tomorrow. I think he's worried you'll be disappointed in him for some reason." Ned stood up and took her hand.
"Well, finally a problem I can do something about!" he said. "Where is he?"
*****
As he walked towards the barn, Ned berated himself for his earlier outburst. If Jeremy had overheard then he would really be feeling the pressure to win now. Not just for the sake of winning, but to foil a bunch of no good thugs... Ned felt his blood begin to boil again so he took a moment to try to calm down before entering the barn.
He could hear Isaac's calm voice recounting a tale of a past race...about Clay being so nervous he'd nearly put the saddle on backwards. Ned smiled with the memory. Jeremy did look strained, he decided and Ned gave himself more chiding for not being aware of it sooner.
"It's hard to imagine Clay nervous about a race. He's always so confident," Jeremy commented.
"Well he's got a right to that confidence," Isaac said gently. "That boy was practically born on a saddle." Suddenly Jeremy felt, rather than saw Ned's presence and he stiffened slightly, expecting the axe to fall.
Sensing Jeremy's unease, Isaac looked around. Ned came forward. "It's natural to feel nervous before a race and if you think Clay doesn't feel it it's just because he hides it well. He's had a lot of practice at that," Ned told Jeremy.
"I suppose," agreed Jeremy.
"I don't want you to put unnecessary pressure on yourself by making comparisons with Clay. You're a good rider. You've practiced hard and you've learned a lot. Now just go out there and do your best."
Jeremy felt a little sick to his stomach but smiled wanly.
"That's all I ask," Ned added, gently.
*****
Funny that Jeremy had never before noticed the difference in view one got from a horse. Prior to mounting he hadn't been able to see the two men who'd paid him to lose. But once on his horse almost immediately he spotted them. The chatty one nodded and tipped his hat but otherwise paid him no attention. Alice handed him his gloves.
"Remember, this is supposed to be fun," she teased. Jeremy's smile was a little sad.
"I'll try to remember that." Alice retreated to join the rest of the Logans in the crowd. While they moved into position Jeremy wondered which of the other riders was the one designated to win. And which of the others had been paid off like him. Indecision plagued him like an annoying mosquito buzzing in his ear.
As they made ready to start Jeremy suddenly realized how much he really wanted to win this race.
Money be damned! He'd deal with the consequences later. He always did.
*****
Even Clay couldn't help feeling a rush of pride as Jeremy crossed the finish line, winning by a length. Lexy jumped up and down and Sean spun Alice around. Ned, with the biggest grin, clapped Clay on the back, causing his son to wince slightly with discomfort. 'Were they this excited when I won?' Clay thought.
He had to admit they were and this made him feel better as he moved forward to congratulate Jeremy. Jeremy's grin was from ear to ear as he accepted hugs from the girls and handshakes from the boys. Ned, in a completely natural show of affection, swept him into a hug and said,
"I'm proud of you, son." It was a moment Jeremy savored, all the more so because he knew it wouldn't last very long.
While he accepted his trophy, amid smiles and laughter and pats on the back, Jeremy's eyes darted around the crowd. His smile froze in place when he spotted them. Not only did they seem unhappy, they looked menacing.
The memory of their threat towards Lexy made Jeremy reach out to take her hand. She squeezed his fingers and beamed at him. Jeremy knew that it was only the crowd and the public setting that protected him. Neither would shield him for very long.
*****