Mystery Rider (8 page)

Chapter Twelve

Kate gasped. “What happened? How badly were you hurt?”

Mrs. Maynard's eyelids fluttered. “A big piece of jagged glass hit my face and tore it open, and my leg and ribs were broken. But I was lucky. My best friend, who was in the backseat with me, was killed. The boy who was driving walked away with only a broken arm, but the other boy in the front had a severe head injury and was in a coma for over a month. All because we didn't see a problem with having a few drinks to help us celebrate.” She shook her head. “If only we could go back and make better decisions for our lives … but that's not possible.”

“What happened then?” Tori barely breathed the question.

“They didn't have the type of reconstructive surgery back then that is available today. There was a lot of broken glass in my face wound, and it tore through muscles, not just the flesh. The doctor did the best he could at our small hospital, but my parents didn't have the money for a specialist who might have done better. That accident changed my life. The boy I was dating broke up with me when he saw my scar, and I was unable to complete my responsibilities as rodeo queen, due to my injuries. The emotional scars I carried as a result of the accident, and how ugly it left me, made me a recluse in my own home.” A tear trickled down her wrinkled cheek.

Melissa's face contorted. “But that's terrible. How did you stand it? I would have wanted to die.”

“That's how I felt for a long time. It took months for the wound to heal, and even longer before the red started to fade. My ribs and leg healed, but I was broken inside. My parents urged me to see my old friends, but I didn't want to, and my friends eventually quit calling or coming by. When they'd visited in the hospital, I saw the horror and pity in their eyes. I didn't want anyone's pity, and I wouldn't be an object of ridicule. So I cut them off, believing it was best for them and for me.”

Melissa nodded. “I understand.”

Kate blinked, suddenly realizing what Melissa must have been feeling. When her friends found out Melissa's family wasn't rich like they'd believed, Melissa must have faced those same reactions. She'd pulled inward and cut herself off from them rather than deal with the whispers and gossip. What kind of courage had it taken for Melissa to come to the barn the day they were painting the fence and take the chance the three of them wouldn't reject her as well?

Kate wasn't sure she could have done it, and new respect rose in her heart for Melissa. All Melissa's cutting remarks were probably to cover up her own fear and pain. From now on, she was going to be kind to Melissa, no matter how snotty she acted. Kate had a feeling it might take Melissa a while to trust their friendship, but she was determined to prove it was real.

And poor Mrs. Maynard. Kate couldn't imagine what she must have gone through—being crowned rodeo queen, then losing it all due to someone who'd been drinking. She shuddered, remembering what her parents had always taught her about being responsible and making good choices. That made even more sense now that she'd heard Mrs. Maynard's story.

Melissa's gaze stayed fixed on Mrs. Maynard, as though she was trying to discover something important. “So you didn't leave the house the rest of your life? That must have been awful.”

“No, dear. Only that first year. Then one day my parents convinced me to attend church with them again. The pastor had visited faithfully since my accident, and not once did I see disgust or pity when he looked at me, so I decided to go. I told my parents I'd sit in the back, and if one person gasped or sneered, I'd leave and never come back.”

“What happened?” Colt asked.

She drew in a long, slow breath as though remembering, then released it with a soft sigh. “A few people greeted me and told me they'd been praying for me, and others simply nodded and smiled. But one young man came over, grasped my hands, and stared right into my eyes, not even noticing my face. He said that God had placed me on his heart from the time he'd heard about the accident, and he'd been praying daily ever since. He introduced himself as Joshua Maynard.” She gave them a warm smile. “And I'm guessing you can figure out the rest of the story.”

Melissa relaxed in her chair, all the tension seeming to drain from her. “You married him.”

Mrs. Maynard chuckled. “Not right away. It took me months before I trusted him enough to go out with him, and another couple of years before he convinced me my scars didn't matter—that he loved me for who I was, not what I looked like. Besides, he said he thought I was beautiful, and that's all that mattered. He saw into my heart and loved what he saw, and I loved him for it until the day he died ten years ago, and I still do.”

Tori swiped at her eyes. “That's cool. But I don't understand why you don't want to come out of your house now.”

“I'm tired, dear. And most of my old friends have moved or died or gone to an old folks' home. The new people don't know my story, and I get tired of dealing with the stares. I still don't care for pity, and sometimes it's easier to stay home with Sam, Starlight, and Milton.” Her face clouded over. “That is, until Sam died. I'm lonelier than I expected.”

Melissa got up, went to the older lady's side, and knelt in the grass by her chair. “I'd like to come visit you again, if that's all right?”

The story Mrs. Maynard told must have really touched Melissa
, Kate thought, startled. “I want to come too.”

Colt nodded. “I was thinking if you're not feeling well, we could help with your yard work. I'm pretty good at planting stuff and hauling bark chips, and I'll bet the girls wouldn't mind doing a little housework, or whatever else you need.”

Tori bounced in her seat. “I'd love to exercise Starlight—I don't mean ride him—but I could take him out of his pen on walks or lunge him. I'm good at that.” She suddenly wilted. “If Mom agrees.”

Mrs. Velasquez smiled. “It's a nice thought, but we don't want to impose on Mrs. Maynard.”

The older lady looked from one to the other. “Goodness! It wouldn't be imposing. I'd love if the children came to visit again, although they certainly don't need to do work. Tori, if you'd like to go make friends with Starlight, feel free. But don't enter his pen. He's not partial to strangers.”

Kate squeezed her lips together to keep from giggling at Mrs. Maynard's use of
children.
Of course, at Mrs. Maynard's age, even a nineteen-year-old might seem like a child, much less a bunch of thirteen-year-olds. “I'll help wherever you need me. It's not like we have much planned for the summer.”

Melissa groaned. “Except for that parade, and we still don't have any banners for our horses.”

Colt sighed. “Maybe we should ditch the idea.”

Mrs. Maynard's brows rose. “What's this about a parade?”

Kate opened her mouth to answer, then thought of Melissa. She had brought up the subject, and she was supposed to be the head of their committee. Maybe letting Melissa answer would show a bit of trust. She tipped her head. “Melissa is the head of our parade committee.”

Melissa straightened, and her face brightened. “We were pumped when we first talked about the idea, but it hasn't come together like we'd hoped. Kate and her family own a boarding stable where we all keep our horses.”

Tori swiveled and stopped her advance toward the nearby corral. “All except me. I mean, I don't have my own horse. I use Mr. Gray, the lesson horse at the barn. He's really sweet.” She tossed a longing look at Starlight. “But he's not near as pretty as your horse.”

Mrs. Maynard's face crinkled in a wide smile. “He's special, that's for sure,” she called as Tori continued toward the corral. Then the older woman turned to Melissa. “You said something about banners for the horses. Is that what you meant by things not coming together?”

“Yes. We'd like to advertise the barn by riding our horses and having nice banners over their rumps, but we're not sure how to come up with the money for the fabric or what we should wear.”

“I see.” She rested her head against the back of her chair and closed her eyes.

Kate's mom pushed to her feet. “I think we need to go. We don't want to tire you.”

“No, no.” Mrs. Maynard opened her eyes. “Let's check on the girl who's so interested in my horse. Tori, I believe her name is.” She took her time rising and shook her head when Colt stepped near and offered his hand. “I'm fine, young man, but thank you. The doctor says I should rest, but I also need a certain amount of exercise to keep my joints limber.”

She walked at a slow pace toward the corral, with Kate's and Tori's mothers following behind a ways. Tori leaned on the fence, her hand outstretched to the black gelding. Starlight nuzzled her palm and nickered. “My goodness, how unusual. Starlight doesn't like many people. In fact, he never comes near a stranger, and sometimes I have trouble catching him. He must sense something special about you.”

Tori's cheeks flushed, but she kept her gaze on the horse. “
He's
the special one. As soon as I whispered his name, he came up to me.”

“Has he allowed you to touch him?” Mrs. Maynard squinted at Tori.

“Yes. I stroked his face, but I think he's expecting a treat.”

“I wouldn't be surprised. I'm afraid I've spoiled him.”

“How old is he? Have you had him all his life?”

“He's fourteen, and yes, I owned his mother and raised Starlight from birth. He's the smartest and kindest horse I've ever owned, but like I said, he doesn't take to many people. Never has. I had a trainer come once, and she had a dickens of a time catching him. Then he refused to budge when she got on, and she even laid her spurs into his side.” She shook her head and clucked. “I'd told her not to wear them, but she wouldn't listen. Thought she knew best.”

Kate moved up beside them. “What happened?”

Mrs. Maynard gurgled a laugh. “He didn't hurt her, if that's what you're asking. But he did a lot of dancing, along with a couple of crow hops that convinced her she didn't want to stay on long. The trainer told me I'd misled her when I said he was broke to ride, and she didn't care to work with a horse that was green and ill mannered. I told her he was completely broke, but he didn't like spurs or a rough hand. She didn't return. Starlight and I didn't care.” She crooned to the horse and stroked his face.

Melissa strolled over and climbed on the rails, then held out her hand. “Hey, Starlight. Can I pet you too?”

The horse shied and snorted.

Colt chuckled and leaned against a rail several feet from Melissa. “Don't feel bad. I bet he won't come for me either.” He reached through the rails and clucked his tongue. “Come on, boy. We're not going to hurt you.”

Fascinated, Kate watched as Starlight shook his head and pawed the dirt. She wasn't going to try. Apparently this horse had decided he liked Mrs. Maynard and Tori, and that was it. But she was thankful Colt had tried, or Melissa might have felt like she'd been rejected again—even if it was only a horse.

The last thing Kate wanted was Melissa being jealous of Tori and causing trouble for her friend. She planned to continue to be kind to Melissa and help her feel a part of their group, but there was no way she'd put up with her taking out her frustration on Tori. She was probably the kindest girl Kate knew, and Tori didn't deserve that.

Mrs. Maynard gave Tori an approving look. “He likes you, young lady. Would you care to groom him for me? I'm afraid I've neglected him of late—at least, I haven't spent the time I usually do since I've been sick.”

Kate held her breath. Tori had always been afraid of strange horses, but she'd offered to exercise Starlight.

Tori nodded eagerly. “Yes, ma'am, I'd like that.” She turned to her mother, who stood nearby. “Is it okay, Mom?”

Kate knew Tori was remembering what a difficult time they'd had convincing Mrs. Velasquez to allow Tori to work at Mountain View Equestrian Center a few months ago. Tori had come a long way with the riding lessons she'd taken at that barn, then at the Ferrises', and Kate couldn't have been more proud of her friend.

Mrs. Velasquez paused, looking uncomfortable. “I suppose, if Mrs. Maynard says her horse is safe, and he's tied up or someone is holding him. I don't want you in the pen with him loose, though.”

Mrs. Maynard took a halter and rope off a nail on a post, then swung open the gate. Starlight gave a gentle nicker and moved toward her, his body relaxed and his head extended. She slipped the halter on and secured it, then led him to the fence and tied the rope to the top rail.

The next several minutes were spent gathering the grooming tools, then Tori went to work, crooning over the black gelding as she brushed out his mane. “You're a beautiful boy. Did you know that? I'll bet you're the smartest horse in the county, if not the entire state.”

Melissa rolled her eyes. “Now that might be taking it a little too far.” She glanced at Mrs. Maynard. “No offense meant, ma'am.”

The older lady smiled. “None taken, but I have to agree with Tori. Starlight is the smartest horse I've ever met, and I've been around plenty in my almost seventy years.” She looked at Colt. “Young man, would you mind staying here with Tori? I have something to do inside, and I'd like Kate and Melissa to accompany me.”

She peered at Kate and then Melissa, and her voice dropped to a husky whisper. “That is, if you aren't worried I'll kidnap you or bury you in my basement.”

Chapter Thirteen

Melissa shivered and rubbed her hands on her arms, then glanced at Kate, who gave her a huge grin and a wink.

Kate couldn't believe Melissa had fallen for Mrs. Maynard's joke, but Melissa was the one who'd believed all the gossip to the point she'd refused to return, until they received the letter.

Melissa glared at Kate, then swung toward Mrs. Maynard. “Are you making fun of me?”

“Why no, dear. But I've heard the rumors and know what many of the children and teens in this town think. I thought you'd appreciate my attempt at humor. I'm sorry if it frightened you. If Kate's willing to come, you're more than welcome to stay with your friends. Or one of the ladies can accompany me instead, if anyone is concerned about it being suitable for you girls.”

Kate's mother chuckled. “I'm not a bit worried. Kate can go if she'd like to, and Melissa, please do stay with us if you'd rather.”

Kate grinned. “I'd love to.” Her smile faded as she saw uncertainty flash across Melissa's face. She held out her hand. “Come on. I want you along, Melissa.”

The girl's lips formed a little O. “Really? Cool! I mean … sure, I suppose it isn't a big deal.”

Mrs. Maynard gave an approving nod. “Since that's settled”—she glanced at Tori—“will you and Colt be all right? You don't feel left out, I hope.”

Colt draped an arm over the paddock rail. “I'm good. I'm guessing it's gonna be girl stuff anyway, so I'll hang out with the horse. And Tori,” he said, almost as an afterthought.

Tori huffed, then giggled. “I guess I can't be mad at that, since I'd rather hang out with Starlight than you, Colt.”

“Ouch! You wounded my pride.”

“Whatever.” Tori waved him away, then turned her attention to Starlight.

Kate's mom beckoned to Mrs. Velasquez. “Let's go sit in the shade where we can keep an eye on Pete—he's quite taken with Mrs. Maynard's cat. It would be nice to get out of this hot sun, and we can see the kids from the chairs. Besides, I think there's a little iced tea left in the pitcher.” She led the way to the tree where the wicker chairs were placed.

Kate looped her hand through Melissa's arm. “Let's go. Mrs. Maynard is already halfway to the house.”

“Right.” Melissa moved in time with Kate's step, then lowered her voice. “What do you think she's up to?”

Kate slanted a look at the girl. “You don't trust her?”

“I'm not sure. She seems nice enough, and I guess she was telling the truth about burying her dog, but why does she only want the two of us to come in her house?” She shivered. “It's strange, that's all.”

Kate quickened her pace as Mrs. Maynard held open the porch door and waited. “I guess we'll find out soon enough!”

Mrs. Maynard allowed them to enter the house, and she followed. Kate blinked, waiting for her eyes to adjust to the dim light. She glanced around, taking in her surroundings. It wasn't at all what she'd expected. But she wasn't sure exactly what she'd expected. A dump? A dingy mess that stank like garbage, or worse? “This is awesome!” She breathed the words and moved toward a glassed-in display of photos and trophies. “What are these from?”

Mrs. Maynard stepped close. “Those were taken of me during high school when I was showing horses and competing at barrel racing. That was my first love. I always thought I'd reach nationals one day, until I was in the accident.”

Melissa gulped. “Why would you give that up? Did your broken leg keep you from competing?”

“Yes, for a while. But mostly I simply gave up.” She tapped her chest. “In here.” Then she pointed at her head. “And mostly in here. I was convinced I would never amount to anything, due to this horrible scar. So I kept to myself and quit trying.”

Melissa stared at the photos. “You were beautiful.” She breathed the words as though saying a prayer. “I had no idea.” An instant later, she put her hand over her mouth. “I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it like that.”

Mrs. Maynard shook her head. “It's all right, dear. I'm too old now to care whether I kept my beauty or not, but back then, I thought I'd lost my entire world.”

Melissa glanced at her. “So going to church fixed everything?”

“Oh no. Not at all. Church can't fix anything that's wrong in the world. It can give a helping hand and show compassion, but true change and help only come from the Lord. He's the one who heals the brokenhearted and restores hope.” She peered at Melissa. “I see you don't know that for yourself, do you?”

Melissa ducked her head. “I dunno. Kate's told me a little about it, but it's all so new—and strange.”

“Yes, I imagine it would be. Give it time, Melissa. And keep your heart open. If you ask God to show Himself to you, He will. Of that I am certain.” She smiled and pointed toward the far side of the tidy living room that oozed comfort and warmth. “I need to go upstairs. Will you girls accompany me?”

“Sure.” Kate fell in behind Mrs. Maynard, then looked back at Melissa. “You coming?”

“Uh. Yeah. I guess.” Melissa darted a wary look at the dark staircase, then made a face. “Sorry. I'm being stupid.” In two long strides, she caught up with Kate and the older woman. “I can't wait to see what you want to show us.”

Apprehension slithered through Kate as Mrs. Maynard stopped at the base of a dark, narrow staircase when they reached the second floor. Silly. She shouldn't have been listening to Melissa's nonsense. But why would Mrs. Maynard take them up to the attic? “Are we going up there? Do we need a flashlight?”

“Certainly not.” Mrs. Maynard flipped a switch on the wall. “I had electricity wired in the attic two decades ago.”

Melissa exhaled loudly. “Good. I'll admit I'm not crazy about dark places where there might be spiders.”

“I don't blame you, and that's why I keep this handy as well.” She plucked a flyswatter off a nail next to the switch. “Now that we're armed with light and a weapon, let's go.”

Kate giggled, envisioning the older woman marching into battle armed only with a flyswatter as a giant spider dangled overhead. Then she sobered, wondering how far that might be from the truth. “What's up there?” She hated that her voice shook the tiniest bit, but she couldn't help it.

Melissa grasped Kate's hand. “Yeah. That's what I was wondering.”

“You'll see if you're patient. I think you'll be happy you trusted me once we're upstairs.” She trudged up the stairs and swung the door open at the top. A musty odor drifted out. “Are you girls coming?”

The two girls looked at each other, and Kate gave a brief nod. “All right. Let's go.”

They trooped up the stairs after Mrs. Maynard, but they didn't let go of each other's hands. Kate hoped they'd made the right decision trusting this woman. Of course, their mothers were right outside, and Mrs. Maynard was small, so what did they have to be afraid of?