The Family Diamond

“Yes, I’d be offended,” Spencer began. “But I—”

“It’s just that I know you don’t wholeheartedly believe I’ll be able to do anything,” she cut in. “That translates to negative energy, and it’s been my experience that horses of Indigo’s caliber are usually highly sensitive creatures. He’s bound to pick up on that negativity.”

Spencer’s mouth curved into a smile. “You didn’t let me finish. You’re right I’m skeptical, but that’s because the stories I’ve heard about you make you out to be some kind of magician, a horse whisperer if you will.”

Maura opened her mouth to protest, but he raised a hand to stop her.

“The truth is, my back is against the wall. I’m running out of time and options, and I have nothing to lose and everything to gain by giving you a free hand. I’ll leave you to weave your…magic,” he said. “No offense intended,” he added with a grin.

A tingle of awareness shimmied through her, and Maura wondered if Spencer knew how potent was his smile.

“Thank you. I appreciate your honesty,” she said. “I’m sure any story you heard has been embellished in the telling. But I’ll be honest, too. While my methods might work with some horses, I’ve had my share of failures.

“Every situation has its challenges, every animal is unique,” Maura went on. “I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to find that…ah…magical solution for Indigo, but the sooner I get started the better.”

“Fine. I’ll leave you to it.” With a nod he turned and strode away.

Maura drew a steadying breath and turned her attention to Indigo. She opened the door of his stall and stood studying his large frame, noting with admiration his clean lines and classic bone structure.

Aware of her presence, Indigo turned his head to stare at her. One look into his eyes confirmed he was a highly intelligent animal. His natural curiosity brought him over to where she stood, and when she extended her hand, palm up, he blew on it before turning to munch on the hay in the feed basket hanging nearby.

“You are a handsome fellow and no mistake,” Maura told him, keeping her voice low. She moved inside the stall and was pleased when Indigo’s only reaction was to throw her a cursory glance and continue eating.

Maura approached him and stroked his neck, allowing him to get accustomed to her presence. After a few minutes she placed both hands on his muscled shoulder and slowly began to move down his body toward his rear, noting as she did that he pressed against her hands and away from the wall of the stall.

Maintaining the pressure, she pushed against him and felt his muscles ripple seconds before his left hind foot kicked out. Maura immediately removed her hands and stepped back. Talking softly to him, she began stroking his neck once more.

She was encouraged by the fact that neither her presence nor her actions had caused him great concern. She proceeded to conduct a few more small tests, wanting to eliminate the possibility that he was being or had been abused.

His reactions to several threatening movements gave no such indication, but when she tried a second time to push him against the wall of his stall, he became restless and agitated, a sign she immediately connected with mild claustrophobia.

She stayed for another half hour settling him down and getting him accustomed to her voice, her touch and her scent. Exiting the stall, she wandered around on her own.

At the far end of the row of horse stalls she caught sight of Spencer talking to one of the men. Not wanting to intrude, she retraced her steps and made her way through the security gates and on up the path leading to the house.

The sun had begun its steady climb into a blue sky, and the temperature was already in the sixties. On reentering the kitchen, Maura was instantly assailed with the tantalizing smell of freshly baked muffins.

“Good morning!” The greeting came from Elliot Diamond, who stood at the sink. “Help yourself to coffee,” he offered. “And there are bran muffins on the table. Did Spencer give you the grand tour?”

“Yes, he did,” Maura replied. “You have a wonderful facility here,” she said as she poured herself a cup of coffee.

“Thank you. Spencer deserves all the credit,” his father said proudly. “Ever since he took over from me ten years ago he’s put his heart and soul into the business and made it what it is today. But if you want my honest opinion, he spends far too much time working and rarely takes a break.

“His mother and I had hoped his marriage to Lucy would change all that, and I suppose for a while it did…” Elliot stopped. He turned his attention to the sink, almost as if he regretted his words.

“He must have been devastated when his wife died,” Maura commented, hoping Elliot would continue to talk about his son. Instead he changed the subject.

“I suppose you met the pride of our stable?”

“If you mean Indigo, yes. And he’s magnificent,” Maura replied, her tone sincere. “I hope I can find a way to change his behavior.”

“I wish you luck,” Elliot said dryly. “We’ve tried everything. Much as I hate to say it, I think he’s a lost cause. I doubt he’ll race again.”

“My father the optimist.” The comment came from Spencer who’d appeared at the back door.

“Sorry, Son,” Elliot said looking suitably repentant. “But you have to admit, what you need is a miracle.”

“Dad, you probably don’t realize it, but you’ve just insulted our guest.” Humor laced his voice. “I did that in Kentucky, to my cost, I might add.” He flashed a dazzling smile.

“Maura has come all this way to try to help us out,” Spencer continued. “Don’t you think we should give her our support? Besides, miracles do happen. And we’ve invested too much money in Indigo to write him off just yet.”

“You’re right,” Elliot was quick to reply. He turned to Maura. “I hope you’ll accept my apology. My comment wasn’t directed at you personally or meant as a criticism.”

“No offense taken,” she assured him with a smile.

“If you’ll excuse me,” Elliot went on. “I promised my wife I’d take her into town this morning. Maura, please make yourself at home. We find that works best around here. I’ll see you both later.” With a wave he was gone.

Maura crossed to the table and reached for one of the muffins. Breaking off a piece she popped it into her mouth.

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