Dark Fire, Page 3

  “I would like to see his face when he sees the clean stalls tomorrow morning,” said Angelica. “Then he will know you were not frightened of him. He will know you came back.”

  “If he even comes into the stable in the morning,” said Lisa. “Sometimes he doesn’t take care of the horses for a whole day at a time. They get so hungry and thirsty. And the strange thing is, he doesn’t turn them out even though it would be a lot less work for him. It’s almost like he forgets they exist.”

  When they were finished with Jupiter’s stall, Angelica moved on to Topper’s stall and Lisa started working in Dakota’s. The black and grey spotted Appaloosa pony nosed Lisa as she worked. “I know you want to get out, boy,” she said. “Maybe tomorrow you’ll have a chance.”

  Angelica moved on to Firefly’s stall as soon as Topper’s straw was spotless, and Lisa began to brush the horses and pick their hooves. As soon as Angelica was done she began to help with the grooming. Soon all four horses were clean and content. Jupiter was finishing the last of his hay. When Lisa went to his stall door, he sighed contentedly. Angelica came up beside her. “He loves you so much,” she said to Lisa. “I can see it in his eyes.”

  “He likes you too,” said Lisa. “I’m amazed at how relaxed he is with you in the stable. He took weeks to get used to Mr. Pickering, and he’s already more relaxed around you after just one night. It’s amazing.”

  Angelica smiled and stroked Jupiter’s face. “Some have said I have a way with horses.”

  “You do,” replied Lisa. “And to me, that’s the biggest compliment a person can give.”

  “Thanks,” said Angelica.

  “See you tomorrow, Jupie,” Lisa whispered and kissed the black gelding on the nose. “You sleep well tonight, and I should be able to come visit sometime tomorrow.”

  “I will be here early, so do not worry if you can not come until later,” said Angelica.

  “Thanks.”

  Lisa led Angelica back the way she had come. The entire house was dark now. The lights had been turned off in the library as well, but Lisa could still see dark heaps on the floor in the glow of the almost full moon. She knew they must be the books Jimmy had been throwing down.

  I thought Mr. Pickering stopped him from trashing the library, thought Lisa when she noticed there were a lot more books scattered on the floor than when she went by the library earlier. She frowned. Why didn’t Mr. Pickering stop him? wondered Lisa. Did he want Jimmy to look through all the books? I’m going to talk to Mr. Pickering tomorrow even if I have to go up to the front door and risk Jimmy answering the doorbell. I have to find out what’s going on.

  Suddenly Lisa’s thoughts were pulled away from the mess in the library. “Did you hear that?” she whispered to Angelica. She could hear the strange humming noise again. Lisa closed her eyes and tried to concentrate, but she still couldn’t define what the sound was or even which direction it was coming from. It was there for only a few seconds and then slowly, slowly, it disappeared into the stillness of the night. She heard a thump come from the stable and looked back into the darkness.

  “Do not worry,” whispered Angelica in a soft voice. “One of the horses kicked at their stall once more.”

  “They’re getting so tired of being inside,” Lisa whispered back just as quietly. “Maybe tomorrow, after I talk to Mr. Pickering, we can let them out in the pasture to run for a while.”

  In a few minutes, they reached Lisa’s house and crept into the back yard. A dog barked twice and Lisa jumped. “Neptune. Be quiet,” she commanded the German Shepherd. Neptune whined apologetically when he realized who it was and came forward to greet them, his tail wagging back and forth. Before Lisa climbed into her bedroom window, she turned back to Angelica.

  “Thanks again,” she whispered. “I’m so glad the horses have both of us now.”

  “Me too. I will see you tomorrow,” whispered Angelica in reply.

  “Hey, where is your house?” asked Lisa. “You said before that you lived nearby.”

  “Do not worry,” said Angelica. “I do not have far to walk.” Then she stepped back into the night.

  “Remember to be careful of Jimmy tomorrow,” said Lisa as she turned back toward her window. When there was no reply, she looked behind her. Her eyes searched the darkness for Angelica, but all she could see was the dog’s black form against the lawn.

  “Neptune?” she whispered. The dog’s paws whispered against the grass as he walked toward her. His soft panting seemed loud in the stillness. But she hadn’t heard Angelica walk away or seen her retreat across the lawn into the darkness. She was just gone.

  Chapter 11

  That was a close call. I do not think Lisa realized Jimmy was so near, waiting for us in the shadows. He knew we were there somewhere and was searching for us. I am glad Lisa knows to be nervous of him. Jimmy not only does not care when he hurts others, but even worse, he enjoys their pain. He is a dangerous man who has let evil overcome him.

  Thankfully Jupiter saved us tonight by kicking the door of his stall and distracting Jimmy. I hope Jimmy is not too hard on him. I hope he thinks it was Firefly. He seems to value her above the others. His attempt to strike her earlier was only half-hearted.

  Tomorrow I will find out more. I must discover Jimmy’s plan before it is too late.

  Chapter 12

  “Jupie!” The word burst from Lisa’s lips as she woke with a start. She had been dreaming that Jupiter was calling her. Neighing to her to come to him. No, she thought. Not neighing. He was screaming.

  She sat up in bed, breathing heavily, then slowly reached up and covered her face with her hands. It was just a dream, she reminded herself. She couldn’t remember what she had seen in her dream, but the sound of Jupiter’s screams seemed glued to the inside of her brain. And there had been another voice too. Her dad’s deep rumble telling her she would never see Jupiter again. That he was gone forever. Lisa raised her head. “It was just a stupid dream,” she said aloud.

  She stood and walked to the window. It was early morning and the sunlight across the back lawn was weak and rose coloured. Neptune was lying outside his doghouse staring into the sunrise, an absent look in his eyes. Behind her, the house was still. No one was awake yet. Lisa smiled. I don’t have to rush off to see the horses this morning, she remembered with pleasure. Angelica is taking care of them for me. With a yawn, she walked back to her bed and climbed under the covers, pushed the nightmare firmly out of her mind, and shut her eyes.

  It was late morning when she awoke the second time. Lisa stretched. She felt much more rested and relaxed. Her eyes opened, and she stared at the bright carpet for a few seconds, then shut them again. Just a few more minutes, she thought. I’ll lay here for just a few more minutes.

  Slowly, the noises of the house crept into her room. Cartoons were playing on the TV in the living room. She heard Molly run past her room and then her sister’s bedroom door slam shut. The loud bang made her think of Firefly kicking the wall of her stall. Then Molly opened and shut the door again. Her footsteps softly thudded past Lisa’s room as she ran toward the living room. Lisa breathed deeply and stretched again. It’s time to get up anyway, she thought. But it’s been a wonderful morning. This is the first time I’ve slept in for weeks.

  Lisa’s eyes opened again and she stared at the ceiling as her thoughts continued. I wonder why I haven’t seen Angelica around the neighbourhood. I know I would have remembered her if I saw her before. There’s something about her that’s different, very different. She’s so…strange! And it’s more than the fact she’s the most beautiful person I’ve seen in my whole life. I should ask her where she comes from. Or even more important, find out how she understands horses. I’d love to talk to Jupiter like she does.

  “Lisa?” a tiny voice came from the other side of her bedroom door. Lisa turned over and pulled the covers over her head, hoping Molly would think she was asleep and not come in. To her dismay, she heard the door open. I need to get a lock on my door, sh
e thought in frustration.

  “Lisa?” said Molly again, this time a little louder. Lisa held still and breathed deeply, trying to sound like she was asleep.

  “Lisa, it’s time to get up,” her mom said from the doorway.

  Lisa finally turned over. Molly was standing at the bed with a hopeful expression on her face. “I’m up, Mom,” Lisa said and grimaced at her little sister. Molly looked down at the floor and immediately Lisa felt bad. She’s just lonely, she realized. She wants to spend time with me. Everything that’s been happening in the family has been hard on her too. “Hey Molly,” Lisa said in a lighter voice as she pushed herself into a sitting position. “What’s up?”

  Molly looked at her shyly. “Can we go for a walk?” she asked.

  “But I just woke up,” Lisa protested.

  “That sounds like a wonderful idea, Molly,” said their mom. “I’m sure Lisa would love to go for a walk with you.”

  “Yeah, I’d love to,” said Lisa trying to sound cheerful, though she knew she’d rather do almost anything else. “Just let me get dressed first. You go get your shoes on and wait for me by the door.” She flopped back in bed and listened as Molly’s feet thudded along the floor as she ran toward the front door. With a groan, Lisa threw the covers back and got out of bed.

  “Your dad just left,” said Lisa’s mom. “He decided to leave a bit earlier than he had planned.”

  “That’s too bad,” answered Lisa, trying to keep the relief out of her voice.

  Lisa was ready to go in a couple of minutes. She met Molly at the door and began to help her on with her windbreaker. Her 4-year-old sister pushed her away.

  “I’m big now, Lisa,” she said. “I do it myself.” She pushed her short arms into the jacket and then tried to zip it up. Lisa had to help her fit the bottom of the zipper together, then Molly pulled the zipper upward along its track. “Let’s go to the pond, Lisa,” she said. “I want to see the frogs.”

  “No, we can’t go to the pond,” Lisa said in an impatient voice. “I’ve told you a thousand times, the pond belongs to Mr. Pickering now, not to us. We can climb the hill instead. That way you can see the pond down below. That’s the closest we can get.”

  “But I want to play in the pond,” whined Molly. “And I want to see D’kota.”

  Lisa looked up, silently imploring her mother to help her. “Lisa’s right,” said their mom to Molly. “Maybe you can go to the pond on another day.”

  “Then we can climb the big hill?” asked Molly.

  “Sure,” said Lisa holding out her hand. “We can take Neptune with us. You can even hold his leash if you want.” As she followed her little sister outside, Lisa grabbed Neptune’s leash from beside the door.

  Within a few minutes they were at the base of the hill. Lisa helped Molly through the fence and together they climbed along the gently sloping trail that switch backed to the top. The hill was part of the land belonging to their neighbours, a young couple doing their best to make a go of sheep farming. As long as Lisa kept Neptune on his leash, they didn’t mind that Lisa and Molly went onto their land. Lisa loved the view from the top of the hill. Her neighbour’s sheep looked so peaceful grazing in their green pastures. They always made her feel calmer, even on her most stressed days.

  On the other side of the hilltop, the view stretched over Evergreen Manor and its surrounding paddocks. Lisa could have spent hours staring over the green pastures and the big white house if she had the time. Except for being with horses, climbing the hill on a sunny day was her favourite thing to do. She would look over the land that had been her home, then read a few passages from whichever book she had decided to bring with her that day. When she looked back at the scene stretched before her, its beauty would startle her anew: the velvet pastures, the horses grazing when Mr. Pickering had them turned out, the house glowing in the sunlight, the trees swaying in the breeze. Every time it was as if she was seeing it for the first time. Now and then she even smelled the perfume from the rose garden behind the house. It was as if the wind was involved in a plot with Mr. Pickering to always make her feel wanted at her former home.

  Right from the beginning, Mr. Pickering had made her feel welcome. The first day he moved in, Lisa gathered her courage and rang his doorbell. When Mr. Pickering came to the door, he seemed happy to meet her. After she explained that she needed to help Jupiter learn to trust him, he asked her if she would help him take care of all the horses. Because of his arthritis, he explained, he couldn’t ride and he asked Lisa if she would be interested in riding the horses, one each day. Lisa had been overjoyed. For a few golden weeks during the summer, she spent every spare minute at Mr. Pickering’s house.

  She and Mr. Pickering became fast friends. He had had an interesting life, full of adventure and travel. He told her of the places he had been and the people and horses he had met. He recommended books for her to read and every time Lisa finished one, the two of them would discuss the author’s words in detail. At first Lisa wondered if it was right for her to enjoy his company so much, but then she decided he was like a grandpa or a favourite uncle.

  But when her dad found out about her friendship with the old man, the idyllic summer days became a thing of the past. Then Jimmy had showed up at Mr. Pickering’s door, and right after that Mr. Pickering became ill. Everything changed immediately. Lisa wasn’t welcome at Evergreen Manor anymore. The horses were rarely turned into the pastures and were forced to stand in dirty stalls, day after day, sometimes without food or water. He makes me so mad, thought Lisa as she followed Molly up the hill, allowing her to travel at her own speed. I wish he would just go away, back to the city or wherever he came from. I wish he would just disappear!

  “Look!” said Molly’s excited voice as she reached the top of the hill. She pointed toward Evergreen Manor. “D’kota! And Juter and Firefie and Topper.”

  Lisa turned toward the Manor. Molly was right. The four horses were grazing peacefully in the paddock in front of the house. As they watched, Jupiter raised his head and whinnied. He galloped toward the fence where a lone figure stood. Even from a distance, Lisa could see Angelica’s golden hair flashing in the sunlight. Jupiter slowed to a trot as he came close to the fence, then spun away. Molly giggled beside Lisa and reached out to hug Neptune. Firefly was the next to approach and then ran away. When Dakota trotted to Angelica, he pushed his muzzle into her hands and then backed away bobbing his head.

  Molly laughed as she watched the horses’ antics. “They want the angel to come play with them,” she said, giggling.

  “What do you mean Molly?” asked Lisa in a startled voice. “She’s not an angel.”

  “Yes she is!” insisted Molly. “I know she is. She’s an angel for horses.”

  Chapter 13

  “She’s not an angel, Molly,” said Lisa, impatiently. “Don’t be silly! She’s a girl like you and me.” She watched Angelica slip through the boards of the fence and begin to play with the horses. First she ran toward Jupiter and, when he wheeled away, she spun around and raced in the opposite direction as quick as a deer. Jupiter was puzzled and turned to follow her. When Angelica stopped with her back to him, he quietly walked up behind her. He touched her shoulder with his muzzle and she turned toward him, laughing. The sound of her laughter was like tiny silver bells tinkling in the distance.

  Lisa drew in her breath when Angelica leaped onto the black gelding’s back and they began to race around the paddock. The other horses—red chestnut, iron grey and leopard Appaloosa—leaped and jumped behind them, joyfully stretching their legs and tossing their heads. Lisa couldn’t take her eyes off Jupiter as his legs skimmed over the ground. He was so beautiful! So glorious!

  “Her hair is funny,” said Molly and pulled Neptune even closer to her.

  Lisa hadn’t looked closely at Angelica; her eyes had been so full of the beautiful horse that had once been hers. She focused on the girl clinging to his back and then blinked her eyes. “It must be an optical illusion,” she murmured
, more to herself than to her little sister. Angelica’s hair still shimmered in the sunlight, but it shimmered black, not gold. It was so long that the ends of it trailed over Jupiter’s back, blending in perfectly with his broad, black back.

  “What’s optal lusions?” asked Molly.

  “Not optal lusions, Molly,” said Lisa, looking down at her little sister. “Optical illusion. Optical means what you can see with your eyes, and illusion means something that looks like something else. So an optical illusion is when you see something that looks different from what it really is. You know, like a mirage in the desert,” she explained.

  “What’s mirror adje?” asked Molly.

  “Never mind,” said Lisa and looked back at the horses. They had stopped running and Angelica was back on the ground, her hair looking as golden as ever.

  “No, Lisa, tell me. What’s a mirror adje?” insisted Molly.

  “I’ll tell you what a mirage is as we walk down the hill,” said Lisa. “I have lots of things to do today besides take you and Neptune for walks.” And I can hardly wait to see Jupiter, she thought. He looked so wonderful running around! And Jimmy must be gone if Angelica is standing in the open like that. Hopefully Mr. Pickering is home so I can finally talk to him.

  Lisa tried to hurry Molly along, but it seemed to take forever to climb down the hill. Once they reached the bottom, Molly dawdled along, pulling seeds off the tall grass stalks and throwing them into the air. “I’m a farmer,” she kept saying. “I’m planting corn! Neptune is my cow!” By the time they reached the house, Lisa felt like she was going to burst, either from frustration at Molly’s slowness or from holding back her laughter at her little sister’s game.

  “Why don’t you go get your paints and paint a picture of Dakota running around the pasture,” suggested Lisa to her little sister, when they walked into the kitchen.

  “Will you paint with me, Lisa?” said Molly. “You can paint Juter and the angel.”