Hayley Argent Horse Mysteries: Books 1 - 4

By Ruby Loren

A horse psychologist with a nose for a mystery!

Four brilliant cozy mystery books in one boxed set:

Saddles and Sabotage
Reins and Robbers
Racehorses and Revenge
Manes and Murder

When mystery and murder come to call at the stables where Hayley Argent works, she is forced to turn her expertise to a new task - examining the psychology of a murderer.

Will she take the reins and reveal the killer?

Or has the murderer performed a perfect clear round?

Saddle up... Hayley is in for a bumpy ride!
 

Start reading these fun mysteries today!

Please note, these books were previously published under these titles. This is a rewritten and re-edited edition:

The Swallow's Storm
The Starling's Summer
The Falcon's Frost
The Waxwing's Winter

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ruby Loren
• Release date: Oct 15, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393100188

Book preview

Introduction

The swallows were dipping low when Taylor Jones led his horse out of the stable yard. He sensed the heaviness in the air, and when he looked up to the heavens, he saw purple thunderheads rolling over one another. This summer storm was going to be a big one.

He didn’t have much time.

Taylor swung himself into the saddle without needing to use a mounting block. The smell of worn leather and fresh hay circled him, mingling with the foreboding pressure of the storm. His calloused hands gripped the reins, and despite only just being clear of the stables, he nudged his horse into a trot.

Come on, Molotov, we’ve got to give it a shot, he said to the large, fluffy white horse between his legs. The big animal automatically switched to a canter, as if understanding the urgency its rider felt. Or perhaps it was the feeling of the electricity that crackled in the air, swirling around the thick atmosphere of the summer evening.

The wooden fence of the riding school rose into view, but Taylor didn’t bother to check Molotov’s speed. The horse cantered down the hill, ghostlike in the twilight. He sailed over the fence with all the ease of a bird taking flight, his hooves kicking the sand into the air when he landed on the other side without a hint of a stumble. An involuntary laugh of sheer wildness escaped Taylor’s lips. He moved with Molotov, shadowing his movements, as rider and horse became one.

Let’s go… just one clear round, then we’ll be done, he said. The horse pulled forwards, racing towards the first jump. Taylor barely noticed their flight over the three red and white striped poles. Before he could catch a breath, they were already upon the next obstacle - three jumps placed close together. It felt like there was magic in the air along with the electricity of the approaching storm as they jumped clear, jump after jump. Tonight, they were unstoppable.

Taylor bit his tongue when they approached the final jump - a challenging false brick wall that often unnerved both horse and rider. He felt it in his bones that this was the fastest clear round they’d ever completed. There was only one more obstacle in their way before it would be a new record.

Just one little jump…

Molotov neighed with fright and reared up as a horse materialised in front of him.

The runaway horse’s back legs kicked out, scoring a blow on Molotov’s belly that made him squeal in pain and surprise. Taylor caught a glimpse of a dapple-grey coat, flecked with foam and blood, before he was forced to hold on for dear life, or end up in the sand. He could only watch as the wild horse galloped onwards, clearing the same fence Taylor and Molotov had so recently jumped themselves. Stirrups flapped uselessly, and the strips of snapped reins whipped the air as the big horse tore up the hill, heading for home.

Easy boy, Taylor said to Molotov, who calmed beneath his touch. All thoughts of beating their best time had fled from his head as he dismounted and checked the horse’s belly. There was only a shallow cut where the other horse had kicked him. Did that horse look like Hadrian to you?

Molotov nickered in response.

Taylor thought about the state the other horse had been in when he’d run out of the woods that bordered the riding school. He’d looked like he’d gone completely mad.

Something terrible must have happened.

Come on. We’ve got to get help, Taylor said, realighting and nudging Molotov’s sides. The big horse sensed his urgency and jumped straight into a gallop, clearing the fence again as heavy raindrops started to fall and the first growl of thunder flattened his ears.

They found Hadrian outside the stable building.

His head was pressed flat against the wood, and his sides heaved with each shuddering breath. It was only now that Taylor was close enough to get a good look that he realised the horse was in a very bad way. His chest was torn open, and the muscles and ligaments beneath were laid bare.

Taylor slid off Molotov, keeping hold of his reins and slowly moving towards Hadrian. He muttered soothing words as he approached, stretching one hand out before him as he got closer…. until he finally had a hold of one half of the trailing reins.

Hadrian’s ears flicked back.

He snapped his head away, nearly yanking Taylor off his feet. Taylor held fast, glad to have Molotov there as an anchor in the sudden storm of hooves and teeth. He was even more grateful when his white horse moved in closer, helping him to herd the spooked gelding back into the stable.

It was a relief when he finally managed to close the stable door behind Hadrian and slide the bolt across. The peace didn’t last for long. As soon as the horse was in his stall, he started kicking. Taylor heard wood splintering with the strength of the blows. If he didn’t do something - and fast - Hadrian would injure himself further and might even break a leg. Then that would be that.

Taylor couldn’t help fearing that this horse might already be beyond help.

The quiet evening he’d enjoyed earlier was transforming into a nightmare. Rain lashed down on the dusty ground outside the stable. The usually busy yard was utterly deserted.

Help! he yelled, over and over again, praying that someone would come. He pulled his mobile phone from his pocket, his brain working at last. His fingers shook when he dialled the riding school’s owner and then the ambulance, not knowing what else to do.

We’ve got to go out there, he said to Molotov, who was standing by him, as patient and willing as ever. We’ve got to find Madison.

As they galloped out of the barn into the wrath of the summer storm, Taylor could still hear Hadrian kicking the walls of his stall. Every bang was like a fatal gunshot.

But nothing he’d seen so far that night could prepare him for what he found in the woods.

1

Hadrian’s Wall

Hayley Argent felt the ball of nerves swirl around in her stomach when she pulled up outside the Emeline Equestrian School. She ran a hand through hair the colour of new hay and frowned at her too-cheerful blue eyes in the car mirror. It was no wonder she struggled to be taken seriously.

Some old family friends had contacted her to ask if she would be able to help them with a difficult situation, and she’d found herself agreeing. Now that she was here, she wasn’t so sure it had been a good idea to get their hopes up.

Hayley called herself a horse psychologist. Most of the time, she helped riders to bond with their horses and got to the bottom of bad habits and fears that affected both horse and rider. She was good at her job and had an excellent track record, but every now and then, she was handed a difficult case. Hayley already knew this was one of those times.

The horse she was visiting today should have been put down. At least - that’s what the vet had told the horse’s owners. They’d refused, and since then, the horse had attacked anyone who tried to go near him. According to the people who’d called her, he wore a halter with a rope on either side to limit his movement, so he wouldn’t start kicking through the walls again. Put simply… Hayley had her work cut out for her.

She opened the gate and walked through, her heart beating faster than normal. A man in his twenties - who looked a similar age to her - walked past, leading a glossy chestnut gelding. Excuse me please, could you tell me where I might find a horse called Hadrian? She put on her best smile, remembering that first impressions were everything.

The man turned towards her and she noted his dark, curling hair, curiously long eyelashes, and a chin that was taken straight from a greek statue. He regarded her in return, and Hayley was left with the distinct impression that she hadn’t passed the test.

What do you want with the killer horse? the man asked, his voice a sneer.

Hayley froze, her eyebrows stuck up high. Killer horse?

The man she was speaking to instantly warmed up, delighting in the opportunity to share bad news. You mean you don’t know? Hadrian was Madison’s horse. They went out for a hack through the woods before the storm we had the other week. He threw her off and broke her neck. After killing her, he ran back home and turned into a basket-case. The man shook his head, supposedly in regret, but Hayley could see he was enjoying telling the story. "I don’t know what the Hamill-Blakes think they’re doing keeping that thing alive. It murdered their daughter, and now they want to keep it as a pet? Do they actually think someone will buy the beast? He shook his head again, before a nasty little spark came into his eye. There’s nothing you can do to change bad breeding. That horse should have been destroyed before it was broken in. Of course, the strength and experience of the rider makes a huge difference, too."

Hayley tried to keep her expression polite, but she couldn’t stop the frown that etched itself over her forehead. This arrogant young man was insulting her family’s friends and their recently deceased daughter.

The daughter she hadn’t even known about.

Thank you for sharing that story with me. You told it in such a compassionate way, she said, making sure her tone made it clear she thought exactly the opposite. Where is Hadrian? She was determined to get at least one bit of useful information out of this self-entitled idiot.

He’s in the barn, disturbing everyone else’s horses. As if we needed any more trouble around here. I’m just grateful that Coltrane’s Gold here is stabled in the more exclusive wing. I wouldn’t want anything to threaten our form for the competition, he said, patting the chestnut’s neck, before nodding curtly and walking off.

Good Riddance, Hayley thought, although she did spare a moment to wonder what the rude man had meant when he’d said ‘more trouble’. Something told her she’d probably find out later.

She’d worried that ‘in the barn’ wouldn’t be specific enough, but as soon as she entered the warm barn, where the smell of hay and horse dust was thick in the air, she knew which horse was Hadrian. Restless hooves dancing across the hard floor and the snorting noise of a distressed animal were what reached her first. The back of her neck prickled even before she saw him. She felt the horse’s terror. There was a horrible sense of dread hanging in the air when she passed the other horses on her way down the barn’s central walkway. It was as if the others were watching her, already knowing their stable mate couldn’t be brought back from the dark path he’d galloped down.

Hayley took a deep breath before she looked in at what waited inside the last stall on the right.

She wasn’t sure if it was right to call the animal a horse anymore. He was ruined and broken. From a physical point of view, his chest was marred with stitches and open wounds - where someone had evidently given up on the stitching halfway through the job. She could also see cuts all over his legs and gashes to his flank. She wondered how they’d been inflicted. Had they already been there when he’d been found after fleeing through the woods, or had the wounds appeared after he’d been put in his stall - only to try and smash through the walls?

It was also obvious that the horse was psychologically damaged beyond anything she’d ever encountered before. This wasn’t a pony with a hoof-scraping problem. She’d been handed the horse equivalent of a human patient who needed to be locked up in a psychiatric ward.

Hadrian’s eyes rolled white in his head. When she moved closer, he thrust forwards, gnashing his teeth and snorting wildly. She hadn’t known the horse before the incident, but there was no doubt he’d become a monster. And it’s my job to try and turn you back into a horse, she said to him, hearing her own doubts echoing in her voice. I wish I had my magic wand on me. Hayley tugged at a strand of her blonde hair. She wondered where to begin.

She wondered if she was crazy to even try.

She heard the clip clop of hooves and was grateful to be able to turn away from Hadrian. A young man with dark gold hair led a big, fluffy white horse into the stable. His mouth automatically curved up when he saw her, and Hayley smiled back, her cheeks dimpling.

Be careful with that one. He used to be okay, but now… well, I’m sure you can see, the man said.

Hayley cast one regretful glance towards the ruined horse before walking towards the stranger and his horse. Mr and Mrs Hamill-Blake asked me to come here to see if I could do anything to help him. I’m sort of a… horse psychologist, you see, she said, her nerves from seeing a horse in such a bad way getting the better of her usually slick introduction. I met a man on my way in who told me that this horse killed his rider. She took a deep breath. I always like to know the full story with cases like this. It helps me to get to the heart of the problem. Do you know anything more about what happened? She hoped she hadn’t mistaken the kindness of the stranger, but she could usually read people nearly as well as she could read horses.

The man loosely tied his horse to a metal ring and got out a bucket of grooming brushes.I can’t say I’m surprised that the Hamill-Blakes didn’t tell you about their daughter. I don’t think they've accepted that Madison has gone forever. He sighed and looked down at the curry comb in his hand. A lot of people think they’re crazy for not putting Hadrian down. Even I’m worried it’s more a cruelty than a kindness. His blue eyes met Hayley’s, and they held steady. This time, she didn’t feel that she came up short. But I also believe in having faith, especially where horses are concerned. If you think you can do anything to make him better, then I’ll do everything I can to help you. He took a deep breath and pulled a burr from the white horse’s mane.

I was the only rider at the stables when Hadrian came back, he started and recounted how the runaway horse had jumped into the riding school, kicked Molotov, and then galloped away, completely crazed. I caught Hadrian and managed to get him in his stall. I called for help and went to look for Madison because I just knew something bad… He trailed off, his eyes full of pain. When I found her, I knew she was dead. Her head was… He gulped, looking horrified. She was gone.

The golden-haired man seemed to focus intently on Molotov’s mane, his eyes unseeing. She was great… Madison, I mean. She was always funny and bubbly. Someone needs to tell you that, if you’re going to be working with her horse. She and Hadrian were perfect together, too. He was always a bit of a wild ride. Some riders at this school used to be pretty harsh and call him untamed and stuff like that, but Madison loved him, and I’m pretty sure he loved her too. I think they may even have had a shot at winning the Inter-Stable Championship. The man lifted his head a little and Hayley wasn’t surprised to see his eyes were a little more watery than before. She was pretty sure hers were, too.

I’m Hayley, by the way… Hayley Argent, she said, managing to find her voice and change the subject to something that would lift their spirits. Grief was important after a tragedy, but it couldn’t be allowed to settle and take up residence.

The man ran a hand through his golden hair as he collected himself, before putting it out for her to shake. I’m Taylor Jones. From what you said about a guy telling you that Hadrian killed his rider, I’m guessing you had the misfortune to meet Mark. His eyes darkened for a moment, before his expression brightened again. Do you think you’ll be able to make Hadrian okay again?

Hayley gently shrugged her shoulders, a sorry smile on her face. I promise I will do my best, but it has to be said that he is in a very bad way. It’s going to take time, and it might all be for nothing. She took a deep breath. But I want to try. I really do.

I’m glad to hear it, a deep voice said.

The chatting pair turned to see a well-dressed couple walk into the barn.

Mr and Mrs Hamill-Blake… it’s a pleasure to meet you properly, Hayley said, walking forward to shake their hands.

Please, it’s David and Marjory, the lady said, smiling warmly.

The Hamill-Blakes were Hayley’s parents’ friends. She’d only ever seen them from a distance at a couple of social occasions. It had been a big surprise when her parents had contacted her to pass on their request.

Taylor was just telling me everything that happened. I’m so sorry about your daughter, Madison, she said, knowing it had to be addressed, even if it was hard for the couple.

A dark cloud of misery passed over their faces.

We know she wouldn’t have wanted us to just give up on Hadrian. She loved that horse. She’d want someone to ride him and love him, just the way she did, Marjory said.

Hayley nodded seriously. I promise I will do everything I can to help him, but I can’t guarantee, well… anything, she said, feeling like some kind of a fraud. She’d seen a lot of success stories in her career, but horses had personalities every bit as unique as the people who rode them. And some were just as unable to change as their owners.

That’s all we’re asking, David said. His expression became more serious. I’m sure our horse rescuer Taylor has told you all of the details, just as it happened… but did he tell you about the horse hair?

Hayley noticed Taylor immediately looked at the ground, as if he were uncomfortable about something.

When the place where the accident happened was examined, a chunk of very pale, yellowish horse hair was found. It’s possible that there was some sort of a tussle, and Hadrian did some damage to the other horse. I’m sure you will be able to understand why we’d be very interested in talking to whomever was riding the other horse - if there was another horse present when Madison fell. David’s eyes flashed with steel.

Hayley immediately understood why Taylor looked so unhappy. Madison’s parents wanted someone to blame.

I’ll let you know if I see a horse fitting that description, was all Hayley could say, but it seemed to satisfy her employers.

Good, well… we shall let you begin your work. Let us know if there’s anything more we can do to help, or anything you need at all. Nothing is too much trouble, David finished.

Hayley was left alone again with Taylor and his horse. She gave her new acquaintance a final smile, turning to go back to Hadrian’s stall - still wondering where on earth she should begin. Before she could form any thoughts, Taylor called after her.

There is one more thing you should know, if you’re going to be here a lot. The Inter-Stable Championship is coming up. It’s a local riding school thing, but it’s really competitive. The winners tend to go on to be pretty successful in the equestrian world, and almost everyone here is entering. His blue eyes looked into hers. She had the impression that he knew she’d read between the lines to find what he was really telling her. I just thought I’d let you know in case you wondered why people aren’t very friendly around here. He tilted his head. Although some of them are like that even without the competition, he said. They shared a smile, both thinking of the obnoxious Mark.

Gosh, I hope he doesn’t win. The words slipped out of her mouth before she could stop them, but Taylor laughed.

Don’t worry, he won’t. He doesn’t stand a chance against me and Molotov, he said with an easy grin that Hayley found herself returning. Despite what Taylor had said, there was at least one friendly person at Emeline Equestrian School.

Having said that, there’s definitely something strange going on at the stables, Taylor continued. Hayley opened her mouth to ask more, but his lips quirked up into a strange expression she couldn’t read. Weird. You’ll see. It’s hard to explain, was all he would say.

2

The Miracle Worker

E asy boy, good boy Hadrian, you’re doing so well, Hayley said, keeping her voice and hands steady as she encouraged the horse to come towards her… slowly.

She’d been working with him all day - walking away if he became aggressive and staying if he remained calm. She was just beginning to think that they may have made the tiniest bit of progress when a screechy voice caused Hadrian to flinch. He pulled back on his ropes, kicking out. Hayley bit her tongue when she dodged to the side to avoid danger. She’d been so close…

She turned to see what had caused the disturbance and was surprised to see Taylor looking like he was pinned against the wall of the stables. In front of him stood a young woman with very bright, very dyed, auburn hair.

Taylor, you can’t really be pinning all of your hopes and dreams on this one event. It’s madness. Especially when you do have other options. I’m here for you, she said, reaching out and touching his arm in a very familiar way.

While her words and gestures seemed harmless to Hayley, she could tell by the way Taylor pulled away as soon as was polite that he was not enjoying the interaction.

When he didn’t reply, the woman made a noise of disgust and threw her hands in the air. Well, don’t say I didn’t warn you. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but the offer will still stand after the competition. Come and find me when you’ve got some sense into your fat head.

Hayley stayed in the shadows of the stall, watching curiously as the woman walked away. Taylor visibly breathed a sigh of relief.

A moment later, another young woman with shining brunette hair popped up in the stall behind him, where she’d evidently been hiding behind a horse, and he let her out. Hayley’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. Well, well! It looked like there was more to Taylor than met the eye.

Thanks for covering for me. I know I’m not supposed to be here, but… The brunette trailed off.

Taylor smiled easily at her. Don’t worry about it, Chloe. I know how it feels. There’s nothing wrong with coming up here to spend more time around horses.

She sighed, pulling a strand of hay from her hair. I know I get to work with the kids and ponies, but these horses are special. Every horse here is going to be competing in that competition. Sometimes, I just wish… She trailed off again, clearly embarrassed, as she avoided Taylor’s pitying look.

If I could help, you know I would. I was lucky to find Molotov, and even luckier to be spotted and given a scholarship here. Keep working with the kids, and you’ll be noticed, too. It’s just a matter of time, I promise. One day other people will see how amazing you are… just the way I see it right now, he said.

Chloe smiled and it lit up her face like a thousand bright stars. Thanks, Taylor. You always know the right thing to say when I’m down. She patted him on the shoulder and walked happily back towards the barn entrance.

Hayley observed as Taylor stared wistfully after the young woman - who was so obviously oblivious to his feelings for her.

Just before Chloe walked out into the sunshine, a man appeared around the corner and nearly bumped into her. Hayley recognised Mark, the first man she’d met yesterday when she’d arrived at the stables. Chloe had surely just walked into a whole lot of trouble.

What brings you up here, Chloe? he asked… almost pleasantly.

Hayley was astonished that he hadn’t already bitten her