Racehorses and Revenge: Hayley Argent Horse Mysteries, #3

By Ruby Loren

When a corporate team building retreat ends in murder, Hayley discovers she has two mysteries to solve.

The Onyx and Argent Stables' luxury horse retreats are meant to encourage businesses' employees to bond, but someone sees it as a chance to get away with murder. When Hayley assists the handsome Detective Inspector Rouen in his investigation, she finds herself drawn deeper into a murder mystery where every suspect has a motive. 

But who is the real killer?

Hayley also has her work cut out with the horses the retreat clients have brought with them. The most promising young racehorse is lashing out at anyone who goes near him, and she can't figure out why. 

It's not long before Hayley starts to suspect that something very suspicious is going on… and it might just add up to murder!

If you like horses, fun mysteries, and romance, you will love this series! Start reading these short mysteries today.


*Please note, this book was previously published under a different title.* This is a rewritten and re-edited edition:

The Falcon's Frost

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ruby Loren
• Release date: Oct 24, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393513742

Book preview

Introduction

Come on, Dominic!

The pair already over the finish line yelled back at their boss, as he cleared the last of the cavalletti poles and comically galloped for home. The strawberry blonde man cast a glance over his shoulder and slipped into a flailing run.

That's cheating! his brother, the head of accounts, shouted in outrage.

Another racer - a rather round secretary - looked up at the sound and tripped on the final jump, falling flat on her face in the dirt.

Dominic Marks tore across the finish line and punched the air victoriously. Better luck next time, James, he said to his frowning brother. Jenny, James’ fiancée, walked over from Dominic’s group and patted him on the shoulder, but he shrugged her off - shooting a glare at his older brother and boss.

Okay, great! Well done to the red team. Now we’re going to do one more team bonding exercise before you get your evening of freedom, Tara Royals, the event organiser, said. The smile that was perpetually on her face dipped a little when she looked up at the sky above the clearing in the woods. We’ll make it a quick one, so we can get to the tents before the rain starts. It looks like we’re in for a stormy night.

So much for the luxury equestrian bonding retreat. I can’t believe you’re sleeping in a tent, James said to Dominic with a smirk on his face. Glamping or not, it’s still a tent. Dominic pretended not to hear, but a muscle twitched in his jaw as Tara pulled out a bright red rosette.

This is the compliment rosette. When you have the rosette, you pick a person to say something about - but it must be a compliment! Okay, James, why don’t you go first? She threw the rosette his way and he caught it, his tanned face lining with thought for a moment.

Right… where to start! He grinned all round before focusing his gaze. Okay, Lou… it’s great the way you keep our business together. Without you organising us all, everything would grind to a halt. Thanks a lot for keeping us all sane. Or is that… insane? He couldn't resist throwing another smirk in Dominic’s direction, but his brother was distracted, looking away at the distant trees.

The secretary smiled her thanks, her mouse-brown head bobbing when she took the rosette that James passed to her and hugged it to her voluminous chest. Lauren, I just want to say well done for fitting in here so quickly. We’re not an easy bunch, but you’ve done so well, and we’re all very glad to have you, the secretary said.

A raven-haired woman, who’d been quiet all day, looked up with the ghost of a smile on her face. Around the group everyone smiled and nodded encouragingly as she took the rosette and ran her fingers over the ribbons. Thank you for making me feel welcome, she began, and then looked around the group for inspiration. Dominic, thanks for being a great boss. There can’t be many companies where the boss is willing to prance around a show jumping ring on a hobby horse in front of his staff. Around her, the group broke out into over-enthusiastic laughter.

Dominic’s lips twisted in amusement and he took the proffered rosette. Well, obviously, I think you’re all fantastic. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be paying you as much as I do.

You could always pay us more, James sniped. There were sounds of amusement around the circle when Dominic flicked him a rude gesture.

But… I especially want to compliment my bed… for being there for me whenever I need it most. Like right now. I’m shattered. The late flight and the ‘show jumping’ really took it out of me. The circle groaned as one. Dominic handed the rosette back to Tara. I’ll see you all in the morning, he said, walking away from the group towards the gaggle of white canvas tents.

The first few drops of rain were starting to fall when he walked away through the darkness. Tara hurried the others into an open barn where a fire had been laid, ready for lighting. Packs of marshmallows and skewers were set up in a line, along with chilled champagne for that true ‘luxury camping’ experience. This was pony club summer camp on steroids.

James glanced over and saw Dominic raise a hand towards the group in a final farewell, before ducking into his tent.

It was the last time he saw Dominic alive.

A scream cut through the insistent drumming of the rain. Tent flaps were thrown open as the guests were roused from their slumber and made their way out into the downpour to investigate.

Help me, I slipped!

Tara Royals was first on the scene, bending down to the mud-caked, Lou Marsden - who was lying on the floor of the clearing, clutching her ankle. I just went out to the loo, but it was so muddy. I lost my footing on the way back to the tent. I… I think it’s just twisted, the secretary said, her flabby arms stretching, as she tried to massage some life back into the ankle. I’m sorry. This is so silly…

I should call this in. Let's see how you walk, just in case it’s broken. You might need an ambulance, Tara said, hefting the unfortunate woman back onto her feet.

"I’ll get Dominic. As the boss of this company, he should be out here getting drenched and losing sleep along with the rest of us.