Riding Out the Rift: The Laura Harper Trilogy, #2

By Hilary Walker

Two women. One mare. Who will win her?

 

When Trixie, a beautiful buckskin mare, arrives at the family farm for training, Laura instantly falls for her. The two quickly bond and the mother-to-be entertains hopes of keeping this horse for herself and her baby daughter, due later this month.

 

When her son's girlfriend suddenly breaks up with him, Laura worries that his autoimmune disease will flare up again. Then a teenage girl comes to the farm for horse therapy and Laura is concerned by the girl's eerie behavior. When she discovers the girl's deep-rooted ties to the occult, Father Michael is urgently called in. But the teen proves a stubborn case to crack.

 

Meanwhile an elderly widow wants to buy Trixie and Laura is torn between being selfish and doing the right thing. Matters aren't helped by her husband Jack's cutting remarks about being 'overly emotional' because of her 'pregnancy hormones' when she approaches him about purchasing the mare. Laura snaps and walks out on him.

 

Can Laura and Jack reconcile before the baby arrives? And can Laura let go of the mare she loves?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hilary Walker
• Release date: Jul 29, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201841157

Hilary Walker

British born bestselling author Hilary Walker writes uplifting Christian fiction that transports readers into the healing world of horses. She lives on Hilton Head Island with two British bulldogs and her husband, who hopes she'll get interested in golf.  No luck so far. Instead she rides competitive dressage on her homebred Welsh cross gelding, and enjoys taking him on the trails.

Book preview

Introduction

A Virus and a Horse Injury

When I began outlining this book, COVID-19 had just hit and forced everyone to stay at home.

Not being able to sit at a café for hours while writing meant saving a great deal of money on an endless stream of chai tea, but wasn’t nearly as much fun. I missed my cozy corner at Barnes & Noble!

I was lucky enough to still go to the barn and pursue the outdoor activity of riding. But on July 20th, my horse Cruz Bay tore the check ligament in his left leg when the front shoe twisted under his hoof.

This was a devastating blow. My poor gelding was now stuck in the barn on ‘stall rest’ 24/7: I had to drive over and take care of him twice a day, changing the bandages on his two front legs while watching his strong muscles fade away. I also took him out to hand-graze him each time - which meant taking my life into my hands. A horse is not made for standing indoors all day, and gets very excited when you lead him outside!

This process took six hours out of my daily writing schedule. When he finally returned to full work, I had more time to devote to this trilogy and Cruz was pretty happy about being turned back out in his field!

New Characters

Teenager Zoë finds herself in a situation prompted by the fascinating interview I listened to with Father Vincent Lampert talking about his book Exorcism. In it, he recounted several experiences of driving the devil out of possessed people. I bought the book (which I highly recommend) to use as a reference.

Father Vincent observes, It amazes me that people believe the tools of the devil are more powerful than the works of God. If only they realized that God permits evil, but can and will crush it.

Nugget, the black gelding, comes to Jack with an issue that may seem totally made up. But I can assure you it isn’t. His behavior is modeled on an incident with Cruz’s mom; I watched her do the exact same thing to her previous owner, and that is the reason she was given to me.

On a sadder note, two horses had to be put down at my boarding barn as I began writing. This decided me to use the name of the one mare Zoë for a character, and the situation of the second horse’s owner for Marie Forrester as my way of honoring them.

And now, onto the story!

God bless,

Hilary

[e-mail]

https://HilaryWalkerBooks.com

P.S. Since this is Catholic fiction, I do want to point out that I am not oblivious to the great challenges facing the Church. But God’s unchanging Truth will see us through these difficult times.

P.P.S. If you enjoy the book, would you please consider leaving a review at your favorite online book store? Reviews are the life blood of authors and really help us get our books to more readers. Thank you!

Chapter One: Trixie

Friday, 13th October

Through the window of her office at Harpers’ Reunion farm house, Laura Harper watched a cute but tubby buckskin mare being unloaded from the two-horse trailer parked outside the barn building.

The animal’s cream coat looked white against her striking dark mane and tail and four black legs.

She was short, but strongly built. Though Laura’s knowledge of horses was limited, she guessed the new arrival was a Quarter horse. Her husband, Jack, would know for sure.

The mare reversed quietly down the trailer ramp, and stopped to let her handler take the lead rope draped around her neck.

Jack beckoned to the man to indicate where to bring her, and the buckskin walked obediently to the barn.

Used to seeing hot and badly behaved horses coming to their facility for remedial training, Laura was pleased to see a calm candidate for a change.

But why was she here? There must be something wrong with her, otherwise she wouldn’t have been sent to Jack. Her owner had communicated directly with him, rather than through Laura, who was now his secretary and normally received the training requests.

For three hours now, she’d been sitting at her desk, with the chair pushed back a little to accommodate her growing belly. She was working on a new website for the family business, and felt ready for a break.

Rising with more effort than usual, she commented to her baby, Only four months to go, darling. Not that I’m counting, mind you, she quickly added, not wishing to offend her unborn daughter.

Donning a burgundy parka against the cold, she walked out of the long white house onto the front porch. A chilly gust was blowing through, and she drew the faux-fur lined hood over her black curls before descending the wooden steps and making her way to the stables.

Jack was inside, talking to the handler by the new mare’s stall. His tall lean frame and unruly blond hair made him look younger than his real age. Nearly forty, she liked to remind him, when he was being annoying. He made the other man look short, though he must be a good 5’10".

The horse was looking over the stall door and close-up was even prettier.

Tigger, the ginger and white barn cat, was wrapping himself around Jack’s legs, and the mare eyed the feline with arched neck and pricked ears.

Well, said the man, I think that’s everything you need to know. Mr. Beaumont can’t wait to see her transformation.

Jack smiled and said, in exaggerated Queen’s English, I trust I won’t disappoint him, Mr. Tiptree.

The man took off and replaced the baseball cap on his head. You never have yet, Mr. Harper.

Both turned and saw the attractive little lady with her pronounced bump, standing in the aisle.

Hello, sweetheart, said Jack. My wife has come to check out the new horse.

Laura smiled. She’s a beauty, Mr. Tiptree. I saw you unloading her and couldn’t resist coming out to admire her.

Mr. Tiptree reddened and touched the rim of his cap. Glad you like her, Mrs. Harper. I must be off now.

I’ll keep Mr. Beaumont apprised of her progress, Jack told the man’s receding back. Tigger trotted behind as if to make sure he left the premises.

Jack chuckled. Methinks he’s not used to being around gorgeous women.

Laura shook her head. I think my pregnancy embarrassed him. She pushed the parka hood back and began stroking the mare’s face. Tell me about this girl. She’s stunning. The horse’s dark eyes were soft and gentle and Laura couldn’t imagine her having any deep flaws that needed ironing out.

You’ll be glad to know she’s here to be backed and trained as a riding horse.

Laura looked up at him. Is that it? No problems with rearing, bucking, kicking, biting or squashing her rider against gate posts?

Jack laughed. He was still recovering from when a horse punctured his spleen committing the last-mentioned misdemeanor. Nope, he said, none of the above. She’s a straightforward horse that’s simply never been trained under saddle.

But she doesn’t look like your average three- or four- year-old.

From behind, Jack put both arms around her and hugged his wife gently, aware of the baby. Well-spotted, Mrs. Harper. She’s 15 years old and has bred ten foals, but never been ridden. Now her owner wants me to turn her into a riding horse.

Laura was surprised. Isn’t that going to be a shock to her system after all this time?

Jack shook his head. I doubt it. She seems to have a very even temperament and she needs a job. She’s had enough babies and is too young to be put out to pasture. If she’s properly trained, she’ll find a good home as a riding horse.

But isn’t this a rather tame assignment for you? Sounds more like something for Luca or Frank.

Luca was Jack’s barn manager and first rider, and Frank was his second.

"You’re right, she’s not my usual tricky project. But I’ve taken on a lot of challenging horses from this particular client, and you’ll be happy to know that he specifically wants me to transform her from a brood mare into a civilized mount."

Thank Goodness he’s going to work with a sensible horse instead of a dangerous one! thought Laura.

Out loud she said, She’s really beautiful.

Yes, she is, agreed Jack. She’ll get snapped up quickly.

What’s her name?

Jack smiled. Texas Twirl.

You’re kidding, right? That sounds like a candy bar.

No kidding.

Does she have a barn name?

Trixie.

I like that, said Laura approvingly, it’s much cuter.

Jack grinned. Still sounds like a candy bar.

But a cute candy bar.

The mare had discovered her hay net and was pulling out strands to chew on. Laura and Jack watched, savoring this quiet moment together as a couple.

Trixie turned her head towards them and seemed only to be looking at Laura, not Jack. Her doe-eyed expression made Laura’s heart skip a beat.

The moment was spoiled by the sound of their son Joe roaring too fast up the drive in his father’s pick-up. There followed the slamming of the truck door and moments later, an even louder slamming of the house front door.

His parents exchanged surprised glances, and Laura said, I need to go and find out what’s happened.

But Jack held her back. Give him a little time to calm down, first, then I’ll go and see what’s up.

Why you, why not me?

Because I think I know what this is about.

Laura raised her eyebrows.

Let’s just hope I’m wrong, her husband said.

Chapter Two: A Widow & a Rift

Friday, 13th October

As the two parents exited the barn, the electronic gates opened and Father Michael’s red Lincoln was on its way up the long drive, traveling considerably more sedately than Joe.

The parish priest of Our Lady of Sorrows parked by the rearing horse fountain in front of the house, and stepped out of his vehicle with a beatific smile. In his fifties with greying hair and a slight paunch, he was attired as usual in a soutane, the only priest Laura knew who wore the flowing black garment that reached almost to the ground.

Jack checked his watch. "What’s he doing here? We’ve already had lunch and it’s too early for dinner."

Laura jabbed him in his good side. "We will still offer him refreshments."

Jack sighed. No wonder he keeps showing up.

Laura ignored him.  He looks as if he’s on an errand.

"He’s always on an errand, moaned Jack, and it always involves me."

You should be glad God chooses you to do His work.

Jack groaned dramatically. Why me, Lord?

Pull yourself together and act like an adult, Mr. Harper.

Jack put on a fake smile to annoy her and they walked over to their guest.

Hello, Father! It’s good to see you, greeted Laura.

Father Michael shook her hand warmly. Likewise, my dear. He turned to Jack. And how’s my favorite curmudgeon today?

That all depends on why you’re here.

Laura rolled her eyes. Father, come and look at the new horse that’s just arrived. She’s an absolute beauty.

She put her arm through his and whisked him past Jack to the barn.

When she had shown him the mare and explained why the animal was here, Father Michael, who had ridden in his youth and knew a fair amount about horses, said, She’d be perfect for you, Laura. I mean when you’ve had your baby and can get back in the saddle again.

Laura laughed. ’Back in the saddle’ makes it sound as if I rode regularly, Father. Yet I have to admit, the idea is very tempting.

Jack cut in. Ahem! She’s here to be trained to sell.

That’s the end of that idea, Laura thought.

Jack eyed the parish priest. I know you want something from me, Father, so spit it out.

Father Michael looked offended. "I don’t want anything from you, Jack.’

That’s a relief!

But God does.

Jack narrowed his eyes. That’s devious, even for you.

Be shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves, the cleric quoted from Matthew 10:6.

Eyes still thin slits, Jack responded, I’m waiting for your innocent dove act.

Father Michael’s voice was deliberately bland. I’m here on behalf of someone who needs your help.

"When are you ever not here on behalf of someone who needs my help?"

Laura interjected. Forgive him, Father. He’s had two months ‘me time’ while he was recuperating from his accident, and has forgotten how to play nice. Let’s go into the warmth of the house, and I’ll get some coffee while you gentlemen discuss things.

"Thank you, Laura. Father Michael sniffed ostentatiously at Jack. At least one person is hospitable around here."

"It’s easy for her to be hospitable, he retorted. She’s not the one whose help you need."

"Whose help God needs," the priest reminded him.

When they were in the kitchen, seated around the large oak table, he asked, Where’s Joe?

With a quick glance at Jack, Laura replied, In his room, studying.

Good man! Glad to hear it. And where are those two dogs that keep covering me in hairs?

He must have them in there with him, said Laura.

Quit stalling, Father, Jack said, Who’s this person who needs my help?

To compensate for Jack’s terseness, Laura poured a cup of coffee from the percolator and placed it in front of the pastor, and a plate of Oreos within easy reach.

She gave her husband a glass of iced water, while Father Michael took a sip of his brew and looked longingly at the cookies. She knew he was trying to keep off the weight he’d lost over the summer, and felt bad that Jack’s colitis meant he couldn’t indulge.

Take one, Father, encouraged Laura. You deserve it for having to deal with my cantankerous husband.

Well – when you put it that way, why not? The cleric removed a cookie from the plate and bit into it reverently.

Jack took a long draft of water and looked expectantly at his guest.

Ah, yes, the parishioner who needs your help. Father Michael took another sip of coffee. "Her name is Marie Forrester and she’s an older widow, who’s just had to put down her mare. The horse was thirty years old and hadn’t been rideable for years.

But that animal was Marie’s reason for getting up in the morning. She’d visit the boarding barn every single day to groom her and make a fuss of her.

"What earthly use I can be to the woman?" Jack asked.

We have a duty to take care of widows and orphans, chided the priest.

Jack promptly replied, I’m already taking care of a widow and an orphan, right here in my house – namely Laura and Joe. I’ve done my bit!

Laura shook her head at Jack. He was incorrigible.

Father Michael’s voice became stern. "Charity begins at home, Jack, it doesn’t stop there. Don’t you have a horse that she could come and visit?"

What about the new mare? suggested Laura, stirring milk in her coffee.

But when she’s sold, it’ll be the same problem all over again, warned Jack.

"I’m concerned with giving this lady a reason to get out of bed each day right now. She’s been sinking into a steep decline."

Laura asked, Can she ride? Is she still capable?

She might be. She’s pretty spry for her age.

Laura gave her husband a quizzical look.

He responded with, I’ll have to see if Trixie’s owner is O.K. with it first.

Father Michael smiled broadly. God will make sure of it.

Jack said morosely, I wish God would find someone else to sort out your parishioners.

"I know you don’t mean that. You love being useful to the Lord. And besides, they’re your fellow parishioners, too. Love thy neighbor."

Jack didn’t deign to respond.

Could Mrs. Forrester come tomorrow? the priest asked.

If she must.

You’re too kind, as always. Father Michael grinned. I’ll bring her over in the afternoon.

Jack nodded morosely.

To lighten the tone, Laura asked, What was the name of Marie’s horse?

Texas Two-Timer, but she called her Tea Time.

Laura looked at Jack then back at the priest. She wasn’t a buckskin by any chance, was she?

Surprised, he said, Yes, how did you know?

Jack warned Laura, Don’t say it.

Don’t say what? asked the priest.

Laura said it anyway. The new mare’s name is Texas Twirl. I bet the two are related.

Father Michael burst out laughing. God is good, all the time!

Chapter Three: Trixie’s Training Begins

Friday, 13th October

Father Michael left and Jack told Laura, I need to see what’s up with Joe.

What do you think happened?

I’d rather not say, in case I’m wrong. I don’t want to worry you unnecessarily. He strode down the hallway to their son’s bedroom.

Thanks, now I’m even more worried!

Laura busied herself with washing up the cups and saucers and putting away the cookies. Then she went into the office and played around with different layouts for the new website.

As time dragged on, she became increasingly anxious. Something bad must have happened for Jack to be with their son for so long.

Finally, she heard him open Joe’s door then close it softly. She rose awkwardly from her chair and walked to the sitting room. Jack was slumped in an armchair by the empty fire grate, running both hands through his messy hair, a habit of his when distressed.

Laura sat on the sofa next to him. What gives? she asked gently.

Lucy has broken up with him. His voice sounded flat.

Oh, no! Nausea swept over Laura and her heart pounded painfully; the one thing she’d always dreaded had happened.

Lucy was the one good thing in Joe’s life. Since her brother also had ulcerative colitis, she wasn’t put off by his disease. And despite his disability, Joe had been happy because of her.

How was he going to cope? The stress of their break-up would cause another flare, he would lose weight, not be able to leave the house, not be able to go to school, not be able to take his SATs ...

This was disastrous!

Laura was grief-stricken. How could Lucy do that to her son?

She swallowed hard. Did Joe say why?

Jack nodded. The SATs were the problem. Joe’s been studying so much for them, that a boy named Luke in her class began spending a great deal of time with her, and they’ve become close.

Lucy’s family was Lutheran and she attended a different high school from Joe’s Catholic one.

Jack continued. "But he insists Lucy was tired of dealing with his UC.

He’s also convinced he’ll never have another girlfriend. He’ll end up a sad bachelor who’s everyone’s best man but never the groom.

I need to go in and see him. Laura started to get up from the sofa.

But Jack said, Leave it for a while. He’s very embarrassed about it. He got out of his chair and walked over to her. Reaching out his hand, he said, Come back to the barn with me so we can leave him alone for a while. If I were in his position that’s what I’d want my parents to do.

Laura nodded numbly. She put her coat back on and followed him out of the house.

That evening, Joe excused himself from dinner. Much as Laura wanted him to eat, she also knew that fasting was the best way to stave off inflammation and prevent a full-blown flare. Reluctantly she acquiesced.

She and Jack had a quiet meal round the kitchen table, but neither felt like talking.

Laura hoped her son would confide in her later, but he never left his room.

That