Giving Chase (A Racing Romance) (Aspen Valley Series #2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

to hold baby Sam in case he drops him.’
    Frankie laughed, remembering Billy’s awkwardness during Friday’s escapade.
    ‘I’m sure he’ll get the hang of it soon.’
    Jack looked doubtful.
    ‘I’m not, but he’s got a few weeks to practice at any rate. I’ve given him some leave. Actually, the baby arriving at the same time as you has worked out quite well.’ Motioning for her to follow, he set off across the yard. ‘Someone’s got to look after Billy’s horses while he’s gone and you need some to keep you busy.’ He pointed to a row of five stables directly opposite the offices. ‘These are going to be you r charges. Only two of them are Billy’s—June’s got the rest. Your other three are pretty new so I thought it would be good for you all to learn the ropes together.’
    Frankie’s heart began to thud that little bit harder as he spoke. She, Frankie Cooper, would be in charge of five of Aspen Valley’s racehorses. Aspen Valley, three-time National Hunt champions from the last five years! They stopped at the first stable. No horse came to greet them and she peered into the darkened box to see its occupant. A silhouette-like figure watched them from the back.
    ‘Ta’ Qali, a newbie like yourself.’
    When Jack didn’t follow up his initial introduction with anything else, Frankie was gripped in a sudden panic. Should she have heard of Ta’ Qali? Was he some multiple Grade One winner and Cheltenham favourite?
    Trying to appear knowledgeable, she nodded and murmured an indistinct approval. When she ventured a look at Jack, she noticed him frown. Thankfully, it wasn’t directed at her. Instead he was regarding the horse. He held out his hand and clicked his tongue. Ta’ Qali took a hesitant couple of steps forward and exhaled noisily as the smell of Jack’s hand reached his nostrils.
    ‘A bit shy, is he?’ Frankie asked.
    ‘Head shy, yes. We’re still trying to figure him out. He’s just been retired from racing on the flat. We picked him up at the sales.’
    The gelding at last ventured forward into the light of day, his long ears flicking like insect a ntennas. He was black as an oil spill except for a small sprinkling of white hairs on the bridge of his Roman nose, like someone had knocked over the salt cellar. Running a practiced eye over his large nobbly head, long thin neck and sway back, Frankie hesitated to voice her immediate question.
    ‘Can he jump?’ He had to have something going for him because it certainly wasn’t looks.
    ‘Well, he did when I rattled the bucket behind him.’ Jack smiled grimly. ‘He’s a full-brother to Sequella, the Goodwood and Doncaster Cups winner.’
    Frankie did a double-take.
    ‘This is a full-brother to Sequella?’ she said, incredulous.
    ‘Not exactly identical, I know. Didn’t show much of her talent on the flat either, but he’s got the breeding. I just hope he improves as he matures.’
    Fran kie put out her hand to stroke Ta’ Qali’s nose. With a start, he threw up his head and backed away into the security of his stable. Jack shook his head again.
    ‘We’ll see. I bought him out of my own pocket. I have to find him an owner before the season’s out otherwise we’re stuffed.’
    Frankie shifted from one foot to the other, unsure whether she was included in this conversation anymore.
    ‘ Sorry— stuffed ?’ she prompted.
    For a moment, he looked at her blankly then gestured to Ta’ Qali’s reclusive figure.
    ‘Well, he’s no good on the flat. If he doesn’t take to jumping then I don’t know what to do with him. Look at him, he’s not exactly going to win any showing classes nor can he be described as a reliable hack because of his nerves.’
    Frankie was sure he wasn’t implying he would send the horse to the knackers, but a small ball of apprehension gathered in her stomach on Ta’ Qali’s behalf. Her belief that, like every human, every horse had a calling in life, probably wouldn’t be received with much