She and Jake had spent every clandestine moment they could together, the time more precious because of the uncertainty ahead. Jake had told her, albeit grudgingly, that whatever the Soviets were planning seemed likely to happen this week.
The show would end on Saturday, the team leaving for home on Sunday. Would she and Jake be together this time next month? Or would something happen so terrible it would keep them apart forever?
After a last glance at Jake, Maggie quietly left the terrace. The beautiful Irish countryside was alive with colorful red and yellow blossoms, their sweet scent filling the air. The grass was a vibrant green, the air so crisp and clear the surrounding mountains seemed only a few short meters away.
Maggie plucked a delicate pink rose, the petals soft beneath her fingers, and sank down on an old stone bench in the garden. She still didn’t know what the Soviets wanted Jake to do, but she was determined to find out. And equally determined to stop him.
After this weekend, she was more convinced than ever that Jake had decided to comply. He was too resigned, too determined to enjoy what little time they had left.
“I wish we were the ones announcing our engagement,” Jake said softly as he walked up beside her.
Maggie looked up at him and managed a tremulous smile. “So do I. But I’m glad for them. It’s obvious they love each other very much.”
Jake nodded. “It’s a side of Clay I’ve rarely seen. But I had a hunch he was far more complicated than he appeared.”
“I had a feeling Clay cared more for Ellie than he was willing to admit,” Maggie said.
“Thanks to his father, Clay’s always kept his emotions locked away.”
Jake glanced back toward the pool where Clay had an arm wrapped protectively around Ellie. “I’m not really surprised he fell in love with her. Ellie has a lot to offer a man.
Maggie followed his gaze. “Avery’s going to give them fits.”
“Unless Clay puts a stop to it.”
“He’s never confronted his father before. I’m not sure he’ll be willing to do it this time.”
Jake’s hard look settled on Avery. “Neither am I.”
The Dublin Horse Show, held at the Ballsbridge Show Grounds, began on Tuesday. The setting, with fields of lush green grass and beautiful flowers, was alive with pageantry. Fifteen hundred horses had been brought together for events that included international show jumping, the Dublin Show Chase, and Irish National jumping competitions. Pony jumping, hunter jumping, driving horses, dressage, and countless other events were scheduled.
On Friday, the prestigious Aga Khan Trophy would go to the winner of the Nations’ Cup. On Saturday the individual international stars would compete in the Grand Prix of Ireland.
Jake had prowled the show grounds, checking the horses incessantly and reviewing the team’s equipment, but he couldn’t get his mind off the final demand the Soviets planned to make on Friday. His anxiety and constant fear of surveillance were keeping him on edge.
“Have a good weekend?”
Jake jumped at the sound of Daniel’s low voice. “Damn, you scared the hell out of me.” They stood at the back of the arena watching a group of thoroughbred and Irish draught stallions being judged.
“Sorry.” Daniel took a long, appraising look at him. The man had always been good at reading people. Jake did his best to appear nonchalant.
“Why do I get the feeling you’ve heard from the Soviets and haven’t told me?” Daniel said.
Jake held his gaze. “What makes you think that?”
“Because you’re jumpy as hell, and the way you’re acting, something’s coming down and it’s coming down soon.”
Jake fought the impulse to lie. Daniel was an astute observer and a very good friend. “You could be wrong,” he said, buying time. “It isn’t much fun having someone watching your every move. I could just be worried about the team.”
“And Maggie Delaine?”
Jake bit back a curse. “What’s she got to do with this?”
“We’ve been friends too long, Jake. Why don’t you just level with me?”
So far there wasn’t that much to tell. Jake released a slow, resigned breath. “You’re right. They did make contact. But what they’re asking isn’t life threatening. I want your word as my friend you won’t interfere.”
“You know I can’t do that. You’ll have to tell me what’s going on and let me make the decision.”
