Daniel’s broad features turned grim. “Unfortunately, that’s a question I can’t answer. Our men are everywhere. The Irish security people are top rate, but no one’s turned up anything. Everything appears to be running smoothly. Nothing unusual, nothing out of sync.”
“I don’t like this, Dan. Whoever’s behind this has something planned and we both know it.”
Daniel’s dark gaze surveyed their surroundings. “I wish you were wrong, but I don’t think so. We’ll just have to wait and see. Stay close to Maggie.”
“You know I will.”
Daniel dug his hands into the pockets of his coat and wandered away. The wind at his back ruffled his light brown hair.
Jake watched his friend go, wondering why he hadn’t mentioned his final upcoming meeting with Popov. But down deep he knew. He’d ride this round on his own, make the best of the number he’d drawn.
He hadn’t complied with their final demand and soon they would know it. But if he met Popov this last time, maybe he could garner information that would tell him what the Russians had planned. It was risky, but a risk he had to take.
Moving toward the arena, Jake saw Ellie mount Jubilee and ride into the arena. As he watched her canter around the fences, he breathed a sigh of relief. Whatever happened out there now was up to Ellie.
With that thought, Jake sobered. Making an abrupt turn, he strode over to Flex.
“Headache gone?” he asked.
Standing next to Sebastian, Flex pulled off his hunt cap and ran a hand through his carrot red hair. “Unfortunately, it’s worse than ever.”
“I think I know what’ll help.” Reaching into his pocket, Jake dug out the tiny vial that held Flex’s contact lenses. “Take out the ones you’re wearing.”
“What? Are you crazy? I’ve got to ride in less than ten minutes.”
“Then you’d better hurry.”
“What’s this about, Jake?”
“No time now. I’ll explain later.”
Hurriedly, Flex popped out the lenses he was wearing, washed the ones in the vial in his mouth, and used the tip of his finger to insert them into his eyes.
“Any better?” Jake asked.
“Yes, but I don’t know why.”
“The prescription is a little bit off in the other pair.”
“I don’t get it.”
“Later,” Jake said. “Right now, the important thing to think about is the course. How’s Sebastian?”
“He’s a little bit full of himself but I think he’ll settle down. He’s really enjoying this.”
“Good. Just watch the pace. You’ll have to make some neat turns to finish in the time allowed. The line with the triple combination looks the most difficult.”
“I plan to override the triple and steady immediately so I can ride forward to that first wide oxer.”
Jake nodded his approval. “Good luck.”
Jake moved off toward Clay, who was keenly watching Ellie take the fences. Leaning against the rail, Clay rubbed Max’s ears, smiling and talking to him softly. Jake came up beside him. In silence they watched Ellie’s faultless round.
When she cleared the last fence, Clay grinned. “She’s really something.”
“Something very special. You’re a very lucky man.”
“Believe me, I know it.”
