31
Flora was in the paddock with Phoenix. She’d just ridden him at full pelt down the all-weather wood-chip gallop and felt invigorated. Phoenix was still whooping up all the attention from the yard staff after his brilliant win. It was as if the horse knew he was the current star attraction.
She noticed a black Jaguar pull into the yard and park outside the office. Instantly she recognised it, especially when seeing the private registration plate “R0P3R” – Graham Roper. Quickly, she rode Phoenix out of the paddock and safely back to his stable, out of the way. The last thing she wanted was Roper seeing Phoenix, and especially in such good shape. Then again, he’d already seen how well Phoenix was looking from the point-to-point, she acknowledged with trepidation.
Dylan too had seen the car park right outside his window. Deciding to fight fire with fire, he got up to answer the door, rather than let the man stride into his own office. Not bothering with the pleasantries, Dylan spoke.
‘What do you want?’ He glared at Roper.
‘The rest of the money you owe me for my horse.’
‘It’s not your horse and I don’t owe you a penny,’ replied Dylan icily.
Roper gave a harsh laugh. ‘That horse is worth far more than the pittance you paid for it,’ he spat, ‘and what’s your partnership called? The Last Laugh? We’ll see about that, you swine.’ Roper’s face was blood red and angry.
‘That horse was in dreadful condition.’ Dylan’s voice was dangerously quiet and controlled, though deep down he was feeling anything but. ‘Phoenix was covered in whip lashes, he had swollen legs and was shaking with fear.’
Roper shook his comments off with a huff. ‘I don’t spoil horses the way you do.’
‘I look after my horses well, Roper, unlike you. Tell me—’ he leant forward to face him squarely ‘—have you ever been reported?’ Roper, for the first time, looked taken aback. Dylan made good use of the silence. ‘It’s about time the authorities were informed of your mistreatment of animals. We took photographs, of the state Phoenix was in,’ Dylan lied, but his threat seemed to be hitting home. ‘I’ll see to it that you no longer have any horses, Roper.’
At this Roper lunged towards Dylan, but he was too quick and easily dodged his throw. Dylan then straightened and threw his fist smack into Roper’s face, bursting his nose.
‘Ahh!’ Roper clutched his face, which was now covered in blood. Dylan then booted him off the doorstep, sending Roper staggering backwards to land on the bonnet of his car.
‘Now fuck off and don’t ever step foot on my yard again.’ Roper fumbled for his car keys and frantically opened the door and locked himself in. Within seconds he was speeding down the dirt track leaving a cloud of dust behind him.
Flora had seen the whole thing from the corner of the yard and came running to Dylan.
‘Dylan! Are you all right?’ Dylan looked at Flora, then burst into laughter. Flora stopped for a moment, then seeing Dylan shaking with hilarity, couldn’t help but join in. Minutes later when they’d both calmed down, she asked, ‘Do you think that’s the last we’ll hear of him?’
Dylan, finally gaining composure, replied, ‘Oh yes, I doubt he’ll be in a hurry to return.’ Then, catching her eye, they both burst into hysterics again.
