Pippa's Rescue (3 page)

“What the fuck…er, frak?” Skogul wanted to get out of this before Göndul actually said the words committing her to this insane mission.

Göndul fingered the wand attached to a golden chain around her waist. “I don’t understand frak, but by the tone of your voice you’re rebelling and you haven’t heard the orders yet.”

Harrison tugged her arm as she leaned toward Göndul. “Please, your excellency, let me explain.”

The far-reaching compliment had Göndul’s arm relaxing and her stance shifting. “Then we should take seats near the soothing water fountain, perhaps the tinkling will calm Skogul and she’ll remember who holds the power.”

Not likely, but she meandered to the lush fountain, with a concrete base supporting horse statues spewing water from their mouths. Three naked women lounged in a basin on top and sprayed water, highlighting the length and perfection of their voluptuous bodies. Even in Odin’s world, springs were considered sacred. In keeping with Greek civilization he’d built a shrine with columns surrounding a sitting area created by plush seats, chairs, sofas, and fainting couches. Göndul sat in a chair with a high back, Kiara and Harrison took a sofa opposite the leader, and Skogul fell onto the fainting couch, placing her head on the head rest. The fresh water scent and splashing of water on stone, very relaxing, didn’t do the job.

Kiara frowned and lifted her fingers as if to say sit up and pay attention. Skogul smiled, enjoying her friend’s bit of discomfort. She’d attempt to rejoice in the springs and accept her fate without contest.

“As I was saying”—Harrison took hold of Kiara’s hand—“when Skogul came to Earth to transport me to Asgard, she had a few days to enjoy entertainment in this century. She particularly enjoyed the futuristic movies. Frak, a word used in those movies, means—”

Skogul sat upright. “Not important. Please, my under lord, what is our mission.”

Göndul snarled. Skogul withheld a chuckle, the slur hadn’t been missed.

“She meant you, as our leader, are directly under our God, Odin.” Kiara slapped Skogul’s leg.

“Yes, what she said,” Skogul added.

Göndul crossed her legs. “There isn’t an ‘our mission.’ There is only your mission, Skogul. Once again you will go to Earth, this time to secure Captain Vanguard. He’ll join Harrison and the Special Ops squad. Their strategies will be very important when the great Ragnarok war occurs. We need more men to think and plan the offenses and defenses.”

“Don’t you mean offer him the role of an immortal?” Harrison insisted.

He wasn’t giving up on that issue. Odin had given the Special Ops leader more freedom than anyone before…except Thor. Harrison might be pulling that tether a little hard.

Göndul nodded. “Yes, of course. Just make sure he understands the importance of his decision. Also, this time it is recommended you don’t let everyone see you. You should only expose yourself to Vanguard.” She winced. “We had a bit of trouble getting the memories altered the last time you were
entertained
on Earth.”

Heat rose to Skogul’s face. She should have known their director would keep a close eye on her. Göndul had actually delivered a message reminding Skogul to keep on task. “Hey, I was just getting some ideas about how to provide new sources of entertainment for Odin’s staff.”

“That may be, but this time stay on task.” Göndul stretched her neck like an ostrich, extending it forward, then pulling it back into place. She was at the end of her patience. If she folded her hands on her lap, Skogul was doomed.

Frak, this assignment was going to be a pain. Why had she been given the challenge and why were Kiara and Harrison here? “Basil won’t remember me. After I took Harrison from Earth, all his memories of me being there and of Harrison being taken to Asgard had been erased.”

“Kiara and Harrison will tell you about Basil’s activities and act as backup.”

“I have to bring him to Valhalla?” Skogul disbelieving shook her head.

“That is your mission.”

“How long do I have to ah…convince Basil of the importance of accepting this invitation?” Skogul slid a glance at Harrison, letting him know there wasn’t much choice, apparently she had to travel alone and make sure she brought, er, provided a Marine.

“It won’t be easy. Vanguard is looking for Wilson, the man who betrayed our squad. And from the information I gave him, he believes Wilson killed me.” Harrison nodded, as if confirming that was the goal.

Göndul folded her hands on her lap. “If you keep your exposure to humans at a minimum, take all the time you need. Have I made that clear?

“Yes, your honor.” Skogul nodded. “Only allow people to see me when necessary and bring the obnoxious Marine to Valhalla.”

A soft giggle came from Kiara’s direction. She recognized the sarcasm. Love flowed through her; they knew each other so well.

“You will go into the situation knowledgeable. Hopefully you won’t be on Earth for long,” Göndul replied, as if the discussion part of this meeting had ended.

“Yes. I will do my best to bring Captain Vanguard to Asgard.” Skogul lowered her head, not in respect as it would indicate, rather to hide her disgust at the task. A human would not want to become an immortal and leave all of the frivolities Earth had to offer behind. The task would be impossible, but she didn’t want to know what the consequences were. If Kiara had been exiled for disobedience, who knew what would happen to her if she wasn’t successful.

“The consequences of failure are far greater than you can possibly imagine. Keep that in mind. Be careful in how you present the offer. You’ll leave tomorrow. Please let me know if you need anything. As always, I’ll keep a close watch.” Göndul strutted from the room. More than likely to get her nails sharpened.

Kiara fell to her knees in front of Skogul. “You can’t force Basil to come, yet I fear what will happen to you if you don’t.”

“I’m sorry, Skogul. But it has to be his choice. He might be happy and not want to become an immortal.” Harrison rubbed his forehead. “In addition, he’s close to finding Wilson.”

“I’m sure this is difficult for both of you.” She cupped her friend’s face. “Kiara, my destiny is unknown, but you will always remain a part of my heart. Do not worry about me. I’ll survive whatever gruesome punishment Göndul has thought to arrange. Who knows, maybe Basil will be happy to join his friend and become one of us.”

Kiara broke into sobs. Harrison drew her from the floor, and they resituated on the sofa. Dread and hope rippled across his glance before he focused on soothing his soul mate.

Hum, she must not have put enough oomph in the comment.

“Well.” Skogul rubbed her earlobe, setting the diamond dangle to swing. “I’ll let you two, ah, console each other. We’ll meet later to discuss details about Basil Vanguard and how to approach him with the offer.”

Chapter 3

Horse Rescue Ranch

Stall doors on each end of the barn slid open to allow ventilation. A non-slip concrete floor made shoveling easier, but the alleyway spread ten feet wide. Five-by-eight box stalls, lined with rubber mats under bedding, posed additional cleaning challenges for Basil. Fresh air drying sweat on a working man’s body was natural. He didn’t mind the labor and God only knew being a Marine included a lot of muscle grease; however, horse shit was huge.

Hard knocks was tattooed right next to loyal and proud. Up to date, mucking stalls topped the list of the most disgusting things he’d ever done and that included wading waist-deep through murky swamps in Cambodia. Nothing from his past compared to the scent of fresh, hot horse shit.

Urine-laced straw dribbled from his pitchfork and onto his Docs. Classic boots shouldn’t smell like ammonia; he hoped the British Boot Company in Camden was still viable and selling Dr Martens. He hadn’t paid his mom a visit in over a year. Perhaps he’d use Skype later, if he could get a good Internet connection. Chat with her and inquire about new footwear.

“Regret volunteering now, Basil?” Cute and perky no longer described Brooke. She became a tiny female version of the Terminator.

Hell, yes, he regretted it, but he’d keep coming every day until he got intel about Wilson who would lead him to Harrison. “Not at all. I get to spend time with a charming and beautiful woman. What more could a man want?”

She giggled and tapped a light bulb enclosed within a safety cage. “Make sure to look for spiders. They’re everywhere.”

He’d thought the job would bring him up close and personal with Pippa, yet here he was scooping excretion into a wagon. Turning to Brooke, he forced a tight smile. “Noted.”

Sweat-drenched hair and a blue jean shirt complete with pearl snaps stuck to her skin. Her exercise-induced red face made it difficult to determine if she blushed or not. Instinctively he flattered women, but he’d keep her age in mind.

“We’ll put down fresh straw and then go empty this load into the recycling area.” She swiped a cloth-covered arm across her forehead. A sliver of straw stuck. “Did I tell you the stables are numbered one, two, and three according to how serious the horse comes in from an abusive environment? Gradually they go to stable three when they are ready to be adopted.”

“Logical and sad.” He reached to remove the golden stick marring her forehead.

“Aren’t you finished?” Pippa’s voice, sharp as the end of the sliver of straw, rang into the rafters.

Basil dropped his hand, taking the filament of pungent straw with him.

“Almost. We just need to lay down a fresh bed and then empty the wagon.” Brooke nodded to clean stalls and the wagon full of manure. Horse flies the size of his thumb buzzed over the load and formed a cloud.

“Go. Get Mike to help,” Pippa said, staring into the distance. “Go,” she reiterated.

Brooke took off running toward stable three.

Pippa bent to pick up the shovel Brooke had dropped before her quick exit. “How are you doing?”

“It’s going fine. I even thought of how aptly the stable is named.”

Her puzzled glance suggested she questioned what his comment meant.

He nodded to the wagon reeking with pungent poop. “Number two.”

For a fraction of a second, a grin spread across her face before she hid behind a straight expression. “Yes, well part of the process of taking care of animals. Intake and output. I’m on my way to pick up a new addition to our family, almost two hours away near Greenfield. Do you want to see how we rescue a horse?”

“Sure. I call shotgun.” He leaned the pitchfork against the wall.

She laughed, short and sexy, twisting his gut into those strange knots again. “Sometimes you’re such a child.”

He removed his leather gloves, tucked them into the band of his trousers, and touched her face. “Don’t mistake me, Phillipa, I’m all man.”

Puffs of air shot from her mouth as she stared into his face. A soft blush colored her cheeks. The thin black jacket claiming Horse Rescue Ranch directly over her heart lifted and lowered with each deep breath.

For a brief second her cheek rubbed against his newly calloused hand, but she quickly shot upright and licked her pink, shiny lips. She took a step back, until the stall wall stopped her. “Don’t mistake me for a fool. I don’t know where my brother is, so don’t try to romance the information from me.”

He shoved his rejected hand into his jeans’ pocket. “I haven’t figured out how your mind works yet.”

She drew away. “Nor will you. Come along. I’ve the trailer hitched and the motor’s running.”

Taking a few long steps, she whirled around and strutted through the exit. Her sexy tight ass, illuminated by the light filtering through the open barn doors, mesmerized him. “My motor’s running too, honey, and I’m sure we can hitch a ride together,” he mumbled and followed.

****

The sight wasn’t unusual, but nausea clogged Pippa’s throat all the same. A gray-and-white mottled horse, not bigger than twelve hands, quivered. A veterinarian sewed a gaping wound on the poor equine’s backside. Several older whip flicks had healed on his beautiful white nose, leaving behind sharp pink grooves. Other smaller gouges covered his back, but the wound on his hindquarters was the worst.

“Hiya, Pip, I’m almost done.” The vet never broke his concentration. “This guy’s about three years old and appears as if most of those years have been under the whip or stick, but those are older. I’ve sedated him, so the travel should be calm. His wounds will heal, but I think you might want to keep him longer before putting him on the roster. He needs to learn to trust humans again.” Doc nodded his gray head. Lines formed on his sweet face as he finished tying off the thread.

The smile he cast her was forced. Her friend hated animal abuse as much as she. Besides that, no doubt most of the community had seen the newspaper declaring her brother a suspect in several scam cases. Lenders had been beating at her door the past few weeks. Would people connect her financially poor state with her brother’s misdeeds and force smiles as if all was right with the world?

“Sure. He’s welcome at our ranch for as long as possible.” She shut her mouth. Unbelievable. She’d let a statement hinting of financial trouble get into the public forum.

He glanced behind her and obviously finding the way clear, said, “Heard about Dave. Anything I can do to help?”

Tears welled as she shook her head. “I’ll manage. Thanks.” She nodded toward the horse. “Did you get enough evidence to put the assaulter away?”

He winked. “You know it. I’ll do my best to help him get years of prison time. Hopefully, we’ll have a break and some of these two-legged monsters will not be allowed to own animals.”

Pippa nodded, all she could do because heartache closed her throat. The torture this poor horse had to endure. Doc Palmer gathered his tools and black bag. He passed behind her and touched her arm in a reassuring manner.

“What’s his name?” Croaked words came from deep down. She had to shake off the moroseness and thank a higher power that the man responsible had been caught.

“Don’t know. There weren’t any papers.” He tipped his head toward Basil, standing to her right. “New guy?”

She nodded. Basil must have picked up on her anxiety and inability to carry on a conversation because he stepped forward and extended a hand. “Basil Vanguard, new volunteer for Horse Rescue Ranch.”