"I want something sorted out; you know something you are good at." He smiled briefly.
"Oh yes?" She sipped her coffee.
"Someone who crossed me, some years ago, before my..." He paused. "...enforced holiday.
It's just that we think we have found a way to get her."
"You think you have found her? I'm intrigued."
"No, we don't know where she is yet, but, we have found her brother and our sources say
she is working with him, albeit under an assumed name. She thought that she could vanish.
Stupid girl!" He smiled. "Anyway, I need you to ensure we have the right person, and then I want
to have a word with her."
"A word?" She looked up.
"In a manner of speaking. I want her to be my guest for a short time. However she may not
be so willing."
"A little gentle persuasion then?" She smiled.
"I am glad we are on the same wavelength". He reached for a brown envelope. "Here are the
details. You can ride can't you?"
"Ride?"
"Horses?" He smiled slyly. "I thought you were a Pony Club girl?"
"I was thrown out of the Pony Club." She frowned.
"I know. That's why you are so perfect for this job..."
~~~
Rain clattered against the window dripping slowly through the leaking roof, plopping gently
into the bucket that sat on the dusty carpet. Monday morning had come, as it did so often, too
soon. The sky was dark marking the prelude of a day that would remain rainy and dull. The only
sound was the expectant kicking of hungry horses.
***
The sign at the end of the drive had once proudly announced the presence of 'The
Redbridge Riding School', now it stood at an angle, its letters faded. The pride had gone, and as
the water ran across the muddy yard, it was easy to see why.
Here was a place that prided itself on not being special; it was just 'another' riding school.
With all the common factors, the riding school horses and ponies. A team of staff, living in
uncomfortable and damp accommodation, working long hours for little money and a head girl,
Amanda King, who at twenty-four years old was a perfect host to her customers. The staff
however felt that she was bossy, but generally fair. Amanda had bought the yard from the
previous owners some years before.
***
The alarm clock bleeped loudly announcing the unwelcome start to another week. Adam
reached up and clutched the small clock, staring at the faint green numbers through bleary eyes.
