~Later he would be able to recall with perfect clarity the events leading up to the attack at the bridge.~
It took little more than a quick, sidelong glance at his companion to see that this diversion was a complete success. The choice of two spirited horses from the stables - dark gray Badger for Phileas and chestnut Heracles for Rebecca - had proven to be felicitous and all four had enjoyed the exercise. The dawn had fulfilled its promise of a lovely morning and they had made the most of it. By an unspoken agreement, they had talked of nothing but the most inconsequential of matters. Serious conversation, deep discussions of their shared past, and speculation on her upcoming assignments had been almost gleefully left behind the moment they had trotted out of the stable yard.
Phileas marveled as Rebecca once again became the woman that he occasionally seemed to forget existed. It was difficult to imagine the secret agent exclaiming with delight over little Anna mongrel puppy or blithely agreeing with Mrs. Cooper that the newest addition to the Cooper brood was a little darling. And yet just moments ago he had seen both of those events with his own eyes. She had seemed - well - at peace for want of better words. As though, just for a little while she was returning to joys of their youth.
The Cooper farm was several minutes behind them on narrow farm road and at a distance of near a quarter of a mile ahead was the mill road bridge. Rebecca drew Heracles to a halt in the middle of the road causing Badger to stop beside them.. Peaceful did not currently describe her countenance. Mischief glowed brightly in her eyes as she spoke.
"I do not believe that we have adequately exercised these horses, Phileas. What do you say to a race, from here to the bridge? With a slight wager on the side, of course?"
With that silly little hat tilted at a rakish angle she was quite impossible to resist and he rose to the challenge.
"I am always up for a wager, Cousin, what do you suggest as stakes?" Whatever he had expected, her answer surprised him.
"A favor - one, small favor to be redeemed by the winner at a time and place of his or her choosing."
The note of surprise rang clear in his voice, "That is a bit . . . open-ended for a wager, do you not agree?"
The slightest shrug of her shoulders and the sly smile on her lips did not escape his notice as she replied, "Well, if it is too much for you . . ."
"Low blow! Strike at my pride, will you? You have left me no choice now but to accept your ridiculous wager!" His agreement merely sounded stung, the grin on his face showed his delight.
"And what are to be the rules . . " He was unable to articulate the rest of his request for the moment he agreed she had clapped her boot to her horse's side and with a light touch of the whip, they sprang away at a gallop leaving an astounded Phileas behind.