Monday
A warm, nutty aroma of fresh brewed coffee seeped under the closed door of the darkened bedroom, waking her from a fitful sleep. A groan escaped her lips as she wiggled, stretched slightly, her eyes still closed. Her hand strayed to his side of the bed, searching for him but finding only cool, rumbled sheets. He was gone, but his scent lingered. She rolled over, pressing her nose into his pillow, inhaling deeply, breathing out his name.
Clutching his pillow to her chest, she opened her eyes, sat up. The brilliant colors of the hummingbird print, hanging above her dresser, caught her attention. The jewel-toned bird centered, her wings outstretched, flying amongst the butterflies and flowers. A cleansing breath in and out left her with a sense of calm, though fleeting.
The print reminded her of Summer, which reminded her of their 8am meeting. She lazily rolled over to look at the time, it was just a hair past 6am. She had overslept, more than an hour, and she still had chores.
"Shoot!" She scrambled out of bed, quickly dressed, then emerged from her bedroom.
"Ty! Ty?" She called out, expecting his answer but hearing none. Frowning, she made a beeline to the kitchen to get a much needed cup of coffee.
As she downed the hot coffee, she texted him. "Hey. Where are you?"
"We are in the barn. Hope you got some sleep. Get some coffee and come down when you're ready."
"We?" She said aloud as she looked around, realizing that Mouse and Ruth were not there.
"Ruth and Mouse?" She typed into her phone, then pressed Send.
"With us." He texted back.
Descending the steps, cup of coffee in hand, she heard mumbled voices rising up the stairwell. Tracking the sound, Amy found the four of them, Ty, Nick, Brian and Benny, in the feed room, huddled around her herb stand, bent over as if blowing out candles on a cake. Their backs were turned to the doorway, they did not take notice of her approach.
"Hey." She greeted them. "What are you looking at?"
All at once, they turned toward her, their faces solemn, serious.
"Hey." A forced smile flashed briefly on his lips. Ty moved towards her, Ruth in the crook of one arm. His other drew protectively around her shoulder, pulling her to his side. "I see you got coffee."
She tensed, her senses were on alert. "Ty. What's going on?" She searched his face for answers.
Officer Benny cleared his throat to command her attention.
"Ms. Fleming. Our surveillance cameras have recorded footage of an unknown individual on the club grounds between 1 and 2 am yesterday morning. We have reason to believe that this individual may be involved with the break and entry into your apartment." He spoke in a professional tone.
She didn't respond. The radio on his belt crackled filling the silence.
The officer stepped aside revealing a open laptop, perched on her herb stand. A grainy image frozen on its screen.
"Oh." She muttered absently as she stared at the image briefly, then looked back at Ty, suddenly worried for her assistant. "Where is Ashland? I didn't see her in the barn."
"Amy. Ashland is fine." Nick spoke up, reassured her. "She already finished her chores and went upstairs to change. She'll be back soon."
"Oh. Okay...Guess I need to get to work too." Excusing herself from the situation, she began to turn away.
"You don't need to worry with the horses." Ty pulled her back. "Here hold Ruth. She needs her mom."
"But, I.." She sputtered as she accepted the warm puppy, clutching her to her chest.
"Ty already did your chores." Brian explained.
"Oh." Amy turned toward Ty as she looked up at him, muttered. "Thank you."
Officer Benny cleared his throat again.
"Ms. Fleming. We need you to look at the videos. We need your help to identify this individual." The officer sounded impatient as he pulled out the wooden stool, motioning for her to sit.
Amy nodded silently, then slipped onto the stool, placing Ruth in her lap, the cup on the table. He reached over her shoulder, clicked the mouse to restart the video.
"This footage was taken by the camera above the main double doors, inside this barn." He tipped his head over his right shoulder, in the direction of the camera. "The video is a bit blurry. You will need to concentrate."
Amy watched closely as a figure, his back to the camera, walked hurriedly through the dimly lit center alley of the barn and disappeared up the stairwell. Several minutes passed when the figure reappeared from the stairwell. As he walked toward the camera, he looked down, the bill of his cap obscuring his face.
"Well, Ms. Fleming. Do you recognize the individual?" Benny asked.
Amy pressed her lips, shook her head No. "I can't see his face. So no. I don't." She said, not taking her eyes off the screen.
"Are you sure?" Nick asked.
She looked over her shoulder at Benny. "Can I watch it again? Maybe in slow motion?"
Benny reached over her again, rewound the video, played it again in slow motion.
Just before the individual entered the stairwell, Amy stopped the video herself. "This is odd. He, and I assume he's a guy because of the way he walks, his stride and his body shape. Anyhow, he's wearing breeches without boots." She pointed to the image. "He's wearing black sneakers."
Benny took a note. "Anything else?"
She shook her head, No, as she forwarded the video then paused it as the figure reentered the barn from the stairwell. "Look. He doesn't have anything in his hands." She frowned, pointed out as she continued the video.
"Noted. Anything else?"
She paused the video as the figure approached the camera. "Does it look like he's wearing a uniform? Maybe...from the Calgary Polo Club?" She asked, looking to Nick.
"Why do you ask?" The officer asked, careful not to answer to her question.
"Well. It looks to me, at least, that he's wearing a long sleeved polo shirt. See the collar?" She pointed to the screen again. "And, it's a dark color, maybe black. And, here on the right side of his chest, it looks like a white round logo. Maybe like the club logo. The same white shape is on his cap. But. It's hard to tell."
"We thought that too." Brian said.
"Mr. McDermott, please." The officer glared at him. "Continue Ms. Fleming."
"Can I zoom in?" She asked engrossed in the image. Benny showed her to enlarge the image.
"I'm not certain, but that black blob in the center looks like polo horse." She shook her head, shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe? I wish it was clearer."
Rewinding a tad, then zooming in to the figure's feet, she leaned to get a closer look. "Hmmm. Look at his shoes. They look pointy. They definitely aren't sneakers. They are dress shoes. Who would wear dress shoes with breeches? Certainly not someone who works in a barn with horses." She said answering her own question.
"Noted. Anything else?"
She said. "No, that's all I can see." She stood, drawing Ruth to her chest.
"We have a few other videos for you to look at." The officer remarked as he closed the video and opened another. "Please sit."
"I have a meeting in Calgary at 8. I can't be late." Amy explained as she picked up her cup. "I will look at them later this afternoon, when I return."
"Ms. Fleming. It's imperative..." Benny continued.
"I understand. But after my meeting." She was firm.
Nick interrupted. "Benny. Let it go for now. Amy can finish when she returns."
"Nick. Do you really think that's a good idea?" Benny challenged. "We have no idea who is person is or what he or she is capable of?" Clearly more concerned than he was yesterday, he pressed Nick.
Nick reconsidered, then asked. "Amy. Can you reschedule?"
"No." She returned firmly without details.
"She really needs to be there." Ty added, backing her up.
"Are you going to Calgary too?" Nick asked Ty.
"Well. I'm going to Calgary, yes. But, no, not to her meeting." Ty paused, reading between the lines, then asked her. "Amy. How about I follow you there? It's on my way.."
She shook her head, a bit annoyed. "No. I don't need an escort. I will be fine."
"If Ty's going anyhow.." Nick trailed off.
Ty reached out, touched her elbow, caught her eye. "We just want you to be safe. What do you say?"
"Fine." She relented with a huff.
"What time do you think you'll be back?" Benny asked.
"I don't know. 12? 1?" She guessed.
"Do you really think it will take that long?" Ty asked.
"Seriously. You all are worse than my Grandpa Jack!" Amy lamented. "If you have to know, I have to go to the pet store and the grocery too."
"Thank god. I am so sick of peanut butter." Ashland said sarcastically, breaking the tension as she entered the room. Mouse scampered in behind her.
Amy laughed, almost as a release. "Morning Ashland. Morning Mouse!" Seeing Mouse, Ruth started whining to be let down to play.
"Hey. Mind if I go with? I need a few things too." Ashland asked.
"No. Not this time." Amy replied.
"Why? It's only the grocery. I did my chores at like 5, just like you asked..." She reasoned, then added teased. "Sleeping Beauty."
Amy smirked at the irony, then explained. "It's just that I have a meeting at UC first."
"With Dr. Flower?" Before Amy could answer Ashland continued. "You won't know I'm there. I can entertain myself on my phone while you're in your meeting. Promise." She upped the ante. "After we can have lunch together. My treat."
"Might be a good idea." Ty suggested.
"I think so too." Nick added.
"Might be wise." Benny chipped in.
"I'll look after Mouse and Ruth down here." Brian offered.
With her fingertips touching prayer-like, brows raised, Ashland begged. "Please."
"Fine." Under unanimous pressure, Amy relented, handing the squirming Ruth to Brian. Her eyes narrowed as she looked at Ashland. "You can not, under any circumstance, come into my meeting."
"I won't." Ashland promised.
"And, you have to help carry the groceries up the stairs."
"Deal. Hey. I will even buy the crunchy peanut butter." She added grinning, making Amy roll her eyes.
An hour later, Amy pulled her white Ford truck into a parking space in front of the Administration Building on UC's main campus, then cut the engine. Gathering herself and her things, she opened the driver's side door, slid out, closing it behind her.
Ty parked his old GMC into a few spots away, then exited his vehicle. As he walked toward her, he watched her every movement. The morning sun highlighted her honeyed hair as strands danced in the breeze. She wore a fitted jersey dress, the color of a ripe bluish plum, that traced the swell of her chest, the flat of her stomach, the movement of her slim hips. Ty was mesmerized.
Absent were her cowboy hat and boots, instead she wore ankle boots in a taupe suede. Absent too was her smile. Her lips were drawn into a straight line and her eyes steely, seemingly preparing for the worst.
Meeting in the middle, toe to toe, he reached out, placed his hands tenderly on her upper arms, his fingertips gently squeezing to encourage her, reassure her.
"Hey. You okay?" His head bent towards hers, his eyes searching hers.
"Yeah. I'm just tired." Her downcast eyes did not meet his.
"No wonder. You tossed and turned all night."
"Yeah. Guess the break-in made it hard to relax."
"Ames. We'll get through this together." He said tenderly.
"Thanks." She whispered as she looked up, her eyes shining with emotion. "Thanks for the escort too."
"No problem." He replied. "Will you call me as soon as you are done? Let me know how it went?"
"I will." She said, then instructed. "Until then, you need to study...hard."
"That's my plan."
A tight smile flickered, then faded as Amy pulled back, preparing to step away. "Well. I better go. Guess I'll see you Wednesday night."
Reluctant to let her go, he held on, leaned into her a bit more. "Yeah. I'm looking forward to it." He shook his head. "But, it seems so far away."
"It will go by fast. You have exams. You'll be focused on those."
"Yeah. Four exams in three days. I gonna be whipped." He lamented, then warned. "I may not be much company."
"Do you want to reschedule then? So you can catch up on your sleep?" She offered half heartedly.
He rolled his eyes. "Of course not. You can't get rid of me that easily, Horsey Girl!" He chuckled, making her smile. "I will see you Wednesday night."
"Good. It's a date." She said without thinking.
"A date, huh?" He teased.
"You know what I mean!" She bumped his shoulder with hers.
His eyes began to sparkle as a sheepish smile morphed onto his lips as though he had a secret plan.
"What?"
"Well. Seeing it's gonna be a few days and all. Your meeting, my exams." He stammered a bit. "Um. How 'bout a kiss then? You know. For luck?"
The corners of her mouth upturned as she stepped forward, her eyes locked onto his. She leaned in, closed her eyes as her lips closed on his for a single kiss.
"Good luck." He whispered, his lips tickling hers, his smile mingling with hers.
"Good luck." She whispered back.
His hands slid around her, pulling her into his embrace. Without hesitation, her arms slipped around his waist, tightened her hug, her temple rested against his cheek. He breathed in her hair, its lavender scent.
They clung together, swaying a bit, hushed, for a moment, or two.
"I better go." She pulled away, took a full step back, breaking their physical bond. "See you in a couple of days."
"Yeah. See you."
He stood there, planted on the sidewalk and watched her turn, walk away, her long hair swinging across her back, her pretty hips swaying, slit in the back of her dress opening ever so slightly to reveal the back of her knees curving toward her thighs with every step. Once again he was mesmerized.
When she reached the sidewalk where Ashland was waiting, Amy turned, raised her hand to him, then the two walked into the building, out of his sight. He pulled out his phone and texted her.
"Amy. You got this. Love you."
He waited, but she didn't respond.
He sighed, got in Old Blue, put her in reverse, backed out, then drove away, not noticing the idling truck parked just a few spaces away.
Ashland found a seat in the reception room as Amy headed toward the receptionist to check in.
"Hello Ms. Green." Amy said as she stopped in front of the receptionist's desk.
"Hello Ms. Fleming. Dr. Flower is on her way." She smiled.
"Okay. Thank.."
"Amy. It's so good to see you." Summer interrupted, gave her a quick hug. As usual, the Dean was dressed stylishly, this time in a taupe sheath and matching jacket.
"Hello Summer, it's good to see you too...Am I late?" She asked, even though she knew that she was a few minutes tardy.
"Heavens no." Summer shook her head. "Come on back."
As Summer and Amy turned to walk to the conference room, Ashland approached.
"Hello Dr. Flower." She said, catching their attention, causing them to stop in their tracks.
"Hello. May I help you?" Summer responded in a friendly, but business-like manner.
Amy quickly intervened, introducing the two. "Dr. Flower. This is Ashland Berry. She is a friend and co-worker of mine and an admirer of yours. She's a former student in your department."
"Well. Nice to meet you Ms. Berry." Summer extended her hand, which Ashland eagerly shook.
"Always nice to see you, Dr. Flower. It's truly an honor." She gushed.
"Ashland Berry. Your name seems to ring a bell." The professor glanced upward as she tried to recall, then asked. "I apologize but have we met before?"
"No." Her reply was short, abrupt.
"My mistake." Summer responded, though skeptical. "Are you joining us, Ms. Berry?"
Amy jumped in, before she could respond. "No. Ashland is going to wait out here in the reception area. Right Ashland?"
"Right." She confirmed, then added. "I'll wait out here...or I might take a walk around campus." She shrugged, not sure, as she eyed Amy. "Just call me when you're done."
"Okay." Amy worried. "Ashland, please be careful."
"I will."
"Very well. Ms. Berry, if you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask Ms. Green." She glanced back at the receptionist to confirm her offer.
"Thank you."
"Amy, the others are waiting."
Amy nodded. "See you later Ashland."
Summer led her down the hall, into the same conference room.
"Amy. I assume you remember everyone."
Standing at the head of table, Summer reintroduced Jane Kim, Erica Hamilton, Alasie Snow and Charles Emmitt as Amy greeted each one. She took the empty seat to the right of Summer's spot, her back to the door.
"Would you like something to drink?" Summer asked.
"Yes. Water please." Though she wasn't as nervous as last time, her mouth was already dry.
Alasie rose, got her a glass of ice water, handed it to her.
"Thanks." She smiled gratefully, then added. "And, Alasie, thanks for making copies of my journal."
Amy took a large sip, before setting the glass down on the table.
"Okay. Let's get started. Amy. Like the last time, we would like to record this meeting. Do we have your permission?" Summer commenced the meeting.
"Yes."
"Thank you." Summer identified everyone in the room for the recording.
"And, as I have said before, you can stop this at any time. Would you like to proceed?"
"Yes." Amy replied.
"Good. Amy, you given us quite a bit of information already, including your journal. We have had the opportunity to read it. For some of us, more than once. We believe it's an important piece of evidence and will play a significant role in your case against Prince Ahmed al Saeed of Saudi Arabia."
Amy nodded.
"As mentioned, we wanted to follow up with you on a few things and get some additional details. But before we do that, is there anything else you'd like to share?"
She took another sip of water, then pushed her hair behind her ear. She exhaled heavily. "Yes. Yesterday..."
A knock at the door interrupted her.
"Alasie, please pause the recording. Excuse me." Summer rose to open door. The receptionist leaned in, whispered something in her ear.
"Thank you, Ms. Green." As the receptionist walked away, Summer stood at the open door. "Amy. You have a guest who wants to join us."
Frowning, Amy exhaled heavily, too frustrated with Ashland to even respond verbally. Instead she turned her back to the door, stared at the glass of water before her.
Summer stepped aside as he walked in, hat and a manilla envelop in hand, wearing dress jeans, sport coat, and his good boots.
"Hello Everyone." His baritone voice broke through the air. "Sorry to interrupt."
She spun around in her seat. "Grandpa!" Surprised to see him, she quickly rose, went to him, hugged him around his neck.
She grew concerned. "Is everything okay?"
"Yes. Yes. Everything is fine." He reassured her.
"Good...But, why are you here then? How did you find me?" She quizzed him.
"Ty called last night. He told us about what happened and this meeting. After Lisa and I read your journal.." indicating the envelop in his hand, "we thought you could use these...and another friendly face here today." He said, the movement of his head punctuating his words.
"Thanks Grandpa." She looked to Summer. "Is it okay if he stays?"
"Of course. Welcome Jack. It's so good to see you."
"Summer. It's been too long." The two smiled genuinely at each other as they shook hands. "Thank you for helping Amy in this..." he didn't finish his sentence.
"Of course. You have a very accomplished, very brave granddaughter Jack."
"I do indeed." He winked at Amy. "We are quite proud of her."
"And. It's our pleasure to represent her. Please come in, have a seat."
Amy retook her seat. Jack strode in, sat to her right. He placed the envelop on the table, his black Stetson on top.
After Amy made introductions, Summer cautioned him. "Jack, be fair warned that we will record this meeting."
"You don't say." He smoothed his mustache, replied seriously. "Well, I suppose I will watch my language then." He chuckled.
"Use any language and words you like. I just ask you to be candid and honest." Summer reassured him. "Also, what is said in this meeting, stays in this meeting."
Jack nodded.
"Okay. Let's get started again." She looked at Alasie to start the recording again. "Amy. Please continue where you started."
"Okay. Someone broke into my apartment at the Polo Club yesterday morning." She stated calmly.
Not expecting that, Summer gasped. "Oh my. How horrible. That must have been extremely upsetting." Summer leaned toward her, visible concern played on her face.
"It was scary. I felt like I personally had been invaded." She admitted.
"Are you okay? Do you still feel safe there?" She pushed.
Nodding, she said. "Yeah. I'm okay. I mean. I wish it didn't happen. But, the club's security is taking it seriously. So that's good." She admitted. "Still, it was hard to sleep last night."
"I can imagine." Summer empathized. "I'll make a call to their security. Who is the head there?"
"Benny Turner is the head of security."
As she wrote, she asked. "Your supervisor?"
"Nick Harwell."
"And, the head of the club?"
"Asher Berry. He's the board's chairman."
Summer glanced up at her. "Any relation to Ashland Berry? Your friend in the reception area?"
"Her dad."
"Oh...I see. Very good." She made a note, then returned to her line of questions. "So Amy, let's take a step back. When did you take the job at the Calgary Polo Club?"
"Last week. I am their new riding and jump coach."
"Well, congratulations. They are very lucky to have such an accomplished horsewoman." She smiled.
"Thanks. I like the new challenge." She smiled back while avoiding her grandfather's almost certain unhappy expression.
"Where is your apartment? I didn't realize that the club had residences."
"It's actually housed above a horse barn. The other coaches and assistants live there too."
"Who knew that you had relocated there?"
"My family and friends, of course. And, all the members of the club. My start was announced in the newsletter and on the bulletin board."
"So, it was widely known?"
"Yes."
"Were you at home during the break in?" Erica jumped in.
She glanced at Jack, hesitated to answer. She swallowed, then admitted. "No. Um. I was at friend's apartment on UC campus near the vet clinic."
"Who is your friend?" She asked.
"Ty Borden, my ex-fiancé." She grimaced slightly, when Jack cleared his throat. She scrambled to explain. "Um. Nothing happened, Grandpa. We're just friends, or trying to be at least. I fell asleep on Ty's couch. And, it got late. Um. So I stayed instead of driving home in the dark."
"Good thing you weren't there when the intruder showed up." Summer tried to assuage the uncomfortable situation. "Right Jack?"
"Good thing." He muttered, cajoled into agreement.
"So. When I returned home at 5:30 am, I found my apartment door standing wide open. I was certain that I had closed and locked my door the night before. The club's security officer Benny Turner came up and checked my apartment first for signs of an intruder. After he cleared it, I walked thru it with him to search for missing things. Everything seemed to be there and in its place."
"You used the phrase seemed...everything seemed to be there."
"Right. Last night when I went to bed, I couldn't find my journal to write in it, like I do every night. I looked everywhere. Turns out both my journal and notebook were missing."
"Anything else missing?"
"No, that was it."
"Were both copies of your journal stolen?" Ever the detailed oriented litigator, Erica wanted to get the facts straight.
"Neither were missing. When the break-in occurred, those were not in my apartment. Mrs. Bell had one copy, Ashland Berry had the other."
"Okay, let me get this straight. So the stolen journal is not your tour journal?" Erica asked, somewhat confused.
"That's right."
Jack cleared his throat. "I have both copies of her tour journal right here." He moved his hat, revealing the thick yellow envelop. "I received both copies yesterday."
Erica nodded her understanding.
"Good. Amy, tell us about the missing journal." Summer suggested.
"It's a basic journal with a fake leather cover and unlined pages. I started that journal when I moved to the club. So it's new. Like I said. Each night, I journal about my day. Work. Horses. Activities. That kind of stuff. So there were only a few entries."
"Did any of the entries include anything about Mr. al Saeed or your employment with him?"
"No. I did write that you had my tour journal, that you made two copies of it, and that Mrs. Bell had one of those copies. I also wrote Grandpa, Lisa and Lou would get the copies next."
"I see. Tell us about the missing notebook."
"That is just a plain, lined spiral notebook. I jotted random things in it. You know, To Do lists, grocery lists, my goals and plans. I started writing in it a few weeks ago. It's kinda like a scratch pad, nothing of much substance."
Summer nodded as she made the note. "Notebook-Nothing of much substance.
"Here's the thing. I wrote about people that I was in contact with.. Mrs. Bell, Soraya, Nick, Scott. So I'm worried about their safety."
"There is an order of protection in place for all those folks." Jack gently reminded her.
Meeting his eye, she said. "Yes, but I wrote about others too, Grandpa. Summer, Ashland, Brian. They don't have a restraining order to protect them."
He conceded her point with a nod.
"Honestly, what good are those orders anyhow? Someone broke into my apartment. Someone broke into Ty's trailer. We both have an order of protection." Her brow knitted as she scoffed, her weariness showing. "Some protection!"
"Ty's trailer was broken into? When?" Summer asked.
Jack slipped his large, callous hand over her small one.
She sighed. "That happened before I moved to the club. His trailer door was wide open when he got home one day, but nothing was missing. At the time, he wasn't sure if it was a break-in or not. Looking back, its so similar. So who is the next target?" Her voice was strained. "Mrs. Bell? Grandpa? Ashland? You?"
Hearing her stress, Summer took a different tact. "Let's all a deep breath." She paused to inhale and exhale slowly, calming the subtle fray. Amy followed suit.
"Sounds like we may not know all the facts, so let's not jump to conclusions. These two incidents may or may not be related to each other or to your case. Let's stick to what we know for certain."
"Okay."
"Alasie. We have copies of the orders, right?"
"Yes." She patted the bulging brown accordion folder in front of her.
"Good. Erica, will you review those and get them updated, if necessary?"
"Of course." She made a note, then accepted the folder from Alasie.
"I'll check with Chief Parker on Mrs. Bell's house." Jack offered. "She's out of town for a few weeks."
"Thanks." Amy glanced at him, smiled gratefully.
"Good. Let's continue. Amy. Do you have any other information you'd like to share?"
"Yes. This morning, the security officer showed me videos of a person, probably a man, in the barn where I live, around 1am Sunday morning. I didn't recognize him but I have more videos to review when I get back. Maybe something will come of that."
"Okay. Keep us posted." Summer check on her. "How are you holding up? Need a break?"
"No. I'm okay."
"Let's continue then. Have noticed anyone or anything else out of the ordinary since you moved into the club?" Erica asked.
"There was this guy watching us exercise a horse in the outside pen on Saturday morning. I noticed him because he was wearing an expensive suit and dress shoes. Not the kind of attire for the club. Ashland saw him too."
"What did he look like?"
"He looked European, I guess. He was medium height, maybe 5'10 or so, medium build, olive skin, dark hair and eyes. Early thirties."
"Not Saudi?"
"No. Not Saudi. Maybe a Spaniard? I didn't hear him speak so...I can't be sure."
"So he was dressed in a suit. What else stood out about him?"
"Nothing really. He seemed oddly familiar, but I don't know why. Mostly he just made me...uncomfortable. You know? It's not that he did anything. I just had this weird feeling about him." She tried to explain.
"Your gut instincts were telling your brain something important. I've mentioned before that I personally give credence to those feelings...and the warnings that often accompany them. Glad you did too."
A tight smile appeared on her lips, then quickly disappeared.
"Did you tell anyone about him? Maybe Nick or security?"
"I told Ashland. But no, not Nick or security." She confessed.
"Okay. Anything else?"
"Well, Saturday was also the Rocky Mountain Cup. At the tournament, I ran into RCMP officer Matt Baldwin. Remember, he's one who provided security at Heartland for a while." She glanced at Jack.
Jack added. "Good guy."
"Grandpa. I'm not so sure." She hedged.
His head tilted as though he didn't hear her correctly.
Amy explained. "Matt keeps asking about my diary and when I am going to give it to the RCMP."
"Diary?" Jack asked.
"I assume he meant my journal. But, here's the thing. I never told him or RCMP about my journal. When he first asked, the only people who knew about it were Mrs. Bell and Ty. And, they didn't say anything to him. So how could he know?"
"Did he say anything at the match, Amy?" Summer asked.
She nodded. "Yeah. He said that they, meaning RCMP, were still on my case. That surprised me. He also said that they tracking Ahmed and his people's movements."
"And? Did he say where they are?"
"Yes. Syed is in Hudson at Hillhurst. Ahmed and the rest are in Antwerp. Oh, and, Adela is in Rome."
"So. Same as a week ago." Summer recalled.
She nodded, took a sip of water. "Later that day, I saw Matt talking to that guy."
"The European man?"
"Yes."
"What did they say?"
"Don't know. I was too far away to hear. I had to use binoculars to watch them." She shrugged, then speculated. "It didn't seem like a long conversation. So it may be have been nothing. Like maybe he was asking for directions or something. But, it was a strange coincidence."
"It could be a coincidence or something else."
"Right." Suddenly Amy stiffened, her eyes widened. Her hand flew to her mouth as she gasped. "Oh my god."
"Amy?" Jack grew concerned.
"Mario! It was Mario." Her breath quickened with the realization.
"Who's Mario?" Summer asked.
"Adela's boyfriend. I met him in Rome." She blinked rapidly as she recovered the memory. "He's the man who has been watching me. The European man."
"Are you sure?" Summer looked at her intently.
"Yes. Positive." She was a tad rattled, but certain. "I knew he looked familiar but I couldn't place him." She pushed her hair away from her face. "Until now."
"Do you know his last name?"
"No." She shook her head, dismayed.
"It's okay. Do you have a picture of him?" Summer pushed.
"No." She shook her head No, several times. "No. I don't." She repeated herself, her fingers rubbed her temple.
"RCMP can get sketch artist if nothing else." She made a note. "Have you seen Mario or Matt since Saturday?"
"No." She continued to rub her temple, eyes closed.
"Do you think Mario or Matt broke into your apartment?"
"I don't know." She continued talking, eyes still closed, almost to herself. "But, why else would he be here? Why would be he following me? What does he want? Where's Adela really?"
"There's no crime in going to a polo match. Even if it seems highly suspicious. Tell security at the club everything...and keep us posted."
"I will." She nodded absently.
"Anything else?"
"No. Isn't that enough." Amy said sarcastically, then sighed heavily, apologized immediately. "I'm sorry. That was really unnecessary."
"Amy. There is no need to apologize. This is a difficult process. You are under a lot stress. That's all." Summer said in a calm voice.
Amy nodded, sighed, but didn't respond verbally.
"Tell you what. Why don't we all take a ten minute break? Think we all need some air."
As everyone filed out of the room, Jack patted his granddaughter's hand. "Amy. You okay?"
"Yeah. I'm just tired. I didn't sleep well last night."
"No wonder. With everything going on." He sympathized.
She sighed heavily.
"We are mighty proud of you." He kissed her temple.
"Thanks."
He pulled out the manilla envelop and handed it to his granddaughter.
"I really don't want those. I wish that you had burned them." A heavy sigh emerged. "They are nothing but trouble."
"Amy." He said gently seeing that she was getting upset again.
Pushing her chair back from the table, she excused herself, left the room headed straight for the restroom. At the sink, she wetted a paper towel with cool water, then began to mop her face as she frowned at her reflection in the mirror. She saw the little lines etched around her eyes and forehead. Her skin looked pale, dull and tired. The sleepless nights, nightmares, stress had begun to take a toll.
Then she noticed. The reflection showed her left hand, devoid of her engagement ring, only a thin band of untanned skin circling her ring finger remained.
Exhaling wearily, she spoke to her reflection. "I wish I had never gone on that damn tour."
She put her hand on the cool mirror. "Urrgh. Why don't you leave me alone? You already ruined everything. What more do you want?" She frowned as she stared.
"Do you want my journal. Fine, take it. Want me to end this case? Fine, I'm done." Defeat echoed in her weary voice.
The toilet flushed in the stall directly behind her, startling her. Amy watched as its door slowly creaked opened, Ashland walked out. Standing at the next sink, her assistant methodically washed her hands without a word, without a sideward glance.
Amy still shaken, muttered. "I didn't think anyone was in here."
"Clearly." She pulled out a paper towel, dried her hands. "So. Are you giving up, huh?"
Her shoulder shrugged.
Ashland's eyes narrowed. "Ah. I see. So you gonna let that son of a bitch win? Let him off so he can harass another, crush their spirit too?"
Amy sighed.
"Because if you are, I can give you some great pointers on how to do it. Step one is to lose every shred, every ounce of self respect you have left."
"Ash.." Amy touched her arm.
She waved her away like she was swatting a fly. "Amy. I thought you were brave. I thought you had the moxie to take control of your life. Ha. Guess I was wrong. Turns out, you're just like me. Scared." Dramatically, she threw the crumpled paper towel in the trash, turned on her heel to walk out the door.
"Wait. Please." She grabbed her elbow.
Ashland stopped, turned around. "What? Tell me I'm wrong."
"No. You're right. I admit it, I am scared. I think Mario was the one who broke into my apartment."
"Mario? You mean, Adela's Mario?" Ashland's eyes grew wide.
"Yeah." She nodded.
"Are you sure? How do you know?"
"Remember that guy at the round pen when we were exercising Parsnip?"
"The guy in the suit?"
"Yeah, him. I didn't recognize him then. But it's definitely Mario. He was watching me. I think he was after my tour journal. But he got my new journal and notebook instead. Now he knows that Mrs. Bell had a copy and.."
"So Ahmed is behind your break-in." She stated with conviction. "Mario is just his henchman."
"I don't know. Ashland. But. Who's next? Mrs. Bell? Grandpa? Ty? You? I don't want the people I love to get hurt over that stupid journal."
Ashland raised an eyebrow, tried to hide her smile. "Amy. Did I hear you right? Did you just include me in the list of people you love?"
A half smile formed on her lips, "No."
"I knew it!" She chuckled. "Look. All the people you love, love you back. It was so obvious at dinner last night at Heartland."
"Maybe. But. My family, Ty blamed me for everything that happened. They said that I led Ahmed on, that I wanted it...They all said I lied."
"Were you honest with them?"
Amy shrugged.
"I get that...really. But, now they've read your journal, they know the truth. You haven't lost Ty. Or your family. Give them a chance to show you, to support you."
She didn't respond.
"Look. I'm not saying that my situation is like yours, it's not, not even in a small way. But I can say that when it happened, I was humiliated, I was ashamed. I couldn't even tell my parents. I felt powerless to do anything. So I didn't fight it, I just gave up. I quit school. But, it didn't help. The worse thing is knowing that they got away with it. And, here I am still...messed up."
"I am sorry."
"Whatever. I don't need or want your pity..Amy. Just...Don't be like me. I want you to fight. I want you to kick his Royal High Ass."
"Royal High Ass?" Amy rolled her eyes. "Seriously?"
The two women smirked.
There was a knock on the bathroom door. Summer poked her head in. "We're ready to start again. Are you?"
"We need another minute, if that's okay." Amy responded.
"Sure." Summer nodded, left the restroom.
Her arms opened wide to her friend, who walked into her bear hug. "Thank you."
A ding sounded, alerting Amy that she received a text.
"It's from Ty..." She read it, then laughed. "Listen to this. What did the horse say when it fell?...I've fallen and I can't giddyup!"
"That's so lame." Ashland smirked. "But so perfect. Giddy up!"
"Giddy up!"
Amy texted him back. "So lame, but so perfect. Love you too."
"Well. Giddy up! And, get back in there." Ashland laughed.
"Wanna to come with me? I could use your kickass support." Amy offered.
Ashland seemed touched. "Thanks. You can tell me everything at lunch. But I think I gonna take a walk. I need to think about some things."
"Understand."
Back in the conference room, everyone reassembled, took their seats. Summer started the meeting.
"Before we start, does anyone have questions or comments?"
Jack raised his hand slightly to get her attention.
"You don't need your raise your hand, Jack."
"Oh. So...Do you have any concerns that Amy's journal has been shared and read by so many?" Jack asked. "Will that hurt her case?"
"No. Absolutely not. Amy's journal is owned by Amy. She alone determines who can and can't read it. She shared it with her family members, friends and legal council so we can better understand what she experienced, both good and bad. In turn, we can better support her and advocate for her, emotionally and legally." Summer explained. "I encouraged her to share it with you and others for that reason alone."
"Oh."
"Jack, as you alluded, Amy's journal is very strong evidence in her case. Legally, under the rules of evidence and discovery, Mr. al Saeed and his attorneys are entitled to inspect and copy any and all documents that could potentially lead to the discovery of useful evidence to support their case or position. That includes her journal."
"Amy. Are you okay with that? That Ahmed, his attorneys, whoever, will have your journal? That it will become public?"
Erica jumped in before she could answer. "Amy's journal is private so it cannot be broadcast or published without her permission. But, it is not considered confidential. So, it may used in her case, in filings, in discovery, in court. But, there are disclosure rules that both sides are bound to follow. We'll do our best to keep it as a client attorney privileged document. But, you should prepare yourself that it likely will become discoverable." Erica slipped into legal jargon. "But not necessarily public."
"Discoverable?" Jack reiterated her words, clearly uncomfortable with the possibility. "Amy, are you sure you're okay with that? There some, uh, things in there."
She sighed heavily, then explained the best she could. "Grandpa. My journal is the truth. It may be embarrassing, but it's the truth. It's what happened to me on tour. No. I don't want it to become public or discoverable, but what's out there already is a distorted version of the truth. I want...no, I need to set the record straight."
"Why do you care what other people think? Your family now knows the truth. Isn't that enough?" Jack questioned her decision, not fully understanding her motive.
"No. It's not." Her voice grew bolder. "Grandpa, don't you see that what Ahmed did was wrong? He invaded my privacy, tracked me, harassed me. He even sexually harassed me."
He became visibly upset, his hand began to tremble. "What? You didn't tell me that he..." Through clenched teeth, he muttered. "That son of a.."
"Jack. Please we need to stay focused and calm." Summer stepped in. "As her employer, Mr. al Saeed crossed the line, broke the law. His conduct amounts to abuse and harassment, both of a sexual and non-sexual nature, against your granddaughter. We plan to raise and win this claim against him on her behalf."
He nodded, still shaken. "Amy. I don't want more out there that can hurt you, soil you."
Her spine straightened as a audible gasp escaped her lips. She said with indignation. "Soil me? What did I do that was wrong Grandpa? I didn't break any laws or violate any code of conduct or ethics. The person who should be held responsible, who should be soiled is Ahmed."
Summer interrupted. "Jack, it's important for Amy to go forward with her case against Mr. Al Saeed for her own peace of mind. That includes using her journal as evidence. This was a difficult decision for her to reach, and she may change her mind, but that's her decision."
She continued. "Our role is to support her unequivocally, unconditionally in whatever decision she makes." She paused. "I am sure you agree because you love Amy, unequivocally and unconditionally."
Jack nodded, his eyes dewy. After swallowing hard, he spoke, his voice gentle. "I do. Amy, I do love you so much. I've seen how this whole thing has torn you up. I just want you to be happy. I just want your hurt to stop."
"I know Grandpa. I want the hurt to stop too. For me, for all of us. But for others too. I don't want anyone to have to deal with this from him ever again." She laid her head against his shoulder.
"Jack, it may be helpful to review the laws. Jane and Charles, could you please explain the laws surrounding employers and their workplace conduct?"
"Yes of course. There is a lot of misunderstanding about workplace abuse, violence and harassment, sexual and not. Because an employer has significant power over their employees, the various laws are established to protect the employee against harassment, abuse and violence of any kind."
"Amy signed her contract with Mr. al Saeed in Alberta, so Canadian Labour Code applies. She worked for him primarily in France, so French code also applies. Lastly, she worked for him when his team was competing internationally and registered with Fédération Equestre Internationale or FEI, so their laws also apply."
"The Canada Labour Code requires employers to prevent harassment and violence which is described as any action, conduct or comment, including of a sexual nature, that can reasonably be expected to cause offence, humiliation, intimidation, embarrassment, isolation, belittlement, or other physical or psychological injury or illness to an employee. As her employer, he violated the law, he repeatedly harassed, abused, and violated her through his actions or actions of his other employees."
"Examples of sexual harassment and abuse include the following. Abusing his authority by soliciting a sexual or romantic relationship from a subordinate. Sexual touching (for example, patting, pinching, caressing, kissing, fondling). Using the Internet or other electronic means to make sexual threats, to harass or exploit someone sexually. All three of these things were levied against your granddaughter."
Charles stepped in. "And though the language is somewhat different, the French laws protect employees in a similar manner."
"The FEI laws governing harassment and abuse against member of the community, including trainers, may be even more broad and prescriptive than the Canadian or French laws due to a rash of horrific sexual harassment of under age athletes within the equestrian sport. We actually recommend that you report charges with the FEI."
"Does that help Jack?" Summer asked.
"I guess I have a lot to learn." Jack admitted. "I never thought of a kiss as sexual harassment."
"Taken by itself between two consenting adults on equal footing, a kiss is not considered sexual harassment. But, when one person has authority over the other, as an employer over an employee, a teacher over a student, a minister over a church member, a doctor over a patient, a simple kiss takes on different meaning. It's usually not an isolated event, but rather a pattern of incidents that grow in frequency and impact."
"Oh." Jack muttered, though his ashen face revealed his state of mind.
Amy sighed wearily. "I have a question. Why FEI instead of the other two? Especially given that most of their sanctions come from mistreatment of horses."
"Good question. FEI actually wields more control over the Saudi Arabian equestrian team, thus Mr. Al Saeed, than Canada or France. One country's citizen suing a citizen from another country is usually not successful or enforceable. The FEI has had success with levying sanctions against violating countries, even Saudi Arabia. This includes both the mistreatment of horses and people."
"Guess I am in good company then." She said flatly.
"You are, indeed...Charles, why don't you start with your questions?" Summer suggested.
"Certainly. Amy. I have tagged entries in copies of your journal with five different colors of tabs, pink, orange, yellow, green and blue." He handed her a copy, many colored tabs peeking out of the pages.
"With the FEI regulations, Appendix I is titled, FEI safeguarding policy against harassment and abuse. FEI defines harassment and abuse by five forms, psychological abuse, physical abuse, sexual harassment, sexual abuse and neglect."
"Violations of any of these policies can result in sanctions to the offender including fines and suspensions from the sport. Additional sanctions can be levied if the offender does not cooperate, retaliates, and continues to beseech the FEI and the sport. Any questions?"
"So, if I win and he comes after me, more sanctions could be applied?" Amy replied.
"Regardless, if you win or not. If he retaliates against you because you reported an incident, yes, FEI can apply sanctions."
Jack partially raised his hand, then put it down. "These fines...who gets those? Amy?"
"No. Actually the FEI. Once a report is made, anonymously or not, FEI does the investigation, hearings, appeals, sanctions."
"What about Amy? She's the one that he hurt." Jack pushed.
"Grandpa. I don't want to profit off this. I want Ahmed and his people to leave us alone. I want to protect others from him too."
"Amy, if you win your claim, Mr. Al Saeed likely will be suspended from the sport for some period. That is the biggest impact, not only to him but to his country. Of course, the fines, though in the thousands, are insignificant given his wealth."
Amy caught Jack's eye, he nodded in support. With that, she said. "Okay. Let's get started."
Charles explained the process. "Each form of violation has a different color. Potential instances of violation are tagged in your journal. One by one, we are going to review each instance documented in your journal. Understand?"
"Yes."
"Good. Pink tabs represent psychological abuse. That involves any unwelcome act including confinement, isolation, verbal assault, humiliation, intimidation, infantilisation, or any other treatment which may diminish the sense of identity, dignity, and self-worth."
"Orange tabs represent physical abuse. That involves any deliberate and unwelcome act, such as for example punching, beating, kicking, biting and burning, that causes physical trauma or injury. Such act can also consist of forced or inappropriate physical activity, forced alcohol consumption, or forced doping practices." Charles looked at her. "Thus far, we found virtually no physical abuse with the exception of long hours without break or time off."
"Yellow tabs represent sexual harassment. That involves any unwanted and unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, whether verbal, non-verbal or physical. Sexual harassment can take the form of sexual abuse." Charles added. "We found several instances of this."
"Green tabs represent sexual abuse. That involves any conduct of a sexual nature, whether non-contact, contact or penetrative, where consent is coerced, manipulated or is not or cannot be given." He rubbed his chin. "We will need to examine this a bit more to determine if the harassment is also abuse."
"Lastly blue tabs indicate possible neglect. This involves the failure of a another person with a duty of care to prevent, to stop or to report any of the other forms."
"Questions?"
"But. What about after I came home?" Amy asked.
"You were still contracted with Mr. al Saeed, but the competition was over. So that may be outside of FEI's jurisdiction...unless Mr. al Saeed had already registered for the next set of competitions. For now, let's start with your journal. Any other questions?"
"No."
"Okay. Open to page 1." Charles read. "My first interaction with Ahmed was not pleasant. When Adrian introduced him, as Crowned Prince Ahmed Al Saeed, he was quite deferential, submissive, maybe a little fearful of the prince. Ahmed was clearly privileged but also arrogant, rude, dismissive of everyone around him. Ahmed demanded that we leave the premises immediately."
"Is this true? If so, do you have corroboration? Can you tell us more detail?"
"Yes, it's true. Ty Borden and Scott Cardinal were there. Adrian his head groom whom Ahmed later fired was there." She frowned. "But, this was before I was on contract."
"Yes, but Mr. al Saeed had already registered his team with the FEI. This passage speaks to his propensity to exert psychological abuse to subordinates including belittling, embarrassment, etc..."
Meticulously, Charles throughly questioned Amy for almost three hours, moving page by page through her journal, reviewing every section highlighted by a tab, checking and rechecking her facts, details, witnesses, until his questions were all answered. By the end, she was exhausted, pale, her shoulders slumped as though they were bearing a heavy load.
Summer asked Charles to summarize his findings.
"In my initial estimation, and per FEI regulations, Amy, you were the target of clear and repeated psychological abuse, sexual harassment and neglect. The psychological abuse was subtle at first, but repetitive and included isolation, humiliation, intimidation, infantilisation, coercion, invasion of privacy. The sexual harassment centered around the stolen pictures of Ms. Fleming, unwanted physical contact, coerced purchase of clothing and undergarments, and invasion of privacy, some of the violations were perpetuated by her employer, some by his staff including members of the security detail, Ms. Adela Safar, and Mr. Syed Kalb. Neglect was also perpetuated as many on Mr. al Saeed's team and support bared witness to the violations but did not report. I cannot determine at this point that either physical abuse and sexual abuse occurred."
"Erica and I will outline every infraction in a detailed legal strategy paper. Our plan is to ask for the maximum, a suspension from the sport and 15k in fines. Once produced, the strategy paper will be provided to you for review. We will only go forward to the FEI with your approval."
As he spoke, Amy seemed to be dazed, staring straight ahead. Unable or unwilling to speak or respond.
"Amy. Do you understand?" Summer touched her hand.
She only nodded.
"Charles and Erica, when do you expect to have a draft of your strategy?"
"Hopefully by this Friday, Monday at the latest." Erica said.
"Very good. Questions Amy or Jack?"
"No." The two said in near unison. "Thank you."
"No doubt, this session has been an arduous, exhausting process. But, it was also productive. Thank you everyone. This concludes our meeting."
After everyone dispersed, Jack waited with Amy in his truck for Ashland's arrival.
"Amy. You okay?" Jack ventured.
"Yeah. I'm okay, just tired. Mind if we just sit here without talking?" She asked staring straight ahead, numb to anything around her.
"Of course." He put his arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer.
She leaned into him, closed her eyes. Exhaustion overtook her, pulled her into a heavy sleep almost immediately. Twenty minutes later, they both woke to the sound of Ashland knocking on the driver's side window.
Jack rolled down the window. "Well hello Ashland."
"Boy. You two were out like lights." Ashland complained. "I've been standing here knocking for a good 5 minutes."
"Hmm. Sorry." Amy asked, rubbing the sleep out her eye. "Good walk?"
"It was okay. How was your meeting?"
"Exhausting" Amy answered.
"Apparently. Are you ready to go?"
"Yeah." She kissed Jack's cheek, noticing his warm, spicy scent. "Thanks for coming Grandpa. I am glad you were there with me."
"It's where I needed to be. With you. Love you Amy."
"Love you too." She said, with a tender smile. She turned, opened the door and got out.
"Take care of her. Call me if you need anything." Jack instructed her.
"I will." Ashland promised.
For the remainder of the day and evening, Amy was busy, focused, moving from one thing to the next, from shopping at the pet store and grocery, to reviewing surveillance videos, from working with Parsnip and Midnight, to teaching Georgie and Cassidy's class, and finally, doing laundry. Through it all, Ashland was her constant companion. But, neither mentioned the marathon meeting, it was too soon, too raw.
Amy was in bed by 8pm, Ruth and Mouse curled into her side. As the long day was finally over, a sense of relief washed over her as she drifted into a sound sleep, a first in many days.
Hi everyone. Happy new year. SBR
Ps. Workplace harassment, violence and abuse laws and codes mentioned in this chapter reflect actual codes and laws. The US has very similar laws and protections for employees.