Title: Horses and Homicide
Author's note: okay, I am going to take tremendous liberty with story line here. Since I personally know absolutely nothing about Archie's family, and little of Horatio's for that matter, I am going to have some fun giving him some strange relations. My OC Chase is back, simply because I like the idea that the boys of HH can have a female friend with no romantic attachments. You can use her if you ask.

I was feeling rather jaded when I came up with this idea, but it was fun to write. I think it had something to do with the fact that I just finished the Great Gatsby, which was emotionally draining. What happens when even your own family can't be trusted, and they are simply using you for a purpose? Shakespeare said it best, "All the world's a stage, and all the people merely players." Enjoy. This is mostly an Archie fic, at least in the beginning, by the way.

Disclaimer: If you've read one piece of fanfic then you already know it.
Please read and review, and if you wish to archive that is fine, but tell me where it is going please.

~*~
It's funny how life turns out
The odds of faith in the face of doubt
Camera 1 closes in
The soundtrack starts
The scene begins
They're playing you now

-Camera One-
~*~

Two men rode in the back of the dark stage. One sat stiffly against the wall, his back ramrod straight, and his mouth set in an uncompromising line. His entire demeanor was one of great seriousness, an impression that was reinforced by his face. His dark blue uniform hung off his iron hard, rail thin body. His face was thin, his nose long and slightly hooked, with high cheekbones pressing out against his skin. Two serious, dark eyes, laden by duty and responsibility stared out the window and over the undulating landscape. The peculiar make of his face did nothing, however, to detract from his attractiveness.

His companion offered a more casual air. He was of about the same height, but was built more solidly, the features in face a bit less severely defined. His body was less willowy and had more muscle than that of his friend. His blonde hair was pulled back, but it was unkempt, stray locks falling into his face. His azure eyes were half closed, and he drifted in and out of sleep with his hat tilted down over his visage.

One leg was propped up on the bench and the other stretched out in front of him. He cradled his left arm close to his chest as the stage bounced over rocks and ruts. His uniform was rumpled and his boots did not gleam as did his friends'.

Horatio felt anything but relaxed. Captain Pellew had practically had to order Horatio to take his leave with Archie Kennedy, his closest friend and the man who dozed on the opposite bench. He knew the Indy was being repaired, and that he really had no need to stay, but that alone was not enough to prompt him to make a return visit to his home and his father. His hat sat next to him on the bench, and his left hand gripped the windowsill so tightly his knuckles were a stark white. Thank God he could put off seeing his father another few days as Archie had invited him to stay at his uncle's estate through the end of the week.

"I can't believe you're sleeping," he finally muttered.

One eye opened a slit and Archie pushed back the brim of his hat to respond. "And I can't believe you're this uptight. Relax Horatio, this is supposed to be our vacation. What were you planning to do? Wait in port for a month while the Indy is being repaired, restocked and retrofitted? Pellew knows you well enough to know that you need this time as much as anyone on board. That last fight we had with the Frogs was enough to make any man weary."

"You should know," Horatio teased. "You never seem to make it through a fight without coming up with some new hole in yourself."

Kennedy had the good grace to laugh. "Perhaps, but I do not think in this case Matthews would have preferred me to abstain." He fingered the sling that his left arm rested in. "At least I must wear this infernal thing for only a few more days."

"I suppose that being stabbed by a frog while defending a shipmate entitles you to a certain amount of pity. Now, if it had been me..."

Kennedy laughed and threw his hat at Horatio. "If it was you then it wouldn't have been a problem. Matthews would have been stabbed in my stead and I would have missed all but the first few minutes of the fight after knocking myself silly on a knee-knocker. I still can't believe you did that."

Horatio reached up and touched his tender head. "Neither can I."

"And still you wonder as to why Pellew ordered you to take leave," Archie snorted. "You do not make stupid mistakes such as that, me perhaps, but not you. And I will see to it that you enjoy your time off if it's the last thing you do! Now please, spare me your insecurities. I will need my strength for when I greet my family."

Horatio grunted, "better your family than mine."

Archie smiled, once again settling down to doze. "Touché Horatio. You'll loosen up, I'm sure of it. My cousins are a rather lively bunch. And don't forget, Chase will be there too."

"How could I forget?"

Winifred Eudora Chase. Horatio still had mixed feelings about the enigmatic American woman they had met some six months before. Horatio had been captured in a raid and taken to a nearby Virginian prison, where he was to be held until he could be questioned. Chase had been working in the jail as a healer, and the two had taken to talking.

After a somewhat rocky beginning, Chase had offered to help free Horatio from the prison. Then she hid him and Archie at her small farm in the middle of the woods. In forming an allegiance with the two British officers, she had unwittingly consigned her father to death, and made herself a criminal. So she had fled with them when they returned to the Indy. Horatio felt strangely when he saw her, like he was indebted, like he owed her some sort of recompense for her father's sacrifice. He realized that day that he would never be able to accept another's death in exchange for his own. She had taken a job with Archie's uncle, but it seemed so little when compared with what he owed her.

Archie seemed able to read his thoughts. "She acted out of her own free will Horatio. She knew the risks and I'm sure she doesn't blame you. She's happy and in actuality I believe my uncle is rather enamored with her. Now please sleep, or at least leave me to my own respite." The matter was closed for the moment, and Horatio shut his eyes, willing himself to sleep.

--

"Archie!" A man a few years older than Archie cried enthusiastically.

"Calvin! Dear cousin. How does this warm November afternoon greet you?"

"With health and prosperity my boy. And this must be Lieutenant Hornblower," he bounded up to Horatio and pumped his arm enthusiastically.

Horatio was mildly taken aback with the enthusiasm of this man he had never met. It was at this moment he realized how truly envious he was of Archie's way with people. Archie was able to do as he could not, talk animatedly and absorb people in conversations. On board the Indy, Horatio was a confident and capable mariner, but here he was out of his element. He managed to mumble something resembling a polite hello.

Hornblower hung close behind Archie's shoulder as he was introduced to the rest of the family. Richard Harrison, brother to Archie's mother, was a kind, older gentleman with sparkling gray eyes. Calvin, his cousin, reminded Horatio the most of Archie himself, with his blonde hair and deep blue eyes. Archie's other cousin Emma was accompanied by her husband and her friends.

Emma's friends were of strikingly different stock. One was short and rather rounded, her ample bosom threatening to spill out of her tight fitting yellow dress. The other was the classic image of a lady. With dark hair piled atop her head and creamy pale skin, she looked like a porcelain doll.

Calvin made introductions. "These two lovely ladies are Edna and Sophie Riley. Mr. Riley is a business partner of father's."

"Wonderful to meet you Sophie, Edna," Archie greeted both women with a polite air, but his attentions were most definitely fixed on Sophie. She blushed and held out her hand, allowing him to kiss it. His eyes lingered on her a bit longer than necessary before moving on to Edna. Horatio repeated the practice.

"Now Archibald," Richard intoned, "how did you manage to injure yourself. I do hope it won't keep you from hunting with us on Saturday. That woman you sent to us has been working Percy over the moors to prepare him."

"Please don't call me Archibald uncle, you know how much I detest the name. And as for my shoulder..."

Horatio grinned and broke in. "Archie had the rather unfortunate circumstance to get in the way of a French blade. All very careless if you ask me."

Kennedy took the ribbing in stride. "Hardly. I was aiding in the defense of one of the crew. Terrible thing for the Frog though. It was quite easy to run him through while he was trying to remove his blade from my shoulder."

Polite titters rippled through the entourage. Then, one voice near the back piped up. "I'd say you're both lying!" People parted as Winifred Chase moved toward the two English officers. "It is my best guess to say that you probably slipped and had the misfortune to land on a protruding device of some sort on the deck." A pair of green eyes flickered and danced with amusement.

Chase looked as both Horatio and Archie remembered her. Her light brown hair hung loosely by her shoulders, held back by a simple ribbon that could not contain the wild locks in their place. Her face glowed with health, tanned by many hours in the sun. it was obvious that she had come from the stables, for her face was streaked by dirt and her blue skirt laden with dust. She moved about with elastic energy, always seeming about to move on to the next conversation and the next thing.

"Ms. Chase!" His hand gripped at his chest. "You injure me! And here I was, thinking that I would never again hear your serpent's tongue."

"You'd never be that lucky Mr. Kennedy. But I suppose that being stabbed entitles you to a certain amount of sympathy. Don't expect it to happen again."

"It certainly looks painful," Sophie crooned.

"It was gruesome actually and the pain excruciating. I am told that I will have quite the scar when it is healed."

"Really? Then you must let me see," Chase joked. It seemed as though no one else seemed to sense her sarcasm.

"Oh please Winifred don't be morbid," Emma chided. Edna eyed her with displeasure and Sophie sniffed. Chase thought she heard some whispered comment about unkempt stable hands, but she let it slide.

"Still, I have spent the last week readying that hunter of yours. It would be a shame to have wasted all that time."

"If it is Percy I am to ride then I am sure that I will find a way to manage."

"And you Mr. Hornblower?" Calvin questioned. "Will you be joining our hunt party as well?"

"I am sorry to say that I will not be able. I leave Friday for my father's and will not return for just over a fortnight. I thank you for the offer though."

"Are you still planning on taking Raven out Saturday Winnie?" Richard asked.

She nodded and brushed some hair out of her face. "That is still the plan. I think the colt is finally ready to go out in a full field. And am I to assume that you will be riding Sentry as usual?"

"Yes. Please have him ready. How is Holly being?"

"The mare is a handful for certain, but she will make a stupendous timber racer one of these days. She just needs to keep her mind on running and not on spooking. I'm taking her for a school later today. And John asked me to tell you that he wishes for you to come in the morning tomorrow to watch Folly and Castle work."

The older man nodded thoughtfully. He turned to Archie and Horatio. "Folly and Castle are two of my more exceptional colts. They'll be running at Newmarket in a few weeks."

"And will the ladies be joining us on the hunt?" Archie queried, his gaze settled on Sophie only.

Edna giggled and shook her head. Sophie sighed. "I might, but I am afraid that I do not have a horse to ride."

"Don't be ridiculous my dear! I have an entire stable of useful hunters. I'm sure Winifred will pick you a suitable mount." Chase nodded helpfully, only succeeding in getting an icy glare from Sophie.

"Now," Richard clapped his hands together. "Let us get our guests inside. I imagine they are tired from their journey. Follow me Archibald, Mr. Hornblower."

"Actually Uncle, I think I will make a run to the stables before coming in. I wish to say hello to John and visit with Percy a moment or two. I'll be ready for supper."

Horatio shook his head at his friend. "I can't believe that you aren't tired."

"Well, that's what happens when one does not sleep the entire carriage ride. Unlike you friend, I made use of my time to relax."

"The man is unbelievable. On board the Indy you sleep barely enough to keep yourself conscious, but riding on a bumpy, cramped stage you sleep as though cannon fire would not wake you. You're an oddity Archie."

"Better than a boring chap though eh? I'll see you at supper Horatio."

"All right then. Lead on fellows and I will follow."

All but Archie and Chase turned and moved toward the house. Chase and Archie fell into a comfortable, ambling walk to the stables. They walked quietly for a moment or two, Chase swiping at a tall blade of grass as she passed. She began to pull the blade apart.

"How do you like it here Ms. Chase?" Archie finally asked.

"Please, it's just Chase Mr. Kennedy."

"Well then. If it is just Chase than it is most definitely just Archie. Now, will you answer my question or will I be left in the dark?"

Chase smiled. It was a warm smile, lighting up her face and seeming to lift her entire frame. "I love it here. Although it is not at all what I imagined what with you describing it as your 'uncle's little farm.'" She made a grand gesture with her hand, sweeping it over the rolling hills on all sides that belonged to Archie's uncle. The house itself was fairly well a castle, and a cluster of stable buildings were collected in the valley of one of the hills. The rest of the land was farming country.

"And the people?"

"Your uncle is wonderful and kind. He lets me stay in the loft above the main barn. Calvin is exceedingly likeable and Emma is very thoughtful. The only complaint I have is that I have been here nearly six months and I can't get them to stop calling me Winifred!"

Kennedy laughed. "You think six months is a long time to wait? I have known these people all my life and still they insist on calling me Archibald. You shall not escape their little quirks. Now, I have not been here in nearly two years. I simply must see all the new stock. Lead the way."

Chase was only too happy to oblige. She was comfortable around the horses more than anyone else. She couldn't help but feel like an outsider, despite the welcoming attitude, because she was still an American at heart. She led Archie into the main stable, where she showed him the two promising colt's Calvin's Folly and Lord Saul's Castle. Then she moved on into the second barn, where she showed him the brilliant, but temperamental chestnut mare Holly.

"And this," she paused by the last stall in the shed row, "is my favorite of all the colts." A low nicker came from within the confines of the stall and a dark face stuck his head over the doors. "This is Indy. Named after your new vessel no doubt. He's three and I'll break him to saddle before winter sets in. He is unbelievably handsome and a joy to simply watch. Like poetry."

She ended the tour out in one of the paddocks. Her mount for Saturday, as well as Archie's hunter, Percy, grazed peacefully in the lush field. Percy, a light bay with good bone ambled over at Archie's whistle. He was a mixed breed, not a Thoroughbred like most of the other horses. His head was a bit course and too large for the rest of him and Chase couldn't have wrapped her arms around his massive neck if she tried. The horse stayed a while, nosing the Naval officer's hands and pockets.

"Considering what might have happened to me," she said lightly, "this is a good place to be."

"I'm glad."

"For what?"

"I'm glad you like it here. I'm glad I got this chance to be here, with Horatio and my family. And I'm glad you're here. Is that enough?"

Chase felt a slight flush rise up on her throat. "Yeah," she murmured, "more than enough." They stayed at the paddock rail for a long time, not speaking, just staring out at the horses in companionable silence. The sun began to set, casting a wide array of colors out on the sky, marking the end of a good day.

--

Saturday arrived more quickly than anyone had anticipated. The skies were a bleak gray, thunder clouds rolling in over the horizon and a fine mist settling in the air. There was a definite chill, but everyone still showed up early at the stables, eager to be away. The English were notorious for hunting in even the most inclement weather.

Horatio had left the day before, albeit rather reluctantly. He would have preferred to stay, but his father was expecting him. "I'll be back in a fortnight. Sooner if I can help it."

"Don't rush on our account," Archie told him cheerily. "Have a good time with your father."

Horatio grunted softly. "Right. I imagine the doctor will be so busy that he will not even realize that I have come. He's probably forgotten completely. Alas, I am not that lucky and he expects me on the morrow, so I must leave now." He stepped into the dark body of the carriage, closing the door behind him and disappearing completely in its depths. The four horse hitch pulled down the drive at a lively trot.

The stables were abuzz. John, the Harrison's trainer, was mounted on a willowy gray. The small pack of hounds, maybe eight couple in all, swarmed about the horses legs. Every so often one would yip, and all their tails were wagging happily in the air. Serving as whips, Calvin and Emma's husband Thomas, were already mounted, flanking the pack on both sides. Richard himself would lead the field, while Archie, Sophie, Sophie's father Luther and Chase rode as part of the field.

Chase cinched the girth tight. She was feeling mildly harassed, for she had had to tack up and have ready Percy, Richard's horse, Sophie's mount and John's gray as well as her own black colt, Raven. She was almost ready to slip on the bridle, when Sophie came in, a pout on her lips. She led her horse carelessly, letting her reins dangle by the horse's legs.

"Can I help you?" Chase forced herself to be polite. Though it wasn't easy; that morning alone she had had to change the saddle on the bay three times before Sophie found it acceptable.

"This horse has a loose shoe. You will have to ready me another horse." She sounded like a person who was rarely refused.

"I'm afraid all our other hunters are being used this morning. And those that aren't being used aren't fit for the field."

"Well what about that chestnut mare over there?" she pointed to the stocky, flame red mare at the end of the aisle. Holly was eyeing the two women eagerly, her ears pricked. "I've seen you take her out over the jumps. She's fit."

Holly," Chase explained patiently, "is a timber racer competing next week in a local event. She hasn't the mind for the hunt field." Calvin approached then and heard the two women.

He smiled devilishly, taking immense joy in the havoc he was surely about to create. "Sophie is a competent rider Winnie. And Holly needs the schooling before the point to point. I say let her have a crack at the horse. What's the worse thing that could happen?"

Calvin walked away and Sophie shot Chase a superior smile. She cast her horse into a nearby stall, yanking the tack roughly off him and handing it to Chase. "I'll expect her ready in ten minutes." She turned to walk away.

"Ms. Sophie!" Chase called out, "if you do insist on riding this mare it would be my suggestion that you change your tack. It would be better for you to ride astride, rather than sidesaddle. In case the mare gives you trouble."

Sophie guffawed, and her entire demeanor expressed her condescension. "I hardly think I need a stable hand to advise me on equestrian etiquette. Do what you are paid to, saddle the horse and keep your mouth shut."

Before Chase could come up with some equally rude reply Archie trotted in. He had finally been able to shed the irritating sling Thursday. "You two almost ready? John is having a bit of trouble controlling the hounds. He thinks they may have picked up a line."

Sophie was either prone to huge mood swings or was an incredible actress. She smiled brightly and flounced over to Kennedy, hanging on his arm. "Everything is fine Archie, but my mount has a loose shoe and Winifred was kind enough to offer me that lovely little chestnut mare over there."

"Holly?" Archie's brow furrowed. "Isn't she a bit much?"

"Chase opened her mouth to speak, but again Sophie beat her to the punch. "Yes, isn't she a picture? Winnie tells me she's a bit of a handful, but thinks I can handle her. After all," she echoed Calvin's earlier sentiments, "what's the worst that could happen?" She tugged on Archie's arm, steering him out of the barn. "I'll be outside Winnie, and thanks so much."

Chase stood her ground for a moment, her mouth hanging open and her arms full of tack. "Unbelievable," she muttered, "he's completely smitten. What's the worst that could happen? That poor mare could break a leg, or maybe the worst is that you could crack your skinny little neck." She paused and reconsidered, "No, definitely the mare."

Holly behaved herself for the most part, not throwing any of the massive tantrums she had thrown so often before. When the field galloped she wanted to lead and she spooked at a bird flying from a tree, but Sophie could deal. Sophie stuck ridiculously close to Percy. The mare's constant stamping and head tossing probably would have irritated any other horse, but Percy remained the picture of indifference.

Unfortunately, they were not always moving. When the hounds cornered a lone wolf in one corner of a pasture, she became unnerved. She skittered on her toes, not wanting to stand still, and becoming increasingly more agitated as the hounds swept about her legs. The mare was so keyed up that her chest had turned nearly completely white from the flecks of foam shooting off her mouth.

Calvin drew his rifle and leveled it at the wolf. One of the hounds sniffed the ground inquisitively by Holly's legs. Her eyes rolled and she pinned her ears. The sharp retort of the gun made several of the horses jump. Raven reared. Holly was overwhelmed. She too reared, her forelegs slicing the air before her. Sophie let loose an ear splitting shriek. Holly bolted. Chase swore underneath her breath and kicked Raven after the runaway. Archie and Percy were hot on their heels.

They gained a little ground over the newly plowed field, as holly swerved back and forth over the dirt. Chase hoped the mare might simply stop when she reached the confines of the pasture, but it was not to be. She hopped neatly over the stone wall, flipping Sophie over her shoulder. The woman tumbled head over heels and landed with a thud in a mud puddle.

Raven leaped over the wall a few feet from where Holly had and galloped on. Chase was far more concerned with Holly than she was with Sophie. The mare pranced about the field, tail brushed out behind her like a flag. She had unseated her rider, she had won. Percy and Archie stopped.

Archie was helping Sophie out of the mud puddle when Chase returned, Holly in tow. The woman's expensive riding habit was covered in mud and grime from hat to pleated skirt. Her face was blotchy and red and she howled, clutching her wrist. "How is she?" Chase queried with a barely contained smirk. She had warned her after all.

"I'm cold and I'm dirty," she snipped. "And I think my wrist might be broken and it's your fault!"

"My fault?"

"Yes your fault!" She began to whimper and cry and she rested her head against Kennedy's chest.

"How could you allow her to ride that mare Chase?" Archie snapped. He held Sophie close to him. "You've ridden her. You must have known she was dangerous. I can't believe you were so careless," he chided.

Chase bristled. "I...I mean... you can't possibly think..." she sighed. "Oh why should I bother? There is no point. I'm just the stable hand after all. Isn't that right Mr. Kennedy?" Angry and more than a little hurt, she tossed Holly's reins at Archie and rode off at a purposeful trot.

--

Wednesday was glorious, the perfect day for a point to point. People from about the countryside brought their horses to compete in the informal affair. Calvin was to ride Holly, and he was turned out in high fashion, his boots gleaming like new. Richard and Sophie's father took up a good place near the finish line. They had a friendly side bet going, as Luther had his star hurdler running that day as well. Emma and Richard has decided to remain at the Harrison's estate and Edna with them. Sophie's plump sister had little affinity for horses.

Archie and Sophie arrived by carriage a short time before post, looking quite happy together. Sophie's bruises had faded and she was dressed incredibly well, not a hair out of place. Chase regarded herself for a moment after seeing them. She was tan and lean, where Sophie was pale and white. Her wardrobe was simple and functional was Sophie's was extravagant. Sophie was a true lady, and Chase a stable hand. Chase brushed a lock of hair from her eyes. She wouldn't have it any other way. She hadn't spoken a word to Archie since the hunt.

She held Holly as Calvin mounted. John laid a hand upon Holly's muscled shoulder. "Stay right up near the leaders, but try not to let her all the way out. Save something for the finish. And by God man stay clear of traffic, even is it does carry you wide. She's the best horse here my boy. Show her off."

Calvin grinned, tipping his hat at the older man. John walked off. Then he winked at Chase. "Right, as if riding this mare were ever that easy." She chuckled softly. "Wish me luck."

"You're going to need it!" she called after them.

Sixteen horses started the race that day. They all rushed from the line together, one hulking mass of horseflesh pounding around the turf. By the fifth fence only twelve were left. Holly was running well, tucked neatly behind Luther's big, rangy bay. Her ears were pinned flat against her head.

Nearing the end of the race ten horses were still running. Holly had fought her way to a length advantage over Luther's stallion and she was running hard with a half mile to go. They swept around a turn in the course. They had only one more fence between them and the wire.

Holly leaped. But something went wrong. Calvin faltered, careening dangerously to the left and unbalancing the mare. Holly landed awkwardly, stumbling. Calvin pitched over her shoulder, his right hand yanking the rein up and back. Her head whipped around and she flipped hard onto her side, Calvin flying through the air.

Luther's jockey couldn't get the stallion clear. He made a valiant effort to clear both the fence and the downed mare, but it was too much. He landed nearly on top of her and went down in the tangled mass of arms and legs. The rest of the field had seen the accident and were able to avoid the downed horses. Archie, Richard, Luther, John and Chase all rushed onto the course.

They reached the horses as Holly was struggling to her feet. Blood seeped from a small wound on her flank, but other than that she seemed unscathed. John and Richard led her quickly away. Archie went to his cousin, who also appeared fine, of not a bit shaken. "My stirrup broke," he uttered unbelievingly.

"He tried to get clear," Luther's jockey choked on the words. "You all saw him try. But she went down right in front of us." The bay horse moaned, trembling on the grass. He couldn't get up. Luther shook his head sadly. The jockey sobbed and walked away.

Richard returned with the rifle. There was nothing anyone could do. His leg was broken at the cannon. The shot reverberated down the course. Chase jumped, gripping her arms fiercely tight. Sophie began to cry and Calvin looked on. The day, that had started so brightly, was quickly becoming very dark indeed.

The Harrison's estate was quiet that night. No one felt much like celebrating. Calvin and Archie ambled outside the house, speaking in hushed tones. Thomas drank alone on the veranda, not making his presence known to the men below him.

"All I'm saying is that you should be careful Archie." Calvin told his younger cousin.

"You simply don't like Sophie," Archie responded belligerently. "Give me one good reason to be careful as you put it. And as if you're the person to be giving relationship advice anyway."

Calvin dug at the dirt with the toe of his boot. "I can't say exactly. I just have a feeling is all. And I'm getting better with women."

Kennedy shrugged. "You'll have to do better than 'a feeling' cousin. But I must admit you do seem to be getting along well with Chase." Calvin shot him a blank look. "Winifred," he clarified. "She's not your usual type of courtesan I must say."

Calvin laughed. "I'm not looking to court the woman. Please don't be daft. She's a stable hand. I just think she may be fun for a roll in the hay you know?"

Archie stiffened. "No cousin I do not."

Calvin's eyebrow arched. "You spent nearly two weeks alone with this woman. You got her this job. And you're saying you did it out of the goodness of you own heart? That's rich!"

"It's not rich, it's true. I was paying back a debt cousin. And I will ask, that if you plan only to use her, to stay away from Chase altogether."

"Right, and if I don't? You think you're going to stop me?" HE laughed again, harder this time. Calvin was at least four inches and fifty pounds heavier than Archie. He shoved Archie back, "Please."

Azure blue eyes spit sparks. He was supposed to be on leave, and all he was getting was one headache after another. "Don't shove me Calvin."

His cousin turned to face him. "Oh yeah?" he growled. "What are you going to do Archibald?"

Kennedy sneered, raising his fist to strike. The muscles in his jaw worked double time. Then he drew in a deep breath and his anger subsided. "Forget it. You're not worth it." He shoved his hands into his pockets and stalked away. Calvin turned in the other direction, down the well worn path to the stables. And neither knew that Thomas had borne witness to the entire exchange.

--

A scream woke John early the next morning. His eyes flew open and he sat bolt upright. The scream came again, from the stables. He flew to get ready, yanking on his trousers as he hopped out the door. He roused everyone in the house, and they trooped in mass to see what the ruckus was.

Holly lounged outside the stable, her teeth methodically chopping at the grass. She eyed the visitors with mistrust, but kept eating. John grabbed a headstall from the nearest hook and looped it around the mare's neck. He led the horse back inside toward her stall. They stopped when they saw Chase on her hands and knees. Her stomach heaved and she emptied it of its contents once more.

Archie, although still a little annoyed by her carelessness with Holly, rushed forward. He touched her trembling shoulders and she jerked away. "What happened?"

Her hand shook as she motioned at the open stall door. "I've seen plenty in my day, but that," she shook her head.

Eyeing her curiously, Richard pushed past the throng of people and into the stall. His face went instantly pale. "Dear God in heaven," he uttered.

The rest of the people swarmed at the stall. Archie helped Chase to her feet. Thomas blanched and spun, looking as though he might be ill. Edna let out a startled cry and sank to the floor.

His entire body was mutilated. The once handsome face crushed underneath Holly's hooves. An arm lay at an awkward angle, separated from the joint. Blood was everywhere, matting his hair, and hiding his face. Calvin Harrison was dead. And the most disturbing thing was not the way he had been trampled, but rather the long knife that protruded from his chest. Emma's hand flew to her mouth. "That's Archibald's knife."


End of chapter one
I realize that was rather long, but I couldn't make it any shorter. I hoped you found this interesting at the very least. Thanks.