Ty's Monday
Up before day light, Ty had only one thing on his mind, well, actually two, Cloud and Wind. Showered and dressed in scrubs, he was drinking his second mug of coffee trying to wake up. Having just finished her breakfast, A.K. was circling his ankles, purring when Michael, clad in his pajama bottoms and t-shirt, shuffled into the kitchen.
"You're up early. It's barely daybreak." He stretched his arms above his head and yawned.
"Yeah. Coffee?" Ty offered as he got a mug out of the cabinet.
"Please." Michael asked. "Sleep okay?"
"Like a rock." He poured coffee into the mug, handed to his friend. "You?"
"Good. Could use a few more winks though." He said taking the steaming mug. "Thanks."
Ty nodded in agreement. "What's your schedule like today?"
"It's gonna be a busy day, starting with Wind and Cloud. After that, I have four classes, Behaviors, Nutrition, Integrative Sciences and Assessment, Evaluation and Training. First one starts at 9." He took a sip of his coffee. "Good."
"Integrative Sciences? Is that new?" Ty asked then upended his mug, finishing the last bit.
"No, not really. It was offered when we were students. Eastern medicine meets Western. It focuses on complementary therapies. You know, chiropractics, spinal manipulation, acupuncture."
"Oh, that's right. Do you remember Cassandra Fay? She was a year ahead of us." He turned, put his mug in the sink, rinsing it out with water.
"Name sounds vaguely familiar." Michael rubbed his chin.
"Anyhow. She took that, even practiced acupuncture in Hudson. I always thought it was kinda..." He paused trying to find the right phrase. "...out there."
"Not any more. Acupuncture really does wonders for pain and tension without meds. And, not just for animals. Humans too. Ever try it?"
"No. I have no interest in being stuck with a bunch of needles. Or me sticking anything else."
"You can barely feel the needles, they're so tiny."
"You've done it?" Ty asked.
"Of course. You can't teach something that you don't have experience with. And, don't believe in." Michael finished off the coffee in his mug.
"True."
"So what's on your agenda?" He stepped to the coffee maker and poured another cup.
"Wind and Cloud to start. Get to know the staff there." Ty paused, then asked. "When and where are we meeting with Singh?"
"10:15 at his Foothills campus. Fifth floor in TRW."
"Okay. After that, wanna get lunch? Maybe at Scrubb's for old times sake."
"Wish I could but I need to get back to Spy Hill and do some class prep. How about dinner instead?"
"Yeah. That sounds good."
"So what will you do with your afternoon?"
"Aside from Cloud and Wind? I'm going to contact Cheryl Jones."
"Who's that?"
"She owns River Road Ranch, just north of Calgary. She's also the one who donated 100 to the externship." Ty explained.
"Oh yeah. Are you going to try to get her to donate more?"
"No. She invited me to stop by, so..." He shrugged.
"Gotcha." Michael nodded. "Oh. I almost forgot. I got a message from EquiRide. You know that horse ride share board."
"Oh?"
"Somebody named Sydney and her 5 year old mare need a ride to Banff sometime this week. I'll send it to you. You can decide."
"Okay. Thanks." Ty took his leather coat off the back of the kitchen chair, put it on. "I should get going. I'll see you at the barn in a bit." He bent down and scooped up A.K. and his vet bag.
"Yep. I'm about 30 minutes behind you."
With A.K. on his lap, Ty drove northwest on Crowchild Trail to the Spy Hill campus. As it was barely 6am, the road was dark and desolate. The same could not be said for the Quarantine Barn. Inside the barn, the overhead lights were blazing as several faculty, staff and students were buzzing around doing rounds and morning chores.
Likewise Cloud and Wind's 14 by 18 treatment room was awash with bright lights. As Ty walked in to greet the horses, he was stunned to see that Wind and Cloud were separated by a low fence. Even more concerning, the young colt was once again tethered to various monitors and an IV pump.
"What's going on, Cloud?" Concerned, Ty asked aloud as he stroked the colt's forehead, checking his temperature.
"He had a rough night." A lithe woman with dark short hair, gray rimmed glasses, and an earnest smile, entered the room. "I'm Ellen Edmonson, I assume you're Dr. Borden." Her scrubs were embroidered with D.V.M., PhD. under her name.
"I am. Please call me Ty. Nice to meet you, Dr. Edmonson." She took off a blue glove, shook hands with him.
"Ellen, please." She smiled, though her eyes were serious. "I'm glad you're here. I was just about to call you."
"What happened?"
She handed him the electronic log.
"As you can see in the records, around 5am, Cloud had a single bout of loose bowls, diarrhea. Naturally, we were concerned about dehydration so we started IV therapy to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. He's been cleaned, his bedding replaced. We separated him from his mare as a precaution. We lab checked fecal, blood and urine specimens and found no parasites, bacteria or other abnormalities. So no need for antibiotics. We did administer an antidiarrheal. We'll continue to monitor him closely."
"Poor guy. His eyes do look a little weak. But no fever." Ty leaned in to the young horse, ran his fingers through his mane. Cloud nickered on response. "No doubt the long trip didn't help. He grazed in a field at Blue River."
"That's what we chalked it up to, long trip, change in diet, nothing serious. He's already doing much better."
"Thank you for acting so quickly. He's had it tough go of it. Both of them have."
"I was just about to run through their checks again. Join me." Ellen suggested.
"Let me get some gloves." He removed his jacket, put on gloves.
As the two vets started the exam, Michael arrived and joined in.
"Aside from Cloud's one bout of diarrhea, both seemed to have fared the long trip pretty well." Ellen concluded.
Ty nodded, but was still concerned. "I'd like to reunite the two physically as soon as possible.
"I agree. That's been a vital component of their recovery." Michael added.
"I see no reason why we can't remove the barrier now."
"Excellent." Ty and Michael replied in tandem. The two began to quickly dismantle the barrier.
"Ty and Michael, I have two sections of Clinical Practice this morning, one at 8 and 9. Would you two be willing to present their case to my classes?"
"This is Ty's case. He's the expert here." Michael spoke up.
"Ty?" She asked.
Ty hesitated. "I haven't formally taught a class before."
She smiled, reassured him. "This will be really informal. And small. Only six or eight third years. Just tell Wind and Cloud's story."
"Will it be held in here?" He was still uncertain.
"Yes. And, students will be scrubbed and gloved. They are very eager to learn from you. It's rare to see this kind of injury and repair."
"Sure. Why not?"
"Wonderful. In the meanwhile, how about I give you a tour of the Clinical Services Building. We just completed our new wing."
"I'd like that." Ty jumped at the chance.
"You two go ahead. I need to do some prep work for my first class at 9." Michael declined.
"Okay. Let's grab an umbrella, it looks like rain." She suggested.
Over the next hour or so Ellen walked Ty through the thoroughly modern building of tempered glass. From simulation labs complete with dummy patients to pathology facilities, anatomy laboratories to surgical suites, each space designed to provide hands-on animal health learning and research.
"This is really incredible."
"We're really proud of the state-of-the-art medical examination and animal handling areas. They allow students to learn and hone their skills on dummies, cadavers and live animals."
"The surgical suites are what amazes me. It's really cool how each room can be quickly reconfigured to handle any situation. Wish we had that when I was a student here. Heck, wish we had that at the Rescue."
"Dr. Welch had the vision for the expansion and Dr. Singh secured the funding."
"I hear Welch is retiring." Ty responded.
"Yes. He just announced last week. He's gonna stay until they onboard his replacement."
"Big shoes to fill."
"No kidding. He's been here since the vet school was established in 2005. Even before Dr. Singh." She sighed. "I heard a rumor that they are talking to someone from UC Davis."
"My boss, Mirna Hickerson has an appointment there. Wonder if she knows who their courting." He wondered aloud.
When they returned to the barn, Michael was already in there with Cloud and Wind. The three vets chatted until class started promptly at 8 am. A half a dozen gloved students in scrubs gathered, lining up against the wall of the treatment room. After introducing Ty and Michael, Ellen stepped aside and let Ty lead the class.
Ty stepped to the center, hesitated as he scanned the students staring back at him. With Michael's supportive nod, he began, first voicing his appreciation.
"Thank you Dr. Edmonson. And thank everyone for allowing me to address you this morning. More importantly, thank you for the role that each one of you will play in Wind and Cloud's recovery going forward. Your support means a great deal to me." He smiled, his eyes flashed with sincerity.
"I want to especially thank Dr. Michael Barnes. Michael and I went to vet school here at UC a few years back. A lot has changed since then, except our friendship, which I am eternally grateful." Ty caught Michael's eye. "In regards to Wind and Cloud, he has played a significant role in securing their transfer to UC so that their recovery, both physical and behavioral, can continued to its completion. Michael will be overseeing their treatment plans going forward."
Ty proceeded to explain the circumstance of the horses' injury, the rescue on the Squamish field, and the treatment from wound irrigation, debriding, to wound prep and surgical repair, Penrose drains, the ups and gowns of their recovery and the aftercare involved. Lasting nearly 30 minutes, his delivery was informative, articulate and passionate, moving the students to step closer, and attracting others to listen in.
"Questions?"
Several hands when up. "Why did you choose the Penrose over other drains? Can you explain the near-far-far-near suture technique? What did you do about nursing?"
Ty answered each question in turn concisely. Throughout his talk, each horse independently nudged then nuzzled Ty, trying to get his attention, showing their affection.
"Clearly you are attached to these horses. And, they to you. So why did you bring them here?"
"You are right. I am extremely attached to Wind and Cloud and want only the best for them. What's best for them now is UCVM under Michael's oversight."
"Why not you? And why not the Vancouver Animal Rescue?"
"At the rescue, we have the skill, resources and equipment to perform the initial rescue, surgeries and treatment to stabilize them obviously. But, the rescue has limited resources to oversee their full recovery. For instance, we don't have adequate outdoor space for exercise and grazing." He shook his head.
"So, we got them to the point where we could transport them here for their next stage of recovery and rehabilitation. I have full faith and trust that Dr. Barnes, Dr. Edmonson, the rest UCVM staff, and each of you frankly, will ensure that Wind and Cloud will recover fully and thrive."
"Will you come back to visit and check on the horses?" A pretty blonde smiled at him.
"Dr. Barnes will keep me abreast of their progress by phone and other means. I have no plans to return to Calgary in the near future."
"Ahhh." Several female students signaled their disappointment.
At 8:50, Michael quietly slipped away to teach his Equine Behavior class. Questions continued until almost 9 as the second class and several others waited outside to enter the space.
"Thank you Dr. Borden. This has been a real pleasure to meet you and learn about Wind and Cloud's injuries and treatment. We look forward to working along side of you and Dr. Barnes as these two continue to heal. Class dismissed."
The class muttered their thanks as they left the treatment room, making room for the next class.
"That was excellent talk. Ty, you're a natural." Ellen complimented him as the next class filed in.
Ty shrugged, his eyes looked away modestly. "Not so sure about that."
"Clearly you've generated a lot of interest. Do you mind if I record your next talk? I'd like to share with other students and faculty."
"That's fine." He remembered his meeting. "Um, Ellen. I am meeting with Dr. Singh at 10:15 at his Foothills office. So I need to leave at 9:45 at the very latest."
"No problem. I'll be sure to end class early then."
The second class was equally interested and engaged in his talk as the first, but was definitely more persistent. Even though his talk had ended promptly at 9:45 as promised, a couple students followed him to his truck, peppering him with more questions.
"Just one more question, Dr. Borden. Do you think that..." The young woman persisted despite Ty's best efforts to be tactful.
"Sorry. You'll have to excuse me. I have an appointment with the Dean." Ty opened his truck door, slipped in, then closed the door between them. As he started the engine, nodded to the two students, and pulled forward to the parking lot's exit, A.K. woke from her nap on the front seat, stretched, then made her way to his lap, purring.
"Hey girl. Have a good nap." He rubbed her satiny ears. As he pulled into the road toward Foothills campus, he called Michael.
"Hey. Just left Dr. Edmonson's class. I will be there as soon as I can."
"You have still 20 minutes. I'll let them know."
"Thanks."
As he hung up, something on his windshield caught his eye. A white slip of paper was lodged under his windshield wiper fluttering in the headwinds. At the next stop sign, he opened his window, plucked the paper from the wipe. He read the note.
"Need an Anatomy Lesson? 555-123-9990."
He chuckled and threw the paper on the dash. A car honked behind him to move.
"Sorry." He muttered, sticking his hand out the window in a friendly wave as he stepped on the gas gradually, careful as he was pulling an empty trailer.
He knew the route to the Foothills campus like the back of his hand, Highway 302, exit onto Highway 1A, merge on to Crowchild Trail, right onto 24th Avenue, right on West Campus, then left onto Hospital Drive. If traffic was light, the trip would take less than 20 minutes. If traffic was heavy, well, he'd be late and he was already cutting things close. Very close. Approaching the right onto 24th Avenue, he slowed and moved into the far right lane of Crowchild Trail.
Somehow his eyes caught a flash of familiar sight, startling him. Forgetting his meeting, he pulled off the road and came to a full stop on the wide berm. Throwing the truck into park, flipping his flashers on, Ty unbuckled his seatbelt, crawled over to the passenger seat to look out the window.
"Oh my god. Old Blue." He said in disbelief, then muttered. "Amy."
His chest could barely contain the thumping of his heart. Uncertain what to do, he noticed the paper on the dash.
He rummaged around his truck and finally found a old blue ink pen in the glove compartment. Retrieving the paper scrap, he scratched out the tutor text with the pen, then quickly scribbled a note beneath it.
"Hello Amy. Call me." He hesitated, then added. "If you want. Ty." Then he wrote his cell phone number.
From his side view mirror, he watched for a gap in traffic. When one appeared, he quickly opened his door, slipped out, slammed the door shut, hopped over the trailer hitch then sprinted to the parking lot.
Standing beside his old truck, he greeted her like an old friend. "Nice to see you Blue. You look real good."
Having re-read the note once again, he folded the slip of paper then tucked it under the windshield wiper. He patted the wiper for good measure, then peered into the truck's interior. Her white cowboy hat rested on the bench seat unleashing a flood of memories. And, a dose of regret.
He pressed his lips, thumped the roof of the truck with hand. "Take care of her, Blue."
As he ran back to his RAM truck, he didn't notice the sky growing darker. By the time he parked at the TRW building just a few minutes later, dark clouds had gathered and the rain began to pour down.
Despite a mad dash to the building, he got wet. Riding the elevator to the fifth floor, he tried to compose himself, wiping the droplets of rain from his face and hair.
When the doors opened, he walked down the hall, straight to the massive set of double doors, it's frosted glass panes, encased in a beautiful cherry wood. Dr. Singh's full name, his many degrees and his title, Dean of Faculty for Veterinary Medicine was etched in the glass.
He pushed the buzzer, the doors swung open. A middle aged woman, prim and proper, was stationed behind the reception desk. Her nameplate said Mrs. Braswell.
As he stepped forward, she looked up at him, frowned slightly, then addressed him in a profession tone. "Good afternoon. May I help you?"
Ty responded in kind. "Good morning, Mrs. Braswell. I'm Dr. Ty Borden. I have an appointment with Dr. Singh and Dr. Barnes."
She nodded. "Please have a seat with Dr. Barnes. I will let the Dean know that you have now both arrived."
"Thank you." Embarrassed, Ty apologized. "Sorry to be late. And, wet."
As he turned to get a seat in the reception area, he saw Michael sitting there, his head tilted forward, eyes downward focused, engrossed in a magazine.
"Hey." He said taking the seat next to him.
Michael jerked, took a quick inhale. "Oh. Ouch." He mumbled, then rubbed the back of his neck, trying to relieve the crock in his neck. "Hey. Sorry, I nodded off."
"At least you're not late and soaked."
"Hmm. We make quite the pair, huh?"
"Yeah."
"Um. Good talk this morning."
"Thanks. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be."
"It gets easier with every time." He tacked. "How's Cloud? Any other bouts of diarrhea?"
"Not while I was there."
"Dr. Borden, Dr. Barnes? Dr. Singh will see you now." The receptionist said in a professional voice.
They followed directly behind her, in a silent line, to the closed door office just a few steps down a side hall. Ms. Braswell knocked on the door.
"Come in." A muffled request came from the other side.
His assistant opened his door, slowly stepping inside, Ty and Michael followed.
"Dr. Singh, Dr. Borden and Dr. Barnes are here to see you." She announced.
"Thank you, Ms. Braswell. Twenty minutes." She nodded without words, exited the office, closing the door behind her.
Standing, Dean Singh smiled, reached out and shook each of their hands. His brown eyes were gentle and kind, his pink turban matched his tie.
"Welcome gentlemen. Wonderful to see you both again."
"Likewise." Michael said first.
"Good to see you Dr. Singh. It's been some time." Ty responded.
"Yes. It has. Are you enjoying Vancouver and work at the Rescue."
"Yes. It's everything I had hoped."
"Excellent. Please have a seat." When they were both seated, Dr. Singh took his own seat behind his desk.
"How was your trip?"
"Long but uneventful. Both horses made it without too much issue." Michael responded first.
"Good to hear." Dr. Singh replied.
"Thank you for taking Wind and Cloud. We know it's a big commitment for the school." Ty said earnestly.
"Of course. I have already been in contact with Dr. Edmonson. She also assured me that the horses are doing well and are going to be an excellent addition to our clinical services and behavior programs."
Michael smiled.
"That was our hope." Ty said.
"The horses will get everything they need here to achieve the best possible outcome. And, with the two of you heading up the treatment plan, the faculty and students will benefit from working with you."
"Actually. Michael will be leading the treatment plan. He'll just keep me appraised of their progress." Ty tried to gently correct him.
"Oh." He stroked his beard. "I see."
"On a daily basis, I'll be working collaboratively with other UC faculty for treatment decisions. Dr. Edmonson for one." Michael tried to reassure him.
"Yes. Dr. Edmonson is fully on board." His focus shifted to Ty. "We were hoping Dr. Borden would be more involved."
"As I am in Vancouver, I can't be involved in their day to day decisions and treatment. But, Michael and I will stay in close contact."
Clearly, not particularly satisfied, Dr. Singh pushed on. "Dr. Borden. I understand you taught two sections of her clinical practice this morning."
He nodded. "I did."
"Dr. Edmonson said that you were impressive and were well received by the audience." He patted his laptop. "I was able to catch a portion of your second talk."
"Oh?" Ty was surprised.
"Nicely done." Dr. Singh leaned up in his chair. "Dr. Borden. Would you be willing to come back once a month, consult with Dr. Barnes and give a lecture to our students on the horses?"
Ty glanced at Michael. "But, this is Michael's case now."
"Don't worry. Dr. Barnes will be a primary lecturer on the topic." Dr. Singh reassured them.
With Michael's quick nod of encouragement, Ty leaned only slightly toward the Dean, but said nothing.
"Of course we will pay your expenses and provide a generous stipend per lecture."
"I always enjoy working with Michael. We make a good team."
"Excellent, then we have an agreement."
"Well no. I would have to clear it with Dr. Hickerson before I commit to anything." He stated.
"Loyalty is an admirable trait." He said. "I already discussed it with Dr. Hickerson. She is amenable."
"Thank you. I'd like to discuss the offer with her myself then get back with you."
"Yes. Of course. 24 hours enough time?"
"No, I need more time. I'd like talk with her in person. I am driving back to Vancouver tomorrow."
"48 hours then."
"I can give you an answer next Monday."
"A week then. Fine. We would also like for you to consider teaching a few surgical sessions each semester as well."
"I see. But only traveling to Calgary once a month?"
"Or more." Dr. Singh drummed his fingers on his desk. "Here's our offer." He handed Ty a folded letter.
"A formal offer." Ty remarked.
"Everything is negotiable." He said. "Truth be known, we are losing our Surgery Chief, Dr. Welch."
"So I have heard." Ty added.
"The word has spread quickly."
"His retirement will be a great loss." Michael said.
"Yes. In many ways." He paused. "Likely we will lose one of our surgical professors as a result."
Michael jumped in with a recommendation. "Dr. Singh. Ty would be an excellent permanent addition to the surgical faculty here UC. Part or full-time."
"My thoughts as well."
Ty remained noncommittal. "I appreciate both of you and your support. But my life and work are in Vancouver. I am not interested in moving to Calgary."
"Understand." Dr. Singh responded.
The conversation drifted to Wind and Cloud and their treatment plan going forward. Toward the end of the appointment, Dr. Singh invited them to lunch.
"Dr. Welch and I having lunch at 1. Care to join us?"
"I'd love to but I have class." Michael replied.
"Unfortunately, I can't either. I have an appointment." Ty fudged a bit. "I am sorry."
"Pity. Another time then." Dr. Singh stood. "I look forward to hearing from you, Dr. Borden. And, Dr. Barnes, I'll see you at the leadership conference."
They shook hands with Dr. Singh, then left his office. It wasn't until they were outside that Ty and Michael said anything of substance. The rain had slowed to a sprinkle.
"Well that was unexpected." Ty spoke first as they headed towards Michael's truck in the parking lot.
"It's a good opportunity for you, Ty." Michael said sincerely.
"Maybe. But what does that mean for the Rescue's survival?"
"Something certainly to weigh." Michael suggested as he looked at his watch. "I got to get to my next class. What's your appointment?"
"I hope to have one with Cheryl Jones."
"A fib then?"
"A small one." Ty acknowledged.
"Right." Michael said as he opened truck's door. "Dinner then."
"Yep. I'll call later." Ty said then walked toward his own truck.
After giving A.K. an opportunity to relieve herself in a patch of grass, Ty sat in the driver's seat and called Cheryl. She promptly invited him to lunch at her ranch.
Before heading north, Ty swung by Michael's apartment, unhooked the trailer, and changed into jeans, a gray button down and his motorcycle boots.
After an hour's drive, he arrived at the picturesque River Road Ranch, its manicured grounds were rimmed neatly with white wooden horse fencing as far as his eyes could see. The main gate, flanked with two towering columns of gray granite, was open.
"Beautiful." Ty muttered as he drove through the gate. The long, wide drive was lined by mature bur oaks, their trunks of deeply grooved bark, their leafy branches stretching across drive creating a lacy tunnel, of sorts. Horses grazed and meandered in the fields behind fences on either side.
At the end where the drive widened sat a three story white farmhouse, roofed with red clay tiles and skirted with gray granite and blooming hydrangeas of bright blue. Several wide granite steps led up to a covered porch with white columns and railing that ran the width of the house. Centered on the porch was a wood and glass front door with two sets of double widows with black shutters on either side. Obviously old, the large house was impressive, full of character but somehow simple and quaint at the same time.
Standing beside his truck, he gazed up at the house. A woman appeared on the porch and waved to him. An Irish Setter stood next to her.
"Tyler?" She called out.
"Hello. Ms. Jones?" Unsure, he waved back anyhow.
"Welcome to River Road. Come on up." She motioned to him.
Ascending the stairs, two at a time, a light rain began to fall. Ms. Jones chuckled. "I see you brought the rain with you."
"Yes. I guess I did." He shook her hand. "So nice to meet you, Ms. Jones."
Ms. Jones was not the 83 year old woman he imagined. Instead, the petite woman was fit, elegant. She was dressed in slim, ankle length jeans, a crisp white cotton shirt, and red flats. Her gray hair streaked with silver was styled into neat bob. Her golden skin was smooth except the laugh lines around her dark eyes.
"Likewise Tyler." She smiled at him.
"Handsome Irish Setter." Ty petted him behind the ears.
"This is Mulligan. He's a mess but we love him dearly."
"He seems very well behaved."
"Mostly." She smiled. "Come on in. We're eating lunch out on the back porch."
Once inside the house, they two followed Mulligan down a center hallway with a high ceiling, gleaming wooden floors. On either side of the hall were bright, airy rooms with big windows, coffered ceilings, beautiful furnishings and original artwork.
"Your home is beautiful." Ty remarked as he stopped barely 10 feet inside the door and looked around.
"Thank you." Anticipating his next question, she continued. "My grandfather, Joseph Littleton, built this ranch starting in 1887. He detested the Victorian style in vogue at the time. Too frilly. He latched on to the simplicity of the new Arts and Crafts movement. I rather like it's straight lines and balance."
"Balance?"
"Yes. Everything has a matching pair. Symmetry. Windows, porches, lights and fireplaces. Like the room on the left has the same dimensions, numbers of windows, fireplaces as the one on the right."
Ty looked in each room. "I can see that. But each room had its own character."
"Exactly. Very much so. The one on the right is our library and the other is our sitting parlor." She smiled, changed the subject. "By the way, my daughter, Rebecca and her husband, Robert will be joining us."
"I look forward to meeting them."
Suddenly, the faint puttering of a motorcycle sounded from outside.
"That must be them now." She muttered under her breath. "For heavens sake. Why they ride a motorcycle in the rain is beyond me."
Ty just smiled.
Clad head to toe in leather, carrying helmets under their arms, a petit brunette woman, a younger version of Ms. Jones, entered through the front door. She was followed by tall, slender man with salt and pepper hair. Both were middle aged, Ty assumed.
"Hello Mother." The woman, then the man, approached Ms. Jones, both kissing her cheek.
"Tyler. Please meet my daughter Rebecca and her husband, Robert." Ms. Jones introduced them as they shook hands.
"Let's go out back. Lunch will be ready soon." She proceeded down the hall to a double glass door where Mulligan waited for her.
Robert and Ty followed behind the women. "Call me Buddy. Everyone does. Except Cheryl."
"Will do. Call me Ty."
"She likes to use the given name."
"Rebecca?"
"She prefers Becca."
"Gotcha."
Stepping out onto the back porch, Ty was struck by a wide river glistening before them and the rim rocks beyond that.
"Wow." Ty muttered.
"It's the Red Deer River. Magnificent isn't she? Mother Nature at her finest." She remarked. "Have a seat."
On the right hand side, eight worn, but sturdy rocking chairs lined the porch. Mulligan already chose a space and laid down.
"This is the perfect place to while away the day." Buddy said.
"And, I do that a lot these days." Ms. Jones added.
As the four awaited lunch, they rocked and got to know each other.
"So tell me about this ranch. You breed racehorses?"
"Breed, train, board, and retire them. All here on our spot of dirt." Ms. Jones said. "Grandfather started out in cattle and wheat. Delta ground is flat and fertile but the weather is harsh. So the crop wasn't all that predictable or profitable. Father was more interested in horses than cattle. The family business has evolved since then."
"Mother was the one who built the ranch to what is today. Did she tell you about Northern Light?" Becca asked.
"She mentioned him. But, not the whole story." Ty said.
"In 1989, Mother bought him as a one year old for 9500. His lineage was impeccable but the temperamental colt was short-coupled. No one wanted him. Especially dad."
"Samuel came around to my way of thinking." She grinned. "In my defense, he was lighting fast. And competitive." Ms. Jones added. "There was just something about him. Then and now."
"Yeah. If you don't watch out, he'll kick you just for fun." Becca smirked.
"True. He is plucky." She chuckled. "In 1991, he won several Canadian races, Summer Stakes, Resmen Stakes, Coronation Futurity Stakes, Flamingo Stakes. I'm sure I'm missing one or two. Then in 1992, he won the Bluegrass Stakes, Florida Stakes, Arkansas Derby, Kentucky Oaks, and Santa Anita Derby. The Queen's Plate."
"We retired him after the Queen's race and put him out to stud." Buddy added.
"He has sired more than 400 offspring and is considered the most successful sire his offspring have won races than any other Canadian stallion. You may have heard of Lightening Strike and Northern Hemisphere."
"Wow. How old is he now?" Ty asked.
"He just turned thirty. But he's still has some kick left in him." Ms. Jones replied.
"Look, he's down by the river's edge. By the fence there." Becca pointed. "See the bay?"
"Handsome horse."
"Ms. Jones. Lunch is ready to be served." A young man said from an open door.
"Thank you Robin. We'll gather around the table."
Lunch was a casual affair of chicken salad on croissants and strawberry and spinach salad. For dessert, Saskatoon berry pie a la mode. Throughout lunch, Ty learned more about the ranch and that Becca, Buddy and their four sons run the facility now that Ms. Jones retired. In turn, they inquired about Ty's background, being a vet, the rescue and the Wild Horse externship.
After lunch, the sun began to peak through the clouds so four walked around the grounds including the indoor arena, outdoor race track and barns.
"So, Ty, didn't you say you lived in Hudson?" Becca asked.
"Yes, many years ago."
"Have you ever heard of Fairfield Stables?" She continued her line of questioning.
Ty blinked in disbelief. "Um. Yes. Lisa Stillman is a family friend. She actually married my foster..." He corrected himself. "Ah, my friend, Jack Bartlett."
"Small World." She gushed. "Lisa is one of my dearest friends. She even bought an offspring of Northern Light, named Lightning Dexter."
"I remember that horse very well." Ty said.
"And, Jack! He is such a gentleman. He makes her so happy." Becca continue.
Ty nodded, smiled. "So. You probably saw them at the ABOTA dinner then."
"No, they were in France for this year's dinner. Think they'll be back next week."
"I must be mistaken."
Becca continued. "She gave their tickets to their granddaughter and her date, Andrew Pierson. He's with the Canadian Team equestrian. He made a donation to the externship during the live auction."
Ms. Jones shook her head, scowled slightly. "He made such a big production of it."
"Yeah, he was a bit of a showboat." Becca agreed.
"Would you like to meet Northern Light, Tyler?" Ms. Jones asked.
"I would." Ty was glad to change the subject.
"Don't get too close." Becca warned.
As the four walked toward the field behind the house, the bay was eating the grasses along the fence row. As he raised his head, a stream of slobber dripped from his mouth.
"Has he been salivating for a while?" Ty asked.
"No. This is new." Buddy replied, somewhat concerned.
"Mind if I look in his mouth? There might be something wedged under his tongue."
"No, go right ahead." Ms. Jones urged him.
"Will you hold him steady?" Ty asked.
Buddy grabbed his halter. Ty slipped his fingers between his mouth in the back causing the retired racehorse to open his mouth.
"Ah. Foxtail." Ty muttered as he pointed to the small ulcer on his gum. "See."
"Damn. Wonder if it's that new shipment of hay." Buddy said.
"You might want to call your vet. Those need to be removed as soon as possible. They'll only do more damage."
"Let's get him to the barn. Becca, call Dr. Alza." Ms. Jones said as she slipped through the fence and grabbed a hold of his halter.
"Mother. Please let Buddy do that." Becca pled as she pulled out her phone.
"I'm retired, not handicapped." The elder retorted, then she and Buddy led him to the barn. Ty and Becca walked abreast of her mother.
"Shoot. I just remembered. Patrick is in Calgary for that conference." Becca said.
"Tyler, you're a vet. Can you take care of this?" Ms. Jones asked.
"I'll get my bag. I'll meet you in the barn." Ty said as he started to ran to his truck.
After Ty had skillfully removed the foxtails with tweezers, he suggested follow-up care. "I gave him a mild pain reliever. But, I'd have your vet do a follow-up tomorrow as the burrs will continue to erupt. Until then, switch his feed to pellets. Don't use a bit. Given his age, I'd suggest frankincense in his as a natural remedy for oral health and as a pain reliever."
"Thank you. You are a lifesaver Tyler." Ms. Jones' eyes glistened with emotion. "This is my boy. I'd hate for anything to happen to him."
"My pleasure. Glad I was here."
"Me too."
He glanced at his watch. "Look at the time. I really must get back to Calgary and check on my horses. Thank you so much for a lovely lunch, Ms. Jones." He held out his hand for her to shake. She hugged him instead.
"Next time you are in Calgary, you must visit."
"I will. Promise." He shook Buddy and Becca's hands. "And very nice to meet you both."
"I enjoyed meeting you." Becca said in return.
"Let me walk you to your truck." Buddy suggested.
"So. You ride motorcycles?" Ty asked as they walked together.
"Yes. Love them. My first bike was a Harley-Davidson XR750 in 1970."
"Evel Knievel?"
"Yep. But his was a '72. He copied me."
Ty laughed. "What else do you own?"
"Kawasaki Triple, Ducati 900SS. You ride?"
"When I can. It's hard to find time though." Ty frowned.
"No kidding. Becca and I make it a point to ride every Sunday, rain or shine."
"Did you ride your Harley here?" Ty asked.
"No, no. My '72 750 Norton Commando."
"No kidding. I have a '74 850 Norton Commando."
"How 'bout that? You are the second person that I met this week that has that model."
"Here in town?"
"No, no. At the airport in Calgary, no less." He laughed, remembering back. "I almost had a stroke when I saw this woman touching my motorcycle."
"A definite No No."
"No kidding. I think I scared her when I yelled at her. I kinda felt bad." He shrugged. "Anyhow, she said her friend had an '74 850 Commando and he was very protective of his motorcycle."
"She should have known better then."
"Yeah. Turns out she was delightful. We chatted for awhile." He laughed. "Next I knew, she was on her belly crawling under some muddy truck trying to rescue a some ratty feral kitten."
"She sounds a bit crazy." Ty said.
"Maybe. But definitely stubborn. And oh my god, so patient. I bet she spent 20 per 30 minutes trying to get that kitten. When she did, she named him after me, Norton Hall." He chuckled. "She honestly made my day."
As they walked up on his Norton, he said. "Here she is."
"What a beauty." Ty remarked. "Did you restore this yourself?"
"Twice. The second time, after my accident, Becca helped."
"Bad?"
"Bad enough."
"I had to restore mine again after I wrecked mine. I was riding with my friend Jack Bartlett."
"Bad?"
"Bad enough." They both nodded, for a moment in their memories.
Ty asked on a whim. "That woman, at the airport, did you by chance catch her name?"
"Amber, or Amy, or something or other."
Ty froze.
"Does she sound like someone you know?"
"What did she look like?"
"Long blonde hair, nice smile. About your age." Then he added. "She had a cowboy hat."
"Amy." Ty sighed.
"Dang, it really is a small world. You should get in touch with her. Have a good laugh."
"I just might." He said. "Well, I best be going." The two shook hands, then Ty got in his truck. He started his truck, waved then drove away.
After spending the rest of the afternoon with the horses, he met Michael for dinner at Scrubb's.
Halfway through their meal, Ty mentioned. "I saw Old Blue today on main campus."
"No kidding. Where? On the side of the road?" He chuckled.
"No. Parked in Lot L 32."
"Did you see Amy?"
"No. But I left a note to have her call me." Ty admitted.
"Good for you man." Michael grinned. "Bet she'll call tonight."
"Hope so. You want to hear a really weird story?" Ty proceeded to tell him about Buddy meeting Amy at the airport.
"Geez, that's crazy. It's just such a small world that we live in."
"That's what they said." He shook his head. "Get a load of this. Ms. Jones sold Lightning Dexter, an offspring of Northern Lights, to Lisa Stillman. And, Becca and Lisa are close friends."
"Wow! See Ty. It's a sign. You need to get a hold of Amy. Just talk."
"She has my number now. So the ball's in her court."
Back at Michael's apartment, Ty called Sydney from EquiRide and made arrangements to pick her and her horse Buster up at 8am after he checked in the horses.
Exhausted, the two friends bid each other good night at 9. Despite the long day and the long day ahead, Ty lay wide awake under the covers, A.K. by his side. Amy on his mind. Retrieving his phone from the night stand, he scrolled through his photos and found her picture with Lightning Dexter.
"You're beautiful. You are." He muttered as began to relax as he looked at her smile, her shining blue eyes. Soon, he drifted into sleep. In his dream, she was in his arms, Norton Hall and A.K. curled together beside them.
Hey Readers. Hope you enjoyed this chapter.
SBR