THE ARRIVAL OF THE TSAR
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WEBB ESTATE
Webb was at the stables with Tatiana who was sitting in her stroller. A week had past since his trip to Kentucky and he was awaiting the arrival of Russian Tsar. Cassie had called him when they were in Charleston which was about two hours away. When Cassie and Johnny pulled in, Webb was waiting for them with Tatiana in his arms.
"Hi," Cassie said jumping out of the truck. "Who's this?"
"Good to see you again," Webb smiled. "This is my daughter, Tatiana."
"Great name," Cassie replied. "A little bit of Russian there."
"Yes it is," Webb said. "How was the trip?"
"Twelve hours and no traffic, it couldn't have been better." Cassie replied. "Do you mind if I check out the stall?"
"If you don't approve are you talking him back?" Webb asked.
"No," Cassie laughed. "But I want to make sure it's perfect."
"Come this way," Webb said.
"Johnny, take Tsar for a walk to stretch his legs." Cassie instructed.
"Yes, ma'am," Johnny replied and went to work.
Cassie followed Webb and Tatiana to the stalls and smiled as she looked around.
"This is nice," Cassie stated. "How many horses do you have? I noticed three in your paddock."
"I have the three you saw and these two right here, plus another two that are out back." Webb replied. "Tsar will be the second male in the group."
"Are those your ribbons?" Cassie asked looking at the wall.
"Yes," Webb said shifting Tatiana in his arms.
"Impressive," Cassie smiled. "So, where's your staff?"
"I haven't really hired anyone yet." Webb admitted.
"Are you kidding? You can't do this alone," Cassie advised. "Are you sure you know what you're getting into?"
"Yes, I do." Webb replied. "I have a few hands that come to maintain the stables and grounds."
"You're going to need more than that," Cassie said. "You will need someone to handle training, someone else to handle the breeding, a stable manager most of all and someone…"
"I've got it covered," Webb interrupted. "I have been looking at applications all week."
"Do you mind if I take a look?" Cassie offered. "I know almost everyone."
"Sure," Webb said. "I would appreciate the help."
"It's five now. Johnny and I need to go check into our rooms, get cleaned up and grab a bite. How about I come back around sevenish?" Cassie suggested.
"You're both welcome to stay here," Webb offered. "We have plenty of room."
"That's really kind of you," Cassie smiled. "Hey Johnny, you want to go stay at the Holiday Inn or crash here for the night?"
"What ever you choose boss," Johnny replied.
"I guess we'll take you up on your offer." Cassie stated. "Just let me get my gear."
Cassie went to the back of the pickup and grabbed the Army duffle bag, it was returned with Michael's things and using it made her feel closer to him.
"So, how does Mrs. Webb feel about your new venture?" Cassie asked.
"My mother has no opinion on the subject," Webb replied absently.
"I meant your wife," Cassie replied.
"She died," Webb replied flatly as he was placing Tatiana in her stroller.
"I see," Cassie said quietly. I knew there was a story.
"How about you push and I'll carry that for you?" Webb offered and took the duffle from her, "Where you in the army?"
"No, that belonged to my husband." Cassie said.
"Does he work with you?" Webb asked.
"He died." Cassie said and pushed the stroller. "It sucks being widowed doesn't it?"
Webb didn't reply to the comment and quietly walked next to her.
"Johnny, shake a leg." Cassie called out. "Get Tsar bedded down and then wash out the truck."
"You got it boss," Johnny replied.
"Normally, that is something your people would do," Cassie explained, "But seeing you have no people, we'll take care of it."
"Thank you," Webb said.
"Your grounds are beautiful, almost as nice as Kentucky." Cassie joked.
They arrived at the back porch where Porter was sitting.
"Mother, may I introduce Cassie Walker," Webb said. "Cassie this is Porter Webb."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Cassie said. "Forgive me for not shaking your hand. I have about twelve hours of dirt and highway on me."
"Very nice to meet you," Porter smiled.
"Mother, I've invited Cassie and her assistant to stay the night," Webb said.
"Of course, you must be exhausted." Porter stated. "Will you be joining us for dinner?"
"Thank you. If it's not an imposition," Cassie smiled.
"Not at all," Porter replied. "It will be nice to have some guests."
"I'll show you to your room," Webb said giving his mother a look. It was true. There had been no guests other than AJ and company since Webb's return. The fact that he was even being hospitable to Cassie was a miracle. "Mother, will you watch Tatiana?"
Webb led Cassie up the stairs and offered her a room a few doors down from his.
"I'll send Mrs. Caswell up to see that you have everything you need." Webb said.
"Thank you, but I am sure everything is here." Cassie said and closed the door.
Cassie surveyed the room and then took a hot shower. She washed all the grime away and then put on a fresh pair of jeans and shirt. She braided her hair and went back down to the porch. While she was getting cleaned up, Webb returned to Porter.
"She's a pretty girl," Porter commented.
"Mother please," Webb said in disgust. "She is here to drop off a horse."
"I was just noticing," Porter said. "It's hard not to notice."
"I'm going to get Tatiana's dinner," Webb said and went inside.
"Much better," Cassie said walking onto the porch and extending her hand. "It's nice to meet you."
"May I offer you something to drink?" Porter asked shaking Cassie's hand.
"What ever you're having is fine," Cassie said sitting down. "Thank you."
"Geoffrey, please bring Ms. Walker a glass of Merlot," Porter instructed.
"Excuse me boss," Johnny said walking up. "Everything is taking care of."
"Mrs. Webb, this is my assistant Johnny Brewster." Cassie said making the introduction.
"Ma'am," Johnny said. "Boss, can I talk to you for a minute?"
"Would you excuse us?" Cassie said and got up. "What's up Johnny?"
"Boss, I can't stay here." Johnny said. "This place ain't for me. If it's all the same, I'm going to the hotel."
"That's fine," Cassie laughed. "Just unhitch the trailer."
"Already done," Johnny replied. "I'll be back around eight so we can get a jump on the day when we head back."
"I'll be ready," Cassie said. "Have a good night."
"Is everything okay?" Porter asked when Cassie returned.
"It's just fine," Cassie smiled. "Johnny wants to go to the hotel, where there's a bit more action."
"It is rather quiet here," Porter replied.
"I like the quiet," Cassie stated. "This reminds me of our place."
Just then Tatiana began to cry and Porter rose to attend to her.
"May I?" Cassie asked.
"I don't know if she'll take to you." Porter said. "She's not very accustomed to strangers."
"My brothers have kids," Cassie said picking Tatiana up. "I'm pretty good with them."
"Tatiana seems very taken with you." Porter noticed.
"I told you, I have a way with kids, and horses." Cassie laughed.
"Have you been around horses all your life?" Porter asked.
"Yes I have," Cassie replied. "Tsar is my favorite."
"Tsar?" Porter asked.
"Russian Tsar, the horse Clay just purchased." Cassie answered as she rubbed noses with Tatiana.
"That explains it," Porter said.
"Explains what?" Cassie asked.
"Nothing dear," Porter replied.
"What have we here?" Webb asked finally returning with Tatiana's dinner.
"She was restless," Cassie said. "I hope you don't mind."
"It's fine," Webb said taking his daughter and placing her in the high chair.
"May I feed her?" Cassie asked. "We've become friends."
"If it's all the same," Webb said. "I would prefer to."
"Clayton, let her." Porter said.
"Here you go," Webb replied and handed Cassie the spoon.
"Sterling," Cassie laughed.
After Tatiana was fed, Webb took her upstairs and put her to bed. When he returned, dinner was being served. While they ate, they reviewed the applications Webb had received. A few of them, Cassie immediately told him to disregard. The others she indicated were good people and he should interview. After dinner, Porter excused herself while Webb and Cassie sat outside, enjoying the night air and after dinner drinks.
They sat and chatted for a while longer and then retired to the bedrooms. Around 3am, Cassie woke and went down to the stables.
"Tsar old boy, I know this is for the best. Dad was right, I held on to you for way too long." Cassie told the horse. "This man seems like a good man, he'll take good care of you. I think you need to take care of him too. I don't know what his story is, but he needs you now. I'm leaving in the morning. I'll come and say good bye before we go."
THE NEXT MORNING
The next morning, Webb went down to the stables and Cassie was already there.
"Cassie?" Webb said.
"Clay, good morning," Cassie said.
"Cassie, I was thinking," Webb said. "Do you have to be back in Kentucky?"
"I have nothing pressing. My brothers and father can handle things." Cassie replied, "Why?"
"How about working for me for the week," Webb suggested. "I could use your expertise in hiring."
"I only brought enough clothes for one day." Cassie laughed.
"Is that a yes?" Webb asked.
"That's a hell yes, it should be fun." Cassie smiled.
"Maybe you should tell me how much you want?" Webb asked.
"For my expertise?" Cassie laughed. "You couldn't afford it, no charge."
"Then why are you staying?" Webb asked.
"Because I want to ensure that Tsar has the best," Cassie smiled and walked back to the house, leaving Webb standing there.
An hour later, Johnny arrived to pick up Cassie for the trip back to Kentucky.
"Johnny, I'm going to stay and help Tsar get settled." Cassie advised. "You go on back without me."
"Are you sure boss?" Johnny asked. "You've never stayed before."
"Well, I'm staying this time." Cassie replied. "I'll be home at the end of the week."
"You got it boss," Johnny said. "I'll see you when you return."
Cassie then pulled at her cell phone and called her father. She told him that she would be staying on for a few days and gave him a run down of what needed to be done in her absence.
"Clay, I need to go shopping and get some things," Cassie said when she completed her call.
"Geoffrey is waiting for you," Webb replied.
"Could he take me to a car rental place, I'll need a car while I'm here." Cassie said.
"That won't be necessary," Webb replied. "We have a driver and if needed there is a car that can be made available to you."
"Thank you," Cassie said.
"Clay, are you in here?" Mac called out.
"We're in here," Webb responded.
"Hi, we came to see the new addition," Harm said. "Excuse me, I didn't realize you had company."
"I'm not company," Cassie laughed. "I am here to help Clay get his staff together."
"Cassie Walker, this is Commander Harmon Rabb and his wife Colonel Sarah MacKenzie." Webb said.
"Call me Harm," Harm stated, "Nice to meet you."
"I'm Mac," Mac said. "Welcome to Virginia."
"Pleasures mine," Cassie said shaking hands. "I'll let you visit with your guests. Where can I find Geoffrey?"
"Mac, do you have any plans?" Webb asked.
"Nothing really, we came out to see the new horse and really Tatiana." Mac smiled.
"Geoffrey was going to take Cassie into town to pick up some things." Webb stated. "Maybe you could take her."
"That would be great. If it wouldn't be an imposition, I don't think I really want to go shopping with a strange man." Cassie laughed.
"It's no imposition," Mac smiled. "Harm, give me the keys."
"No buying," Harm teased and kissed Mac good bye.
The women took off leaving the men. Harm and Webb walked back to the house where they talked about Webb's plans and the happenings at JAG.