I wrote this before I saw the episodes, where Nigel tells Sydney he is
allergic to horses, and the one you find out that Sydney can ride well.
Please read and review.
*******
Sydney gave Nigel a mock frown. "Exactly. I have a hunch that whoever stole the map is close by."
"You think one of the new arrivals is the one who attacked Joe and took the map?"
"That's a good possibility. We'll just need to keep a close eye on them and see if my hunch plays out."
"They usually do," Nigel replied, remembering the other times Syd's hunches had played out - usually involving gunfire, knives, and everything in between. Just once he'd like to go on a hunt that didn't involve rivals and everything else!
"We should go and introduce ourselves, see what we can find out." She gave him a light thump on the arm. "Come on Nigel, it'll be fun."
"Oh yeah, I know your idea of fun and - " He stopped in mid-sentence as Zach and Zach's assistant headed their way. The guide led a small herd of horses. Nigel was instantly captivated by the black gelding, a beautiful animal.
Sydney noticed Nigel's silence and followed his gaze. "Is something wrong?"
"No, you go ahead. I want to go talk to Zach."
Before Sydney could say, anything Nigel was gone. Shaking her head, she went to go introduce herself to the others.
Sydney approached the threesome with a suspicious eye. Any one or more of them could have taken the original map.
The youngest of the group, she found, was named Andrew Kirkland. He went by the name of Andy, and had just graduated from High School. Before going away to College at the far off Northwest Missouri State University and leaving his native Apache Junction, he had one last shot at finding the mine that intrigued him since birth.
Amy Stevens was a shy young woman. Trying to get any information out of her was like pulling teeth, but after a little coaxing Sydney determined that Miss Stevens was taking the tour on a dare from her brother Mark, who told his sister that she wouldn't last two seconds in the wilds of Arizona. Mark, in turn, was a mountain climber and into extreme sports, while Amy preferred a quiet life working with handicapped children.
The final addition to their little group was Lee Harmon, a lawyer on vacation from Los Angeles. One of his clients recommended the tour. In need of a reprieve from the grind of the city, he decided to join the expedition into the rural wonderland.
While Sydney was with the other three, Nigel was happily talking with Zach. Nigel had to admit, he really liked Solza. The man was friendly, laid back, and clearly enjoyed his work.
Zach could see that Nigel knew a good horse when he saw it. "He's a beauty, ain't he?"
"You can say that again!"
"I got him when he was just a colt, through one of the wild horse adoption programs. I could tell from the moment I saw him he would never be truly tame, but I prefer him that way. No horse should ever have its spirit broken." Zach scratched his old four-legged friend behind the ear. "It took some time, but I was able to gentle him. Even though sometimes I not sure who trained who! Isn't that right, Moe?" The tour guide laughed. "I like the Three Stooges. So shoot me. I take it you ride?"
"I used to, mostly jumping and that sort of thing. It made being away at school a little easier. I would spend as much time as I could around them."
"Well then, I have just the horse for you." Zach gestured Nigel glance over to a brown mare. "She's a spirited one. Her name is Lucy. I only let experienced riders take her out as she can be a bit stubborn, but she's a good horse."
After getting acquainted with Lucy, Nigel worked his way back to Sydney. She brought him up to speed, filling him in on everything she'd discovered about the others. Everyone was still a suspect in her eyes. Moments later they joined the rest of the group, as Zach reviewed the route and dished out a short history lesson on the area and the many legends surrounding it. As they set out, Nigel was impressed by the majesty of the area. Suddenly a cold shiver shot down his spine. He quickly shook it off, smiling at Sydney as they began their journey.
The day started out cool enough, but now that the sun was up it was becoming unbearably hot. Nigel unbuttoned his shirt, and was now glad Syd had bought him the hat, even though he did feel a little funny wearing it. He was English after all, not some American cowboy.
Sydney couldn't help grinning at Nigel and his horse. Lucy had been stubborn early into the ride, just like Zach said she would be. But Nigel and the equine soon came to an understanding. Nigel never lost his patience with Lucy, and soon learned that as long as he periodically gave her a scratch behind the ears, Lucy behaved.
Sydney, on the other hand, had a very gentle, and well-behaved mount named Casey. Syd suspected Nigel had made the arrangements. Sydney had only been on a horse a couple of times in her life, and was not a very experienced rider. It was just like Nigel. Sydney decided not to say anything about it, since Nigel tended to get embarrassed when she caught him being chivalrous.
Syd fell back, and was now at the rear of the group, watching the others. Nearer the front, Nigel was speaking to Amy, who had stayed close to him since they left the stables.
Sydney was not usually the jealous type. She knew she could trust Nigel completely, but there was still a part of her that didn't like the interest Amy had taken in him. Sydney knew Nigel was hers, but there were times that she wished they didn't have to hide it. To just be like any other couple would be nice.
Lee and Andy were in the lead, laughing and talking.
Andy rode ahead of Syd. He turned out to be an avid photographer, and was snapping pictures of the group as well as the surrounding terrain.
The area was beautiful. Cacti, wildflowers, mesquite, rock spires and cliffs spread across the landscape in every direction . Jackrabbits scampered across the trail, as did some birds.
While they made their way through one of many meandering canyons, Sydney had the distinct feeling they were being watched. As inconspicuously as she could, Sydney scanned the area, but she didn't see anyone else. Her guard up even more now, Syd kept a close eye on Nigel. As soon as she could get a few minutes alone with him, she would alert him of her suspicions.
Nigel also felt they were being observed. He kept up appearances with Amy, doing his best to hide his concern. As soon as he could, he planned to talk to Syd and tell her they were being followed.
After they made their way out of the canyon, Zach declared that they would stop for lunch, giving them all time to rest and stretch their legs.
While stopped, Nigel and Sydney got the private minutes they needed. Neither was surprised to find that they both sensed an unseen observer.
Nigel now remembered the momentary shiver he had felt when they had started out that morning. Why did he have the feeling things were going to heat up, in more ways than one? This time, he couldn't shake his feeling of unease, as he'd done earlier.
******
The rest of the day was uneventful. When night descended they set up camp. Nigel helped Zach water and tend to the horses, while Sydney and Amy cooperated to prepare the evening meal.
"If you don't mind me asking, are you and Nigel... um... seeing each other?"
"Me and Nigel? Oh, no, we're just coworkers." Sydney's suspicions about Amy staying close to Nigel were just confirmed. Damn, she was jealous. All Sydney wanted to do was grab Amy by her shirt collar and yell, BACK OFF HE'S MINE! Casting a quick look at Nigel, Syd managed to get her jealousy under control as a wicked grin crossed his lips. "If I were you, I wouldn't waste my time on Nigel. He's already spoken for."
"Why is it all the good ones are taken?" Amy sighed, frustration in her voice. "Whoever she is, I hope she realizes just how lucky she is."
She certainly does!
Sydney hesitated for a few moments. She knew Nigel would kill her for what she was about to do, but Syd knew just the way to make it up to him. "Well, I can guarantee that his fiancée Claudia does."
"Fiancée, that figures."
Later that night Sydney pulled Nigel aside.
"YOU WHAT??"
"Well, what else did you want me to say?"
"But Claudia? Couldn't you have said Karen instead?"
"You know, I could have just told Amy to go for it instead." Mischief danced in Sydney's eyes .
"Well, she is kind of cute."
"Nigel!" Syd exclaimed, trying to look hurt and failing miserably. "I don't think I'm ever going to forgive you for this," Nigel said as he glared at Sydney. Only the slight upward curve of his mouth gave away his true feelings. He was enjoying this as much as she was.
"Oh really?" Sydney leaned closer and whispered into his ear.
"Okay, I forgive you," he said as a full smile now graced his handsome face.
"I had a feeling you would. Come on, we should head back before Amy thinks I'm trying to corrupt you."
Sydney heard Nigel's exasperated sigh as he fell in behind her.
*******
Sydney gave Nigel a mock frown. "Exactly. I have a hunch that whoever stole the map is close by."
"You think one of the new arrivals is the one who attacked Joe and took the map?"
"That's a good possibility. We'll just need to keep a close eye on them and see if my hunch plays out."
"They usually do," Nigel replied, remembering the other times Syd's hunches had played out - usually involving gunfire, knives, and everything in between. Just once he'd like to go on a hunt that didn't involve rivals and everything else!
"We should go and introduce ourselves, see what we can find out." She gave him a light thump on the arm. "Come on Nigel, it'll be fun."
"Oh yeah, I know your idea of fun and - " He stopped in mid-sentence as Zach and Zach's assistant headed their way. The guide led a small herd of horses. Nigel was instantly captivated by the black gelding, a beautiful animal.
Sydney noticed Nigel's silence and followed his gaze. "Is something wrong?"
"No, you go ahead. I want to go talk to Zach."
Before Sydney could say, anything Nigel was gone. Shaking her head, she went to go introduce herself to the others.
Sydney approached the threesome with a suspicious eye. Any one or more of them could have taken the original map.
The youngest of the group, she found, was named Andrew Kirkland. He went by the name of Andy, and had just graduated from High School. Before going away to College at the far off Northwest Missouri State University and leaving his native Apache Junction, he had one last shot at finding the mine that intrigued him since birth.
Amy Stevens was a shy young woman. Trying to get any information out of her was like pulling teeth, but after a little coaxing Sydney determined that Miss Stevens was taking the tour on a dare from her brother Mark, who told his sister that she wouldn't last two seconds in the wilds of Arizona. Mark, in turn, was a mountain climber and into extreme sports, while Amy preferred a quiet life working with handicapped children.
The final addition to their little group was Lee Harmon, a lawyer on vacation from Los Angeles. One of his clients recommended the tour. In need of a reprieve from the grind of the city, he decided to join the expedition into the rural wonderland.
While Sydney was with the other three, Nigel was happily talking with Zach. Nigel had to admit, he really liked Solza. The man was friendly, laid back, and clearly enjoyed his work.
Zach could see that Nigel knew a good horse when he saw it. "He's a beauty, ain't he?"
"You can say that again!"
"I got him when he was just a colt, through one of the wild horse adoption programs. I could tell from the moment I saw him he would never be truly tame, but I prefer him that way. No horse should ever have its spirit broken." Zach scratched his old four-legged friend behind the ear. "It took some time, but I was able to gentle him. Even though sometimes I not sure who trained who! Isn't that right, Moe?" The tour guide laughed. "I like the Three Stooges. So shoot me. I take it you ride?"
"I used to, mostly jumping and that sort of thing. It made being away at school a little easier. I would spend as much time as I could around them."
"Well then, I have just the horse for you." Zach gestured Nigel glance over to a brown mare. "She's a spirited one. Her name is Lucy. I only let experienced riders take her out as she can be a bit stubborn, but she's a good horse."
After getting acquainted with Lucy, Nigel worked his way back to Sydney. She brought him up to speed, filling him in on everything she'd discovered about the others. Everyone was still a suspect in her eyes. Moments later they joined the rest of the group, as Zach reviewed the route and dished out a short history lesson on the area and the many legends surrounding it. As they set out, Nigel was impressed by the majesty of the area. Suddenly a cold shiver shot down his spine. He quickly shook it off, smiling at Sydney as they began their journey.
The day started out cool enough, but now that the sun was up it was becoming unbearably hot. Nigel unbuttoned his shirt, and was now glad Syd had bought him the hat, even though he did feel a little funny wearing it. He was English after all, not some American cowboy.
Sydney couldn't help grinning at Nigel and his horse. Lucy had been stubborn early into the ride, just like Zach said she would be. But Nigel and the equine soon came to an understanding. Nigel never lost his patience with Lucy, and soon learned that as long as he periodically gave her a scratch behind the ears, Lucy behaved.
Sydney, on the other hand, had a very gentle, and well-behaved mount named Casey. Syd suspected Nigel had made the arrangements. Sydney had only been on a horse a couple of times in her life, and was not a very experienced rider. It was just like Nigel. Sydney decided not to say anything about it, since Nigel tended to get embarrassed when she caught him being chivalrous.
Syd fell back, and was now at the rear of the group, watching the others. Nearer the front, Nigel was speaking to Amy, who had stayed close to him since they left the stables.
Sydney was not usually the jealous type. She knew she could trust Nigel completely, but there was still a part of her that didn't like the interest Amy had taken in him. Sydney knew Nigel was hers, but there were times that she wished they didn't have to hide it. To just be like any other couple would be nice.
Lee and Andy were in the lead, laughing and talking.
Andy rode ahead of Syd. He turned out to be an avid photographer, and was snapping pictures of the group as well as the surrounding terrain.
The area was beautiful. Cacti, wildflowers, mesquite, rock spires and cliffs spread across the landscape in every direction . Jackrabbits scampered across the trail, as did some birds.
While they made their way through one of many meandering canyons, Sydney had the distinct feeling they were being watched. As inconspicuously as she could, Sydney scanned the area, but she didn't see anyone else. Her guard up even more now, Syd kept a close eye on Nigel. As soon as she could get a few minutes alone with him, she would alert him of her suspicions.
Nigel also felt they were being observed. He kept up appearances with Amy, doing his best to hide his concern. As soon as he could, he planned to talk to Syd and tell her they were being followed.
After they made their way out of the canyon, Zach declared that they would stop for lunch, giving them all time to rest and stretch their legs.
While stopped, Nigel and Sydney got the private minutes they needed. Neither was surprised to find that they both sensed an unseen observer.
Nigel now remembered the momentary shiver he had felt when they had started out that morning. Why did he have the feeling things were going to heat up, in more ways than one? This time, he couldn't shake his feeling of unease, as he'd done earlier.
******
The rest of the day was uneventful. When night descended they set up camp. Nigel helped Zach water and tend to the horses, while Sydney and Amy cooperated to prepare the evening meal.
"If you don't mind me asking, are you and Nigel... um... seeing each other?"
"Me and Nigel? Oh, no, we're just coworkers." Sydney's suspicions about Amy staying close to Nigel were just confirmed. Damn, she was jealous. All Sydney wanted to do was grab Amy by her shirt collar and yell, BACK OFF HE'S MINE! Casting a quick look at Nigel, Syd managed to get her jealousy under control as a wicked grin crossed his lips. "If I were you, I wouldn't waste my time on Nigel. He's already spoken for."
"Why is it all the good ones are taken?" Amy sighed, frustration in her voice. "Whoever she is, I hope she realizes just how lucky she is."
She certainly does!
Sydney hesitated for a few moments. She knew Nigel would kill her for what she was about to do, but Syd knew just the way to make it up to him. "Well, I can guarantee that his fiancée Claudia does."
"Fiancée, that figures."
Later that night Sydney pulled Nigel aside.
"YOU WHAT??"
"Well, what else did you want me to say?"
"But Claudia? Couldn't you have said Karen instead?"
"You know, I could have just told Amy to go for it instead." Mischief danced in Sydney's eyes .
"Well, she is kind of cute."
"Nigel!" Syd exclaimed, trying to look hurt and failing miserably. "I don't think I'm ever going to forgive you for this," Nigel said as he glared at Sydney. Only the slight upward curve of his mouth gave away his true feelings. He was enjoying this as much as she was.
"Oh really?" Sydney leaned closer and whispered into his ear.
"Okay, I forgive you," he said as a full smile now graced his handsome face.
"I had a feeling you would. Come on, we should head back before Amy thinks I'm trying to corrupt you."
Sydney heard Nigel's exasperated sigh as he fell in behind her.