Secrets of the Past 2: In the Crosshairs
Chapter 1
It was a clear morning at Pine Hollow. Matt and Evie found themselves in the riding ring astride their new equine friends.
Matt had named his mare friend Wisteria and Evie had named her stallion friend Gustdance.
Maxine had paused the lesson to speak with her mother, father, and grandmother
Matt and Evie could tell, even from where they were, that something had the entire Regnery family worried.
Matt knew that with his hearing he could easily eavesdrop on them if he wanted to, but he believed in respecting privacy.
He exchanged a look with Evie and could tell that they were both thinking the same thing, that if whatever the problem was, was enough to worry all of four Regnerys, they would probably find out what it was sooner or later.
Maxine returned to her students thinking that they hadn't seen the frown and the worry on her face before it disappeared. This had been going on for several days. Matt, Evie, and the other students were getting more and more suspicious that something was definitely going on, and that it was definitely bad.
The rest of the lesson passed uneventfully. Wisteria and Gustdance were naturals at dressage and show jumping.
Matt and Evie theorized that, as far-fetched as it might sound, Lady Louise must have taught her children a few things before they met. After the lesson, Matt and Evie turned out Wisteria and Gustdance into Diablo's hollow with the rest of their herd and went back to Pine Hollow.
When they got back to Pine Hollow, they saw a black limo that they didn't recognize. The DiAngelo limo was white and the Biggin's always used a Luxury SUV.
Matt walked around to the back of the Limo so he could see the license plate. As soon as he saw it, he stopped short.
"It can't be," he said quietly to himself.
"What can't be?" asked Evie.
"I'll explain later," he said as he turned and headed for the office.
They reached the door of Max's office just in time to hear Max's voice inside. They looked through the window. Max was sitting at his desk looking at a man in a business suit. Max seemed to be listening to what the guy was saying then he shook his head.
"For the last time, Mr. Scheckter, Pine hollow is not for sale!" he snapped rising out of his chair with each word.
"I'd advise you to reconsider," said Scheckter his voice taking on a threatening tone.
"Are you threatening my father?" snapped Maxine getting mad.
Just then the office door was shoved open hard enough to slam against the wall with a bang loud enough to get everybody's attention.
Scheckter, a menacing looking man with a long narrow face, whirled around as every eye in the room shot toward the doorway.
Matt was standing in the doorway with his arms folded across his chest.
"Is this a private party or can anybody join in?" said Matt.
A look of recognition as well as fear flashed across Scheckter's face. He straightened his tie and tried to look cool.
"Matthias Ellison," he said, "It's been a while."
"Not long enough." Retorted Matt. He stepped into the room, then off to one side and jabbed a thumb toward the open doorway, "Get out."
Scheckter scowled a little but started toward the doorway. He turned toward Max.
"This isn't over." He warned
"It, better be!" Matt snapped causing Scheckter to jump. It was at this point that Evie came to a slightly shocking realization. This Scheckter guy was actually scared of Matt!
Matt flicked his head toward the doorway with a go-on-get-outta-here look directed at Scheckter.
Scheckter walked out the door without another word. After the black limo disappeared down the driveway, Matt turned back to find the astonished faces of Evie, the Regnery family, Tina and Will, Carol's kids, and Sara Jane, Stevie's daughter all looking at him.
"How did you do that?" asked Evie. Matt sighed.
"For now, let's just say you're not the only one with a past." He replied, then he turned to Max. as Evie whispered in his ear.
"This conversation isn't over." Not that Matt would have expected anything less from her.
Matt spoke to Max.
"Okay, Max, time to fess up! What is going on here?!"
To Be Continued…Please Review