Chapter 70
Amy opened her eyes when Ty's hand and fingers began to roam softly across her body. She giggled when he passed her waist "Feeling frisky Ty ?"
"As a mater of fact" he said moving aside allowing her to fall onto her back.
She moaned and closed her eyes as his hand gently floated over her. When his lips searched for hers she drew him into her arms. "Come here you" she whispered and then lightly raked her fingernails down his back.
"Feeling frisky Amy ?" He gasped at the shiver that ran down his spine.
"As a matter of fact my love" she whispered back and then nibbled at his ear and down his neck.
There was a knock on the door later when they were heading to the bathroom for showers and Ty nodded to Amy to go on while he went to check the door.
"Mad, what's up ?"
"Jackson's got a tick, it's deep and he won't let Charlie or I near him."
"Get him in here and then" Ty reached over onto the table for his keys. "Please run down and get my vet bag Mad, it's in the trailer lock up."
"What's up ?" Amy asked walking out of the bathroom.
"Jackson's got a tick, the dog's are vaccinated right ?"
"And horses."
"Be right back Doc" Maddie said running by to the stairs as Charlie led JT out of their room.
"Come on Jackson, we'll get you fixed up." Ty said "Charlie when Mad gets back you two should check each other. Ames, you should give Betty a quick once over."
"Where ?" Ty asked.
"My back by my shoulder."
"Shirt off, lay or sit ?"
"Errr."
"Lay down Jackson." Ty said motioning to the couch.
Mad got back with his case and Ty sat alongside Jackson and opened the case. He first grabbed a set of gloves and put them on then grabbed a magnifier band and put it on his head, snapping down the lens.
"You two go check each other, we don't need an audience." Ty said looking up. "go, go, go" he remonstrated softly and with a smile and then bent over switching on the small light on the headset.
"He's in there alright" Ty said and then reached for a bottle. "This is alcohol Jackson, he'll back out in a minute or so enough for me to grab him, ready son, it'll be cold and sting a little."
"Go ahead." Jack said a bit trepidatiously.
Ty let three drops fall from the eyedropper and used a gauze bandage to stop it from traveling. A minute or so later the tick began backing out and Ty had a tweezer ready. It was over that soon as Ty tugged a drop and the tick let go. After checking the bite for anything left behind Ty dabbed it again with alcohol and placed a band aid over it that Amy held out for him and handing her the tick in his forceps.
"All done Jackson, into the bathroom and get those bottoms off, you need to be checked."
"Errr."
"Now Jackson, mom or me ?"
"You." He said in a pout and headed in closing the door behind him.
Amy smiled at Ty and leaned in to kiss him "I guess we're getting to that age."
"Part of growing up Ames."
"I'm glad he has you now Ty."
Ty was out with Jackson a minute later "he's clean, we'll need to check that bite later Jackson, go get dressed, breakfast and fishing."
"We're clean" Charlie said coming in.
"Let me knock on Gran's door, go pull breakfast girls and maybe some sandwiches for later." Amy said walking past.
"I'm in the shower" Ty said walking away.
"Tick check Gran" Amy said peeking into Betty's room.
"I heard, come on, this has to be the most embarrassing procedure in the world."
"I'll be quick but you know what they like."
"Just do it Amy, there a some things a mother should never have to endure."
"This is certainly not one of them Betty, and it looks like only Jackson was fortunate this time." She said a few moments later "the girls are starting in the kitchen, I'm going to shower and check Ty."
"Don't be all day about it" she said with a smirk, "I'll see you downstairs sweetheart."
Amy smiled and headed back to the master then stepped into the shower while Ty was under the water and slipped her hands around him.
"Hey." He laughed and stepped away as her hand strayed.
"Checking for ticks."
"I can't imagine there isn't a spot on my body that wasn't thoroughly explored last night Ames."
"Yeah, we had fun."
"You used to be way more shy 8 years ago."
"Living in Europe changes you in terms of nudity. Most Europeans and certainly the French and Belgians are very open about their bodies. There's no North American prudishness especially in the jumping world."
"None huh ?"
"On tour, I'd bunk with Lara on the road and when we were late getting out in the morning she'd just pop in the shower with me."
"Really ?" Ty asked with a silly grin "tell me about that."
"Tyler James Borden !" She exclaimed swatting his behind.
Ty turned and pulled her against him.
"Last night was very special Ty" she whispered kissing his chest.
"Every night with you is special Amy, every second."
"Listen to you all mushy. Go get dressed and let me finish."
They kissed lightly twice more and Ty slipped out.
She was alone when she got out to the bedroom and dressed. She grabbed a long sleeved light flannel on her way out of the room and headed down to find everyone in the kitchen or on the patio waiting for Amy and breakfast.
"Are we ever going to use the table in here ?" she asked going out.
"Not when it's as beautiful a morning as this, I assume in January though that table is a go." Betty said. "Come eat."
They packed out a little while later with full saddle bags, rod and tackle cases and snacks and rode slowly down to the spot not far from the road that had chosen the day before.
Everyone got their gear ready and waders on and then Jackson and the girls did something Ty did not expect, they didn't immediately fish. Charlotte sat down with a pad and drew a rough map of the area, titled it hole #1, dated it and looked up "ready guys."
Maddie waded out with a pole in her hands and dropped it three times, on the close bank, in the center and then at the far side and called out depths she read off the bottom of the pole. Jackson dropped a device that looked like a a water wheel in the center and called out a temperature and a knots reference and then climbed back to grab a second pole and help Maddie. It took about a half hour until they all sat down to tie flies on. Charlie grabbed the trail map Ty was using and found the spot which she circled in red and wrote in Hole #1.
"Why ?" Ty asked Amy.
"They'll track dates, depths, water temp and speed though the year and then we'll know what areas are best fished when. They'll keep track of flies used successfully and found and photographed while fishing. They'll make flies based on the pictures and the process starts again."
"At each hole."
"At each hole."
"Industrious crew you've raised Ames."
"They like to keep busy. Kiss me Ty."
"I thought we were fishing."
"Please" Amy whined.
Ty smiled and leaned over to gently kiss her before springing to his feet and grabbing his rod.
They spread out along a longer part that was explored with Ty, Amy and Betty the furthest out and the kids in the area they had mapped. They caught all told 12 fish through the morning. The kids also mapped two other areas along the water.
A couple of hours in they gathered for snacks, muffins and water, milk or coffee and sat joking and talking about wedding plans, the girls heading up during the week for their motorcycle learner's tests and the birthdays. Jackson took charge of giving the horses their snacks as well and leading them down for water. They planned to fish for another hour or so before heading back for lunch. They had decided to try the lake next. Mike had told Ty about an outcropping into the water where he thought it would be easy to fly fish the edges for bass and lake trout, nice spot to tie the horses with ample shade at the woods edge.
During the last hour Betty and Amy each picked up a brook trout which seemed predominant in this stream for now and they packed up as a happy and satisfied group to head back to the house.
"Should we try the four wheelers to the lake ?" Amy asked on the way back.
"Really ?" Ty asked.
"Sounds like fun, I've never really done it."
"Sure, we can meadow these guys, what do you all think ?"
"I'm game" Betty said "never really did it myself."
The decision delayed lunch as they had to deal with the horses and unladen the saddlebags of their contents to transfer to the quads. Ty knew the four wheelers were ready per Jonathan and all gassed up, two had extra gas cans to refill if necessary. As they were finishing brushing down the horses, Amy's, Ty's and Betty's phone went off in a loud beacon sound.
"What the hell ?" Ty said following Amy who had bolted to the stack where the phones were.
"Emergency." Amy called back and grabbed for a phone.
"What" she said hitting speaker.
'Is Ty with you ?"
"Right here Bert."
"30 minutes ago a mounted horse was struck by a car apparently aimed at a crowd of people at the Albany Labor Day parade prep site. From the video it appears that the horse pushed his rider away and slammed the car into a pole rather than the crowd, he's tented and sedated, A Pegasus van from Saratoga is on route to Albany as are Georgie and Sarah to you by NYS Trooper chopper as of 10 minutes ago. I'm heading to Pegasus to get ready."
"uhm Ok, what do we know about his condition ?"
"He's alive and sedated, I'll call when I get to Pegasus with whatever Katie and Barb have pulled together from the site."
"How will they find us here ?"
"A conservation officer Mike something and several state troopers are on route to run their lights as a beacon, he's given them the GPS coordinates."
"Amy, get the horses stabled, chopper coming in." Ty said looking back after she stepped back with Betty.
"Come on, change of plans, there's a chopper inbound, we need them in the barn." Amy said turning to the expectant crowd standing back a little.
As the 4 moved Amy caught up to Ty heading to the house. "Should I come ?"
"You can't come, horses, kids, heavy trailer, your place is here Ames. He sent Georgie and Sarah for a reason."
"Ok, where are you going ?"
"I have some scrub shirts I packed and my vet case is in the house. Need to get out of these boots too."
"Make sure to pee Ty !" She called as he trotted away raising his hand in acknowledgment.
As he neared the house he heard and then saw Mike's car followed by another pull in. One car stopped at the entrance by the road.
"Go talk to him and I'll be out in a minute Ames."
As Ty disappeared into the house followed by Betty, Amy walked out to meet Mike.
"Hi Amy, well this is exciting, they'll head to Speculator and there are 5 cars with rollers stationed along the way leading to here, they've also got GPS."
"Do whatever you need to here Mike, I don't really care about the costs."
"Well a big x and the rollers."
"You have caution tape ?"
"Yup."
"Girls, a big X in the meadow." Amy called out taking the roll from Mike and tossing it to Maddie who ran over while the other two kids gathered rocks. Amy walked over to the barn to check the horses and then closed the doors.
"Some of them aren't used to choppers yet and this is close."
"You do this often ?" Mike asked.
"Choppers or emergencies. We do emergencies, usually they're brought to us, we use choppers when we need to, what do you know ?"
"The horses name is Barnum's Folly, no idea why. Word is he pushed his rider away and took the brunt of the car's hit as a glancing blow to his rear quarters, he went right down. Press is calling him a hero."
"Sounds horrible, I hope we can help."
"They say you're his only hope."
"We usually are Mike, keeping him alive and getting him stable and comfortable is first."
Mike's shoulder radio went off and he stepped away returning a second later, "they're 10 minutes out."
Ty was trotting over a minute later followed by Betty carrying a soft cooler.
"Come say goodbye kids" Ty called out.
He had Jackson in his arms first "gotta help the horses Jackson, you take care and mind your mom. She'll need to check and clean that bite, no arguments and you'll have to let her check you for ticks later Ok ?"
"Ok, love you."
"Love you too son" Ty said kissing him and easing him down. Charlie and Maddie were next with big hugs. "Keep an eye on him girls."
"We will" they said smiling.
Betty was next with a big hug. As the chopper was heard getting closer the kids stepped away as the chopper dropped. Once on the ground the rotors slowed but did not stop. The door opened and Betty walked over to hand the cooler to Georgie who popped her head out. "There's lunch in there, make sure he eats Georgie."
Ty kissed Amy who put her hand on his cheek smiling, "my hero, go be successful my love."
He kissed her again and shook Mike's hand and then stepped up. A trooper popped his head out for a second, nodded and pulled the door closed. A moment later the rotors sped up as the three moved away and waved at the chopper taking off.
"If I stay, communications is easier with the radio."
"Come on inside Mike, have lunch ?"
"Actually."
Amy laughed, "let's go and see what we can find out. Pegasus will call soon and we can get food ready in the meantime, I think we just sent ours to Albany."
"We still have turkey and smoked ham for sandwiches, oh and a Gruyere from Erma." Betty said.
"Sit down outside Mike and see what you can find out for me, what are you drinking ?"
"Coffee is great Amy, maybe some water."
The girls came down from washing up and set the table around Mike who smiled at them. The door chimed as Jackson came down so he walked over as Amy watched and opened the door.
"Jonathan come on in" Amy called out. "Coffee, sandwich ?"
"Uhm sure, did we see a helicopter take off from here ?"
"Ty on his way to Albany for an emergency, Mike's outside on the patio."
"I saw the car, is this about that horse on the radio ?"
"Unless there are two horses down, I assume yes. Go on out, we're almost done."
When they all sat to eat Mike's radio went off again and he started to stand.
"Just take it here Mike."
He nodded and they listened. The chopper was landing in a park as close to the accident site as they could get and a police escort was waiting. The intersection had been completely closed but the press was as close as they could get.
Amy's iPad went off next and she hit the Skype button.
"Katie, what do we have so far ?"
"Preliminary x-rays show a clear pelvic fracture and at least two breaks further down his left rear. Way too much swelling at this point to say more. Here's Bert."
"Amy, how's the house ?"
"It's beautiful Bert what do we know ?"
"Well, he's buted and holding his own. We need him up though. I am cautiously optimistic from what I see but he won't return to duty. He needs to be here as soon as possible and I assume we're at least several months of stall rest, how he takes to that is a guess. I'd like his rider assigned close to Ithaca if that's the case."
"Let's get him home safe first Bert."
"Sandy had a question Amy."
"We'll cover it all Bert, people want to help they can donate to the foundation."
"Dr. Borden and staff have landed and are on route Amy."
"Bert, Ty's down, have one of the girls call me with updates please."
"I will Amy."
"Now what ?"
"Now we wait Mike, have the troopers on the road come and join us if they'd like. Betty, do we have enough ?"
"We're fine Amy."
"Mom are we staying ?"
"I think Ty would like us to sweetheart, what do you all think ?"
"We go back tomorrow anyway." Maddie said "let's stay but I'd rather hang and not fish."
"That's fine Mad, why don't you all go get the horses back out into the meadow and let them get some air and graze."
"I've got an idea, how about I give you three some quick lessons on the four wheelers ?" Jonathan asked.
"I don't want to put you out Jonathan" Amy said "we're fine and used to this."
"OK, that's fine Amy but I'm good and terrible at waiting, come on kids, four wheelers."
"Mom ?" Jackson asked.
"Go ahead, helmets and stay nearby please, thank you Jonathan."
"You got it Amy."
The kids each stopped to kiss her and hug Betty.
"There are troopers out here mom."
"Send them back Charlie."
"I'll go Amy, sit." Betty said walking into the kitchen and welcoming their guests and asking after their needs.
Mike introduced Amy to the troopers who all stopped to shake her hand and thank her for her hospitality. When they ultimately heard that Pegasus was Amy's and they would hopefully be taking care of Barnum they all thanked her for her generosity.
"Any word sir ?" The female trooper asked.
"Not yet Hendricks, except that Dr. Borden's team is on the ground."
Ty paid absolutely no attention to leaving the helicopter and getting into the police car between Georgie and Sarah.
"So the latest pictures apparently show three breaks, the pelvic fracture and the dislocation."
"Sarah, if we can get him up and strapped what can we do to keep his bute level manageable. Major, how long is it going to take us to move him from Albany to Ithaca ?"
"Between 2 and 2 ½ hours, how fast can your wagon go sir ?"
"I have no idea."
"He'll have an escort the whole way and we have permission to shut down any portion of the highway."
"Faster than I thought, is it here yet ?"
"Coming into Albany now and over to get gassed. How quickly are you going to need it ?"
"No sooner than an hour but I'm not sure of anything."
"New readings Ty, he's stable but they've masked him."
"We'll have to watch that, I'm worried, if he's injured how his lungs are doing laying down like that"
"We're here sir."
"Sarah, you're up front for now, check him neck up, Georgie with me."
"Major those cases in the second car need to be brought it in to the tent please." Georgie asked getting out.
"Yes ma'am, I'll see to it."
For their part the three bypassed outstretched hands and headed straight to Barnum who was flat on his side. There was a mask perched near his head and two vets in white coats were near and stepped aside.
"Which of you is Dr. Purcell ?"
"I am Dr. Borden" an older man with fully greyed temples said walking over.
"It's Ty, any change from what I have here" he said handing the iPad over.
"No, those are the latest."
Ty nodded and fitted his stethoscope to the horses side. "Lungs sound clear for now, let's make that the last fluids he gets until we can asses his damage. Sarah ?"
"His neck's got some impaction, nothing a good adjustment wouldn't solve I think. Respiration is quiet and sound, he seems good on this end."
"Georgie ?"
"Not so good back here, he's dislocated all over the place, I think we'll need at least some traction adjustment before he'll calm in a trailer."
"Keep him calm Sarah, whatever you can, we need some pictures. Georgie, let's section him across and check for bleeds."
"Georgie, pass my bag over hon ?" Sarah asked pointing to a bag on Georgie's other side.
Sarah pulled her hymnal from her pocket and lay it next to Barnum's head. She began humming and singing softly while digging through her bag for a small leather case. As she worked and provided a pleasant soundtrack Ty, Georgie, Dr. Purcell and his Vet Tech Adrian took a series of hi def x-rays across Barnum's torso.
"Ty we'll never find a blood match here."
"I don't think we need to Georgie, we type him and send that to Pegasus, they'll find a close match and meet us on the road with blood, 10 minutes, we can have him hooked up and on the way again. Major you heard ?"
"Yes sir, I'll have a chopper tasked to Ithaca and ready. Your ambulatory unit is being moved in and a large truck wrecker. Give me the word and we'll start shutting down the route."
"The driver is trained to use the harness system, set him up with the tow operator and as soon as we decide I'll let you know, don't worry, the process once we decide will take time."
"Ty, I think we can relocate this hip on the ground."
"Ok Georgie, let's get these to Pegasus and get on with the team. Is that screen there for us ?" Ty asked nodding at the big Apple screen.
"Yes sir there's a line open to your people."
"Sarah, chime in but I think you."
"I'm with him Ty, do your job." She said not looking up and immediately returning to her humming. Ty looked over at her a second later when the room scent changed from the smell of horse sweat and fear to an almost pastoral odor of lavender and herbs. Barnum's reaction was almost immediate as his eyes and nostrils opened.
"See, my handsome Bae, it's not so bad, we're with you now, lay still and soon we'll have you on your way to your new home."
Barnum snorted twice and Sarah lay her hand on his up facing eye until he settled again.
"That's amazing" Dr. Purcell whispered.
"You get used to it." Ty said as the pictures came up.
"Lucky horse, left the internals bruised but no puddling that I'm seeing."
"Georgie, check his belly here." Ty said looking at the picture scroll.
"It's not stiff Ty, I don't thing it's a bleed, could just be swelling."
The screen beeped and a young man leaned in next to Ty and hit a spot on the screen which immediately split the image. On the second side of the screen Bert, Katie and Barb appeared.
"Have a plan Ty ?"
"There a lot of bruising and some profusion bleeding but we're not seeing a major bleed or puddling. That could change when we get him up but I'm thinking we can get him to Pegasus."
"We're typing blood now and there's a chopper coming in. Katie ?"
"Georgie, Barb and I have preliminary angles for the brace I'll send to your iPad. We should shoot it again once it's on and maybe we can do some final adjustments. You may have to bute him."
"OK, I'll start getting it together." Georgie said walking over and snapping the large black cases open.
"I'll need one of you to help and eventually we'll need four troopers to help him stand and steady him. Not scared of horses please, riders would be best and if there are horses around they'll need to be moved, is his rider ambulatory ?"
"Broken leg for sure, he's still being checked, MRI and the like. His commander is here."
"Perfect." Georgie said laying open her ratchet kit and fitting the pieces of the brace together. "How's he doing Sarah ?"
"He's just fine Georgie, thinking of meadows and mares."
Georgie smiled and worked.
"Ty, that hip dislocation ?"
"They're thinking it'll correct in the sling."
There was a moments hesitation "Georgie ?" Ty asked.
"Sarah and I can do it while he's on the ground and it'll be done."
"Go with it then Georgie" Bert said Tom the screen "He'll transport easier than if it doesn't slip, make sure he doesn't feel it."
"We'll do it right before Bert, Bute him, make the fix and get him up while his adrenaline is pumping."
"Sarah you good with that ?" Ty asked.
"I'm with Georgie Ty."
A young man in a cowboy hat was shown into the tent.
"Oh Pete, it's you, what were you doing in Saratoga ?"
"I do all of this side of the state Ty, family nearby in Glens Falls."
"Get on with Katie and Barb, I'll help Georgie fit the brace."
"Ty, I think he'll at least drink when he's standing." Sarah said as Ty passed.
"Tell the major what you need Sarah, they've got to have willow near by."
The Major immediately knelt by Sarah and took out a pad.
"Apple juice ?"
"They love it."
"There's a grove of willows not far, the bark of young branches."
"Cut them up and pour a few ounces hot water on them to steep like tea."
"We'll get it done ma'am."
"We're going to move this leg Sarah, how's he doing ?"
"Just fine Ty."
"Be careful Sarah, steer clear of those teeth."
"You be careful as well."
"Ready Georgie, I'll move him and you set the ratchet. Major, keep everyone back please."
"Go ahead Ty" Georgie said kneeling to the side.
Ty positioned himself out of kick radius and closed his eyes, took a deep breath and then focused. "Here we go."
The procedure took about 40 minutes. Barnum reacted harshly twice and whimpered if that's what you could call it when a horse does it, but they got the leg in the brace and Georgie kept ratcheting.
"Bert, how's it going ?" Amy asked after hitting the speaker.
"Pete's on site, we're not seeing any major bleeds but that might change when he stands. Blood just took off to Albany. They're bracing the leg and then Georgie and Sarah are going to fix the secondary dislocation, stand him up and move him out."
"How long to get him to Pegasus ?"
"Assuming they get him in and strapped, the troopers are closing the route, straight shot at 80 miles an hour figure 2 hours or so."
"That's not bad" Amy pondered. "Ok, let me know when he's up."
"We're ready for him here Amy, if he gets here safely we'll know in a day or two. He'll need at least two pins in a best case."
"One step at a time Bert."
"Talk to you later Amy."
Georgie and Ty sat back as they shot three x-rays of the leg once braced and sent them off.
"Ma'am this is the mounted Commander Terrence O'Brien."
"His rider ?" Georgie asked.
"Eli Hershman, good officer, apparently it's just the leg and a badly bruised wrist. Very mild concussion, he'll be sore but fine."
"Does Barnum have a stall mate."
"Carter, going on 6 years now I think, we assign them as patrol partners."
"Can we transport Carter with him and Carter's rider."
"Officer Bicks, they're at the stables but I'm sure it isn't a problem, I'll order him moved."
"We'll need him initially."
"Not a problem, he'll be reassigned on special duty. What's Barnum's prognosis ?"
"Comfortable retirement in apple country." Ty said.
"God willing" Sarah whispered.
"I guess we all hope for that." The commander said "Thank you Dr. Borden, I'll let Officer Hershman know."
"Move him to Ithaca when you can Commander, stall rest works way better when the rider and horse recuperate together." Georgie said.
"He's got a wife and young daughter."
"We've got quarters, I'll have someone contact you if you'll give me your number."
"You all don't mess around."
"We do what we can with the resources we have Commander." Ty said.
"Ma'am uh Georgie is it ?" The young computer tech said.
"Georgie 's fine."
"Uh call ?"
Georgie smiled and moved over to the computer.
"Commander, could you please stay close to him, I need to move." Ty said with a soft growl after straightening up from kneeling and checking Barnum.
"Go ahead Dr. Borden.
"Major, we'll need a bathroom before this two hour race to Ithaca" Sarah said.
"We have a portable set up outside ma'am, it's the best we could do."
"Grew up sharing a two stall outhouse son, one of them little plastic things is like a palace to me."
"Yes ma'am" the Major answered laughing.
Georgie made several minor adjustments and they reshot again.
"I'm going out for a breath of air" Ty said "is there a bottle of water somewhere ?"
He stood and turned to find three bottles being handed to him. "One will do thanks, Georgie, Sarah, stay hydrated please."
"Georgie, could you sit with him a minute, I need to stand."
"Sure Sarah, go out for a breath with Ty for a minute."
Ty stepped out and waited a second for his eyes to adjust, then stretched. Sarah joined him a second later. Both took a long drink.
"Seems it should have been worse from that video." Sarah said.
"I know what you mean, I keep dreading standing him up but a horse has to stand and he'll need to eat."
"He's gone for the wet towel, I think he'll do both, I have a few bags I could add to a feed if he'll take it in the truck. And the tonic of course."
"One feeding Sarah, let's see his system process."
"His gut and lungs sound clear."
"Let's hope they stay that way, one step at a time."
"Hey, how's the horse ?" A man off to the side called out. Ty looked over and saw a man obviously with the press.
"Holding his own." Ty called back and stepped back into the tent followed by Sarah a moment later.
"Major, it's time to clear a path for Pete to bring the truck back. Pete the harness ready ?"
"Sure is Ty, talked to the wrecker operator, he knows what to do if we need him. Either way, Sarah you stand by him if we go that way."
"Back it in Pete. Major, does that wall come down easily, the one behind Barnum ?" Georgie asked.
"Actually these tents are dependent so not easily. Hmmmm, Sergeant, cut a big hole leave the frame intact."
"Let's wait then, a few more things to take care of before the world see's him like this." Ty added turning.
"You know, you're right, he deserves the same deference as any officer. Sergeant, a phalanx of officers outside, please pass on to our press liaison that Barnum is entitled to the same dignity as any other downed officer. I find one picture of this injured officer in the press I will not be happy."
"The brace is good Ty, time for Barnum to show his stuff." Georgie commented after checking the monitor.
"Let's get that dislocation done and get him up. Commander, may we have our helpers ?"
"I'll position him and you pop it Georgie" Sarah said scooting over and laying her palms to provide traction after getting Ty's Ok, "on three, one, two, three, lean Georgie."
Barnum sniffled when the audible pop came and then stopped, his breathing was labored for a second and then settled. "Good boy" Georgie said patting him gently.
"Let's give him five." Sarah said "I'll check on Pete."
Georgie got up and faced the four officers that came in. They were dressed as mounted police so she was at least sure they wouldn't balk at being near a horse.
"I assume at one point or another you've all, let's call it, coaxed a horse to stand ?"
After their acknowledgement she nodded. "Ok, Dr. Borden and I will be on the injured side, Sarah, who just stepped out will do the coaxing and we need you four to provide a steadying wall of support on his good side.
"Not a lot of room on that side ma'am."
"We're going to cut that wall away so it won't be an issue. Once he's up, hopefully, we'll walk him out as best he can and get him wrapped for transport."
"Wrapped ?"
"Better to watch, our trailers are actually orthopedic ambulances, he'll be slung to protect his pelvis and so that he can stand without pressure on that leg. The system is hydraulic as are the shocks and brakes, smooth as silk."
"Georgie, Officer Bicks and his horse Carter are here."
"I'll go out and speak to him Commander. At ease boys, it'll be a few minutes" Georgie said going out and immediately shielding her eyes.
Georgie looked over and saw a Horse accompanied by a mounted officer. "Officer Bicks ?"
"Yes ma'am"
"I'm Georgie, we'll be traveling to Pegasus together. Are you good, it's not an inconvenience ?"
"No ma'am, uh Georgie, sorry, I'm single and already reassigned to Ithaca for the time being. There's a barracks not far, I'll bunk there."
"You'll bunk at Pegasus with your horse Officer Bicks, when we're ready to move Barnum I'd like him to see you lead Carter in, that should calm him a little I think. Are you comfortable traveling in the trailer with us ?"
"Is that legal ?"
"We're set up for it, it's more being in a closed space problems I'm concerned with."
"I'm fine Georgie, I wouldn't let Carter stay anywhere I wasn't willing to stay with him."
Georgie smiled and nodded. She took out a business card and texted a photo of it to Betty and then dialed.
"Georgie, good to hear from you sweetheart how is everything and Barnum ?"
"We're all fine Betty and almost ready to try and get him in the trailer. The card I texted is for the Commander of the mounted unit. Barnum's rider is Eli Hershman, he has a wife and child we need to put up at Pegasus when he gets transferred to Ithaca. We're traveling with his partner Officer Bicks and Barnum's stall mate Carter. We need them in as well, please deal with it I don't have time for Sandra right now. I assume up front the one bedroom loft for Officer Bicks will be fine. You can coordinate with the Commander."
"I'll take care of it Georgie, here's Amy."
"I know you're pressed for time Georgie."
"Hey Amy, we relocated the anterior dislocation and he's braced. We'll bute him and coax him up. I'll call when we're on the road."
"Except you have no idea what'll pitch loose when he stands."
"We haven't seen anything Amy, hopefully all we get is the trauma we know about. A chopper just flew over, that's probably our blood, we're on the clock, we'll get him there boss."
"Bye Georgie."
"Georgie, we're ready." Ty said popping his head out.
"Officer Bicks, let Pete know who you are and he'll get you situated, just opposite this door."
Georgie came inside and looked around. "Commander I sent Officer Bicks around and I've made arrangements for them both to stay at Pegasus with their mounts and family. The barracks is out."
"Thank you Georgie."
"Thank Ty and Amy when you meet her, I just work here."
"Major, the wall please." Ty said.
It took a second for two officers with razor cutters to get rid of the wall and let air and light in. With the small gust Barnum moved and opened his eyes.
"That's a good boy Barnum" Sarah cooed and then removed a purple bottle from her pocket. "This is straight lavender scent, it'll wake him up, everybody know their job ? You four" Sarah said looking at the troopers "don't take any stupid risks, you slip or feel that horse going down remember, you can't stop that, he stands on his own or not at all. Let me hear it boys."
"Yes ma'am" they all said.
"Ty, Georgie, fire in that Bute. Hey boy, hey sweet Barnum, look at me sweetheart, we need you to stand, I'm here to help you and the good lord stands with me." Sarah was whispering, her mouth close to Barnum's ear "if you stand I promise we'll help you but you have to do it."
"Here we go." She said opening the bottle and pouring some on a thick gauze.
Barnum's reaction was acute and he snorted loudly when Sarah pressed the gauze to his nose. "Up Barnum, up boy, come on up" she shouted and knelt, rising to a knee to match his effort. Barnum looked at her and shifted his weight, "now boys, encourage him when he rolls."
Barnum rolled heavily and stretched then tucked his front legs to get them under his massive body. Ty had wedged a pole against the brace and Barnum struggled and whinnied loudly trying to get a footing and then his good leg grabbed the ground, he faltered a little under the pain and then with a great effort stood panting.
"Good boy, that's a good strong boy, Commander that bucket of willow solution you made me ?"
"He's standing well, get the sling Georgie, let's do this out of the limelight, he's calm and very thirsty, good boy, good boy."
Ty was moving around laying his hands on Barnum's right side looking for anything. "I could use one of you going over this with me."
"I'm with the brace Ty." Georgie said then called out "Officer Bicks ?"
"Georgie ?" He said popping his head in.
"Is Carter safe outside, can you take over for Sarah ?"
"Sure, just the water and calm ?"
"That's it, be his familiar face and smell, let him get a good whiff of you and Carter."
Sarah immediately shifted and fitted a stethoscope in her ears following Ty listening and feeling, her eyes were closed as she pressed her palms against Barnum and listened for any tell tale sign or reaction.
"I have nothing." Ty said pulling off his gloves and dialing.
"Ty ?"
"Bert, he's up, drinking and relatively calm, we have no sign of internal damage short of the trauma, we'll carry the blood but I won't transfuse unless we have to, agree ?"
"Absolutely."
"I'll call from the road, we're coming with two horses."
"I heard, that's good we can't have him spook and shift that brace."
"Talk to you soon Bert, call Amy."
"That's a good boy Barnum" the officer said rubbing his muzzle. "He's done ma'am."
"No more until he urinates and we'll mash him if he'll eat, Sarah ?"
"All ready outside Ty."
"Let's harness him." Ty said handing an edge of the sling under to Sarah.
The process took about 20 minutes and Barnum held up well.
"Pull those flaps and let him take in some light please, our stuff all loaded ?" Ty said going over things one more time followed by Georgie and Sarah. "Everyone know their jobs, Sarah if he walks right up that ramp we're just going with it."
"Agreed Ty, come on Barnum, one step my sweetheart, that's it"
They all held their breath as Barnum took a step and faltered on the wounded leg. Ty and Georgie instinctively moved to give him some support and assurance. It was dangerous but they knew to be ready and it was somewhat instinctive.
Amy looked down at her phone "On speaker Bert."
"He's up and drinking, Sarah and Ty went over him and found nothing alarming, he's bruised bad and there are the breaks but so far we're good. He's traveling with his stable mate and rider. We'll transfer Barnum's rider when he's ready and his wife and child."
"I heard that from Betty, thanks Bert, call me when they're on the road please."
Barnum recovered and moved a second step. He raised his head out of the tent as if the sun and air were a tonic and took another step. When Ty walked out he saw 100's of people on the perimeter of the intersection and a line of police officers blocking their view. What amazed him most was the relative quiet.
"Officer Bicks ?" Georgie said looking over.
"Come on Carter, let's show old Barnum the way buddy."
Carter turned for a second and reached over to Barnum to nuzzle him and then turned going up. That was all Barnum needed, He wasn't fast but he was determined and Sarah coaxed him lovingly every step of the way with Ty and Georgie now on either side of him. After they locked off Carter with a half wall they secured Barnum in a stall and Ty and Georgie clipped the harness onto the system and breathed.
The three then adjusted Barnum's, slings and harness to provide as much relief as they could and then took turns using the facilities before checking him and strapping themselves in for the journey.
Pete checked and after getting the nod from Ty locked down the trailer and climbed into the cab surprised to see Commander O'Brien sitting in the passenger seat.
"Sir ?"
"My, men and my horses Pete, let's go."
"Yes sir."
"Stop for nothing, all the lights have been turned our way, sides streets are blocked."
"Like the President." Pete said laughing.
"Without the snipers." The commander added with a smile.
Inside the trailer the four settled in across from each other in the hydraulic seats.
"Do we know what this was ?" Ty asked Officer Bicks.
"We do, came in a little while ago, the driver had a stroke. They just announced it but they've known almost all along. At first, well, they thought terrorism but that's not the case thankfully."
Ty took out his phone and dialed.
"Ty ? Are you Ok ?"
"I'm fine Ames, we all are, you all ?"
"Oh we're good, the kids are keeping occupied and we're entertaining some troopers waiting for news, oh and Mike."
"Well I don't know where we are or the route but we're on the way and I guess about 2 hours out. He doing good Ames, I think we'll be Ok with him, it seems almost a miracle he wasn't more damaged, he's a strong horse."
"I'm sorry I won't be there when you get in sweetheart."
"Sorry Ames, not this time, take the kids and go for a ride, we'll call when we get to Pegasus."
"OK, we'll see, I love you and send our love to Georgie and Sarah."
"I will, let me call Bert Ames, Love you."
The four troopers had stood at that point and thanked her again for all that they were doing.
"Sounds like he's in good hands ma'am, we've got to get back" the female office named Hendrickson said reaching out her hand.
Amy walked them all to the door along with Mike who stayed as the troopers walked away.
"Not busy today Mike ?"
"Actually, I'm off today, well on call, tomorrow's the big rush. Wife and kids are in Vermont with her folks."
"Do you ride horses ?"
"Sure do when I can."
"The kids are occupied and it sounds like they're having fun, come take a trail ride with me."
"You sure ?"
"Why not, Betty come along ?"
"I'm going to relax a little sweetheart, maybe take some deck time myself."
"Ok Gran, see you in a little while."
Amy and Mike came outside and the kids rode up to her on the quads.
"Wanna try mom ?" Jackson said as Jonathan rode up on the fourth.
"I think I'd rather relax on the trail in quiet sweetheart, Mike and I are going to trail ride for a little, you all have fun."
"Would you mind if I take them on a little trail run Amy ?"
"A safe easy one that way" she said pointing "and we'll head that way" she said pointing the other way.
"That's fine" Jonathan laughed.
"And cover up, long sleeves and eye gear with those helmets in the woods. About an hour and then we can meet back and discuss the rest of our stay and dinner."
Amy was saddling Spartan when her phone vibrated.
"Hey Bert, waiting patiently ?"
"This sucks." He said over the speaker.
"I'm heading out on a trail ride, maybe saddle up Browning."
"Not a half bad idea actually, Meg's at the house, making sure it's good for Ty, we haven't ridden much lately."
"Then go, you're only a cell call away."
"I'll talk to you Amy."
"Bert is ?"
"Bertram Koenig, our Medical Director."
"Oh I thought Ty was."
"Assistant, Ty just came on actually, Bert will teach him."
"So Bert is ?"
"The finest Equine Orthopedic Surgeon in the world as far as I'm concerned."
"And Ty ?"
"Will fill his shoes one day."
"How long have you two been uhm are you married ?"
"We're engaged, we'll be married November 26 after an unusually long courtship. The children are adopted."
"Ah and Betty ?"
"The children's natural grandmother and my adopted mom I guess. Anything interesting to see on this side Mike ?"
"A second eagle aerie down on this side of the lake, come on, we can circle it on that map of yours."
"So Lyric is Betty's horse ?"
"Not really, just one of our ranch and trail horses, on rotation. Betty has a horse named Kettle who's a bit feisty on strange trails. We'll get him used to here just not this weekend."
"So you think you'll be buying this ? If it's not too personal a question ?"
"It's not, would be silly actually since hopefully we'll be living here. Don't spread it around but we've made an offer and there are stipulations and I assume counters so a ways off."
"Mrs Spelts called me, Jonathan mentioned that he told you about his call ?"
"He did, did you dish her the dirt ?"
"She really asked to confirm what I know or what she knows actually which is quite a lot."
They rode along single file as the trail dictated and then side by side again a moment later.
"Pegasus our business and our charitable foundation are an open book if you know where to dig. I assume she has her resources."
"Well from what I know from google and the NYSDEC system I can't imagine she would think you would do harm to the place, I told her as much."
"Thanks. Have you met her ?"
"Twice, once to introduce myself when I took over the command and once when she decided on selling and called a meeting of the local wildlife authorities."
"So she stayed here ?"
"A few times, I used to tell my wife it was shame to have a place like this never used but I guess that's true about a lot of things. I have a monocycle I almost never ride."
"We ride, the whole family."
"Really, that's nice. My wife and I never seem to find the time, I guess we should start making it, kids are a little older."
"Well, we've been fortunate but you do have to prioritize especially with kids. The demands of work and life suck sometimes. We work almost 24/7, there's no other way in our line, this place is meant to give us a breather, coming here will have to be prioritized."
"Not much of a breather this weekend."
"We had a nice time, this is part of of life, we've learned to live with it. We're from a ranch in Alberta originally, cattle and horses, there really is no off time."
They rode out of the woods into a clearing on the edge of the lake. Mike took out his binoculars and held them up. They were big and fancy Leupold binoculars with copper looking lenses. After a minute of searching he handed them to Amy and described landmarks to her.
"Oh yes, there it is."
"If you look up and to the right, that's the watching tree, they usually don't stay in the aerie with the eggs together, One parent warms and the other watches then goes for food, they switch off. There's a video feed, I'm sure the kids can find it."
Amy reached back and pulled out the map case and then the map handing the case to Mike. After a minute of getting her bearings she lay the pencil down and looked over.
"I'd say that's good" Mike agreed watching Amy circle, date and label the map.
"We should head back, thanks Mike, this was pleasant and took my mind off Barnum for the time being."
As if on queue her cell phone vibrated and she answered on speaker and then got down to stand.
"How's it going Sarah ?"
"He peed and pooped, pretty good I'd say. Georgie's sampling now for blood which we expect but it's not bad by the look of it and his urine cleared."
"Well that's good, you mashed him about an hour ago and gave him the tonic."
"Mash him again is the question."
"You're within an hour ?"
"I think so, officer ?"
"I'd say at this speed yes Sarah."
"I'd say no, what do you have to add to the last of the tonic ?"
"Vervane ?"
"I'm worried about a reaction, Chamomile ?"
"And Bergamot ?
"For now, once we get his latest blood work you and Vi get something together. Mash him when he's settled at Pegasus."
"Here's Ty."
"How you holding up ?" He asked.
"On a trail ride with Mike, just marked another aerie on the map, heading back now."
"The kids and Betty ?"
"Betty's relaxing and the kids are getting a quad lesson from Jonathan."
"Wish I was there with you."
"You're where you're supposed to be Ty and we all love you for it. It's hard not to concentrate on you every second."
"Talk to you later Ames."
"We'll be at the house when you get to Pegasus, talk to you then."
Riding up to the barn the kids and Jonathan were on their way from parking the quads it seemed and were in good spirits. The girls came over to hold the horses.
"Want us to take care of them mom " Maddie asked "Have we heard anything else ?"
"He's pooped and peed and is getting some more magic elixir. They should be getting to Pegasus any time now I'd say. Mike, we'll take care of Lyric for you, you must have better things to do."
"I should check in actually, thanks for the hospitality, I know Ty's gone, do you need help packing out tomorrow ?"
"We're old pros" Jackson piped up.
"We are" Amy agreed, "besides, I was thinking we'd head back earlier than planned, avoid Labor Day stuff and get home."
"I'm a phone call away" Mike said.
"Me too" Jonathan added walking over. "I should head out, how's Barnum ?"
"Good and almost at Pegasus. Thank you both for your company today, it helped us keep our minds on other things for a time."
Back in the house the kids grabbed snacks and promised to wash up and change into clean clothes and relax a little before dinner. Amy found Betty on her master bedroom deck dosing and joined her quietly with her iPad. After a few minutes she dialed her phone.
"Major Novak please, it's Amy Fleming from Pegasus."
"Amy how are you, I hear you're away ?"
"Not far Chris, I'll be home tomorrow."
"Well, we're all closed down and waiting for the trailer how can I help you."
"The press Chris."
"They've all been blocked away, Sandy was pretty adamant, Lonnie's on site for the locals."
"I'm not worried about today Chris, I don't need these idiots crawling all over the woods tomorrow and every day after."
"I'll have regular drive by's set up Amy, I don't know what else we can do. You catch someone hold him for us and we'll send a message."
"We'll start with that Chris but if it gets to be a problem."
"I know, you'll call John, must be nice having your own personal army Amy."
"Doesn't suck Chris" she laughed.
"Well, word's out amongst the press that Barnum's to be treated with the same respect and deference as any officer injured in the line, that'll hold off the majors. I know your privacy means a lot, let us deal with it."
"Thank you Christian, regards home."
"Bye Amy."
"I was wondering if you were going to make that call." Betty said from her chair.
"I'm sorry if I disturbed you Betty."
"Not at all and we should start discussing dinner. I assume we're heading home right after breakfast ?"
"I think it's best."
"Do we know anything ?"
"He's pooped, peed and almost at Pegasus."
"Do we know anything about how this happened ?"
"Apparently they ruled out terror pretty soon, it appears the driver had a stroke."
"He ok ?"
"Sorry Betty, I just don't know."
The kids joined them on the deck, the real decision being eat the pork loin they had or go out and no one was in the mood to leave.
Later in the evening Amy sat on the same chaise in a robe when the phone rang. Barnum had arrived and settled well into medical, Carter his stall companion right next door. It was decided that while he remained calm they would let him be overnight and keep watch while he hopefully rested. He was fed and watered. His mash for now, an anti inflammatory mix, easily digestible and designed to strengthen his immune system was eaten in it's entirety, a good sign as was his desire to drink.
Ty, Georgie and Sarah all retired early. Barb who had left earlier was back to stay overnight, Bert and Katie also left to bed, big day coming up. Ty felt strange in the big house. It was quiet and lonely and he missed the kids, Betty and Amy. He should have taken the dogs but they were already upstairs and settled with Wyatt. Exhausted he grabbed a beer from the fridge and sat for a few minutes in the kitchen before heading upstairs. He spent a long time in the hot shower and called Amy from bed.
After dinner which they all helped prepare Amy, Betty and the kids went for a walk and talked about their day. They all agreed that leaving early was best and that they were happy with the decision to buy the house. They returned to pack and get ready. They'd move out early after breakfast and getting the horses ready.
"Hey you, you look exhausted."
"Had a beer and a hot shower, don't think I can stay up much longer."
"You need to rest Ty, long stressful day."
"Sandra's been juggling the press and other crap. I told her I was fried and to put it all off until tomorrow."
"And ?"
"She said that's all she needed to know, smiled and walked off."
"I called our local Trooper commander and asked him to step up patrols with the locals to keep the press from crawling in accidentally just in case you see a trooper in the woods."
"You guys fishing in the morning ?"
"No Ty, we're coming home first thing, unanimous decision."
"Not for me right ?"
"You're part of it Ty, of us, but I think more for Barnum's sake and mine."
"Ok, I get it."
"I love you Ty, I'll text when we leave."
"Night Ames, love you to."
"Hey Ty ?"
"Hmmm ?"
"You're my hero you know."
"Barnum's the hero Ames, goodnight."
