Ty's Wednesday
Waking to pitch darkness, he had no earthly idea of his whereabouts. As he laid still, his eyes, fully dilated, to take in every photon of light, darted back and forth trying to discern any tangible shred of evidence. His heartbeat quicken, but only immeasurably. Sensing his confusion, A.K. curled into the crook of his neck, began to purr, vibrating her presence in his ear, jogging his memory.
"Hey girl." Ty mumbled as his hand reached to pet her silky fur. Sighing heavily, he sat up, pulling her to his bare chest.
Fumbling around on the nightstand, he found his phone, checked the time.
"A.K., it's time to get up." He informed her as much as himself.
Gingerly placing her on the bed, he stood, stretched and twisted attempting to release the tightness from too many hours driving and not enough sleeping, groaning with each movement, each pop of his spine.
After a quick shower, he made his bed, dressed in clean jeans and a t-shirt, then strode into the kitchen, A.K. following on his heels until she eyed the food bowl. Celina was at the stove stirring a white creamy gravy flecked with bits of sausage. James, on her left, was spooning crispy fried potatoes in a bowl.
"Morning." Ty announced before coming up behind them. He leaned in between them to kiss her cheek, but his scruffy beard got in the way, tickling her instead.
"Hey! That tickles." Pulling away ever so slightly, she threw him an amused look.
"Sorry. Guess its time to shave." He muttered, rubbing his chin.
Wrapping her free arm around his waist, she pulled him to her for a side hug.
"Morning Ty." James echoed. "Help yourself to some coffee." With a quick tilt of his head, he indicated the coffee maker. "You know where everything is."
"Thanks." Stepping to the counter, he got a cup out of the cabinet, poured himself a steaming cup, then immediately took a long pull of his coffee. "Ah, good."
"How did you sleep?" She asked as she plated the sausage.
"Good. You?" His back against the counter, he took another long swig.
"I always sleep well in my own bed." Celina replied with a side glance to James who returned her look with shared smile.
"Everything smells great." His stomach rumbled in appreciation. "Can I help?" Ty asked.
"You could put this on the table." She turned, handed him the plate of sausage, then a bowl of potatoes. "And, this too."
"Sure thing."
Returning to the kitchen, Ty drained his coffee cup. "Refills anyone?"
"No, I'm good." Celina responded as she ladled the thick gravy into a boat.
James handed Ty his cup. "Please."
"Black?" Ty knew how he took his coffee, but checked just the same.
"Yep."
"Let's head in." Celina announced, the gravy boat in one hand, a pitcher of orange juice in the other, as she walked out of the kitchen and into the dining room. As she poured the juice into short glasses, James entered carrying a plate of biscuits and a bowl of eggs. Ty, a step behind him, carried two cups of coffee.
"Have a seat." James suggested to Ty, as he pulled out her chair. He pecked her cheek, then took his place at the head of the table. From his seat, he surveyed the table before him.
"This is a quite a feast for a weekday morning." He remarked. "Thanks hon."
"Yeah. Everything looks great, Celina." Ty added. "Thank you. My mouth is watering!"
She laughed. "Well, start passing the food around and dig in. No sense in letting it get cold." Taking a couple of links, she passed the plate of sausages to her husband.
Ty spooned a healthy scoop of bright yellow eggs onto his plate before passing the bowl to Celina. "I love cheesy eggs."
"I made them just for you. Ketchup?" She passed the bottle across the table.
"You remembered." He said, taking the bottle.
"Who could forget your exquisitely refined palate?" She teased.
He gave her a lopsided smile. Upending the bottle, he squeezed until a generous amount of ketchup splattered onto his eggs and potatoes, releasing flatulent bursts of air. Much like a ten year old boy, he snickered with each ketchup fart.
She rolled her eyes.
"Pass the ketchup when you're done Ty." James asked.
"Sure thing."
Once in hand, James squeezed the red condiment onto his eggs and potatoes. When the anticipated farting noise erupted, Ty tried mightily to hold back a laugh. James raised a brow at Ty, then purposefully gripped the bottle again, spewing more farts. The two men both laughed.
"Oh you two!" Celina laughed too, shaking her head.
Making a show of it, James opened his mouth wide, shoveling a heaping forkful of eggs and potatoes slathered in thick ketchup. Taking his time to chew, he finally remarked. "Quite tasty. Why Dr. Borden, you do have an exquisitely refined palette."
"Why thank you, Dr. Gomez." Ty said with an air of formality.
"You are most welcomed, Dr. Borden." They both chuckled at their formal act.
Celina rolled her eyes again.
James took another bite, musing. "This sure beats that peanut butter sandwich I had last night, hands down..."
She shot him a quizzical look. "Why didn't you have that lasagna I made for you?"
Shrugging, he replied. "Your lasagna is best when eaten with you."
"Well, James, that's just silly." She shook her head, adding. "We'll have it tonight then.."
"I was hoping you'd say that." Tilting his head slightly toward Ty, he raised a brow to Celina. With her nod, he asked. "Ty, care to join us?"
"Sounds great. Thank you." He paused. "But, after work, I plan on going home, taking a hot shower and hitting the sack early." He took another bite from his plate.
"Get that. You drove the entire 14 hours yesterday. You must still be exhausted." She said.
"It wasn't so bad. I had good company." He took another bite.
She returned his smile.
"James. Thanks for coming to our rescue last night." Ty added. "I know it was late. You must be tired too."
"No thanks needed. I'm just glad I could help."
"If that tire had blown in traffic or while we were hauling the horses..." Ty started but let the negative thought fade, unfinished.
James acknowledged Ty's what if's with a nod. "I'll pick up a new tire and spare for the trailer today. Don't want that to be an issue going forward."
"Thanks honey." She patted his knee, then took a biscuit from the plate, passed it to James. "Like another one?"
"Oh. I almost forgot. Excuse me for a minute." Ty walked quickly into his room, returning with a jar of strawberry fig jam. He handed it to Celina.
"Michael gave it to me. His neighbor made it. It's really good." As he settled into his chair, A.K. jumped into his lap, purring.
Celina looked at the label. "Strawberry fig. Yum. Zia on my mom's side grew figs in Calabria. Figs are considered the key to peace, prosperity and long life." She said, then giggled as she opened the jar.
"What?" James asked, intrigued by her reaction to jam.
"It's really nothing." She giggled again. "It's just that some swear that figs are an aphrodisiac!"
"You don't say.." James winked at her as he took a biscuit, split it open. "Pass me some of that stuff when you're done."
Spreading a heap of ruby red jam onto her biscuit, she took a bite, her eyes closed as the sweetness filled her taste buds.
"Hmm. Very good. I'll have to thank Michael." Handing the jar to James, their fingers touched briefly. A shy smile was shared between them.
Noticing their exchange, Ty smiled appreciatively, looked down at A.K., gave her ears an extra affectionate rub.
"Mmm..." After swallowing his bite of biscuit and jelly, he inquired. "Want some Ty?"
"Absolutely. That stuff is the bomb." He spread a thick layer of jam on his biscuit, then took a huge bite. "Mmm." He hummed, his lips closed over his full mouth.
"Better watch out, Ty." Celina warned him with a laugh.
"I don't believe in that stuff. Plus, I had some yesterday and nothing happened." He smirked. "Maybe it's the opposite for me.."
"We'll see." She said cryptically.
"So a long drive, then?" James brought them back on topic with more questions.
"Yeah, long but good. Like I said, Michael and Celina made the time fly by. And, it wasn't all just driving. We met some nice people, saw some pretty places along the way. Like Blue River."
"Never been there." James admitted.
"Me neither. It was one of the stops Celina had on our itinerary. It's about 6 hours from here. The river has this incredible blue hue. Something about the soil and drainage from the mountains. Some day I'd like to go back and do some fishing."
"You fish?" Celina was surprised.
Ty shrugged. "I used to. But, it's been a while."
"Fly or cast?" James jumped in.
"Both."
"Maybe we could go sometime." He suggested.
"Yeah. I'd like that." Ty nodded as he shoveled a forkful of eggs splattered with ketchup in his mouth.
"Tell James about Wind and Cloud." Celina urged him.
"Yeah. How did they do?" James piled on.
Ty swallowed his mouthful. "Good. They traveled fairly well, then settled into the quarantine barn just fine, after one small hiccup...Nothing too serious." He opted not to bring up the colt's diarrhea at the table.
"Quarantine barn? Are they sick?" He asked in rapid succession.
"No, no. It's standard protocol to separate newly arriving horses, or any livestock really, from resident animals. The goal is to prevent the spread of any incoming bacteria, virus or disease." He spoke plainly but with an air of experienced authority. "Highly contagious conditions like strangles can go undetected for a few days, then spread like wildfire."
"Sounds like you have experience with that?" James observed.
The corners of his mouth dipped slightly. "Yeah, unfortunately. Several years ago, there was a severe outbreak of strangles where I worked. The cause was a single infected horse."
"Really?" Celina said, encouraging him to continue.
He sighed as the grim details of the ordeal came rushing back. "Daisy was a star barrel racer, fresh off the rodeo circuit. But, according to Kit.." Immediately he regretted saying her name. "um, her owner, her performance was off after losing a foal the month before." He didn't mention his complicated relationship with Kit. Or that he was the vet tech present when Daisy's foal died in birth. Or the guilt that he held in regards to both.
"Animals are way more sensitive than us humans give them credit. Poor Daisy." Celina said. "Poor Kit."
Hearing Celina say her name, Ty pressed his lips, his frown grew deeper. "Yeah. Within a day of her arrival though, Daisy began to exhibit symptoms of strangles and was separated from the others. But, by then, the damage was already done." He added solemnly. "In more ways that one."
"What happened?" Celina asked.
"Almost immediately several resident horses got sick as well, some seriously. One even died. It was horrible." His face grew pale, his voice shrunk even more.
"How heartbreaking." Celina remarked.
"From the initial diagnosis, the entire operation was shutdown. No horses were allowed in or out of the facility for four weeks until the province issued a clean bill of health. Even after the facility was back up and running, their business suffered. The negative repercussions, especially lasted for months."
"That's awful." She said. "And, Daisy?"
"Treated and fully recovered from strangles and her performance issues. They went on to win several barrel racing events that season." He relayed without satisfaction, adding. "That's the damn irony of the whole thing."
Celina could hear the bitterness in his tone. "You can't blame the horse."
"No. But, the owner knew that Daisy had been exposed to strangles, but didn't mention that." He revealed.
"Oh no. Kit knew? Really?"
"Really."
"That's awful."
The incident flashed before his eyes, unearthing the long ago buried guilt and remorse.
"Idiot." Frowning, he voiced under his breath, though louder than he intended.
"Did you just call me an idiot?" Not sure she had heard correctly, Celina calmly questioned him.
"What? No, no! Sorry, Momma C. God no. I meant me." Flustered, he fumbled around with his words. "I was the idiot. I put the whole debacle in motion. I told her to bring Daisy to..., um, the facility and pushed to have her treated. Then, I didn't separate Daisy from the others from the start. I believed her." He confessed in broken pieces.
"Ty, honey, like you said that was years ago." She caught and held his eyes. "We all make mistakes. But more importantly, it's not the mistakes that define us, but rather how we learn from them, how we make amends, that matters." Celina threw him a life line.
His shoulders raised, then slumped again.
"Celina is right. You've clearly learned from that episode. Give yourself a break."
Ty didn't reply.
"So, how long will Cloud and Wind stay quarantined?" James asked bringing Ty back to the present.
"Depends. If they don't have a fever or exhibit other cautionary symptoms, not too long. Maybe a couple of weeks or so. Depends. You can't be too careful." He answered flatly.
"Makes sense. How are they doing?"
"Good. With Michael and Dr. Edmonson's oversight, staff and students caring for them around the clock. Singh brought UC's president and chancellor to see them."
"No kidding! So moving them to UC was a success?" James asked.
"Well, so far so good." He tempered his words, not willing to claim success yet. "We weren't sure how things would go when we first got there so we were relieved when things fell into place." He added. "But, we'll have to wait and see. They still have an uphill battle. I'll be conferencing with Michael and the team every morning and evening to touch base on their progress."
"Sounds like you're on the right road to me." James said.
"Hopefully." He said through a semi-forced smile.
"Tell James about the campus there." Celina prompted him.
"You mean Spy Hill?"
"Yeah."
"The place is nothing like it was when Michael and I were there." He started. But, the more he talked, the more animated he became. His voice quickened, his smile returned.
"Sounds like you were impressed?"
"Very much so."
"Heard that UC offered you a teaching position at the vet school. Sounds like a good opportunity." He caught Ty off guard.
He glanced at Celina before answering. "Yeah. The head of surgery is retiring and a few staff are departing so they're really desperate..." He tried to make joke at his own expense.
"Doubt desperation has anything to do with their offer...Considering it?" James asked.
"No, not really." He shrugged, putting his fork down on his half eaten plate, suddenly no longer hungry. "I want to focus on the rescue."
"I see." James wiped his mouth in his napkin before he continued. "You may want talk to Mirna before you turn down the position. Opportunities like that don't come around every day."
"I will, but doubt I'll change my mind." He was resolute.
"No doubt she'll present a different perspective that you didn't consider." He offered.
"She wants me to take it?" He cocked his head, trying to ascertain what James was driving at.
"Ty. Just talk with Mirna." Celina interjected, then glanced at her watch. "Goodness. Look at the time. I need to get ready for the day." She stood, gathering her barely touched plate, juice glass and utensils.
"We got the dishes, hon." James said. "Don't worry."
"Thanks."
The two men sat in silence, watching her leave the room.
"Guess we need to get moving too." Signaling that breakfast was over, James stood, gathering his empty plate and coffee cup, then headed into the kitchen.
As the sink filled with hot soapy water, Ty brought the remaining dishes into the kitchen, including his half eaten plate. As James washed, Ty dried and put away the dishes.
Halfway through the dishes, his phone rang in his pocket. Pulling it out, he looked at the tiny screen. "Excuse me Ty." He said before exiting the kitchen.
By the time he returned, the dishes were washed and put away. Ty was leaning over the counter, reading the front page of the morning's edition of the Vancouver Sun.
"You already finished the dishes. Thank you." James said flatly, entering the kitchen.
Ty looked up from the paper, saw a troubled look his face. "Everything okay?"
"That was Tom Sheets, one of my colleagues. His wife slipped in the tub and broke her arm this morning. They are in the ER waiting to get it set." He frowned.
"She gonna be okay?" Ty straightened.
"Thankfully yes. Its just a simple break. He called to say he'll be on leave from work for the next week or so." He paused, then added as an explanation. "They have little kids."
Ty nodded.
"Tom and I were planning to take a couple of young vets camping this weekend for some recreational therapy, of sorts." Pressing his lips, he lamented. "I really hate to disappoint them. But, without a second..." A grumble finished his sentence.
"That's tough."
James eyed Ty, his expression softened. "Hey. I hate to ask but.."
Ty caught where he was going. "I'd like to help but I don't know anything about recreational therapy."
James laughed. "Know how to bait a hook and clean a fish?"
"Yes, but..."
"That's all you need. I know it's a big favor to ask, but I could really use your help. The guys are looking forward to it."
"When do you leave?"
"Saturday, around noon."
"I work Saturday. But I can go after 6." Ty offered.
He pursed his lips. "Ah. Well, I can make that work. We'll pick you up at the Rescue. We'll get back Sunday evening."
"Sounds good. Where are we going?"
"Golden Ears...Hikers Beach. About an hour away. Plus, the hike to the campground."
"I've never been there. Heard good things."
"It's beautiful. Very tranquil. You'll like it. And, really. Thank you."
"No thanks needed. I'm just glad I could help." Without realizing, he echoed James' exact words from earlier.
"I've got an extra rod and reel. But, you'll need a fishing license."
"I'll get it this week."
Glancing down at the newspaper on the counter, James remarked. "Looks like the mayor's race is heating up."
"Yeah. Did you see who announced?" Ty asked.
"Saw that Chief Campbell is running. Boy, I didn't see that coming." James replied.
"Me neither."
"But I like what I've heard and read so far."
"He's been good to work with. Tough but fair." Ty said as he folded up the paper neatly in the counter. "Well, I better get a move on. I have rounds with Paul."
"Take the paper. There's an interesting article in the sports section. You should read it."
"Oh?"
"Yeah. It's on Andrew Pierson."
Ty scowled. "Thanks but no. Not at all that interested."
"You should be. Celina tells me he made a generous donation to the externship. And, there's a nice bit on his trainer, Amy Fleming."
"Amy?" He repeated, not expecting to hear her name.
"She's your friend isn't she? The one who bought your GMC?"
Ty nodded, but remained silent.
James put his steady hand on Ty's shoulder. "You know Ty. There's a saying. People come and go. But, those who are meant to be in our lives will always gravitate back to us, no matter how far we wander."
Again, he didn't respond.
"Take the paper. Read it later." He advised.
Nodding, he tucked the paper under his arm, then started to step away. He turned back, stuck his hand out to James, who didn't hesitate to grasp it, shake it firmly.
Looking directly in his eyes, he said sincerely, emotion tainting his tone. "Thanks James."
James chuckled. "What for? The paper was just going into the recycling."
"For everything. Really. I'm not sure where I'd be without you and Celina."
"Ty, I am certain that no matter where you are, no matter where you go, you'll do good things. And, we'll always be here for you. You can count on it."
James pulled him into a bear hug, thumping his back twice, as men do, releasing him.
Twenty minutes later, Ty entered the rescue, still dark and quiet, except the door bell that tinkled, announcing his arrival. Locking the door behind, toting A.K., he headed down the dimly lit hall in search of Paul. He found him hunched over the table reading something on his phone.
"Morning." Ty said, making a beeline to coffeemaker.
Paul didn't look up from his phone. "So, you decided to show up?"
"We got in after 1 am this morning."
"Whatever." He was not impressed. "How did it go?"
"Good. Cloud had a single bout of diarrhea that first morning. After IV fluids and a dose of antidiarrheal, it resolved quickly. We chalked it up to the long trip. Aside from that, both settled in just fine. Think they'll do well there." He took a sip from his cup of coffee.
Paul mumbled something that sounded like Good as he took a swig from his cup.
Ty checked his watch. "Michael's scheduled to call at 6 with an update. Want in?"
"Rounds first. We have a full house." Paul stood, put his cup in the sink, finally looked over at Ty. "We've been busy while you were gone galavanting with the UC elite."
"Tell me about Baxter." He didn't take exception to Paul's dig.
"Other than the ridiculous name?" Paul grumbled as he turned to leave the kitchen. Ty drained his cup dry, put his cup in the sink as well then followed after.
In the avian room, a great horned owl was in the large cage, perched on a low branch. Swiveling her head toward them, her striking bright yellow irises stared at them as if she was sizing them up. Her distinctive plumicorns, the tufts of black and reddish feathers, stood at a slight angle like ears from the top of her head. Her mottled feathers were a collection of blacks, reddish browns, grays and whites, designed as nature's camouflage.
"She a beauty." Ty said, retrieving her treatment log from its hook.
"Vera brought her in Monday. She was found along side Highway 99 near Stanley Park, soaking wet, hurt and unable to fly. Vehicular trauma."
He nodded.
"She's about a year and half old, a little over 2 pounds, mostly healthy but slightly undernourished. Probably didn't eat for a couple of days out there." He surmised.
"Hmm." Ty murmured.
"She has a simple fracture to the humerus bone on the left wing, some feather damage and surface abrasions. I've given her topical antibiotics for the scrapes, anti-inflammatory and a pain reliever. She's splinted and wrapped to immobilize the wing. I added distraction tabs too. That's the third splint."
"Third?"
"She ripped to shreds the other two. She's feisty. Hope this one will hold."
Ty leaned in to look closer at the blue splint covered with white tape. "That's a lot of wrap and tape."
"It's seems be working. Don't knock it." He shot back, more grumpy than usual.
"I'm not." He said. "So how long does she need splinted?"
"3 weeks. No more. Maybe less. We'll get an image next week."
"Good. Is she eating?"
He nodded. "She's eaten five thawed mice since she came in one every 8 hours. Next one should be at 8am."
"Okay."
"Those frozen mice are expensive. With all these raptors lately, we need to breed mice." He said, sounding serious.
"Good idea. Bet Chip and Kerry would take that on." Ty replied.
"Forget it. They'd name them all." He groused.
"Probably." He put the log back on its hook. "Paul?"
"What?"
"Thanks for keeping things running while I was gone. I know you took on extra hours. You made the UC opportunity for Wind and Cloud a reality."
"Hardly." He grumbled, turned and walked out the door.
The two continued their rounds of each room and cage ending with Fierce and Percy's room. The black cougar was resting, reclining on her side despite a plastic cone encircling her neck and her front leg heavily splinted stretched out in front of her. Nestled to her, Percy lazily suckled, his large paws methodically kneading her mammary gland. Her raspy, loud purr echoed in the room. Blissful, her blue eyes were closed just like his mother's.
As they moved closer, the black cougar raised her regal head, staring intently at Ty. Her emerald green eyes narrowed, communicating her displeasure at his presence. Slowly, her ears pinned backward. Her lips curled back to reveal her long, sharp pointed canines. A low hiss emitted from her throat, a warning to keep away from her progeny. Halfheartedly, the splinted leg swiped at him clumsily, her claws only half drawn.
"She's happy to see you." Paul said sarcastically.
"Glad nothing around here changed while I was gone." Ty said, looking at her treatment log. "I see she's on a low dose of Midazolam."
"Yeah. I needed to keep her calm but not adversely affect Percy." He said the kitten's name without hesitation.
One corner of Ty's mouth twitched upward at his casual use of the name but he refrained from commenting.
He continued. "Swelling at the surgical site is down, no signs of infection."
"All good then."
"Appears to be."
"Heard Seth Goss from the zoo came."
"Wasn't here." He groused, then added. "She's not ready to go yet."
"How long do you think?"
"A while." He didn't estimate which struck Ty as odd. But, again, he refrained from commenting.
Ty looked at his watch. "The call is about to start. Wanna head to Mirna's office?"
He grumbled but followed anyhow.
It took a minute to fire up FaceTime. Frozen images of Ellen and Michael with Cloud behind them came right up but it took a bit of adjusting to get the audio and video to work. While Ty played with the laptop settings, Paul combed through his hair with his fingers and straighten his shirt. When the session finally connected properly, Ty started.
"Hey there! Sorry for the slight delay. Had technical issues. Can you hear us?"
"We can hear and see you both just fine." Michael reported.
"Great. I'm here at the rescue with my colleague, Dr. Paul Bourne." He leaned his head toward Paul, then made introductions. "Michael and Paul, you know each other."
"Hey Paul." Michael said.
"So, Ellen meet Paul. He's been treating Cloud and Wind along side of me since their arrival. Plus, he's been keeping things running smoothly at the rescue while I've been gone. And Paul, meet Dr. Ellen Edmonson. She is a professor at UCVM and heads up the Clinical Skills department and the Quarantine Barn. Cloud and Wind are under her and Michael's care."
"Hello Ellen." Paul spoke up without prompting and without grumbling, his voice clear and light. Ty almost fell out of his chair.
"Hello Paul. What a nice surprise to see you again." Ellen returned, equally surprising.
"You too. It's been too long."
"You two know each other?" Ty blurted out.
"We went to vet school at Michigan State together." She revealed. "My husband, Zack, was Paul's roommate."
"You don't say..." Ty muttered under his breath.
"How are you, Ellen?" Paul asked politely.
"I am really good. Busy. You?"
"Same. Challenged in our work here at the rescue." He smiled, paused. "And, Zack? How's he?"
"He's back at Michigan State."
"In East Lansing?" Paul's eye's widened.
"Yeah. He's heading up the MSU pathobiology department." She explained, adding somewhat abruptly. "We're divorced."
"Oh. Um. I'm sorry." Shifting subtly, Paul offered his sympathies.
"Don't be. It was a long time ago."
An awkward pause followed. No one knew what to say, then Paul spoke up, changing the subject. "I hear that Cloud and Wind are doing well under your care."
"They are doing well." She smiled. "But, I can't take credit. You know the saying, Paul, it takes a village. Well, that certainly applies here. Michael and a hoard of staff and students are taking extraordinary care of them. I'm mostly just along for the ride." She said humbly. "So, I defer to Michael to give the update."
Michael chuckled. "Guys, don't think for a second that Ellen isn't running the show over here. She runs this place like a fine Swiss watch."
Ellen smiled in appreciation. Ty noticed Paul's subtle shift, leaning in a bit closer.
Michael continued. "To start, Cloud and Wind had a good night. Preliminary exams so no marked improvement or decline. We take that as a good sign as we expect their recovery to be slow and steady. As long as there are no setbacks, we're happy." Michael summarized before diving into the details.
Though the FaceTime session lasted nearly an hour, Paul stayed the entire time, clearly interest, even asking an occasional question or making a comment.
When the session ended, Ty turned to Paul. "So you and Ellen went to vet school together, huh?"
He shrugged. "I went to vet school with a lot of people. No big deal."
"No big deal, huh? Ellen was just another vet student?" He asked, trying to find out more.
Ignoring him, Paul checked his watch. "Past time for me to leave."
"Meeting at 5 this afternoon, if you want to join. Ellen will be there." Ty smirked.
Paul didn't respond as he rose from his chair and left the room.
Ty sat there for a moment, pondering what had just transpired. Ellen certainly was more than just another student at MSU. Paul being socially acceptable was clearly evidence of that.
He hurried out to catch up with him.
"Paul!" Ty called to him from the hallway just as Paul had reached the front door to leave. Holding the door open, he looked back at Ty.
"What?" Paul had resorted back to his usual demeanor.
"Um. I need a favor." Ty hesitated.
"Another one?" He groused. "What now?"
"Would you be willing to come in early on Saturday? Maybe a couple of hours? I'll take your shift 6-12 shift Sunday night."
"Not interested." He said bluntly. Turning to leave, he ran right into Celina.
"Whoa. Sorry Celina. I didn't see you there." He softened.
"No worries, I'm fine. But, you two are just the handsome men I wanted to see." She smiled, particularly at Paul.
"Are we in trouble?" Ty teased, but was unsure.
"Heavens no." She chuckled. "We needed to make a small adjustment in the work schedule this weekend." We being a euphemism for the Celina making a decision and Mirna enforcing it, otherwise known as the "Royal We".
"Are you making me pick up his slack again?" He threw his head in Ty's direction.
"No, whatever gave you that idea?" She replied.
He glared at Ty.
"No. Mirna has a flight to Calgary Sunday night. So, Ty, you'll work Saturday morning 6-2. Mirna will finish your shift."
"Okay." He was more than okay with the change. In fact, he was relieved.
"Paul. You have this Saturday and Sunday nights off. We think you need some time away."
"I don't need time away."
"You've pulled extra hours while Ty was in Calgary. And, you haven't taken a night off in months. We want you take some time, so you might as well enjoy it."
"Who's gonna do my shifts?"
"Our vet techs. They want to be given more responsibility. We think they are ready."
"I do too." Ty added.
"Chip and Kerry? They can barely clean cages." Paul protested. "That's ridiculous."
"Now Paul, come on. You know that they are more than capable and ready. And, they won't be completely on their own. Mirna and Joe will be on call."
"On call? That's it? That's our coverage?That's my replacement." Clearly offended, he questioned the change.
"Paul. It's just two nights. Mirna and Joe will be here part of the time. And, it's not like it's a permanent thing. You need a break. Period."
"Fine." He almost spat, clearly not fine with the arrangement.
"Thank you. I'll let Mirna know. She'll be happy to know that you're taking some time." Celina replied.
"She's the only one that will be happy." Paul stepped around her, leaving in a huff, the door swinging shut behind him.
"Well, that went as well as expected." Celine watched him get in his car.
"Yeah. So Chip and Kerry on the overnight shift.." He snickered.
"Too soon?" Celina asked, looking up at him.
"Heck no. Chip is ready. And, Kerry is definitely coming along."
"Good. We've been watching them. They work well together. They're a good match."
"I did plenty of graveyard shifts alone at the Hudson clinic when I was a vet tech." He reminisced, adding. "Might have been a lot more fun if my girlfriend had been with me." He grinned.
"James told me about Tom and that you agreed to go on the camping trip this weekend. Thank you for helping out."
"No problem. Figured that's why you changed my schedule."
"Yeah. Well, it's an hour drive to Golden Ears and a 3 hour hike to Hikers Beach. If you all didn't leave until 6, you'll be hiking and pitching a tent in the dark. So I had to make several schedule changes anyhow..."
"Thanks. That explains why you're late..." He backtracked. "You're never late."
Unable to lie, she demurred sheepishly, her eyes cut away.
"What?" Finally it hit him. "Oh, now I see. Are figs at play here?" He teased.
"None of your business." A school girl flush rose on her cheeks. Avoiding the topic, she skirted behind the reception desk, sat down, focusing on her laptop as she logged on.
He chuckled, bent to pick up A.K. who was circling his ankles. "We're heading back to give Baxter a frozen mouse and Samuel a bottle. Then it's on to tick duty."
"Hold up." She motioned to him as she looked at the rescue's schedule. "Chip and Kerry will be in shortly. They can do the feedings. That's right up their alley. You need to call the Chief and Naomi. Give them an update on Cloud and Wind."
"Right." He agreed with her direction.
"Mirna will be in at 10. She'll want a full report. And, don't forget you have an appointment with Dana Turner at 11."
"Dana who?" Ty wrinkled his nose trying to place the name.
"Dana Turner. That Littmann sales rep that you owe a favor. Remember, you said to book a stethoscope evaluation."
"Oh right." He made a face. "I love sales reps. I love sales reps. I love sales reps." He repeated trying to convince himself, making her laugh.
"Beware when asking for favors."
"You should have warned me before I asked her for one."
At a quarter past ten, Ty walked into Mirna's office. He had just finished trimming a overweight potbelly pig hooves that were overgrown. "Sorry I'm late. Duty called."
"Yeah. I heard all the squealing." She laughed as she stood from her desk chair.
"Bertha is a squealer, for sure. She didn't much like having her hooves trimmed. Good thing I had some ear plugs."
"Good thing." She came around her desk to hug him. "Well, welcome back. We missed you around here."
"Glad to be back."
"Let's have a seat. Tell me everything."
Over the next 30 minutes, Ty filled her in on the trip, in great detail, starting from the drive there and ending with the trip back and everything in between. Everything except Dr. Singh's offer and Amy, he purposely left those out.
"Well, sounds like a successful trip. Good work." She cut to the chase. "What about Singh's offer?"
"I'm not taking it." He said adamantly.
"Not sure you have a choice." She said bluntly.
"Why not?" He challenged.
"You and Michael asked Dr. Singh and the university to foot the bill and take responsibility for the care and boarding of two horses in the early stages of recovery from serious trauma. Ty, you should have figured that he would want something in return. There is no free lunch." She explained.
He sighed, admitting. "I just assumed that the horses would provide a good learning experience for students and faculty. That it would be a win-win."
"It is a win-win. But, sometimes the stars align in ways we don't expect. Singh has upcoming vacancies and you have surgical experience and teaching skill that he wants." She shrugged. "He's just making the most of the situation."
"What if I did a horrible job teaching those two classes?"
"But, you didn't. You were great. We saw the videos." Mirna assured him.
"Really? They sent you the videos?"
"Of course. Singh has been very upfront with me from the beginning. He's interested in you."
"Geez...I feel manipulated."
"Manipulated? Hardly. You and Michael approached him. You impressed him with your passion and your pitch."
Ty didn't respond.
"Ty, be rest assured. In all my years working with Singh, he has always been completely upfront, honest, fair. He is very good at what he does. But, he didn't get where he is without knowing how to make diamonds from stones."
"But, what about Michael?" He asked, concerned for his friend.
"What about him? He's a professor on the tenure track at the university. His career is set. Singh was willing to accepted the horses out of respect for him, his work and his commitment to the horse's care. But, Michael isn't a surgeon. Singh's need is in the surgery department."
"Mirna. What about you and the rescue? And, the externship? Celina told me that you've taken on vice chair position in the surgery department and you're teaching in the fall."
"Well, the interim vice chair is just that, interim. But, yes, I am helping with recruitment and a single class in the fall to get the department over the hump." She tried to ease his worries. "Look. After this next trip, I will be here most of the time through the summer. So the rescue will be in good stead. As far as the externship goes, you and Michael will still lead the it. Donations received already cover most of that so..don't worry."
"Is there any way out of this?" He asked hopefully.
"For you? Afraid not. Unless you permanently want to burn your bridges with UCVM and Singh. I recommend that you don't." She added. "I personally have no intention in doing that myself. They have been very supportive of my work and the rescue for many years."
He sighed again, seeing the futility of arguing. "Fine. What do I have to do?"
"Teach two of Ellen Edmonson's Clinical Skills sessions with the horses on the first and third Monday for the rest of the summer semester. It's just 6 short trips. You fly up Sunday night or Monday morning and fly back Monday night. It's just an hour flight. The university will cover your per diem, you know your expenses, room and board. Plus, you'll be paid...well."
He frowned as pulled out his phone, checked his calendar. "Wait. The third Monday is the 21st. Just next week.
"Right. You and I are both going. Our flight is Sunday at 8. Didn't Celina mention it?"
"She mentioned that you were going..."
"I am staying for a few days. You're flying back Monday night."
"So. Just the summer semester?" He asked.
"Depends. No doubt, Singh is going to pressure you to take on a permanent position starting the fall semester. But, the way I see it, if Cloud and Wind are recovered and transported back to Vancouver before the summer semester ends..."
"Then my debt will be paid?"
"That's one way to put it. It also gives you incentive to get the horses well. And, it gives you a chance to see what a UC teaching position would be like."
Ty pursed his lips as he thought through the situation.
After a few moments, he spoke. "Okay. I can live with that. But, for the summer only. That's it." He paused. "And, I want everything in writing... agreed to and signed by Singh, you and me."
"Me?"
"Yes. This involves you and the rescue. I want UC to pay for my replacement."
"I'm going to be your replacement." She retorted.
"Exactly. All the more reason to put that in writing. You should be paid for your extra work. And, I plan to fly to Calgary on Sundays. So Singh needs to pay my per diem for two days and my replacement for two days."
Mirna laughed. "I think you are getting the hang of this negotiating stuff. Let's get Celina to draft something."
He laughed with her, but his stomach was in knots.
"I'll pick you up Sunday night at 6. So, plan on getting back from your camping trip in time."
"Okay." He replied, not surprised that she already knew about that. "By the way, did you know that Ellen Edmonson and Paul went to Michigan State together?"
"Vet school?"
"Yeah. Crazy, huh? I think he's sweet on her."
"No kidding."
A knock at the door interrupted them.
"Come in Celina."
She peeked her head in the partially open door. "Excuse me. Ty, your 11 o'clock is here?"
"His 11 o'clock?" Mirna parroted, with a chuckle.
"A Littmann sales rep." Ty groused. "Another debt to be paid."
"There must be a good story in there somewhere."
"Not really." He frowned. "Do we need anything from Littmann? Aside from the scope checks? Spare parts?"
Celina shook her head No. "I don't think so. We have plenty of ear tips, tubing and diaphragm parts. We had all out stethoscopes were replaced in the last year. Except yours, Ty."
"I don't need a new one." Ty remarked. "I like the one I have."
"How old is yours?"
"I don't know." Shrugging as he fibbed. He remembered everything about the exact moment Amy gave him the stethoscope, his first and only one. Her smile, her eyes looking up at him, hearing her heartbeat through its diaphragm. "It still works great." He explained.
"Have it checked any way. Stethoscopes start to deteriorate after two years or usually sooner. I don't know how many I've been through." Mirna said offhandedly.
He nodded.
"Order one like Chip's, but in pink."
"Pink? Seriously Mirna?" Ty was mortified.
"Not for you. For Kerry. She's done a great job. I want to reward her. And encourage her. Plus, we'll soon have some extra funds from UC." She winked at Ty.
"Right." He rolled his eyes.
"Don't you think we should order that from Fred? He's been our sales rep for years." Celina said.
"Good point. So it's just your scope Ty." She grinned. "And, you best be going, you don't want to keep your 11 o'clock waiting."
Tall and lithe, Dana rose from her chair with ballerina-like poise as he walked into the reception area. As he drew nearer, her lips parted into a wide smile, revealing her teeth, perfect and blindingly white. He smiled at the thought that they weren't real.
"Dr. Borden. Dana Turner. It's good to see you again." Holding her pose, she extended her hand to which he had to step forward to grasp. As they shook hands, he couldn't help but notice how soft her hands were, how nice she smelled.
"Ty please." He offered.
"Ty." She almost breathed his name. "Dana then."
"Dana." He repeated her name, hoping to commit it to memory, at least for the length of her sales pitch.
"Ready to get started?" He said, though he was more than ready to be done.
"Of course. I know you are busy." She gracefully bent her knees, lowering herself to pick up her two black sales cases that sat on the floor.
"Let me get those.." He offered, leaning down at the same time, his hand accidentally touching hers. He quickly pulled back. "Sorry." He muttered.
"No worries, I got them, Ty." She picked up the two cases, rising with ease. "Lead the way."
He led her down the hall to the open room, surrounded by animal rooms and cages, centered by the long lab table. Chip and Kerry flitting in and out, doing various tasks.
"Here okay?" He asked, not that he had any other options
"Perfect, Ty. Thank you."
She placed her cases on the lab table as she stood. One by one, she retrieved several stethoscopes and parts from each case, arranging them on a white placemat embossed with red 3M Littmann logo on the top left hand corner, in reverenced ritual, almost like a priest preparing for communion. She wiped her hands with an alcohol disinfectant wipe.
He watched with keen interest.
When done, she checked her work then settled onto the stool beside him. As she crossed her leg over the other, her short skirt shimmied up, revealing her bare knee and lower thigh, both shapely, impossibly smooth and just inches from his. Noticing Ty averted his eyes away, back to the stethoscopes, she smiled.
"Ready Ty?" She asked, drawing him back in.
"Yeah."
"Ty, let's check out your instrument." She said boldly, her eyes holding his.
"Uh. Okay." Breaking eye contact, he pulled his stethoscope out of his lab coat pocket. He hesitated before handing it to her.
"Let me wipe it down first. Mind if I use one of yours?" He pointed to the box of wipes on the placemat.
"Be my guest, Ty."
Finished with cleansing, he handed it to her.
Holding his scope, she examined it carefully, turning chest piece over in her graceful hands, running her fingertips down the extra long rubber tube, examining the earpieces and tips, scrutinizing its every facet.
"Wow, Ty. He's a real beauty." She proclaimed in admiration, with practiced tact.
Ty didn't take her at her word, acknowledged. "I know it's old, but it works perfectly."
"No doubt. He's a 2010 model. A true classic. They were built to last, especially with good care and frequent cleaning and disinfecting."
"I do." He nodded. "Take care of it, that is."
"That is so abundantly clear, Ty."
She paused as her fingers caressed the edge of the diaphragm, slowly shaking her head.
"You know, Ty, most veterinarians aren't as careful as you. Their practices are in such hurried and unsterile conditions that their stethoscope takes a beating. They throw their instrument around their sweaty neck, hang it on their rear view mirror to bake in the sun and fail to clean and disinfect after each use." Her expression pained as she spoke.
"Things do get crazy sometimes." He admitted, not voicing that he was guilty of such things on occasion.
"Ty. Let's check your rubber tubing first." She stretched it to its full length, looking for brittleness. "It's very long. 34 inches?"
"32." He corrected her, feeling strangely inadequate.
"Hmm. It seems much longer." She grimaced.
"I replaced the tube last month." He offered.
"Good. It seems flexible and pliable. Regardless Ty, we want your instrument to perform properly. We want to ensure that it is airtight. We want to avoid audio leak and minimize ambient noise."
"Okay." He muttered.
She reach up casually, entering his personal space, placing the scope's ear tips into his ears. Concentrating on the routine process, she turned chest piece over, enabling the bell. Putting one finger over the bell hole to seal it, she lightly pressed the diaphragm.
"Tell me Ty. Do you feel pressure in your ears?"
"Yes." He answered.
"Good...a lot?"
"Enough."
"Okay. Ty, you can remove your stethoscope." As he removed his stethoscope from his ears, she carefully selected a stethoscope from the placemat. "Large, right?"
"Excuse me?"
"Ear tips?"
"Yes. Large."
"Here Ty, let's try this one." Again, she put the ear tips in his ears, repeating the exercise. "How's pressure, Ty? Do you feel a difference?"
"Pressure is good. I'm not sure, but maybe more than mine." He conceded.
"That's how it should be. Ty, you may have leaks in your instrument. You could be missing crucial sounds and signals from your patients during auscultation." She explained.
He frowned.
"Let's check your sound quality, Ty."
He watched as her painted fingertips of left hand moved aside the top of her blouse then with the right place the diaphragm on her bare skin, just above a hint of delicate pink lace.
"Ty. How does my heart sound?" She asked.
"Take a deep breath and exhale." He instructed. He closed his eyes, listened intently. "Um. Clear, strong."
"Good. Now, Ty, listen with the bell." She rotated the chest piece sliding the flat bell just inside the lace of her bra. "Clear?"
"Take a deep breath and exhale." Again closed his eyes, listened intently. He opened his eyes and looked her.
"Take a deep breath and exhale again." Once again, he closed his eyes and listened a bit longer.
Opening his eyes, he paused for a moment, looking at her with concern. "Um. This may not be serious, but you need to see your physician as soon as possible. You may have a slight murmur of mitral stenosis. Has anyone told you that before?"
"Yes, of course, I know. Its's congenital. Very good Ty." She said, seemingly unfazed.
She reach up, removed the scope from his ears, putting it back on the placemat carefully. "Now let's try your instrument and compare. Go ahead on put your ear tips in."
Ty did as asked. Once again, she went through the exercise first the diaphragm, then with the bell. This time she applied more pressure, muting the lower pitched sounds thus muting the sound of the murmur.
"Tell me what you hear with the bell, Ty."
"Take a deep breath and exhale." Again closed his eyes, listened intently. He opened his eyes, looked her. "Let's try that again."
After the second attempt, he admitted. "I didn't hear the murmur this time."
"Truthfully Ty, I'm not surprised. The average lifespan of a well-cared for stethoscope is about two years, but with heavy use and abuse, that durability diminishes. Although you have taken excellent care of your scope, he is after all 8 years old." She explained.
Ty sighed.
She touched his knee as to console him. "Ty. You are not alone. I see this with many doctors. There is a certain feeling of excitement and pride when you get your first stethoscope as it marks the beginning of your life as a doctor. So it can be tough to give it up when it is worn out."
"It's much more than that." Ty admitted, then moved his leg.
"I understand. But, Ty, you don't have to throw it away. You can keep it in your pocket as a constant reminder of that initial excitement when you first listened a heartbeat. Or have it framed in your office."
He nodded, knowing he'd never frame it.
"Ty, for your patients, it's really time to upgrade. You could be missing important cues."
"Fine." He said with little enthusiasm, wanting to get it over. "I'll order one then."
"Very good. Ty. The one you purchased last week was the best model for vets. Do you want that model?" She asked. "With 32 inch tubing, right?"
"Yes." He thought for a moment. "Do you have one in blue?"
She smiled. "Let me show you our array of colors." She stood, fishing out a carabiner with 10 or 15 tubing two inch samples and a purchase order from one of the cases.
As he looked at the samples, she began to fill out the order form.
"And, Ty, because you've been so generous with your time, I'd like to give you a special treat. Just for you...a ten percent discount on any additional scope order today." She was trained to push for more.
"One is actually more than we need." He deadpanned, then asked. "Do you mind if I listen again?"
"Of course, go ahead." She picked up the new stethoscope.
"No. I meant with mine." He placed the earpieces in his ear. "Do you mind if I hold the chest piece?"
"Well, it's against protocol upon as I am not your patient." She said with seriousness.
"Right." He said, confirming to himself that she had thrown the exam. "Make the tubing black."
Wrapping up 15 minutes later, Dana put a purchase order and his check for one stethoscope in one of her cases.
Back in the front room, she stood in front of the reception desk and Celina.
"Thank you Celina. I'd like to schedule a follow up visit in 6 months to check Ty's new scope and your other stethoscopes." She said boldly.
Ty stood behind her, shaking his head No.
"I am sorry. This was a one time appointment. Our sales rep, Fred Perkins, has our business. You may know him."
"Oh! Of course, Celina, I know Fred. He's been around forever. He's so wonderfully... seasoned. He's basically like a grandfather to me. Even helped me get started in this business." Smiling, she said without skipping a beat. "He probably won't mind if I did the follow up. Especially given that I was the sales rep for your last two stethoscopes."
"I'll check with him first." Celina replied. "We have your card."
"Please do that. Thank you Celina. I look forward to hearing from you." She said assuredly, then turned back to Ty.
"Thank you for your time. And your purchase." Holding out her hand, which he took, she held on a moment longer than necessary.
Flirty, she leaned in, suggested lunch. "I know this little, quiet place close by that has great burgers. My treat."
Hearing burgers, his stomach reacted with a hunger pang punctuated with a gurgle. Before replying, he glanced Celina over her shoulder. She was watching their interaction with rapt attention.
"I am going to have to pass. I have an errand to run." He said.
"Another time then. I'll call and arrange something." She smiled. "Well, thanks again. Nice meeting you Celina."
Celina nodded in return.
Ty stepped ahead of her to get the door for her.
"Ty, I will see you soon." She flashed him another smile.
He didn't respond.
When the door finally closed, Celina spoke up. "You decided not to go?"
"Not at all interested. She's a fake."
"Clearly. But, for heaven sakes. It was only lunch, not marriage. What errand could be so important?"
"I need to get a fishing license." He scooped up A.K., rubbed her head with his thumb, and headed down the hallway.
By 9 pm, Ty had showered and was in bed as planned. A.K. laying by his side. The morning's paper was folded on the night stand.
"What do you think, A.K.? Should we read it?" He rubbed his chin, now shaved smooth.
Hearing her name, the kitten let out a single mew, then rolled over exposing her stomach. His fingers strummed her soft belly until she purred in contentment.
"Okay, then. Here goes nothing." He retrieved the paper, pulling out the sports section. The article was prominently displayed on the first page, positioned above the fold. "Here it is.."
Perseverance pays off for Olympic equestrian newcomer Andrew Pierson, Published May 16, 2018, by Katheryn Leblanc
Ty read aloud the headline, stopped then focused on the color photo that accompanied the article. Andrew, dressed in breeches, tall boots and red riding jacket, was perched on a stunning white horse. He wore a easy smile.
The caption read, Andrew Pierson with his horse, Dandelion Wine.
"What a smug look." He remarked, he continued reading.
As long as Andrew Pierson can remember, his father's goal was for him to compete in the Olympic Games with the Canadian Equestrian team.
"My dad was my idol, my mentor. I truly loved everything about him. So, naturally his goal became mine as well." Pierson said wistfully. "I never gave it a second thought."
At the tender age of 4, he began riding horses and taking private lessons.
"Oh such a tough life!" Ty interjected.
And, now, at the age of 33, the dashing, blonde hair, blue eyed Pierson..
"Don't forget rich." He lamented.
..is the newest, and arguably the most promising, member of Canada Equestrian Jump team.
Despite outward appearances, the road to get here has not been easy one.
"Sure. I bet." Ty grumbled.
Born in Bromont, Quebec, he is an only child of Babet and the late Louis Pierson who own a luxury ski resort in mountains surrounding his small French-speaking hometown. The elder Pierson, a gregarious, successful entrepreneur, was an early proponent and the driving force behind getting the Olympic committee to locate the equestrian events in Bromont and in Montreal in 1976. The success of those games elevated both Bromont and the Pierson family in terms of notoriety, status and wealth. The father's enthusiasm for all things equestrian was not lost on his only child.
"His road doesn't seem so hard from this viewpoint." Ty snipped.
Early riding lessons for the younger Pierson morphed into show jumping, cross country, and competition in which he excelled. He attended only the most elite equestrian boarding schools through high school and college. On his 21st birthday, his parents gave him Dandelion Wine, a two year old filly with a strong lineage including two Olympic medal winners and a price tag to match.
"Of course, nothing but the best." Ty shook his head. "Prick."
Dad's plan was that Dandy and I would compete together in the Olympics. I never considered anything different." Pierson admitted.
Then tragedy struck, his riding days came to a screeching halt. Five years ago, when the elder Pierson was once again leading the effort to bring the Olympic event back to Bromont, he suffered a massive heart attack, died, plunging the Pierson family into immeasurable grief, financial woes and disarray. A mortgage had to be taken out on the ski resort to pay the enormous personal debt associated the Olympic bid, which the town eventually lost anyhow.
At 28, the younger Pierson had to pick up where his dad left off and run the family ski resort and abandon his life's dream.
"That was a dark period in my life. Not only was I grieving the death of my dad, I wasn't able to ride Dandy like she deserved. I felt like I had let both my dad and my horse down in so many ways." Pierson said, holding back tears. "I plunged myself into work but I was just empty."
Though not an equestrian herself, Babet Pierson Quinn, since remarried to Samuel Quinn, recognized the immense toll on her son. "His entire life revolved around Louis and show jumping. Without those, Andrew just became a shell of his former self. We couldn't bring back his father, but we could offer him a chance to fulfill his dream."
"I jumped at my mother and Samuel's incredible kindness for another chance at riding. The first months flew. We were placing but not winning competitions, despite Dandy's stellar performances. I was one holding us back. My heart wasn't in it without dad." He recalled.
"Honestly, it just felt like it was all slipping away. Like it wasn't meant to be. I mean I was almost 32 years old, still chasing a dream that my father had for me since I was born." Pierson recalled.
"I started watching reruns of old Olympics and other competitions, looking for inspiration. Then I stumbled upon the 2014 World Games where the SA team defied odds and won gold and silver metals. Ahmed Al Saeed, the team's captain, heralded their trainer, Amy Fleming, a Canadian, as the reason for their success. In researching her, I learned that she had given up training elite jumpers after the World Games and was back in Alberta."
Seeing her name, Ty sat up, reread the last paragraph.
"Somehow I got it in my head that she was the only one who could help me. So, I called her up and begged her to be our coach. She turned me down flat. And, despite, pestering her every day for weeks, she still rejected us."
Ty laughed.
"Desperate, Dandy and I drove clear across the country to beg her, one last time, in person. She still said No." He recalled with a chuckle. "But, then Amy met, rode and fell in love in Dandy and Dandy was absolutely fickle for her. Thank god, persistence paid off, Amy reluctantly agreed to work with us."
"And, boy did she make us work. And, not just running jumps, but Liberty and endurance training. She had me running steps, lifting weighs, doing yoga. But mostly, she encouraged me, cheered on, gave me confidence when I had none. She made me a better rider and a better man."
Sighing heavily, Ty turned over the paper to continue reading below the fold. There was her photo, in full color, her blue eyes shining, her smile wide and happy, her blonde hair flowing out from under a white cowboy hat. Pierson standing next to her, laughing, his arm casually around her shoulder.
"Amy." He stared at the photo for some time, then read the caption.
"Andrew Pierson celebrating making the Canadian Equestrian team in 2017 with his coach and trainer Amy Fleming."
He touch her face in the photo, then continued reading. "She looks happy, doesn't she?"
"With Amy as my trainer, coach, friend, we won a spot on the team. We were over the top ecstatic." He said. "Amy changed everything for us. And, as turns out, we had a lot in common."
"Hardly." Ty blurred out. "You have nothing in common with her."
Like Pierson, following the tragic death of her mother, Fleming took over the family business, Heartland, a modest but heavily indebted equestrian rehab and rehoming facility, at the young age of 15. She has never looked back. In the ten or so years since, she has rehabbed, trained and competed in nearly every equine discipline from jump, dressage, polo, racing, show to cutting, liberty, roping and barrel racing. Some of her clients have gone on to compete successfully in national and international stages including the Olympics, World Games, Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, Calgary Stampede and AQHA World Championship Show.
Today, only 25 years old, Fleming no longer trains or coaches Pierson and Dandelion Wine. Instead she focuses her time on her two successful businesses. She owns outright the now thriving Heartland horse business, that specializes in rehabbing and rehoming abandoned, abused and wild horses.
"Wow Ames, good for you." Ty said.
She also partners with Lisa Stillman in the Fairfield Stables, a breeding and training facility for thoroughbred racehorses.
"Lisa's partner, huh!" He added.
"Amy has a deep passion and an innate gift with horses. It's like nothing I've ever seen. She can take one look at a horse, figure out what's wrong and fix it. In the end, the horse is performing at the top of its ability and following her around like a lovelorn puppy." He said. "She did the same for me. She figured me out, saved me literally, and gave me confidence and a new life. And, I plan to spend the rest of my life showing her my gratitude..." He added with humility. "...if she'll let me. Regardless, I want only the best in life for her."
His eyes misted.
If the summer competitions go as predicted, Pierson and the Canadian Jump team will compete at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games were held in Mill Spring, North Carolina, U.S. at the Tryon International Equestrian Center at the end of August.
With Pierson now under the guidance of the Canadian team coach and trainer, Fleming doesn't traveled with him for competitions. Asked if Fleming will be at the World Games, he quickly replied. "She will absolutely be there, wearing the Canadian Maple leaf, and cheering us on."
Asked if marriage is in their future, Pierson demurred. "We are the best of friends and love each other very much. And, that's enough for now."
Pierson's final words?
"This journey has been great," Pierson said. "I've been really fortunate to have some amazing people along the way that have helped me, my dad, my mom, my team and coaches. And, Amy. It's been a crazy rollercoaster ride, for sure, but now, it's getting to the fun and reward. I hope dad is watching, is proud, and is enjoying the ride too."
Reporter Note. We were unable to contact Amy Fleming for this article.
"I really hope she's happy, A.K. She deserves that." He muttered as he folded up the paper, put it the the bottom drawer of his night stand.
Turning out the light, he slid fully under the sheet. He laid there, restless, eyes wide open, staring at the ceiling, seeing nothing but her face. After nearly an hour of chasing sleep, Ty got out of bed, dressed and went to the rescue.
Dear Readers. Enjoy. SBR.