Chapter 139 – Post Event Madness
As Elizabeth watched the jumpoff, she was a ball of nerves again. Finally Katie encouraged Elizabeth to stand and went with her.
"You need to learn to control your feelings more." Katie said. "If you are going to be like this, you will wear yourself out every time."
"I can't help it." Elizabeth said. "This is really my first time seeing Jack in a competition."
"Okay." Katie said. "Still. I am worried about you."
"Thank you." Elizabeth said. "I will try to be better."
Katie and Elizabeth stood there and watched as the riders went, but Elizabeth kept looking for Doug and Jack. Finally she spotted both of them.
"There is Jack." Elizabeth said.
Katie nodded. Instead of watching the rider on the field, Elizabeth watched Jack at the in gate. She saw him intently watching the rider, but she couldn't tear her eyes from him. She watched Jack nod to Nathan and then turned to leave.
"Where is Jack going?" Elizabeth asked.
"To finish warming up." Katie said. "There is one more rider then Doug and finally Jack."
"Oh." Elizabeth said. "Why did he come watch that last rider?"
"I don't know." Katie said. "You will have to ask him. But maybe he wanted to check on how the course was running."
"Okay." Elizabeth said.
They stood there and watched the last rider before Doug. Elizabeth noticed when Jack came back with Bandit and was waiting with Doug. She could tell that they were talking about something.
"Doug and Jack are really close." Elizabeth said. "They look like they are having fun waiting to go."
"They are close." Katie said. "They are probably closer than most brothers. You have to understand, even though they have only been friends for five years, they have been through a lot. Doug and Lee have always been there for Jack. There is nothing that those three wouldn't do for each other. You and Jack are close and will get closer in a different way, but you also need to understand that there will always be a part of Jack that is close to Doug and Lee. I hope and pray as they find the person that they are meant to be with, you get close with those two women and help and encourage the relationships. Just as Doug and Lee have been encouraging about your relationship with Jack."
"You really think that will happen?" Elizabeth asked.
"I do." Katie said. "I don't know when it will happen, but I am confident that it will happen. I am sure that those two young ladies will look to you to be included in the group. It will be your responsibility as the longest female member of the group to make them feel welcome. Chris has two guys that he is really close with. When Chris and I got together they were very welcoming of me, since they could see that Chris loved me. As they found the person that they were meant to be with, I welcomed each of the women into the group. One time Chris told me how much it helped his friends to feel more comfortable in their relationship once they knew that I approved. It also made it easier for the women to feel included. Do you understand what I am saying?"
"I think so." Elizabeth said. "It looks like it is Doug's turn."
"Let's watch." Katie said.
While most people were watching Doug on the field, Elizabeth was watching Jack at the in gate. There was also an older gentleman in the stands not far down that was intently watching Elizabeth and had been most of the afternoon. He was just waiting for his moment to make his move. He was thinking that he was mistaken, especially after Bouchard made a scene, but he had discreetly taken a photo and sent it off. He had received confirmation that she was the target. Now he just needed to find an opportunity to grab her. The man had also been watching those around Elizabeth and he was sure that he had figured out who was security and who wasn't. It appeared that they only had two security members there with them, plus the two State Police members. The man was sure that there was security that he probably missed, but he was also confident in his ability. He was a strong man and she was just a young woman. All else failed, he had a gun that he had smuggled into the event.
As Elizabeth watched Jack, the man was even more convinced that he had to act before they got back to the vehicles and the safety of the ranch. Especially since his contacts at the farm were no longer there because they were too stupid to keep their mouths shut. The man also noticed the young priest that had joined the group. He had thought about approaching him as he knew of Thornton's deep religious beliefs, but it appeared that the young priest was working with Thornton. It was a complication that the man hadn't planned on. It wasn't that he was above threatening a priest, but he had hoped that it wouldn't come to that. The man also knew that if he failed that Charles Kensington would make him pay for it. The man didn't understand what it was about this girl that Charles Kensington was so obsessed about, it didn't appear that she had any money or connections. So he didn't understand why he wanted her for his son. It wasn't like Charlie Kensington couldn't have his pick of young ladies. What was it about this one that drove the man crazy? The man hadn't figured it out and probably never would know. All he wanted to do was complete the job, get paid and disappear again.
As the man watched, the group clapped and cheered as Doug finished his run. The man knew that Doug would be a problem if he wasn't able to grab Elizabeth before she got to the two young men. The last person other than Charles Kensington that this man wanted to cross was Doug's father who was a high ranking member of the NYPD. The last thing that he needed was the entire NYPD looking for him with a score to settle. The man watched as Doug went to the in gate, turned his horse and watched as Thornton entered the field. It was the first time that the man noticed that there were three other men that appeared to be with Doug. He knew that the older one was probably James Sims, Thornton's grandfather and the owner of Coal Creek. He wasn't sure who the other two were, but they appeared to be trainers for Coal Creek. He wasn't worried about them at the moment.
Elizabeth watched as Jack came onto the field. She couldn't take her eyes off him. As Elizabeth watched Jack get ready to make his run, the man turned his attention back to Elizabeth and worked out just the right time to make his move.
… … … …
Elizabeth watched as Jack picked up speed as he got ready for the first jump.
"He is going too fast." Elizabeth said. "He is going to get hurt."
"He knows what he is doing." Katie said. "Trust him. He wouldn't put him or his horse in danger. Just keep breathing."
Elizabeth had a hard time watching Jack because he was going so fast. As much as she wished he would slow down, she couldn't look away. When Jack sailed over the last jump, Elizabeth jumped up and down. She then turned to hug Katie.
"He won!" Elizabeth exclaimed.
"He sure did." Katie said.
Elizabeth went over to the group and joined in the celebration. Lee and Father Mark were high-fiving each other. They gave Elizabeth a high-five as well. After a few moments, Father Mark stepped forward.
"You enjoy the rest of the afternoon." Father Mark said. "I will see you tonight. I need to go get ready for Mass."
"See you later." Elizabeth said.
Father Mark said his quick goodbyes and then left the group. Katie had stayed over where her and Elizabeth had been standing. She noticed the older gentleman that was watching Elizabeth. Katie turned and pulled out her phone. She sent a message to Andrew and asked him to check the man out. Katie raised her phone and made it like she was going to take a picture of Jack on the field and took one of the man that she knew was still behind her. She then sent it to Andrew and Chris. When she was done, she walked over to where Gran and Elizabeth were. She leaned over and whispered something to Gran, who looked at her and gave her a nod. Elizabeth turned to Gran after Jack had passed by them on his lap around the field.
"Can we go down to Jack now?" Elizabeth asked.
"Just wait." Gran said. "They will bring Jack and Doug and the third place winner out and give them their ribbons. We will stay here for that. James messaged me and told me that he was going back with Marco and the horses."
"Elizabeth." Katie said. "Chris is going to go get the car and bring it around. We are going to go with John and Gran back to the farm."
Elizabeth looked at Katie.
"Please trust me." Katie said. "You will see Jack soon enough. Nathan and Doug will make sure that he gets back safe."
"Okay." Elizabeth said, a little dejected.
Gran came over and wrapped Elizabeth in a hug.
"This is for the best." Gran whispered. "There are a few security concerns. Rob is going to go and go back with Jack, Doug and Nathan. The rest are going to follow us. The important thing is keeping everyone safe."
John came over about that time and Gran released Elizabeth.
"Please listen to us." John said. "Rob is already making his way over to the boys. Chris and Andrew went to get the cars and pull them up as close as they could. As soon as they hand out the top three ribbons we are going to leave. Just stick close to Lee and Katie until we are in the car. Don't stop to talk to anyone and don't look around if someone calls your name."
"Okay." Elizabeth said. "You are right I will see Jack back at the farm. Safety is more important."
… … … …
"Ladies and gentleman." Todd said on the microphone. "Let's give a big hand to all of our riders today."
There was lots of applause and cheering. When it started to dye down, he came back on.
"Let's bring out our top three riders today." Todd said. "In third place with a time of seventy-six point thirty-six in the first round and a time of fifty point thirty-two in the jumpoff is David Bruno and his horse Roma of Cavalli Farms from Petersburg. In second place with a time of seventy-five point twelve in the first round and a time of fifty point twenty-three in the jumpoff is Douglas Burke and his horse Aphrodite of Coal Creek Farms and Thornton Thoroughbreds here in Saratoga. In first place and winning his second Charity Classic with a time of seventy-four point ninety-eight in the first round and forty-nine point ninety-two in the jumpoff is JP Thornton and his horse Bandit from Coal Creek Farms and Thornton Thoroughbreds. Let's give these three a big round of applause."
Jack came out in the middle with Doug on side and David on the other. They got to the middle of the arena and were given their ribbons. After that, they posed for pictures with their horses. Jack had a huge smile on his face and so did Doug. Both were very happy. Doug never minded losing to Jack.
… … … …
As the boys were posing for their photos, Katie tapped Lee and Elizabeth on their shoulders. Both turned to look at her.
"Let's go." Katie said. "We are going to use the distraction on the field to get Elizabeth to safety."
Lee and Elizabeth both nodded. Peter, John and Gran quickly followed as Katie and Lee moved Elizabeth to the far side of the bleachers and down the back steps. They were quickly surrounded by several people that Elizabeth had never seen before.
"It is okay." Katie said. "They are with us. They are going to get us to the car. When we get there, duck in as quickly as possible. I won't be joining you, but will see you back at the farm."
"Okay." Elizabeth said.
Peter had broken ranks and got to the car first and had the back door open. Katie quickly pushed Elizabeth in and Lee quickly followed. John and Gran got in and as Katie closed the back door, Peter got in the front seat. As soon as the doors were closed, Katie tapped the top of the car and Andrew pulled away. Katie then turned and made her way over to Chris. She got in the front seat and they quickly followed the towncar.
When they left the track, they were picked up by two State Police cars. One pulled in front and the other stayed behind. Chris and Katie were behind the police cars. Elizabeth wasn't sure what was going on, but she looked around the car and everyone else was calm.
"Elizabeth." John said. "It is okay. We just need to get back to the farm."
"What happened?" Elizabeth asked.
"My undercover people realized that a man sitting very close to us was watching you and taking pictures of you. When one of my undercover men tried to talk to him, they realized that he was armed. We needed to get you out of there because we didn't know what he had planned. Sorry we weren't able to tell you everything before it happened as it happened all so fast."
"Okay." Elizabeth said. "What about Jack and Doug?"
"Rob and Nathan have them." John said. "There are several undercover security agents that are still at the track and will make sure that they are okay. That was who surrounded us to help us slip out without being seen."
"Okay." Elizabeth said. "Like I said, I trust you. This is all new to me, so I will just do what you tell me. Are we going to be okay tonight?"
"Still working on that." John said.
"We have alerted the State Police to the man." Peter said. "Hopefully, they pick him up. If not, we are hoping he will not be allowed in tonight."
"Our men will continue to assess the situation this afternoon." Andrew said. "If they feel it is too much of a risk, they may call and ask you and JP to stay at the ranch tonight."
"Okay." Elizabeth said. "I was really looking forward to dancing with Jack."
"Elizabeth." Gran said. "If you and Jack have to stay back tonight and that is a huge if right now, please don't be upset. I promise it will be for the best. I will even arrange for supper to be brought in and maybe you and JP can have a nice evening in. Spend some time talking and just some alone time."
"With a chaperone of myself not far away." Lee said.
"Okay." Elizabeth said. "I just want to see Jack."
"He will be along shortly." John said. "The important thing is that you are safe and we are almost back to the farm."
"Sir." Andrew said.
"Yes." John said. "Chris and Katie are going to stop at the hotel and get all the clothes. The State Police are going to remain at the gate until JP and everyone else is back safely."
"Thank you, Andrew." John said.
The rest of the ride to the farm was fairly quiet. Gran talked a little about what they needed to do right away. Lee was trying to keep Elizabeth occupied by talking about the competition.
… … … …
As Jack and Doug were finishing up with the photos and making their way off the field, Jack looked and didn't see Elizabeth or the others.
"They are probably at the trailer." Doug said, seeing where Jack was looking.
"Yeah." Jack said. "I just want to see Elizabeth."
Jack was surprised to see Rob standing there when he came off the field. Jack looked around and didn't see Elizabeth or anyone else for that matter.
"Let's go." Rob said. "We need to get loaded and out of here."
Jack didn't like the tone that Rob used. It wasn't that he was upset, but more concerned. Jack nodded, dismounted Bandit and flipped the reins over his head. Jack led the horse back to the trailer where Nathan had pulled up the truck. Jack could see that they already had Honey loaded and Marco had cleaned up their little site.
"We are in a time crunch." James said. "Nathan will help Doug and I will help JP."
"What is going on?" Jack asked. "Where is Elizabeth?"
"She is probably almost back to the farm by now." Rob said without looking back.
They set about quickly unsaddling the horses and giving them a quick brush down. Once Marco had checked them and got a cooling blanket on each, the horses were loaded.
"Let's go, JP." Rob said. "Marco and James will take the horses. We need to get you back."
"I want to change my boots." Jack said.
"Everything is already loaded." Rob said. "We are going straight back. I promise to explain in the truck."
"Fine." Jack said.
Jack didn't like it, but he knew that something must have happened.
"Get them out of here and back safe." James said. "We got the horses."
Rob nodded and then motioned that they were leaving. Doug and Jack climbed in the back seat, while Nathan climbed in the driver's seat and Rob jumped in the front. Nathan quickly made his way out of the track, listening to Rob where to go. When they got about a half a block from the track, Nathan noticed a dark town car start to follow them. Rob looked back and then checked something on his phone.
"It is okay." Rob said. "Undercover security. They will get us to the farm. State Police are there until everyone is back."
"Now tell me what is going on." Jack said.
… … … …