6
THE THROBBING PAIN in Jasim’s head was not entirely down to his collision with the other team’s number Four, though that hadn’t helped. It was a bit of a grudge match between The Eagles and The Devil Riders and play had been more physical than usual. But part of his headache was born of frustration withNicoláswho was not playing well. He was sometimes a good player, but his inconsistency made Jasim’s job even harder.
Jasim let out a groan of disappointment when the umpire awarded yet another foul against Nicolás.
“What did I do?” Nicolás yelled.
“You crossed too close. Again.” Jasim spoke through gritted teeth.
Jasim’s team had started off with a goal deficit because they had the better handicaps. After Clemente had scored from the penalty, The Devil Riders were two goals up and Jasim needed that to be the other way around. He rode back to line up at the centre with the others. Mario, the Devils’ number three was smirking and Jasim intended to wipe that smirk off his face.
An umpire threw the white ball in between them, and sticks clashed as everyone fought to get the ball out onto the field. Jasim seized the advantage when he knocked the ball away, then raced after it towards the goal with a hailstorm of hooves in pursuit. He would have passed to Marcelo if he’d needed to, but there was no need. Speed had given him a clear path.
“To me,” Nicolás yelled at his side.
Fuck off.Jasim swung his stick and whacked the ball forward. His number Two and Three were blocking his opponents and Jasim gave the ball a huge final hit which sent it soaring high into the air, through the posts, much to the delight of his teammates and cheering employees.
One teammate was less pleased. “I could have scored,” Nicolás hissed.
Jasim ignored him and rode back to the centre. The play now changed to the opposite direction and through a piece of skilful manoeuvring Jasim managed to get the ball to Marcelo. He tucked in behind to protect him from anyone attempting to bump him off his line and spoil his shot. Much to Jasim’s relief, Marcelo scored. If they’d played like this from the start, they’d have slaughtered the other team.
The end of the chukka and a change of ponies was required. Only one chukka left. Jasim shifted from Perdita to Dream.
“I’m the fucking owner of this team,” Nicolás said at his back.
“Watch your language or you’ll get sent off. I know you’re the owner, but you want to win, don’t you? We needed to catch up. Now we have.”
“When I tell you to pass to me, then pass to me. Understand? Do I have to get you a translator, you Saudi dick?”
Jasim let the insult roll over him. He was a Saudi and he could be a dick. But so could Nicolás, who turned into a different guy on the field. Everyone wanted to win, but Nicolás was so obsessed with winning that he allowed it to cloud his judgement. Before the last chukka started, Jasim let his gaze wander over those watching. He couldn’t see Ru, though that didn’t mean he wasn’t there. He turned back to the field and headed for the centre line. No distraction or there’d be no victory.
Fortunately, after a few scrappy minutes, Marcelo was able to pass toNicoláswho scored. Just. A weak tap that barely made it over the line, but it still counted. The last goal of the game and Jasim sent Marcelo a nod of thanks because he hadn’t needed to let Nicolás have it.Nicoláswas all smiles now. Jasim watched as he climbed off his horse, handed the reins to Julio and strode over to the patron of The Devil Riders to shake his hand. After he’d shaken the hands of the two umpires and the referee, he strode over to Jasim.
“Sorry. That was uncalled for,” Nicolás said.
Jasim nodded. It wouldn’t be the last insult Nicolás hurled his way. “Just watch your language on the field.”
Nicolás nodded.
Because they’d only been practising, there wasn’t a huge audience. It mainly comprised grooms and a few wives, children and girlfriends. But Georgia always arranged a buffet for afterwards, and once the teams had used the club house to shower and change, they’d descend like a pack of locusts on the food. And drink.
Jasim’s grooms were leading the ponies back to the stables and he saw Ru go up to Mike, and say something. Mike ignored him and Ru caught hold of Mike’s arm and dragged him to a halt. Ru pointed at Pepper and Mike shoved him away. Jasim was striding over there before he had time to think what he was doing.
“What’s wrong?” he said to Ru.
“Pepper’s got a problem. There’s a sway in her gait.”
“It’s the way she always walks.” Mike glared at Ru.
Ru shook his head. “It’s wrong.”
Mike rolled his eyes.
Ru turned to Jasim. “Look how she’s sweating. She’s in pain.”
“She’s just been running,” Mike snapped.
Jasim tensed. “Mike, go and find Leigh.” The vet was always there when they played.
