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“He is indeed,” Dustin confirmed. “I’ve arranged for him to travel to Tyreham the day before the Epsom meeting commences. Should anyone inquire about his presence, we’ll simply say he and I are discussing a retainer.”
“You’d do well to make that ploy a reality,” Nick declared loyally. “Sully’s one of the finest jockeys in the business, successful, with years of experience. Honest as they come, too.”
Dustin arched a brow. “What makes you think the explanation is entirely a ploy?”
“It isn’t?” Nicole’s eyes widened with pleasure.
“Absolutely not. Oh, it’s a useful excuse, given the circumstances. But, that aside, I’d be honored to have Sullivan ride for me.” His gaze returned to Nick, a sparkle of humor illuminating his eyes. “That is, if you’re amenable to the idea. After all, since I mean to swiftly expose whoever’s threatening you, you will soon be signing an exclusive retainer with me. And I’d never consider hiring anyone you’d prefer not to work with.”
“I’ll manage,” Nick responded, visibly moved by the extent of Dustin’s generosit
y. “Thank you, my lord.”
“For what? For having two fine jockeys like you and Sullivan on retainer? It’s I who should be thanking you.”
Nicole tapped Dustin’s sleeve. “Two fine jockeys? Where does Alden Stoddard fit into that list?”
Dustin’s smile enveloped her in tenderness. “Stoddard is in a class by himself.”
“Speaking of Stoddard, Raggert’s been bothering Nicole,” Nick announced.
Instantly, Dustin tensed. “Bothering her? How?”
Sighing, Nicole relayed the situation to Dustin as she had to her father, including the fictitious background she’d created to ward off Raggert’s suspicions. “Perhaps I’m overreacting,” she concluded, “but he makes me so uncomfortable. And I still can’t rid myself of this feeling that he’s not to be trusted.”
“His behavior does sound odd.” Dustin frowned. “I certainly never asked him to interrogate my jockey, nor to spend an inordinate amount of time watching Dagger, for that matter. I’m glad you mentioned this to me. I’ll watch Raggert closely. Let’s see if he continues to harass you now that I’m home from Newmarket. Oh, speaking of Newmarket …” Dustin released Nicole’s hand, reaching into his pocket. “Your license, Mr. Stoddard,” he proclaimed, flourishing the document
Nicole stared. “You truly got it.”
“Never doubt me, Derby. As I told you, when I want something badly enough, I overcome any and all obstacles.” The look he gave her spoke volumes. “To that end,” he continued, “I’ve also made arrangements for your discreet arrival at Epsom. You’ll weigh out alone while the other riders are parading past the royal stand and cantering toward the paddock. You and Dagger will join them as they reach the starter.” He gave the brim of her cap a teasing tug. “The rest, Stoddard—the race and the victory—are up to you.”
“They’re as good as yours, Tyreham,” Nick assured him. “Nickie’s understanding of the course at Epsom is amazingly thorough. Wait until she’s able to combine her horsemanship and her knowledge—there will be no catching up to her.”
“Which is going to be when?” Disregarding the praise, Nicole seized the opportunity to elicit a commitment from Dustin. “When may I run a trial heat on the Derby course? I’ve stayed at Tyreham the entire time you’ve been away, as I promised. Over the past few days, I’ve ridden three separate trials at your estate, and each evening Papa’s instructed me thoroughly. But learning cannot take the place of firsthand practice. So, when are we going to Epsom?”
“Your logic is extraordinary.” Dustin was clearly biting back laughter. “Have you been rehearsing this speech since I took my leave?”
“Dustin …”
“How about first thing tomorrow?” he suggested, precluding her from launching into her next set of arguments. “I’ll escort you there myself. I’d do so today, but it’s too late in the afternoon. By the time we traveled to Epsom and saddled Dagger, it would be dark.”
“Today is impossible anyway,” Nicole reflected aloud. “Dagger is exhausted. I exercised him twice today, each time for over an hour. He needs to rest.”
“Tomorrow it is, then.”
“At dawn,” she amended.
A deep chuckle. “The moment the first ray of sunlight inches its way over the horizon.”
“Tyreham, about Newmarket, did you talk to anyone, learn anything?” Nick interjected.
“Actually, yes.” All Dustin’s humor vanished. Quietly, he relayed the events of the past three days, beginning with Parker, touching on the unsuccessful encounters with the other jockeys, and ending with his confrontation with Alberts. “Nick,” Dustin finished intently, “Alberts described this third man as a stable-hand type who was tall, with an average build, penetrating eyes, and an intimidating presence. Most distinguishing of all, one of his forearms is severely scarred to the point of looking disfigured. Have you ever seen someone who matches that description?”
Nick’s brows drew together, concentration etched into his every feature. “I was about to say no, but I have a nagging feeling I shouldn’t. Somehow, the mangled arm, the terrifying manner … it all rings familiar.” He massaged his temples. “But why? Dammit, I simply can’t seem to recall.”
“Maybe you had the same experience Alberts did,” Dustin proposed. “Maybe this scarred man accompanied Archer and his cohort when they threatened you.”
“No.” An adamant shake of the head. “Of that, I’m certain. I was only approached by those two men, the same ones who beat Sully and accosted you. No one else. So, under whatever circumstances I might have glimpsed that scarred bastard, it wasn’t on those occasions.” He raked a hand through his hair. “But I keep getting a flash of memory, thinking I’ve seen him. The question is when. And where.”
