The Mystery Unfolds 2

The Mystery Unfolds 2
Jennifer 

I stood, unflinching at Theodores show of power. He stopped less than a pace away frrom me, close enough that the hot breath of his next snort brushed my cheek as the corners on my lips turned up.  
So much fire, so much life “They didn’t break you either huh?” I mussed as I slowly reached a hand out towards him. To my surprise, he did not pull away and my fingers lightly brushed down his nose towards his soft muzzle.  
Even on a giant, solid, intimidating beast like this, the skin around his nostrils, mouth and chin still feel as velvety soft as silk. He shifted his head and the next moment; he was running off again.  
The smile was wide on my face for that little moment where he allowed me in. It might have only lasted a minute, but it made me feel more accomplished than any business deal ever had in my lifetime.  
I let the calm wash over me as the fresh air filled my lungs and the evening sun kissed my skin. I let myself get lost in the feeling of watching one of my horses go from a filthy pen, bound for slaughter to a free spirit, beginning to heal.  
I felt the weight of the past few weeks begin to lift in my heart a little and finally felt like I could breathe again. That was, until I glanced over to the back of the stables where they had caught my father a few days ago.  
I was rocked out of my tranquillity by the stark thought that if the explosives he was planting would have been enough to take out the stables, then Theodore would have been gone too. All eleven souls at least, gone in a flash.  
The mental image flashed through my mind, and I closed my eyes tight, shaking my head to get rid of it. It didn’t happen, he is no longer a threat, and everyone is safe for now. We will take them down so no one will dare touch us again.  
My eyes flashed open with a renewed determination. I left Theodore and, having already visited these stables, I walked up towards Blues. I stumbled through the fields, making my way towards the paddock where Miss Holy, Mini Bell, Dolly and Regal were grazing happily.  
I finally made it to them, leaning on Dolly as she was the nearest one to me. I watched her little foal running and bucking his way around the field as the three mares patiently watched him, giving occasional corrections to the rambunctious foal.  
His sweet, innocent nature, untouched by the cruelty of mankind helped remind me why I do all this. It’s not just to save those who are hurt but to make it better for the future. I was busy giving them all a good scratch when I saw a car pull up to the yard at my house in the distance.  
I saw a dark figure who I could tell was Travis, speak to the driver before they started down the track to Blues. I knew that car, I kissed Miss Holy, who was nuzzling my side and started back out of the fields.  
I didn’t get far when the car stopped, “Jennifer, wait there, I will come to you.” Bjorn called as he easily traversed the terrain in long, powerful strides. He quickly caught up to me and took my hand to pull my arm over his shoulder.  
We happened to be stopped in one of the old boys' fields who wandered over to say hello. “Hey Sarge, my boy.” I spoke gently to him, giving him a scratch behind the ear as I turned to Bjorn to greet him also.  
Bjorn reached up and scratched the old horses' neck and I felt a warmth in my chest at the sweet effort he was making as he was obviously still a little unsure of horses. I let them have the moment until Bjorn caught my eye.  
“What brings you here?” I asked as he moved us towards the tall wooden fence to lean on. I was still just in shorts from my earlier hospital visit. “I leave you for two days and you already get more injuries?” He remarked, eyeing my bandaged leg.  
“It’s a long story.” I vaguely tried to deflect. Seeing that I wasn’t going to give him more details any time soon Bjorn went on, “I came to ask you if I could borrow Cieran's expertise for a few things I am working on?”  
“Don’t you have your own tech department at the precinct? I asked. “Yeah, we do, but I am working on an extra- curricular project, and I have come up against a brick wall.” He vaguely explained.  
Well, after my vague answer I guess I deserved the same in return. “Come on, we can go and talk to him about it directly, he is probably still working at the cottage. He can judge for himself if he wants to help you or not.” I said, beginning to make my way through the fields and towards the track again.  
The next thing I knew I was swept off my feet and two large, muscular arms were holding me against a well-toned chest. “Sorry but it is too painful to watch you struggle over this uneven ground.” Bjorn said although his tone was not apologetic in the slightest.  
I tried to frown at him, but I was honestly grateful. It may have been a little over ambitious of me to try to come all the way out here on my first day in my new cast, so I didn’t say a word.  
It also felt so good to be in his arms again. Being held so securely like this by him settled something deep inside me. It felt so natural, like this is where I was meant to be. I knew that I was no good for him but just for this moment, I allowed myself to enjoy the feeling.  
He gently placed me down next to the passenger door and opened it for me. “I can walk you know.” There was no strength in my tone as I spoke. “I know but I need to move the car anyway.” He replied, pretending not to know what I meant.  
He got in the car before I could say anything else, so I sighed, helplessly and climbed into the passenger seat for the short drive back to the yard at house. “Are you going to tell me what all this is about?” I asked him as we drove.  
“I don’t know, are you going to tell me who the fuck did that to you?” He retorted, gesturing to my newly bandaged leg and turning to give me a pointed look as we pulled to a stop in the yard.