Page 118 of Iron Unicorn

After a few more minutes, she hung up and said, “The plane is in Billings, nobody has it booked, and Wes is willing to wrangle Daphne and transport for us. He would like a digital copy of their registrations sent to him so he can get the authorizations. He needs to find two vets willing to make the journey. It’s our rule. We have a vet per six horses. He’d rather have three because of the Standardbreds. If he can find a third, he’ll bring three. He can probably be here in the morning.”

“Then I’ll call my queen and let her know that you’re willing to let me out of your clutches.”

She grinned. “I’m accompanying, so you’re not out of my clutches yet, Agent Pattens. And as I love my brother almost as much as he loves weddings, I am notifying you that your days as a Pattens man are numbered. I’m just playing hard to catch and have demanded a romantic dinner for two so I can enjoy observing you manifest your latest masterpiece.”

I already had a plan for the dinner for two, and it would be at our new home in New York. We’d likely have paper plates and plastic utensils, as we’d need to buy dishes we’d like. I’d impose on the royal chefs in New York to provide dinner and wine, as I wanted to give Olivia a chance to create the future she wanted with me.

Our first day in our new home would be memorable, of that I was certain.

Smiling, I joined Olivia on the couch, dialed my queen’s number, and connected the call.

“Everyone all right, Terry?” my queen asked.

“We can be in Maine as early as tomorrow. Olivia imposed on her brother to get us their horse transport plane so we can haul the herd to Maine before heading back to New York after the visit. Will it be a working trip for me?”

“You’re not working, and I can be there tomorrow with Ethan. Good. Jane doesn’t know about her new pony. Melody didn’t want to overwhelm her, and the service pony was all the excitement Jane needed heading into the operation. She’s at one of the more painful stages of recovery, and Melody wants to give her something to be excited about. If all goes well, when you give her her pony, she’ll be able to have her first ride. Yes, there is a saddle, bridle, and all of the other accessories a little girl needs to take care of her pony. The exercise will be good for her. She’s already walking again, but she’s got a lot of work to do on motor recovery.”

“The difference a month can make,” I murmured.

“I’m pleased to inform you that you’re free and clear of all debt from taking on Jane’s case, and several of the donors asked for how they could show appreciation towards you for what you did. I allowed them to help pay for the vetting of your new horses, including the sored Standardbreds. I did tell them they’d be our spoiled parade horses, but they didn’t care. You’re free and clear of the vetting bills, and the rest of the money went to some charities that stop soring. You did not tell me about those wretched competitions, Agent Pattens!”

Damn it. Someone must have slipped about the big lick competitions. “I was having trouble enough holding my temper, Rachel. I wasn’t going to be able to explain it without losing my shit over the situation. As it is, I’m going to have to do a lot of work with the horses to get them in any condition to be ridden. I’ll have you help me with that, but the horses have trust issues.”

There was concern I might accidentally bond with all the Standardbreds, although thus far I’d stabilized with my four horses.

“I know, especially with your new talent evaluation. Ethan’s going over New York’s hiring rules for the RPS so we’ll have a competitive hiring package for you. Apparently, a property for the head of my detail is absolutely appropriate, and the kingdom is expected to handle all taxes on it. You’ll be set on that front, and most of your earnings will go into leisure. I have received photographic evidence of your surfing hobby, and we’ll be making somewhat frequent trips to California to see Ethan’s family, where you’ll be expected to take your princess on outings. I’ve been given your physical therapy requirements, but you should be able to return to duty upon arrival in New York.”

“That sounds good. Is there anything I need to know about the visit to Maine?”

“Jane’s parents are weepers. They will sob on you with relentless force. I’ve been warned to make sure you’re wearing your generalized empathy suppressor and to keep your princess close at hand. You will be upset, and we don’t want the Iron Beast coming out. The Iron Unicorn? Yes. We want him around. But the Iron Beast needs to take a nap.”

I sighed, assuming that my queen had been given a run down on what happened when I lost hold of my temper. “Scare the Spanish RPS once,” I muttered.

My queen giggled. “There are recordings of you being the Iron Beast, and they’re a wonder to behold. Ethan thinks I can handle seeing your crabby side.”

Evil woman. “What are you planning, Rachel?”

“Lobster feast!” my queen squealed before hanging up on me.

Damn it. Bowing my head, I closed my eyes and questioned my life. The inclusion of my princess, who would be mine to have and to hold for the rest of our days, might make it worth dealing with my crustacean foes again so soon. “Please save me, Olivia.”

“What am I saving you from?”

“Maine seems to have offered my queen a lobster feast.”

“Oh.” Olivia tried her best, but a giggle escaped. “I see.”

“I think she’s getting some payback for me leaving her unattended for so long, Olivia.”

“I’ll protect you from those mean crustaceans. I’ll even hold your hand if they put the whole lobster on the plate. It’s just a fancy dinner. You’ll survive. However, there is a price for my protection. Go to the bedroom and make yourself useful, sir.”

I laughed, tossed my phone aside, and did as told. “As you wish, my princess.”

* * *

At a little after noon,we landed in Maine. I took the time to comfort my horses, and at Wes’s recommendation, I saddled Willow and Would Rather Be Paying Taxes. The ranch hosting Jane and her parents was all of three miles away, and the exercise would do us good. The rest of our horses and gear would go to the palace in Portland, where we’d go after meeting with the little girl.

Maine sent three pairs of mounted police with us, something kingdoms without mounted RPS agents did when babysitting royalty. Willow put on a show for everybody, doing his best to inform me he was a young and spry horse and could show the other horses a thing or two. I stayed in the saddle, shook my head over the stallion’s energy, and once he settled, I said, “Someone is feeling good this morning.”

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