About A Gentleman and His Jockey

by JM Cartwright
13 pages / 3200 words
Ebook zipped file contains - html, lit, Adobe and Sony optimized pdf, prc, epub

Jockey Gem Hardaway has a race strategy that will not only carry him and Pilate to victory, it will also show that he's the best jockey at Templeton Yard. Lord Templeton, the Earl of Vickers, knows exactly what he wants to have happen at the racecourse. He demands Gem's obedience.

When an unruly horse intervenes, the Earl insists on a meeting of the minds. Gem is shocked to learn exactly what that entails.

Sample

"Mr. Hardaway." The cool tone sent a shiver over his shoulders, and Gem rolled his taut muscles. He wasn't surprised when Jack moved back respectfully, allowing Lord Templeton to stand at Pilate's head. While those in the lower class knew to respect their betters, there was something about the Earl of Vickers that held staff in awe.

Gem had observed something the first day he'd come to Templeton Yard. The earl reminded him of Lucifer. Templeton was pale-skinned, like most of the fancy, but his dark hair was unfashionably long, hanging in waves to his collar. With the striking icy gaze, the earl indeed bore a distinct resemblance to the infamous fallen angel. Gem's mam had once shown him a plate of the evil one, and he well remembered the look of the demon. That face hadn't been ugly, not by a long shot. Neither was this one.

"Shall we review our strategy?" Frigid blue eyes looked up at him.

Gem knew it wasn't a question, not really. "Aye, my lord." He'd never had a lord who'd been involved in the horse business like this. Most of the fancy didn't want to get their hands dirty, so they hired stable managers to take care of everything. "I'm to hold Pilate behind the leaders until the final turn."

"What else?" Goodness, that frosty tone made his nerves tingle.

"I'm to watch so's I don't get crammed into the rail. I'm to keep myself clear of the pack, and to stay behind Monk and Retribution." Now was his chance to offer his own strategy. Gem opened his mouth again.

"That will do, Mr. Hardaway. Take care of Pilate." With that, Lord Templeton walked away.

Gem stared after Templeton. But he hadn't gotten to talk about his strategy.