#Paige Barick

[the-real-tc]

Bad Business: A Heartland Murder Mystery

Author's Note: This story has quite honestly been years in the making. It's been on my back burner, cooking away for so long, the world as we know it now is not the same world that my characters are inhabiting in this tale, as you will see from the timeline. This will obviously be considered an alternate universe, anyway, since things will happen that are clearly not canonical. That said, I try to maintain what we know about the Heartland universe in a general sense, as in people are still the same people, and the relationships they share are intact.

From the title, you can probably guess this will be a different sort of Heartland story, as it's a murder mystery. I will also warn there will be sensitive events taking place that might be triggering for some, so reader discretion is advised.

Abusive comments will not be tolerated. And now, onto the story!

***

Prologue: Distant Rumblings

Calgary Herald—Online Edition

Prominent Businessman and Wife Slain in Apparent Home-Invasion Robbery

Erika Volmeyer

Published March 25, 2018

Local businessman and oil magnate Lanny Barick and his wife, Paige, were found dead in their Rideau Park home early Sunday morning. Neighbours in the upscale Calgary residential area reported sounds of gunshots around 2:00 a.m.

Kenneth Pemberton, the Baricks' closest neighbour, says he was awoken by what he describes as two loud, explosive noises: "Two distinct shots. I jumped right out of bed, they sounded so close. Like fireworks going off. I was pretty much on the phone right away, calling 911."

Further inspection of the home revealed the bodies of the couple in the master bedroom. Officials say it appears the Baricks surprised their assailant.

Property records reveal the Baricks purchased the Rideau Park home in 2012. They had no children, and reportedly divided their time between Calgary and a residence in Hudson.

A family member who wished not to be identified revealed to The Herald that the Baricks had just returned from a vacation in Switzerland. No arrests have been made, nor did police name any suspects at this time. The Homicide Unit is currently investigating.

More details to come.

• Email: e_volmeyer

With files from The Canadian Press

***

"Something wrong, Lou?"

Lou Fleming shook her head once and looked up from her laptop, startled by her grandfather's question. "W-What?" she sputtered.

Jack Bartlett repeated his question, regarding his eldest granddaughter with concern. There had been a look of pure horror on her face he could not help but notice.

"Oh, I—I'm reading the news…" Lou mumbled. "Something awful has happened. You remember Lanny Barick?"

Jack paused for a moment, brushing his moustache with his thumb as he dug into his memory banks. "He's the 'weekend cowboy' who bought that dud of a bull for his ranch, isn't he?"

"Yes," Lou confirmed. "Grandpa, he and his wife were murdered early yesterday. Police are saying it was a home-invasion."

"You're joking," Jack said with a deep frown that intensified the wrinkles on his forehead.

"I wish I were."

"I'm real sorry, Lou," Jack uttered with sincerity, thinking of the easy-going man with whom he'd crossed paths some years ago. "I know he was a good client."

"And his wife, Paige… Amy taught her how to ride," Lou sighed. Lanny and Paige had not been particularly close friends of hers, but she nevertheless felt an oppression of spirit at the tragic news.

"Do the police know who did it?" Jack asked.

"No," answered Lou glumly. "The article says the Calgary Homicide Unit is investigating, though. Not a whole lot of details, really."

Jack expelled a breath. "Well, that's a shame. I hope they catch the guys responsible."

Lou shut down the laptop, having read enough. "Yeah. Me, too."

***

Calgary Herald—Print Edition

No Suspects in Double Homicide

Published April 8, 2018

Erika Volmeyer

Calgary Homicide detectives are still without suspects in the slaying of a prominent Calgary businessman and his wife. Laurence and Paige Barick were shot to death early on the morning of Sunday, March 24 by what police allege was an armed burglar.

"We now believe we're dealing with a highly sophisticated thief," Chief Millar said. "The alarm and surveillance systems were disabled, indicating a technical skill set not typically held by your average smash-and-grab thief. It is possible the Barick home held something of particular value to the killer. It could also be the home was being watched before being hit, as it was not widely known that the Baricks were out of town."

Police have canvassed the Rideau Park neighbourhood where the slayings took place and obtained several street-view camera video files. A single black Ford Explorer has been identified as a vehicle of interest, as it appears to be fleeing the general vicinity of the Barick home. No driver or license plate could be identified in the videos due to poor lighting conditions. Police are still hopeful with the release of these images someone will come forward with more information.

"We know this is a common model on Calgary streets," Chief Millar said, "but it is a lead, and we'd like anyone with more details about this SUV and its driver to please contact us."

A funeral was held in Calgary last week Wednesday for the couple.

• Email: e_volmeyer

With files from The Canadian Press

***

One Year Later

Calgary Herald—Online Version

Family Seeks Justice in Couple's Slaying: Reward Being Offered

Erika Volmeyer

Published March 25, 2019

The family of slain couple Lanny and Paige Barick held a memorial service and press conference today in Calgary to mark the one-year anniversary of the as-yet-unsolved murders.

Conrad Boucher, father of Paige, spoke to reporters about how his wife and surviving children have been hoping someone comes forward with information in the case which has stymied authorities.

"It's been a year, and no concrete leads," said Boucher. "The police are saying the trail has gone cold, but somebody out there knows something. We just want closure. We want justice. Paige and Lanny, they didn't deserve this."

A group of wealthy investors and business friends of Barick attending the memorial service took the opportunity to announce a $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Tanner Gunn, self-made millionaire and long-time associate of Barick spoke on behalf of the private investors' group about the offer: "Lanny was a good friend of mine and Paige was a sweetheart. With this reward, it is our hope that anyone with information feels further compelled to speak up. Bring the suffering of this family to an end. If you have information that can help the police catch this killer, please come forward."

The slain couple was returning from a vacation in Switzerland last year when police say they surprised a thief who had disabled the alarm and security camera system before entering the premises. The Baricks were found shot to death in the master bedroom. Police were called to the scene when a neighbour reported hearing the shots around 2:00 a.m., but the killer escaped capture.

Calgary detectives who canvassed the Rideau Park community at the time obtained some surveillance from the street-view cameras of several neighbouring residences. A black SUV believed to have been driven by the shooter was seen fleeing the area, but neither the driver nor a license plate could be identified.

"The case has unfortunately gone cold," said Homicide Det. James Prescott. "It is our hope that with the reward being offered there will be renewed interest in the case and that some memories will be jogged."

Individuals with information are asked to call Calgary police or local RCMP.

• Email: e_volmeyer

***

Chapter 1: Calm Before the Storm

Chapter 2: For Better

Chapter 3: Or Worse

Chapter 4: Let the Dead Bury Their Own Dead

Chapter 5: Moving Target

Chapter 6: Fragile

Chapter 7: Every Breath You Take

Chapter 8: Hunter and the Hunted

Chapter 9: Dark Horse Candidate

Chapter 10: There the Vultures Will Gather

Chapter 11: Sing Me to Heaven

Chapter 12: A Place Called Heartland

EPILOGUE

#heartland #heartland fanfiction #my fanfiction #JISA Fanfiction #Bad Business: A Heartland Murder Mystery #Jack Bartlett #Lou Fleming #Prologue #Lanny Barick #Paige Barick

[the-real-tc]

Bad Business Chapter 2: For Better

Author's Note: Thanks for all likes and re-blogs so far, everyone! I appreciate the encouragement. Here's the next installment. Things are still relatively calm, as you'll see. This time we have a small side plot involving what I'd call Heartland magic, you know, that not quite true-to-life horse-healing stuff that's nevertheless entertaining (or at least I hope it is). While it may seem like nothing much is happening in this chapter, I can tell you it's laying a foundation, so pay close attention.

Special thanks to tnwalk7rach for her help with this chapter as she provided invaluable information. Any inaccuracies are solely my fault, as creative liberties were taken.

***

Chapter 2: For Better

"I'm so glad to get that announcement out of the way," Amy sighed after making sure Lyndy was tucked in safely for the night. "It was driving me crazy keeping it a secret. As it is, I think Lisa and Lou were getting a little suspicious."

"I'm relieved to get it out of the way, too," Ty said in agreement.

"You're not planning to bubble-wrap me again this time, right?" Amy said to her husband as they prepared for bed.

"Uh... No," Ty said, a grin creeping up on his lips. "I think I'm over that 'super-over-protective' phase."

"Well, good!" Amy said while sliding under the bedsheets. "Because bubble-wrap spooks the horses."

"Does it, now?"

"Mm-hmm," Amy replied with a mock-serious nod, brushing her fingertips across his chest. "Noise-sensitive equines could be set back weeks just by being exposed to the stuff. Snap-crackle-pop! Instant horse trauma."

"Now you're sounding like an old Rice Krispies cereal commercial," Ty said, snuggling in close to Amy. He rested his chin against her shoulder and brought an arm over her belly.

"Ty..." Amy began slowly.

"Hmm?"

"How would you feel about it if I decided to ride during this pregnancy?"

Ty hesitated before answering, leading Amy to believe he was not thrilled with the idea. "I think... if your Ob/Gyn says the risks are minimal, then I think you should follow her advice," he finally answered.

"You didn't really answer my question," she said.

"What do you mean?"

"Be honest: would you or would you not be okay with it if I got the all-clear?"

Ty inhaled sharply. He knew Amy was not trying to bait him, but he felt cornered, nevertheless. "Amy, I will always have your safety and that of our baby as my highest concern. But I know I can't bubble-wrap you. I don't want to be that guy who dictates everything his wife does because he's too insecure. If you want to ride this time around, then go for it."

"Okay," she said. "I'll see what the doctor says when I go in for my check-up."

"All right," he said agreeably, but to Ty's ears, his wife did not sound as if she fully believed him.

***

"Have I told you lately how proud I am of you?"

After donning one of Jack's old shirts that she had claimed for sleepwear, Lisa looked at her husband over her shoulder with a quizzical expression. "No. Why do you ask?"

"Tonight," Jack said, moving to stand close behind her so he could place his hands on her shoulders. "You didn't make a peep about being the reason why Scott can take on Cassandra as full partner at the vet clinic."

"Why should I have? It was a group decision," Lisa said, trying to deflect any praise.

"Mm-hmm," Jack murmured, bringing his lips to her cheek. "And who was it that brought the clinic to the group's attention in the first place?"

"Well, I may have suggested it," Lisa conceded. "And though I voluntarily abstained from the final vote, the rest of them still had to unanimously choose to support Scott."

"That could not have been an easy task with Dan Hartfield being involved," Jack grunted, trying without success to hide his personal disdain for the man.

"Actually, Dan helped convince the others," Lisa said. "Some of them were concerned there was too much of a personal interest on my part since Ty is family, after all. I pointed out Ty has his own practice at Heartland with Amy apart from the clinic, and Dan mentioned how much Scott has done for all of us in the horse business in Hudson."

"Really," Jack said dubiously.

"Yes. And you'll never guess who seconded the motion."

"Who?"

"Val Stanton."

"I have to say I had my misgivings when Dan roped the two of you into this," Jack said with a shake of his head, "but I admit I was wrong in this case. This little investors' group has been doing a lot of good."

Lisa did not reply immediately, but simply gave a cold, abstract "Mm-hmm."

Jack instinctively interpreted her chilly response to mean she was thinking once again about Lanny and Paige. "I heard about the reward the group is offering in the Barick murder case," he said quietly, lowering his hands from Lisa's shoulders to encircle her about the waist. "Your idea again?"

"No. Tanner Gunn's idea," Lisa answered, turning now so she could wrap her own arms around his frame as she leaned into his chest. "It was an easy decision to put up the reward money. After all, Lanny was one of the original members of the investors' group... That poor family..."

"Yeah," Jack said, now rubbing a gentle circle into Lisa's back. "I sure hope someone out there can provide answers."

"Me, too," Lisa said with a soft sigh. "You should have heard Paige's family at the memorial and press conference today, Jack. It's been a year, but the pain there is still so raw."

"I tell you, if someone had done that to Marion, I wouldn't have rested until her killer was brought to justice," Jack said passionately. "As it is, losing her in that auto accident wasn't easy, either. But it was an accident. It was something I could come to terms with, even if it wasn't fair."

"That must have been a terrible time for you. For all of you," Lisa murmured. "I wish I had known you then. I wish I could have been there for you."

"I know. But you're here now, and I'm grateful."

"I wish I had been able to meet her," Lisa said wistfully as they separated and climbed into the bed. "I knew about her only vaguely, which is really a shame."

"The two of you would have got along very well," Jack declared.

"Really? You think?"

"Why, sure. You love horses. Marion loved horses. She would have liked the way you treat your animals and staff at Fairfield."

"Would she have liked me—with you?" Lisa asked. It was a question that occasionally occurred to her, but had never found an opportunity to broach the topic with Jack.

"Oh, I don't think that would have been a problem for her," Jack said dismissively, pulling the covers over them both.

Lisa raised an eyebrow. "Having a step-mother younger than she was wouldn't have been strange?"

"'Strange'? Naw. She would have loved you, Lis. Where is this coming from all of a sudden?"

"Oh, I don't know. Just thoughts about family, I guess," Lisa said, lying back while Jack switched off his bedside lamp. "Amy's announcement... Things are going to be busy around here again with a new little person. I love my life with you and everyone else at Heartland. But sometimes, I wonder..."

"You wonder what it would be like if you'd had kids of your own," Jack said knowingly, inching nearer to her. Lisa slid readily into his arms, bringing her head to rest beneath his chin.

"Yeah," she whispered. "But then I think, if I had been able to carry the ones I lost to term, I think: I would want them to be exactly like the family I have, right now."

"Well, good," Jack said happily, kissing the top of her head. "Because I think if Marion had been able to choose the kind of woman to look after her children and grandchildren, she would have chosen someone exactly like you."

"Would she?"

"You love them as if they were your own," Jack said earnestly. "You've been able to do things for them I couldn't, and I'm not just talking about money."

"No?"

"All right, it's true you have spoiled them more than I ever could, but it goes beyond that. You're generous with your time, your advice, and your business expertise," Jack stated. "For example: If it wasn't for you, I might not have been convinced to let Lou have her Dude Ranch on the family property."

"And see how beautifully that turned out," Lisa said contentedly, instantly remembering a magical winter's night at that same Dude Ranch, cabins strung with bright lights, and the exchange of rings and vows.

"Yes, for the most part, you're right about that," Jack said with a soft chuckle, his mind also drifting back to the same winter's night, and the joys that followed since.

Sleep came easily to the happy couple, secure in each other's embrace.

***

Two Weeks Later

"So?"

"Dr. Hawthorn has given me the all-clear," Amy said as Ty opened the truck door for her. "She says everything looks good and it's okay for me to ride during the first trimester."

"That's good, Amy," Ty said, hoping he sounded genuine.

"It is," Amy said. "Now, are we ready to take on our latest client?"

"I think so," Ty said, as he started the truck.

"Great," Amy said with a smile while she buckled her seatbelt. "Because he's supposed to be arriving with his horses just after lunch."

Earlier that morning, Amy had received a call from a potential new client named Marvin Clancy about a case of foal rejection.

"Bring them to Heartland as soon as you can," Amy had advised. "My husband is a vet, so if there's something medically wrong with the mare, he can determine the issue. If it's something behavioural, I'll get to the bottom of it."

Now as the couple drove back home, they compared notes.

"Did you find out if it's a maiden mare?" Ty asked.

"No, but we can ask when Marvin arrives," said Amy.

"Okay," Ty said. "Is the mare showing any signs of aggression?"

"Fortunately, no," Amy answered. "Marvin told me she just won't let the little one suckle and seems to be fearful of it."

"Hmm," Ty murmured. "Could be a few things going on in this situation."

"Right," Amy said. "I can't wait for us to figure it out. We make a great team, Ty."

"I know," Ty said with a grin. "I love working with you at Heartland."

"I'm thinking it's probably still way too early for this foal to be weaned," said Amy, picking up their topic at hand.

"Yeah," Ty said. "I'm a little worried because it could be really difficult to find a surrogate on such short notice. If push comes to shove, we'll start a bottle-feeding regimen, obviously."

"You up for some late-night feedings, 'Dad'?" Amy teased.

"Practice for when Number Two arrives," Ty replied smartly, reaching over to rub Amy's belly.

"Good answer," Amy said, giggling at the ticklish sensation resulting from her husband's touch. "On a related note, I'm looking forward to having you as my birth partner this time around, Ty."

"What, your dad isn't your first choice? Didn't he do a good enough job last time?"

"Umm, let's not go there," Amy replied, rolling her eyes and laughing.

***

Due to the unusual circumstances of the mare's rejection of her foal, Marvin Clancy was obliged to trailer them separately.

"Sassy was not too pleased when I tried to transport little Windy with her," he explained. "I know it's best for the foal's first trailering to be with its mama, but mama wasn't having it."

"Well, you managed to get them both here," Ty said, "that's the important part. How old is Windy?"

"Six days old," Marvin answered.

"And have you started bottle-feeding him?" Amy asked.

"As soon as we noticed Sass wasn't feeding him," Marvin replied. "My wife and I have been in the stable pretty much since he was born, keeping an eye on things, getting him used to being around people. It's the first foal born on our farm, so it was a pretty big deal."

"So this is Sassy's first foal?" Amy asked of the Quarter Horse.

"No, it's her third," Marvin answered, "but the first she's had on my farm. I bought her two years ago from a friend. He said she'd had two before."

"Hm," Ty said reflectively. "And no indication she rejected the foals in those instances?"

"None at all," Marvin said, "which is why it's so concerning. I'd like to get to the bottom of this as soon as possible, obviously."

"Did Windy at least get some of the colostrum?" asked Ty, wanting to ensure the newborn had benefitted from the early nutrients and antibodies that first milk provided.

"Yeah, he suckled just fine the first two days," Marvin said. "But by day three, Sassy-girl started avoiding him and wouldn't let him feed."

"Okay, I'll do an examination of Sassy and run some tests to rule out a few things like mastitis or something more serious," Ty said.

"And if it's not something medical?" Marvin asked, sending a knowing glance in Amy's direction.

"Then I'll take over," Amy said. "For now, we'll keep up with the bottle-feeding routine. In the meantime, we should both try putting out some feelers into the community to see if there's a mare nearby that can come in as a nursemaid—as a last resort."

"All right," Marvin said with a hint of reluctance. "I'll try."

"Good," Amy said. "We all want what's best for these two, right?"

"For sure," Marvin said with a smile. "I'll call tomorrow to check in."

"Sounds good, Marvin," Ty said, shaking the man's hand. "We'll be in touch."

***

Next Day

"We can definitively rule out mastitis or any other problem affecting Sassy's mammary glands and milk production," Ty informed Marvin over the phone. "No indication of inflammation, swelling, ulcers, or tumors."

"Well, that's good, right?" Marvin asked.

"It's a good start," Ty acknowledged. "It means Sassy isn't rejecting Windy because she's experiencing pain or discomfort due to nursing."

"Okay, so what do we do next?"

"Well, we're continuing with bottle feeding, but Amy is going to turn them out into the paddock today and observe how they interact," Ty said. "Sometimes, horses don't like being cooped up in a stable. It could be Sassy just wants some space."

"But y'all are still handling Windy and getting him used to people, right?"

"Right, when we feed him," Ty replied.

"But nothing more?"

"What do you mean 'nothing more'?" Ty asked.

"I mean, I had hoped you and your animal-behaviour specialist wife would be more pro-active with the, y'know, the imprinting process," Marvin said, an edge of irritation creeping into his tone.

The concept of imprinting was not foreign to Ty, but it was one both he and Amy discouraged their clients from attempting too early on in a foal's development.

I don't even think I need Amy to diagnose what's up with Sassy and Windy, Ty thought ruefully. Marvin and his wife have probably been too hands-on with this poor foal, and his mama doesn't like it.

"Marvin, I'm sorry to disappoint you," Ty said as calmly as possible. "It's been our experience that over-handling a newborn foal can be detrimental to the bonds it's supposed to develop with its mother in those critical early days."

"Yeah, but this horse expert guy we follow on YouTube makes the point that the earlier you imprint on your horse, the easier he'll be to train up," Marvin argued. "He's a published author. Says de-sensitizing them early makes 'em more docile and more likely to trust humans."

Ty, not wanting to sound combative, said, "Mr. Clancy, I know there are plenty of people out there on the Internet with plenty of opinions, and I'm glad you're interested in doing what's best for Sassy and Windy, otherwise you wouldn't have brought them here, right?"

"That's right," Marvin said in agreement.

"So I'm asking you to trust me and my wife," Ty said. "There's still plenty of time to get Windy to 'trust humans', and my wife can even help you with that process. She's gentled wild horses; she knows what she's doing."

Marvin huffed, and grudgingly accepted Ty's request of trust. "Fine. But if Windy doesn't train up right, you know who I'm blaming."

***

"Well, I think we can draw a very strong conclusion about what the problem is with Sassy and Windy," Ty said, as Amy came down from the loft after putting Lyndy down for a nap.

"Oh?" she asked, fully curious.

"Yep," Ty said with a curt nod. "I spoke with Marvin just now, you know, to tell him there's nothing physically wrong with Sassy, and he mentioned he and his wife bought into the whole early imprinting thing with foals. They were apparently in there handling Windy as soon as he was born."

"Oh," Amy said. "That actually could explain a lot about why Sassy is rejecting Windy."

"Exactly," Ty said. "I mean, I don't blame him for doing what he thinks is best for his horses, but in this case, it's doing more harm than good."

"Well, the good news is we can probably fix the problem because we've caught it early. Windy is due for another feeding right about now, but when that's over, it will be time to turn them out."

"That's what I told Marvin you'd be doing," Ty said.

"And it needs to be done now more than ever," Amy added. "In fact, I think I'll turn Sassy out right away. It will give her space, and maybe it will give her time to miss her baby. Her mothering instincts don't just disappear overnight; we just need to help her remember them."

To Amy and Ty's disappointment, however, Sassy showed little interest in Windy by the afternoon. The foal's full stomach meant he was not inclined to want to suckle due to hunger, but he knew his mother's scent anyway, and craved her maternal closeness. Sassy wanted nothing of it. Every time the foal neared, she distanced herself from him. The window to get Windy nursing again naturally would be closing swiftly, and the pair of horse healers fretted this might be a rare case when they would have to accept defeat.

***

By the next morning, Amy wanted to persist in turning Windy out with the rest of the horses after each of his bottle feedings. She decided to hold off introducing any sort of dry feed for the time being, just to give the foal more time to observe the adults foraging so he would get the idea. Sassy persisted in her avoidance tactics.

When Georgie arrived home from school that afternoon, she went immediately to saddle Phoenix for a round of jumping practice. She noticed Amy watching the latest arrivals on her way from the stables.

"How are they doing?" the teen asked her aunt.

"No breakthroughs yet," Amy replied. "But at least we think we know what the trouble is."

"Yeah? What is it?"

"The owners were trying to do something with the foal called 'imprinting'," Amy explained. "In theory, it's supposed to help the foal become used to humans so it's easier to train later on, but instead it can really interfere with the natural bonds the baby is supposed to have with its mother if it's done too early or too aggressively. Since there's no medical reason for Sassy to be rejecting Windy, we think it's the over-handling by humans that's turned Sassy off from her own foal."

"Gee, that's too bad," Georgie said in sympathy. "Poor baby. I hope you guys can work it out."

"Me, too," Amy said with a sigh. "Anyway, I'll let you get to your practice."

"Thanks," Georgie said, snapping her helmet chinstrap and pulling it snug. Remi, upon seeing Georgie mount up, scampered from her spot on the porch to be closer to the action.

"Here comes your shadow," Amy said with a chuckle, giving the dog a quick rub around her furry jowls.

"Hi, girl," Georgie cooed. "Did you come to watch me practice? Good girl!"

Remi snuffled and gave her tail a few vigorous wags before settling down on the sidelines to take in Georgie's practice rounds. But before long, the dog wandered off towards the paddock, drawn to the pair of new horses. She yawned once with an extravagant stretch, and sat herself down next to Amy.

The dog and the human looked out upon a few of the permanent equine residents standing lazily in the paddock, grazing about. Windy the foal, having discovered other large animals not his own mother the previous day, would take a few tentative steps towards a strange horse, then suddenly prance off, as if playing a game of keep-away. The elder horses generally paid the foal no attention. His mother, though, avoided him at each playful approach, trotting off in a different direction each time he chanced to get near.

"Come on, Sassy," Amy said under her breath after observing this behaviour for close to an hour. "Take care of your baby. We stinky people aren't going to get in your way anymore."

Remi huffed and whined once, as if picking up on Amy's exasperation. She got to her feet, gave her tail a few gentle wags, then padded over in Sassy's general vicinity.

Amy watched in awe as Sassy sniffed curiously at this canine invading her space. Remi tolerated this attention with perfect calm and acceptance. Next, Sassy's large tongue came out, giving Remi's snout a long lick.

"Pals for life now," Amy said, a grin spreading across her face.

Ten minutes later, Remi was lying down at Sassy's feet, and the horse was nibbling calmly at some grass. Windy, however, was wary of the dog, its earlier curiosity around new creatures evidently forgotten.

***

"I think we've had a breakthrough," Amy said to Ty that evening after another round of bottle-feeding Windy was complete.

"Oh? What happened?" Ty asked.

"The canine companion factor," Amy answered triumphantly. "You know as well as I do that some nervous and stressed-out horses respond well to a companion animal. I mean, remember that goat Lisa had with Fairfield Flyer's clone a couple years ago?"

"Right," Ty said, thinking of how the high-strung thoroughbred had benefitted from the smaller animal's presence in its stall.

"Well, this afternoon, it was like Remi knew Sassy needed a friend. She went right over to her, and that seemed to break the ice. Sassy let Remi get right up to her and even licked her."

"You're kidding," Ty said.

"Nope. Remi just lay right down next to her out there in the paddock for the whole afternoon," Amy said. "It's the most relaxed I've seen that horse yet. I'll let her stay out tonight with the other horses, but I'd like to try turning Windy out again tomorrow and see what happens."

"That's excellent," Ty said. "Fingers crossed that Sassy will let Windy nurse tomorrow."

"I have a feeling she will," Amy said. "Gut instinct."

"Well, sure hope your gut's right, 'cause I actually forgot how tiring these round-the-clock feeding schedules can be."

"Oh, having second thoughts, 'Dad'?" teased Amy.

"Never," Ty said, stretching over to kiss her.

***

True to Amy's "gut instinct", Sassy was not on the alert when Windy's spindly legs carried him towards her early the next morning. Amy and Ty had purposely not fed the foal at the appointed time in the schedule so as to encourage it to seek out "breakfast" from its mother.

"Ty, look," Amy said in an excited whisper. "She's not running away from him."

"I see it," Ty said, his own excitement building.

The couple watched as the foal, ears flicking, crept closer, drawn by the promise of his mother's warm milk. He stretched his tongue out to the teat, latched on, and started suckling. Sassy remained in place, completely unperturbed by this activity.

"He's nursing!" Amy cried happily.

"Yes!" Ty exulted. "Marvin is going to be a very happy man when we tell him."

"He sure is," Amy said. "But make sure he knows he needs to get himself a Shepherd now, because I have a feeling Georgie isn't about to give up Remi."

Indeed, the canine was still out in the paddock, snoozing peacefully near the nursing mother and foal in the dewy morning grass.

***

Two Days Later...

"I know I said it earlier, but thanks for deciding to come to this one with me," Lisa said to Jack as they climbed into the Fairfield truck in preparation for departure to the vast Westfield estate.

"I have to admit this whole faux fox hunt deal really isn't so bad, despite the presence of certain individuals," Jack chuckled, a wry smile partially hidden beneath his generous moustache.

Both knew exactly which individuals Jack was referring to. Upon arriving at their destination, they walked with their horses on leads towards an open area before Paula Westfield summoned Jack.

"Hold him?" asked Jack, handing Lisa the line tethered to his jumper for the day, a Fairfield horse named Striker.

"Sure," Lisa said, taking the line from him. They were early still, as only a handful of participants had arrived, mostly those directly involved in a more official capacity. Moments later, she heard a voice she instantly recognized calling out a greeting, so she turned in response to it.

"Hello, Lisa! I see you managed to drag that fine husband of yours to another one of these things," Val said with a dry laugh and a half-grin.

"Hi, Val. Yes, I certainly did," Lisa replied warily. She was never entirely comfortable when Val referred to Jack in such familiar terms. But I really need to remember Jack has known Val longer than he's known me, she thought, they're just friends.

Jack was oblivious to Val's scrutiny while he stood talking with Paula about his role in today's proceedings.

"I guess he had such a great time at the last one, he couldn't stay away this time, eh?" Val laughed again, this time a little too harshly for Lisa's liking. "My, he sure does look handsome in those breeches and that jacket, I'll say!"

"Mm-hmm," Lisa agreed with a tight-lipped smile.

"Let's hope the weather cooperates," Val chatted on. "No more freak snowfalls, please and thank you!"

Lisa was about to add "And no more drinking so much you can't stay on your horse, Val," but charitably stopped herself before making such a pointed dig at her former rival for Jack's attention and affection.

"That is a very fine animal," Val stated, nodding towards Lisa's steed.

"He's something, isn't he? His name is Herring," Lisa responded, glad for the change in subject. "You remember Ben, my nephew?"

"Of course I remember Ben. I seem to recall my Ashley had an eye for him while he was staying at Briar Ridge."

"Well, Ben's horse—Red—is the sire," Lisa said.

Val sent a dubious look at Lisa. "Red's the sire of Herring? Seriously?"

Lisa tried to conceal a laugh. "Seriously. I know, it's not a very creative name. It wasn't my idea."

"I might be interested in him, if you're looking for a buyer," Val said, stroking the horse's neck.

"Well, I did have another client interested in him earlier," Lisa replied. "But why don't I have Herring trailered over to Briar Ridge next week or so? You can try him out; see if he's what you really want, and we'll see if we can hammer out a deal."

"All right, sure," said Val. At that moment Paula dismissed Jack and called for Val's attention to deal with some other matter. "We'll talk soon, Lisa."

"Okay."

"Hello, Jack," Val said huskily, a bright smile flashing across her face as they passed each other.

"Val," Jack responded cordially, about to tip a non-existent hat before remembering his head was bare. He continued on to where Lisa was waiting with their mounts.

"What was that about?" he asked as he reached his wife's side, having seen the tail end of their conversation.

"Val might be interested in buying Herring," Lisa answered while staring after the other woman's retreating figure, somewhat surprised she had not found some excuse to linger in order to chat with Jack.

"No kidding," Jack uttered.

"Jack," Lisa began tentatively, "I know these kinds of events are out of your comfort zone, but I'll say it once more: I really appreciate everything you do to make it out here with me."

"Well, I seem to recall a fly fishing date that was out of your comfort zone some years ago," Jack said with a twinkle in his eye. "Not too many ladies would have agreed to that. But you went the extra mile and even bought all the gear, just so you wouldn't disappoint me."

"I knew I wanted to spend time with you and to get to know you better," Lisa said, gazing up at him with affection. "I wasn't about to let that opportunity pass me by."

"And I'm forever grateful you came," he commented, remembering how she allowed him to hold her close and guide her hands and arms while holding the fishing rod. It meant so much to him that she trusted him implicitly, even at that early stage in their relationship.

I caught a real beauty, he recalled saying to the kids when he returned from that date; his meaning slowly dawning on them as he shuffled inside with a very contented smile on his face.

"We should do that again sometime," Lisa said, reaching for his hand and taking it in hers.

"Sounds like a plan!" Jack answered heartily.

*** Chapter 3: Or Worse

#Heartland #Heartland fanfiction #my fanfiction #Bad Business #JISA fanfiction #Amy Fleming #Ty Borden #Jack Bartlett #Lisa Stillman #Val Stanton #lyndy borden #A Heartland Murder Mystery #Paula Westfield #Red #Ben Stillman #OC Marvin Clancy #Remi #Georgie Crawley Morris #Lanny Barick #Paige Barick #Tanner Gunn #Dan Hartfield

[the-real-tc]

(Read the PROLOGUE here)

Chapter 1: Calm Before the Storm

"Ready to go?"

Amy looked up at her husband. "All set," she replied, taking in Ty's slim build in a nicely tailored suit.

"You look great, by the way," Ty complimented her, giving her a quick peck on the cheek.

"Thank you," Amy said with a smile, basking in his words of admiration. "You don't look so bad yourself, Dr. Borden."

Ty grinned back. "I'll carry Lyndy down to the house and catch up with you in the truck, okay?"

"Sure."

"Come on, kid," Ty whispered to the sleeping child, "let's get you down to your Grandpa Tim and cousin Katie." He gently lifted Lyndy from the crib, making sure to bring the stuffed rabbit Grandma Lily had given as a gift.

Amy listened to Ty's retreating steps as he descended the loft stairs into the barn below. The late March evening was mild enough that she would not need a heavy winter coat over her evening dress, as Hudson was enjoying a welcome dose of spring-like weather. A minute later, she was outside, opening the passenger-side door to their truck.

A similarly dressed-up Jack and Lisa waved to them across the yard before climbing into Lisa's Porsche. Both couples would be heading into town to attend a celebration hosted by Dr. Scott Cardinal; Lou and Georgie had gone ahead a few hours before. The party was going to be a small one, but Amy figured dressing up felt good for a change.

Ever since Scott hired Cassandra, now married to Ty's best friend Caleb, Amy had regarded the other woman as a threat. First, for Ty's affections—however irrational that fear—then for his job and position as partner at the veterinary clinic. As Ty drove down the familiar track and under the gallows gate, the thought crossed Amy's mind that she could not pinpoint the moment she ceased thinking of Cass as a rival. Somewhere along the way, the two had managed to forge a bond, and tried to carve out time in their busy schedules to socialize. The fact Cass and Caleb were Lyndy's godparents was a testament to that friendship.

"How did Cass react to the news?" Amy asked her husband.

"Like she was on cloud nine," Ty replied with a wide smile. "Practically floated out the door at the end of her shift when Scott told her last week."

"Well, I'm glad for her," said Amy, smiling at the mental image of an ecstatic Cassandra. "Not that I'm complaining, but I've been wondering: how can Scott afford having two partners now?"

"I'm not really supposed to say anything about it yet," Ty said, "but a group of local investors stepped in. They're interested in supporting businesses in Hudson, especially since so many of them had a rough time recovering after the flooding back in 2013... Anyway, somehow Scott's clinic came to their attention. Apart from run-of-the-mill puppy and kitty stuff, you know he's got steady work with the Polo Club."

"Right," Amy said with a slight nod.

"He's Tim's go-to guy at the rodeo school, and Hillhurst picked him for their on-call veterinarian, too," Ty added. "Plus, he's most likely going to be getting that coveted position of resident veterinarian at Spruce Meadows. So, things are looking really good for him and his new investors."

"I'm happy things are working out for him," Amy said. "He's come such a long way from the day Clint brought him to Heartland and Mom sponsored him."

"Yeah, he's worked hard for it," Ty acknowledged. "Personally, I'm humbled to be part of it. He's a great boss."

"Partner," Amy corrected.

"Oh, he still signs the paycheques," Ty chortled. "But you're right. He's a good partner—and boss."

***

Jack noticed Lisa's unusually reticent demeanour on the drive in to Hudson. He guessed it had something to do with the one-year anniversary of the deaths of Lanny and Paige Barick, with whom she had been acquainted. There had been a memorial in Calgary for the couple along with a press conference earlier that day which Lisa attended. Family members gave an impassioned plea for justice and for closure to the whole tragic affair. Business friends and associates that included Lisa pledged a monetary reward in exchange for information leading to an arrest and conviction since all leads had gone cold.

Though a year had gone by, the fact no one had been apprehended in the crime weighed heavily on the hearts and minds of all who knew Lanny and Paige. The case hit even closer to home, as Lou had been questioned by Calgary detectives about her role dealing with Lanny's investment portfolio. There had not been any irregularities Lou could identify from her end, and the law enforcement officers moved on to different avenues of investigation.

Instead of letting Lisa stew in her silence, Jack chose to pay her a compliment as a way of breaking the ice. On more than one occasion he had been compelled to call her out on not confiding in him when she could have used his emotional support.

"If I haven't already said so tonight, you look beautiful," he said, gently rubbing her knee.

This brought a quick smile to her face. She cast a brief, sideways glance in his direction. The sound of his voice and that simple touch had the much-needed effect of lifting her out of her pensive mood. Jack was right: the reminder about Lanny and Paige had upset her more than she was willing to admit. Her mind had been occupied with the way police had initially been tight-lipped about the investigation, and how the rumour mill had churned out all kinds of wild, sordid theories.

"Thank you," she managed to reply, dragging her thoughts back to the present moment. "You don't look so bad yourself, Cowboy." She adored how handsome and dignified he looked in the combination of the suit she had custom-made for him, bolo tie, and pristine white hat. He cut an impressive figure with his height and his build. While he would be considered a senior in terms of chronological age, Jack Bartlett was far from a stereotypical frail and doddering old man. "I know you don't like getting dressed up, but I'm glad you did."

"Well, when my gorgeous wife goes to the trouble of getting dolled-up for a celebration, I guess I have to make sure her husband isn't the goat in the room."

The two of them shared a light laugh at his old, personal self-deprecating description; Jack gave himself a mental pat on the back for managing to lighten Lisa's mood. Now he could be assured they would enjoy the evening without some dark cloud hanging overhead.

"I think it's a fine thing you and those other investors have done for the vet clinic," Jack said, sensing he could now talk freely about any topic. He did not know all the details, but was marginally aware of Lisa's involvement in the group's decision to boost Scott's operating capital.

"Scott has done so much for so many people in Hudson, including Fairfield," Lisa commented. "He was a safe investment; a total no-brainer. And now that he can afford to bring Cassandra on as a partner, I think Ty feels better about his own choice to cut back on his hours there to build his practice with Amy at Heartland. Everybody wins in this one."

Jack was brimming with pride. "You just think of everything, don't you?"

"At least when it comes to the people I love."

***

Maggie's Diner, though by no means high-class in terms of decor or dining fare, was Scott's choice in venue for the small celebration. After all, as he put it, he had "an in" with the owner, and Lou was only too happy to oblige his request.

The guest of honour stood with Caleb; the happy pair were chatting with a few other guests when the Bartlett-Fleming-Borden clan arrived.

"Cassandra, congratulations on making partner at the clinic!" Amy declared upon seeing the other woman, moving in for a friendly hug.

"Thank you!" Cass said, beaming. She accepted the embrace before returning to her husband's side. Caleb mirrored her smile as he snaked his arm around her waist.

At the appropriate time in the evening's festivities, Scott took to the small stage area, palmed the microphone, and began reading from a speech he had prepared.

"I'd like to thank all of you for coming tonight," he started. "I've been so lucky to be able to mentor such a great young veterinarian like Cassandra. I'll say a few words about her, in case some of you don't know. She's not only an excellent veterinary surgeon, but she also specializes in veterinary acupuncture, a procedure you would have had to go to Calgary for if you wanted it—before she started working with me."

Light applause ensued, and Cassandra gave a demure smile at this praise.

"Let's not forget all the crappy graveyard and weekend shifts; all the thankless times she picked up the slack when my other partner took side-trips to Mongolia and B.C. with Vets Without Borders…" Scott continued. "Make no mistake: she's more than paid her dues. It's not always easy running a 'country' vet practice. But having Cass on staff is a fantastic asset, and I wish I could have made her a full partner sooner. Now, thanks to our new private investors, I can finally afford it!"

Scott glanced over at Lisa with a broad smile at that moment. She sent a wink in tacit reply. Few would have known she was attending the party not only as a long-time client and friend, but also as the official representative of the investor's group that made Cassandra's partnership fiscally possible.

"Please put your hands together to congratulate my newest Hudson Veterinary Clinic partner, Dr. Cassandra Fay Odell!"

Cass basked in the adulation.

Someone called "Speech!" which was followed by a few guffaws. But Cass seemed game, so she boldly approached Scott on the small stage. He passed the microphone to her outstretched hand before bringing her in for a hug.

"Thank you, Scott," she said as she looked out among those gathered. "This has been an amazing evening, and I am so proud to be working for such a great mentor and boss. I love my job, and I am thrilled to be accepted into the practice as a full partner."

Polite applause followed these words, but Cass was not finished.

"Scott mentioned his other partner—Dr. Ty Borden. For those of you who don't know, he's the adventurer of our little veterinary trio. He's been to far-flung places with names I can't even pronounce with Vets Without Borders. We started out as pretty fierce competitors, but over the years, Ty and his wife Amy have become close friends with me and my husband, Caleb.

"In fact, we're godparents to their little girl, Lyndy. This is particularly meaningful to me and Caleb, because we've been trying to start a family for a while but haven't really been having much success. Watching Lyndy grow from babyhood into the adorable toddler she is has been a real joy."

Amy and Ty grinned up at Cass, though the rest of the party-goers were starting to wonder where this discussion was leading.

"Now, there's a tiny announcement that needs to be made," Cass continued. "Amy and Ty were a little concerned that this announcement would have stolen my thunder, but I told them it would be a perfect opportunity, since we're here with so many friends and loved ones, so... Amy; Ty, get on up here."

Ty grasped Amy's hand to lead her up towards Cass. Lisa glanced up at Jack as if to ask What's going on? but he seemed equally puzzled; Georgie and Lou likewise shrugged at each other.

"Uh, thanks, Cass," Ty shyly spoke into the mike before passing it to Amy.

"Stay up here, Cass," Amy said to her friend. "Anyway, it's so good to see all of you here tonight; our family members and good friends. It's actually a double-announcement, by the way."

Ty leaned close to the mike and added: "Yeah, Cass talked about our little girl, Lyndy, who's now nearly two years old and growing bigger every day."

"So, the reason we're up here is to tell you all that we are, in fact, going to be having another baby," Amy said, as Ty draped an arm around her shoulders.

Applause filled the diner, with Jack, Lisa, Lou and Georgie staring up at the young couple in happy wonder.

"But like Amy said, it's really a double-announcement," Ty uttered when the clapping petered out. "Caleb, man, you need to get up here."

"Get up there?" a confused Caleb repeated. "Why?"

"Just get up here, you goof," Cass called.

"All right," he said, dazedly walking up to his wife.

Cass took the microphone from Amy while smiling slyly at her husband. "I mentioned before Caleb and I were hoping to start a family," she began to tell the crowd. "Well, it looks like the Bordens and the Odells will have to start planning for a joint baby shower, because I'm pregnant, too!"

"Whoa!" Caleb cawed as a million-watt smile brightened his face. "Babe, so that's why you've been so secretive this week... and I thought it was all about your partnership announcement. But this announcement is even better."

"It is!" Cass replied, matching his smile, and the couple shared a deep kiss, which resulted in more clapping, hooting, and cheering from the crowd.

***

Chapter 2: For Better

#heartland #heartland fanfiction #my fanfiction #Bad Business: A Heartland Murder Mystery #Chapter 1: Calm Before the Storm #JISA #JISA fanfiction #Amy Fleming #Ty Borden #Jack Bartlett #Lisa Stillman #Lou Fleming #Georgie Fleming-Morris #Scott Cardinal #Caleb Odell #Cassandra Fay Odell #Maggie's Diner