“The way you’re letting him handle things,” Margaret corrected. “We both know that it will only last as long as you permit it.” She glanced back at Jubaldar. “Or as long as those bastards keep making mistake after mistake that irritate the hell out of you.”

*  *  *

Jubaldar Racetrack
9 A.M.
32 Hours to Race Time

“He’s looking in good shape.” Davidow’s gaze was narrowed on Chaos as Sasha led him onto the track. “Maybe a little too good. The last time I saw him that sleek and menacing was right before he went after that stable boy and broke his legs.”

“Who you should never have forced to get near Chaos,” Sasha said. “That was entirely your fault.”

He shrugged. “You’re avoiding the subject. I haven’t seen Chaos this on edge since the first day that you started handling him. Are you losing your touch? Am I going to have to pick up your battered remains and scramble to get someone else to ride him tomorrow? I won’t be pleased if I have to give Masenak that news.”

“At that point, I don’t believe I’d be worried about how you’re feeling, Davidow.”

“Answer me,” Davidow bit out.

There was no use antagonizing the trainer, she thought wearily. He was so wary of Masenak firing him that he’d go on the attack at the least encouragement. Her best bet would be to keep him as neutral as possible. “He’s not in the best mood. I might have a few problems with him today.” Davidow started to curse, and she held up her hand. “I’ll work through it. It can’t be that bad. He let me put a saddle on him, and he wasn’t too impatient while I was saddling Nightshade.” She glanced back at the chestnut thoroughbred being led out of the stable by Nightshade’s stable boy. “But you might have to move her to the main stable if he keeps on being temperamental. I don’t want her hurt.”

“And have Reardon on my ass? No way. Handle it some other way. I’ve got enough trouble keeping those damn guests from overrunning my stable. Six of them showed up this morning wanting to go for a ride before breakfast. Most of them don’t even know how to mount a horse. I had to send some of my help with them so they wouldn’t break their necks.” He turned on his heel. “And then I come here and find you having trouble with Chaos. Fix it!”

Sasha turned back to Chaos. You heard him. I’m supposed to fix you. I don’t want you to stretch out and wear yourself out today. A gentle run? Or are you going to toss me?

I might let you ride me. Pause. But she will go with us.

What? Who?