THE DARE (G!P Freenbecky)

Chapter 24

Over dinner, Danielle explained how this benefit dinner of Philip Armstrong's worked.

"It's a bit like the Fire and Ice ball down in Los Angeles. Everyone has to come dressed in either black, or white, or both, so you'll be fine in a black tuxedo with a white shirt. The tables and a small stage for the auction after dinner are set up in an airline hanger by the airport for one crucial reason. Phillip allows people to bring their companion animals, and many do. The only rule is, you cannot bring an animal who might fight or hurt anyone at the ball."

Freen considered this. "I don't have an animal with me. I left my dog at home with Heng," She thought of Riley, the golden retriever she'd found wandering the streets about four years ago and brought back home.

Danielle tapped a perfectly manicured fingernail on the table as she thought. "Phillip isn't the only one in this city who does animal rescue work. I think I have the perfect little friend for you, and he'll look stunning with your suit."
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The following day, Becky drove down to Carmel and met up with her grandfather's friend Monty the horse trainer. She'd already explained to him over the phone that she needed his help in order to pick out a very gentle pony for a special little girl in time for a Christmas delivery.

"I think Cider here is one you want to go with," Monty said, leading her inside a spacious stall. Becky had known Monty from childhood and had a soft spot for the former jockey with his bandy little legs and almost bald head.

The pony in question was a gorgeous Connemara, a reddish bay with black legs and a black mane and tail. A white blaze adorned his intelligent face, and one of his legs had a white sock.

"He's gorgeous," she said, "Thank you, Monty, I think he'll be quite perfect."

"He's twelve years old, and as solid and sound as they come. Thirteen hands high, so she won't outgrow him. And Connemaras are bred for their temperament, so this one's perfect for your little miss."

The Irish pony looked up with interest as they both approached him.

"So you're sure he'll be safe for an eight-year-old?" Becky said as she gently stroked the pony's brow.

"Becky," said Monty, "You could light a bomb beneath this one's arse, and he wouldn't kick her off."

"He sounds exactly like what we're looking for," she said as she studied the gelding, then smiled and gave him a final pat. "Gentle, smart, the perfect pony for her to learn on."

"A nice little man, Cider is, if I do say to myself. He's a sweetie, and loves people. I know his temperament because I trained him myself."

"That settles it," Becky said, reaching for her checkbook. She told him the name of the stable she'd reserved space at, then said, "Can he be delivered by Christmas morning?"
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Freen bought a suit the very next day, and endured standing for her fitting. The tailor Roberto assigned to her was quick and efficient and promised her that the Armani tuxedo would be delivered to her hotel room within forty-eight hours. Even though the charity ball was still several days away. Freen had the feeling that this would be the right moment for her to meet Becky again.

As she left the store that morning, she was feeling a lot more confident than she had less than twenty-four hours earlier, crawling out from beneath those theater seats. She had gone all out and purchased an entire round table of ten seats for The Animal Dance, as the event was called, and had phoned Heng to let him know that their company had found an entirely new charity to support.

"Ten grand for one party?" Heng had said. "Are you sure you know what you're doing?"

"I do, indeed," Freen told him. "The woman on the phone assured me that bu buying all seats at one table, I could have one right up by the front, near the stage."