Bruce and Lilac thought they had finally eluded their pursuers, but unfortunately the criminals were smart enough to track them down.
Will they be able to keep a step ahead of the bad guys yet again? Will the INTERPOL agents arrive in time to help Bruce and Lilac, and arrest those who would do them harm?
Bruce thanked the woman, who then left. "Yeah, but we aren't going to get the chance."
"I think we might. Have a look."
Bruce looked out of the window, and decided Lilac was right.
They found the maid, and asked her if there was a vehicle that they might borrow. They were willing to pay, and fill the gas tank.
"No, sorry, the gardener took our only car into town this morning."
They thanked her for her hospitality, and made a quick exit. Lilac led the way, running for the stables.
"Lilac, we can't just take horses, that's stealing! And we don't even know how to ride!"
"We aren't going to take them. Horses go back home when turned loose. We just need a ride to somewhere safe. I had a champion jumper when I was a kid, I know how to ride."
"What about me?" Bruce asked reluctantly.
"If we can slip out unnoticed, we can take it nice and slow. If not, just don't fall off."
"Thanks..." Bruce muttered.
"You did say you wanted to see more of England. What better way than on horseback?"
Bruce didn't get the chance to answer, because Lilac had finished saddling the two best horses. There were five left.
She had considered turning them loose, or taking them along. Both options would eliminate the chance of leaving quietly. Instead she had hid as much of the riding tack as she could, especially the remaining saddles and bridles.
They cautiously left the stables, then climbed on their horses. Bruce held on too tightly, so Lilac took his reins until he got a feeling for the horse's movements.
Bruce and Lilac traveled slowly across pasture land for about an hour without seeing any people or buildings. By then Bruce was getting used to guiding his horse, and was enjoying the experience.
"You were right, Lilac, this is a great way to see the country!" He said.
After a while they decided to go a little faster, and Bruce's confidence skyrocketed. They eventually saw a large Creek ahead. They stopped to water the horses, and refresh themselves.
There was a large field ahead, bordered by thick, large trees. The forest had a wild look.
Behind them, they heard a yell, then arguing.
"That's the third time I've fallen off! I say we go back and get a chopper!"
"There's no time! They already have a head start, that stupid maid told us that they had been gone at least a half hour. Riding is easy you idiot, didn't you ever go to summer camp?"
It was quiet again. They were not able to see their pursuers yet, but they were obviously not far behind.
The maid had obviously tried to discourage the criminals from following, for which she was thankful. Otherwise the one experienced with horses might have gone ahead alone. Bruce had badly needed the time to adjust.
"Let's go." Whispered Lilac.
They took off towards the woods at a gallop, trying to use what little natural cover that was available. Bruce was doing well considering he had never been on a horse before.
Almost across the field, Lilac glanced back. The two riders were just visible. She urged Bruce to go faster, but he was just clinging to his galloping mount's mane, not even holding the reins properly.
She shook her head, and let her horse slow to meet his pace. When they were in the woods, she slowed further, letting him pull ahead. She then called out. "Hang on, and keep your head down by the horse's neck!"
"What - "
At that instant, she slapped the rump of his horse as hard as she could with her reins. It BOLTED! Leaping fallen trees, and charging through even the thickest of brush! Lilac followed close behind, avoiding the worst obstacles. She grinned, thoroughly enjoying it.
*To be continued...
To read from the beginning, click here
Photo by Bartosz Bartkowiak from Pexels
Originally published by me on Uptrennd, a now dead platform