Rusty B’s May Newsletter 2020

• Posted on 27th May 2020
• in Newsletters, Romantic Fiction Author Rusty Blackwood
• by admin

---

Rusty B’s May Newsletter 2020

Greetings everyone, and welcome to my May Newsletter 2020! I hope everyone is keeping well and managing to make the best of this current situation. We will soon be into June, and summer will be upon us. For me, this entire spring when I begin my public events has been a total wash-out, and by the looks of it, it will continue to be. With today’s announcement of continuing our province’s emergency measures,  I will not be doing my signing at Pen Center Coles on June 7^th. If the store had a street entrance then the event may have happened, but since it is in Niagara’s largest Mall, it will not as Malls have not yet been opened. I have been waiting to hear on this before I made this announcement, but I will be posting the cancellation,  and will re-schedule. When I know the replacement date, I will post it.

<><><><><>

 

Thank goodness for internet media and online events. At least it allows coverage for authors and their work, and for readers who have internet access – most do – it allows connection to one’s work. Since this temporary change in life,  I have been doing more online events and my latest appeared yesterday, a new interview by Awesome Book Promotions and you may view it on my website by taking this secure link: https://www.rusty-blackwood.com/awesome-book-promotions-featured-author-today/

Earlier articles consisting of interviews, author spotlights, and featured book of the day can be viewed at my website by taking these secure links: For Featured Book, May 5, at: https://www.rusty-blackwood.com/join-rusty-book-reader-magazine-today/, Author of the Day on Many Books, manybooks.net at: https://www.rusty-blackwood.com/many-books-author-day/, and Book of the Day on Discount Bookman at: https://www.rusty-blackwood.com/discount-bookman-features-perils-autumn/. Please watch for my upcoming feature, the first of my summer tour, happening on Awesome Gang, awesomegang.com on June 8^th. Hope you will check it out.

<><><><><>

I am managing to get work done on my upcoming novel, Return to Autumn, the follow-up to my 5-star, multi-award-winning romantic drama, The Perils of Autumn. The story is closing in on its end, and I hope your anticipation of this novel will be met with satisfaction. This story has been a pleasure to both create and write. If Landon Lawns Stables existed, I would love to be there and live in Landon Manor. I think any story that a writer creates is special, especially to them for it comes from their imagination, based on many things that allows the reader enjoyment, and escape into a different reality. I love all the stories that I have written thus far, but the story presented through the pages of The Perils of Autumn & Return to Autumn have found a special place in my heart. I hope in yours too.

As in prior Newsletters, I have been offering an excerpt from my new novel, and I shall continue to do so. Today I would like to offer a portion of Chapter 29: Unsuccessful Interrogation

With the passing of Cinnamon, the month of November had again become sad, overshadowed beneath a dark grey cloud that refused to leave. Everyone mourned the dear old ginger mare in the same manner they had mourned Alice Landon in November of nineteen seventy. To the majority at Landon Lawns, the horses were every bit as important and loved as any human member of the family, the reaction the same with the passing of any of the equines that had ever called this beautiful stable home, and as much as it was a professional business, conducted as such, it did not lessen the sadness of a death that only the passing of time could remedy. Because of what had happened, the dressage event at the Equestrian Center on the sixth had slipped by with no entries from Landon Lawns.

It was now moving towards the end of the month. The feeling in the air may remain sad, but stable protocol had continued, and along with it the daily routines. Manfred had gone about his work, immersing himself in the overseeing of Strike Path’s daily exercises – much to Duff Taylor’s contrition – but the steadfast trainer was not leaving anything to chance. He knew that Cyril’s hopes of another Triple Crown were greatly invested in the young stallion being readied for next spring’s racing season. He realized he would not be on Strike’s back in the coming Derby, but he must still be assured the training was progressing as it should. He and Duff only communicated when necessary, and even that weighed heavy on his mind in knowing the one that suffered the most from this unsavory habit was Strike the Path. It needed to change. In realizing this, he decided it was time he made the long-overdo trek to Bluegrass Acres.

This somewhat unnerved him, as he thought, what if Wilson denies everything Willy and I have managed to find out? We could come off looking like a couple of imbeciles. But if they didn’t see it through, they would forever wonder. Not only that, they would be saddled with Duff Taylor until he grew too old to ride. As the trainer stood pondering these thoughts, William sauntered into the arena. He couldn’t help noticing his friend’s befuddled expression and took no time in enquiring.

“What’s got your face pulled into a scowl, Manny?”

“Oh, hi, Willy … I’m just thinking. I plan on going over to Bluegrass Acres within the hour. Can you come with me?”

This question took but a second to be answered. “I’m right with yaw! Let’s hope Wilson is there when we arrive. I think we should just chance it, don’t want to tip him off as to why we both need to talk to him. Might become suspicious and bolt.”

“Naw, can’t see him doing that. What reason would he have? If it was Taylor, then yeah. If he thought someone was on to him, I believe he’d soil his britches.”

William could not contain his laughter as it rang through the overhead rafters. Finally gaining composure, he admitted, “Hey now, I’d pay to see that! Ha-ha-ha! He often walks like he’s got a load in there already. Would sure as hell bring him down a peg or two if he did.”

Manfred suddenly found his prior statement delightfully comical and fought to contain his amusement. Yet, they could tease and mock until the cows come home, it wouldn’t change the current situation. They were the only ones that could.

“Let’s get the lead out and get over there,” Manfred advised, and the two sauntered out to the van.

It would take only five minutes to arrive at their destination. Before they even got settled in their seats, they were there. The stables appeared quiet, as if it were deserted, and considering the time of day it was most strange. Exiting the van, Manfred, with William on his heels walked into the main stable where the office was located to find burly, grey-haired Tom Brennan pouring over a large ledger. He was so consumed with what he was reading he hadn’t noticed the two enter the room.

Clearing his throat while zeroing in on the ledger, Manfred addressed the man. “Excuse me, Mr. Brennan, sorry to intrude, it appears we may have come at a bad time.”

Tom Brennan was known for his crude business sense along with an excessive lack of manners, and he was living up to this reputation, as he barked, “State your business, Montgomery! Did Landon send you for something?”

“No. William and I are here to speak with your trainer. Is he about?”

“What do you need to talk to him about?”

Manfred knew Brennan’s lack of decency toward his fellow man, this also included his insufficient compassion for horses, treating them merely as meal tickets and that was something Manfred could never abide nor understand.

Instantly conjuring a white lie, Manfred replied, “As a trainer, I’d like to discuss an issue I’m presently having with a stubborn gelding, and I hear he’s quite good in this area. We won’t take up his time anymore than we must. Didn’t see anyone around when we pulled up. Is he available?”

“Best check the back pasture. He works a lot of horses back there as it’s private. If he’s not there, check his apartment, out the door of my office, to the left, third door down the corridor toward the back. Now, I need to get back to work. You can find your way out,” and his eyes instantly dropped to the ledger before him.

Moving along the double fenced, grass-covered riding path leading towards the back of the property, William grumbled, “Brennan’s never changed in all the years I’ve known him. No wonder Cyril has always spoken about him like he does. You’d be hard-pressed to find any horseman throughout The Meadows that would speak any differently.”

“Yeah, Willy, I know. It’s no wonder this stable has such a turn-over in personnel. They’re getting as bad as Grey Squirrel Stables, and that’s hitting rock bottom. Maybe Brennan should take a page out of their book, cause no hand is going to put up with his bad demeanor for long. Maybe we finally got here in time just in case Wilson becomes fed-up and moves on.”

“Yep. Let’s hope we get somewhere,” and noticing two men in the center of the back pasture, he continued, “Look there, Manny, I think it’s him, but he’s not alone. Wonder why in hell he has to work a horse way back here?”

“That’s anybody’s guess, and only Brennan, or Wilson himself knows the answer. Hopefully we can speak with him privately,” and waving an arm above his head, he called, “Andy Wilson! We’re from Landon Lawns and we’d like to have a word with you! In private if we could!”

The handicapped trainer had noticed the two men and had started in their direction. His tall assistant stayed back with the huge sorrel that appeared full of fire. The man had his hands full, but so far, the horse was adhering to his orders.

Arriving at the fence, the cane-assisted trainer held out his hand, and enquired, “You’re Manfred Montgomery, aren’t you? I remember you from Cyril Landon’s celebration party for his wife a while back.” Shifting his attention to William, he continued, “And you’re the head foreman of Landon’s operation, right?”

The slight man’s demeanor appeared cordial. William liked this, for it meant he might very-well be accommodating with regards to why they were there.

Grasping Wilson’s outstretched hand, William affirmed, “That’s right. I’ve been with Cyril Landon an awfully long time, as has Manfred. Great place to work.”

“Yeah, it’s a good-looking operation; some fine horseflesh there. I understand it stables a Triple Crown winner.”

“You understand right,” William replied, “the nineteen sixty-nine champion, Devil May Care. We’re hoping for a nineteen seventy-seven winner in Strike the Path Firmly.”

“You don’t say,” stated Wilson, “I just might swing by one of these days to check both out.”

Manfred suddenly declared, “I wish you would! We’d all like that! Cyril had mentioned he didn’t have much time to chat with you at the party, but I know he’d very much like to know you.”

The tall trainer couldn’t help but smile at the scenario he was plotting, yet time would tell if it would materialize.

Glancing at his watch, Wilson said, “I soon need to return to work, Brennan’s a stickler for results. What did you want to speak with me about?”

The time had finally come. Both Manfred and William could hardly believe they were standing directly in front of the man that could bring down the high and mighty Duff Taylor. They must be careful, yet tactful. Because of William’s original information, Manfred suggested he be spokesman, assuring the foreman he would back him up every step of the way.

Taking a deep breath while hoping for the best, William dived in. “I hope yaw don’t take what I’m about to say in the wrong way. I had obtained your name a few years ago through a conversation I had with a couple of trainers I’d run into at Lexington Equestrian Supplies. I had overheard them talking about a steeplechase that had taken place in Aintree England back in nineteen sixty-four, involving an unsolved incident resulting in a horse being put down, and its jockey losing a portion of his leg. When I finally got the chance to question them, they divulged your name, adding that they weren’t sure what had happened, nor did they know the jock’s name that had caused it, but they did say charges were never laid.”

The cane-assisted man did not flinch. He appeared totally unmoved by what he was hearing. Either he was not the Andy Wilson in question or had regimented himself to the point where he would not admit to it if he were.

“Why are you telling me this?” Wilson asked, his tone void of emotion.

Uncertain of this strange reaction, William replied, “I’m simply trying to get to the bottom of an issue that, shall I say, hits close to home.” He had suddenly become uncertain if he should mention Duff Taylor.

Manfred could not help feeling that they would not get anywhere unless they pressed the issue. He felt the man was exactly who they sought, but for some reason, known only to him, was purposely being evasive.

Manfred was not letting this go, and he picked up the questioning. “Mr. Wilson, I know you are the jockey involved in that accident that my friend is questioning you about. I can understand your reluctance to discuss it, after all, you lost a very lucrative career because of what happened that day, but what I don’t understand is the reluctance to bring the one responsible for it to justice.”

Andy Wilson stood firm, not giving an inch. There could have been multiple reasons why he refused to answer their questions, discuss the matter; even find closure to an ordeal that caused him untold grief, still, whatever the reason, he refused to engage, remaining unmovable.

<><><><><>

As I close this May Newsletter, I would like to take the opportunity to thank each one of you for your amazing support of my work, and me as an its author. It means more than you know. All my work is available on all Amazons in Kindle and Paperback. The Perils of Autumn, published by Tellwell Publishing, is available on Kindle, and in paperback & hardback editions at all Amazons. It is also available on KOBO and in paperback & hardback editions at the order desks of all Chapters-Coles-Indigo across Canada.

Comments are always welcomed to my Newsletters, or  direct inquires to me at my official website https://www.rusty-blackwood.com/ or by e-mail at writerrusty@hotmail.ca. As always, support your local authors, and all your local talent in the Arts!

Cheers!

Rusty B

Please Like me on Facebook, Follow me on Twitter, and Subscribe to my YouTube Channel. Also, please Friend Me at My Canada Book: https://mycanadabook.com/Author

Tags: Canadian Indie author Rusty Blackwood, Canadian Indie Romance author Rusty Blackwood, drama, fiction, Indie author Rusty Blackwood, literary news, media, newsletters, Return to Autumn, romance author, romance fiction author, romance novelist Rusty Blackwood, romantic fiction author Rusty Blackwood, The Perils of Autumn