RP: I won't tell if you won't Who: Theodore and Ron Where: Royal Windsor Racecourse, Berkshire When: 23 May, 2005 Rating: TBD Status: Ongoing
While the owners of the riding centre finished up the paperwork after Grand Illusion's final race, Theodore helped load the final box of supplies. He passed it off to Stephen in the horse trailer before heading back to the stall. He liked coming to the track when they took on a new retiree. The thoroughbreds were beautiful and Theodore enjoyed visiting with them, reminiscing on the days where the Nott Estate had a stable full of horses from which he could pick and choose.
The grounds weren't empty. Beyond the stables people still milled about, talking with their friends about Grand Illusion winning his last great race. The general public didn't come into the stable area, mostly to keep the horses happy and calm. So it surprised him when three people, who were obviously not staff members, were standing near the last stall, half in shadow.
As Theodore got nearer, he could hear their conversation. Threats. Demands of payment. More threats.
He frowned. Bookies were generally good at keeping their business off the property. At least the reputable ones were. These fellows were certainly far from reputable. Theodore knew he shouldn't get himself involved, for his own safety, but he couldn't just let some poor sod get himself knifed.
Grabbing one of the hay forks propped up against one of the stalls, he walked calmly down toward the threesome.
"You fellows are making the horses nervous. It's time to clear off," he said evenly.