TILLBRIDGE STABLES series (by Nina Crespo) Scavenger Hunt Stop!

He removed his sunglasses and the force of his gaze pinned her to the seat. “First, my schedule is already packed without adding more to it. Second, the stable is busy in general so it’s not the best time to have someone tagging along, and third, what we do here isn’t acting. We work hard. The only way you can learn about this place is actual y digging in and sweating through the day-to-day, not rolling over the surface and acting the part for entertainment.”

“Hold on a minute. I know how to work hard, and yes, acting is about entertainment, but that doesn’t mean that the role I’m auditioning for isn’t important for people to see.”

“What part is it?”

A based-on-real-life scientist who studied the effects of climate changes on animals in an effort to save them from extinction. She actual y had tried out for that part a few weeks ago, but just like with the Drippy Dry commercial, she hadn’t gotten that one either.

If she told him that was the part she was auditioning for now, he might see her in a different light—but lying would mean she felt the need to justify herself and her choice of roles. She didn’t. Using her imagination to create enjoyment for people by transporting them into a different world was nothing to be ashamed of.

Chloe looked directly into his eyes. “The friend of a supernatural horse whisperer who owns a horse farm.”

He put his sunglasses back on and muttered. “That figures.”

A held-back suggestion of where to put his “that figures” almost set her mouth on fire, but she had better things to do than argue.

She got out of the golf cart. “When and where should I meet you?”

“Philippa Gale is the manager and chef for the guesthouse. You’re meeting her here at ten o’clock.”

“I’m supposed to be shadowing you.”

“I have to sort out my schedule first. I’l get back to you. I’ve got people waiting for me. There’s a new horse coming in, and I’m late. I have to go.” Tristan released the brake on the golf cart and sped off.

Sort out his schedule? She wasn’t going to just sit on her butt waiting around for him to decide when he’d get back to her. Like she’d told him earlier, she was fine on her own.

She hauled her purple suitcase and carry-on bag out of the trunk of her car, then wheeled them up the side ramp to the covered white-pillared porch.

A soft breeze swayed green rocking chairs in front of windows framed by green shutters. In the distance, at the bottom of a gently sloping grassy incline, horses grazed in a fenced-in pasture.

Seconds passed before she registered why she’d paused and drawn in such a deep breath. The clean, fresh air was devoid of exhaust fumes. And the view was stunning.

She walked through the double-door entry into a dark, wood-floored modern space boasting just enough country living accents.

Gold framed paintings of horses running and grazing in rolling fields and near mountains hung on white walls.

Chloe continued straight ahead past a seating area with two navy couches surrounding a stained natural wood coffee table to the reception counter.

The slim brunette standing behind it wearing a navy blouse with the stable’s logo smiled. “Hello. Welcome to Tillbridge.”

The woman checked Chloe in and gave her a key card. On a map featuring the twenty-room guesthouse, she pointed out the adjoining Pasture Lane Restaurant along with the guest cottages on the property, the stable and the general area.

Chloe folded the map and stuck it in her purse. “Can you tell me where I can find Philippa Gale? I’m supposed to meet her in a half hour.”

“Try the restaurant. One of the staff will be able to tell you where she is.”

“Thank you.”

Upstairs in her room, Chloe stripped off her red boots in the mahogany-floored entryway and left them by the door.

The smell from her boot diminished in the light scent of pine polish used on the wood furniture in the room.

She put her purse and carry-on bag on top of the dresser to her left. Then she placed her suitcase on the padded bench to the right that was sitting at the foot of the queen-size bed with a blue quilted headboard and covered with a sumptuous cream comforter. Another beautiful view pulled her to the side window.

A green lawn extended from the side of the guesthouse to the tree line where the beginning of a paved trail was visible. Where did it lead? To a pasture or another scenic spot? She’d have to explore where later.

Holland believed the outdoors stimulated creativity. In fact, she had sent the actors for the snowbound blizzard drama she’d directed to live in the wilds of Alaska for a month so they could acclimate to how the area could affect the characters they’d played. The snowmageddon film, as it was often called, had received multiple accolades, and the lead actress had won an award for her performance.

Sure, the part she was auditioning for wasn’t the lead, but if she was great, which she would be, it would move her from mediocracy to prominence as an actress. And possibly open the door to an even larger future—becoming a director and someday a producer.

When it came to women she admired who were working behind the camera, Holland Ainsley was her shero. The films she directed were graceful y unfolding stories that featured breathtaking visuals, and unflinching performances that were thought-provoking. Holland was also known for not being afraid to fight for her vision or for more opportunities for women to direct and produce in Hollywood.

If she made Holland aware of her interest, Holland might consider talking with her and provide guidance of how she could move ahead.

But none of that would happen if she didn’t get over her apprehension around horses and nail winning the part.

Scavenger Hunt Tour Schedule:

Week One:

1/25/2021	Rockstar Book Tours	Kickoff Post/Scavenger Hunt Clue 1
1/25/2021	Lisa Loves Literature	Scavenger Hunt Clue 2
1/26/2021	BookHounds	Scavenger Hunt Clue 3
1/26/2021	A Dream Within A Dream	Scavenger Hunt Clue 4
1/27/2021	Becky on Books	Scavenger Hunt Clue 5
1/27/2021	Pass Me That Book	Scavenger Hunt Clue 6
1/28/2021	Pine Enshrined Reviews	Scavenger Hunt Clue 7
1/28/2021	The Obsessed Reader	Scavenger Hunt Clue 8
1/29/2021	Books A-Brewin’	Scavenger Hunt Clue 9
1/29/2021	Fire and Ice	Scavenger Hunt Clue 10

Week Two:

2/1/2021	Two Chicks on Books	Scavenger Hunt Clue 11
2/1/2021	Wonder Struck	Scavenger Hunt Clue 12
2/2/2021	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	Scavenger Hunt Clue 13
2/2/2021	The Momma Spot	Scavenger Hunt Clue 14
2/3/2021	Jaime’s World	Scavenger Hunt Clue 15
2/3/2021	The Phantom Paragrapher	Scavenger Hunt Clue 16
2/4/2021	Three gals and plenty of books	Scavenger Hunt Clue 17
2/4/2021	Westveil Publishing	Scavenger Hunt Clue 18
2/5/2021	Books a Plenty Book Reviews	Scavenger Hunt Clue 19
2/5/2021	I’m Shelf-ish	Scavenger Hunt Clue 20