Flight of the Jabiru Read Free Page A

up and face adult life. And he doesn’t like horses or the sport of polo. If you weren’t so obsessed with living your sports ambitions through your son, you might know that.”
    Harrison lifted his head to reveal a tear-stained face. For the moment he forgot his pain because he was so shocked to find Miss Penrose standing up to his father on his behalf. Lord Hornsby was equally startled. Virtually no one would dare to speak to him in such a manner and he was completely taken aback. This initial reaction was quickly replaced by outrage.
    â€œHow I treat my son is not any of your business, Miss Penrose,” Lord Hornsby snapped.
    â€œHe’s injured, perhaps with broken ribs, and all you can say is ‘get back on the horse and act like a man.’ He’s ten years old for goodness sake.”
    â€œI won’t have him mollycoddled by a woman,” Roy Hornsby snapped. “It’s painfully obvious to me that he needs to toughen up if he’s to survive in this world. Being competitive is a good start to making a man of him.”
    â€œI’m sorry you can’t ride anymore, Lord Hornsby, but forcing poor Harrison to compete will not make you feel any better.”
    Lara had hoped to make Harrison’s father see that what he was doing was wrong, and he was trying to live his life vicariously through his son, but unwittingly, she couldn’t have said anything worse to him. His face turned florid and his lips compressed to a thin line, making him appear even crueler. His eyes flashed darkly, seeming to bore right through her.
    â€œHow dare you,” he spat furiously. He took a step towards Lara and despite her bravado; she felt more than a little intimidated. His temper was legendary, but experiencing it firsthand was far worse than she’d ever anticipated.
    â€œYou are just like your father,” Lord Hornsby growled, pointing an accusatory finger in her direction. “You overstep the bounds of your profession. Well, I won’t have it. I won’t have my employees talking to me as if we are peers. I certainly won’t have you criticizing how I treat my son.” His anger seemed to be growing — if that was possible. He took another step towards Lara. Despite how angry she felt, Lara at this moment regretted ever crossing swords with him. He was a frightening man, regardless of his stature. She had a very clear picture of exactly how poor Harrison felt and she would stand up to his father.
    â€œAs your son’s teacher, I’m very concerned about his welfare,” Lara said as calmly as she could. “He’s a sensitive boy...”
    â€œYou are the daughter of my stable manager,” Lord Hornsby shouted. “A man lucky to still be in my employment because, like you, he’s over-opinionated on matters that do not concern him. Neither you, nor your father, are my peers! You’d be wise to remember it.”
    â€œYou might consider us beneath you,” she said outwardly calm. “But that does not mean its right to treat Harrison so badly. He’s your flesh and blood.”
    â€œI don’t need reminding of that!” Lord Hornsby shouted. “It’s because he’s a Hornsby that he needs to stand up for himself. As for you! I’ll see that you are fired for your insolence.”
    Lara was incredulous and blinked. “Fired!”
    â€œThat’s right,” Roy Hornsby said with a confident sneer, leaving Lara in no doubt that he had the power to do it.
    â€œFor defending your son and worrying about his welfare?” She just couldn’t believe he’d go that far.
    â€œFor having the audacity to interfere in the way I raise my son.”
    Lara’s anger simmered. If she was going to lose her position, she was going to have her say. What did she have to lose? “You, sir, are a bully,” she said venomously. “You use the power that comes with your title in a detrimental way.