Free Gunns & Roses by Karen Kelly Page B

helpers. Emily danced across the field to her family and friends.
    “That was the coolest thing, ever!” Emily gushed as she ducked under the flag barrier. “Did you see Gandalf poof my hair when he flew by?”
    Ian pushed the stop button on his phone’s video camera. “Would you like to see it too, Emily?” He made sure the video was back to the beginning and waved the young girl over.
    “What a great idea, Ian!” exclaimed Annie. “I was so entranced, I completely forgot about photos or anything.”
    “So did I,” Alice laughed, pulling out her cellphone. “I’ll keep it out for the next part of the demonstration.”
    Emily stood close to the mayor, watching as the great horned owl glided so very close to the top of her head. “I knew he was close, but … wow!”
    Peggy leaned close and whispered to Wally, “Am I wrong or is this the first time Em’s been speechless since she spoke her first word?”
    “Just might be,” Wally acknowledged, proud eyes on his daughter.
    During the rest of the brief intermission, Ian passed his phone around so everyone could enjoy Emily’s experience once more. When the demonstration resumed, this time the main attraction was Athena, a golden eagle. Raised by Finley, the eagle made Gandalf look puny in comparison. The falconer raised his arm, and Athena spread her wings, flying in a circle around the field.
    Ian raised his phone to video the giant bird of prey. “Now I really see why the falconers raise their birds from hatchlings. A bird that size could do serious damage.”
    “It’s breathtaking,” murmured Annie. “I’ve seen plenty of bald eagles from a distance, but what a wonder it is to see a golden eagle this close.” Her eyes were riveted to the majestic bird and its handler.
    “Did you hear what he just said?” asked Wally, amazement on his face. “That bird can dive at speeds up to 150 miles per hour! I’ve watched my share of fish hawks diving around the Gulf of Maine, but 150 miles per hour?” His mouth puckered, emitting a low whistle.
    The friends remained quiet for the rest of the demonstration, fascinated with the fluid efficiency of the raptor whose wingspan dwarfed the tall falconer. As the two falconers bid the crowd farewell, Annie’s mind once again turned to the hawk and the rose. Had Brooke or Finley ever seen the design? She tapped Ian on the shoulder.
    “Do you think we can catch the falconers before they leave the field?” she asked in a rush. “Maybe they’ll know something about the ferrule.”
    Ian nodded and held out his hand. “Quick! Give it to me.” As soon as Annie pulled it out of her bag, he grabbed it and ducked under the barrier. Annie and her friends watched the mayor stride across the field, his steps purposeful.
    Alice shared a grin with her friends. “With Ian Butler on your side, who needs a knight in shining armor?”
    “Or kilt!” Peggy added. She nudged Annie with an elbow. “Though, I think Mr. Mayor could hold his own in the Bonnie Knees competition.”
    Annie smiled but didn’t reply, too distracted as she tried to surmise what was being said between Ian and Brooke. Her smile faded when the female falconer shook her head after viewing the photo. “It looks like Brooke can’t help us.”
    “Ian better get a move on—Finley is almost off the field,” said Wally. “He moves pretty fast for a guy in a skirt.”
    The friends watched helplessly as Ian thanked Brooke as quickly as he could and followed after Finley and his raptor. Ian hailed the falconer from behind as he tried to catch up to him, but the man appeared to not hear and kept a swift pace until he disappeared into a trailer parked near the field.
    After a few minutes, Ian returned across the field. “I’m sorry, Annie. Brooke has never seen the design, although she liked it very much. And Finley—well, I never got to speak to him. He went into a trailer with Athena but didn’t respond to my knocking.” Although the mayor was