Elsa Winckler - The Whisperer

Cilla got up so quickly, her chair fell backwards. She gnashed her teeth, trying her best not to say anything but to rather stay calm. Never before had she thought of herself as the violent type, but this man made her so angry, she could throttle him.

Inhaling deeply, trying to calm herself and her galloping heart, she spoke again. “I’m not sure that Maggie, who by the way is not for sale, especially to you, is actually the mare Bravo has in mind, but, for his sake and if you agree, I will bring her here. Temporarily.”

She bent, picked up the chair and sat down again. Her hands were shaking, she was so upset, so angry. She took a deep breath, willed herself to calm down. Ignoring Cameron, she spoke to Ken.

“What you should remember is that every horse has a very particular personality. The term ‘horsenality’ was coined to refer to the system of understanding horses through their personality types. Just like humans can be understood by looking at personalities. Not all of us are the same and we react differently in situations. I will have to spend more time with Bravo before I will really know, but I think he’s a right-brain extrovert. He’s impulsive, can’t be still, he’s nervous, can be easily frightened. He’s energetic and athletic with lots of endurance. He notices things around him. If you know and understand his personality type, you will be able to handle him.”

She glared at Cameron. “Handle him correctly, that is.”

Cameron stormed closer. “And I suppose now you also want to analyze me?”

Cilla felt like punching him, but she kept her cool and lifted her chin. “No, that is not part of my job. But if you were a horse, I’d say you are a left brain introvert. You’re argumentative, stubborn, pushy and you don’t listen to what other people have to say.”

He narrowed his eyes. The muscle in his cheek jumped up and down, a clear indication he was gnashing his teeth. Before he could say anything though, she turned to Ken.

“Let me know if you want me to bring Maggie over. This is, of course, when you can convince this … this stubborn, difficult boss of yours I don’t have a hidden agenda.”

Cameron laughed sarcastically. Cilla ignored him.

“Bravo is also bored; you’re handling him too gently. He wants to use his legs, he needs more activity. Let him run free. He’s frustrated and feels fenced in. Also, someone is hitting him. Make sure that doesn’t happen again, it’s completely unnecessary. Violence is never the answer.”

“Do you have any idea how utterly ridiculous you sound?” Cameron asked.

Cilla continued as if he hadn’t spoken. “Remember, in nature, horses are prey animals, the hunted. Safety is their primary concern and fear is their primary reaction. They are herd animals who look to their alpha for leadership. I also think you should contact an acupuncturist. The aura on his left side looks white, the chi energy isn’t flowing as it should. It might be that he’s anaemic, but I’m not sure.”

“Really?” Cameron asked, not bothering to hide his sarcasm. “You’re not sure? How come? You seem to be sure of everything else!”

Cilla ignored him and stood up. Slowly this time. “Well, that’s my advice, use it, don’t use it. You don’t believe me and you don’t trust me, so my suggestion is, find another solution. I obviously can’t help you. Under the circumstances, I don’t think we’ll be staying for lunch …”

Just at that moment, Imke entered from the kitchen, looking dazed and pleased with the world. “Cilla, Philip can cook like an angel, you have to taste what he’s made. He’s busy with …”

“I think we should go,” Cilla interrupted.

“Oh, but you have to taste …” She continued before she realized something else was going on and stopped speaking. She looked from Cameron to Cilla. “Let me guess – he doesn’t believe you.”

Cilla nodded and took Imke’s arm. “I think we should go.”

Cameron stared at Cilla, not sure whether he wanted to laugh or cry. What the hell! All this nonsense about horsenalities and auras and energies. The woman was obviously completely crazy.

Philip put his head around the door. “What’s going on? I feel very negative vibes coming from this room.”

Cameron glared at his brother. “Don’t you start as well. Excuse me,” he growled and walked quickly towards the front door. He needed fresh air. Lots and lots of fresh air. Where the hell did the woman get her insane ideas? She was so far removed from reality, it was ridiculous.

But hell, she was beautiful. When she coolly looked at him and told him he was a left or right or whatever brain, he wanted to grab hold of her and take her to his room.

And those eyes. She put up a cool façade but just one look in her eyes revealed the passion of a full-blooded woman. It would be very interesting to watch her when she forgot to be cool and collected. His blood started boiling at the mere thought.

He lengthened his stride. That was the last thing he should be thinking about. Yes, she was beautiful, but so were a million other women. And as he very well knew, on this farm, beautiful women were a curse not a blessing.

He didn’t want this woman on his farm, he didn’t want her messing with his head, and he definitely didn’t want her around his horse. Chi energy – what a lot of bull.

Just because she was beautiful and had the most amazing eyes, it didn’t mean he was going to let her loose on his farm.

“What did you tell him?” Philip asked, amused.

“I told him Bravo was bored, he wanted a specific mare, and I think his aura is an indication that he’s anaemic.”

Philip burst out laughing.

“And she told him that he was a left brain … what were the words again?” Ken asked and both men laughed heartily.

By this time Cilla had enough of men and especially of the lot she had to put up with this morning. She pulled at Imke’s sleeve. “Let’s go.”

But Philip moved quickly and grabbed each one’s hand. “Look, I’m sorry, we’re being very rude. Cilla, if you know my brother like I know him, you’ll know why he’s reacting the way he does and why we are laughing. Please stay? It doesn’t happen every day that we can entertain two beautiful women like yourselves.”

Ken slapped him on the shoulder. “You’ve never had women here before, let alone beautiful ones like these two. Enjoy yourselves, I’m heading back home. Thanks, Cilla, and don’t worry, we’ll work on Cameron.”

Cilla gave him a very skeptical look.

Ken scratched his head. “I don’t think I understand everything you’re saying but nothing else we’ve tried with Bravo is helping. And don’t worry, I’ll make sure nobody hits him again. And I really hope we’ll see you again. If you can do with horses what you’ve managed to do with school kids, I’ll believe everything you say. Our son is actually reading now. Never thought I’d see the day.”

He moved towards the door and waved. “I hope we’ll see you soon.”

When he was gone, Philip pulled them after him. “I’ve cooked a lovely meal, you’re not going anywhere. I’ve laid the kitchen table; it’s much more pleasant here than in the stuffy dining room. Have a seat, I’m opening a bottle of wine. Cameron … what can I say?”