Page 49 of No Rules

“What’s that?” Ryan leaned forward.

“The dosage of EPO administered to Sam’s Promise was extremely high. Far beyond what any responsible individual would have used.”

That confirmed what Ryan had said. “What does that mean, in your professional opinion?” Ryan asked.

“I can’t imagine anyone who knows anything about horses administering this amount intentionally. They had to have known this would kill him.”

“You’re saying this was murder, not doping.”

She pushed her glasses back up her nose. “In my professional opinion, yes. Either that or it was administered by someone who had no clue what they were doing.”

Ryan leaned back in his chair again. “You know Ms. Vandervliet well, correct?”

Dr. Simmons nodded. “I’ve known her for years. I started as a veterinarian, and I’ve been to her farm on multiple calls. And since then, we’ve run into each other from time to time.”

“What’s your opinion of her?”

“Why are you asking?”

“I’d like to know if, in your opinion, based on your experiences with Marilyn Vandervliet, she would be capable of killing Sam’s Promise in such a way.”

“Given Marilyn’s reputation and history with animal welfare, it seems unlikely she would ever intentionally harm a horse,” Dr. Simmons said slowly. “And I’ve told the police the same thing. It’s not my job, of course, but I felt they should know.”

“How did they respond?” Alex asked.

She sighed. “By telling me to stay in my lane…as men are prone to do whenever faced with a competent woman who holds strong opinions.”

“You’re not wrong about that,” Alex said, and even Ryan nodded.

But something tickled the back of Alex’s mind. People kept saying how strong Marilyn’s stance had been on animal welfare. What if that had been the very thing to get her into trouble? What if she had reported someone, and they’d suffered a financial loss as a result? Wouldn’t that be a strong motive?

“Dr. Simmons, if we wanted to investigate animal abuse reports Marilyn made against other horse owners or trainers, where would we look?”

Ryan sharply turned his head.

Dr. Simmons blinked, then took off her glasses. “You think that may have had something to do with it?”

“It’s a thought. If she reported someone and it cost them financially, that would be a good reason for that person to get revenge and do it in a way that would ruin Marilyn’s reputation as well.”

“It would have to be someone who doesn’t give two shits about horses, pardon my French,” Dr. Simmons said.

“Or someone who is about as sharp as a bowling ball in a cactus patch,” Ryan said.

Dr. Simmons chuckled. “That’s one way of putting it.” She grew serious again. “But to answer your question, you’d have to reach out to the New York Racing Association to ask about any reports filed against horse owners. They’re a nonprofit organization, so under the Freedom of Information Act, they’re required to give you those files.”

Ryan winced. “They’re gonna stonewall us for sure.”

“They might, but try them anyway. If they do, contact me again, and I’ll see what I can do.” Dr. Simmons handed Ryan her business card. “This has my direct number on it.”

Ryan rose from his chair, and Alex followed his lead. “Thank you, Dr. Simmons. You’ve been most helpful.”

“You’re welcome. Please keep me updated on anything you find. As you may understand, I have both a professional and a personal interest in this.”

“We will.”

Back in the car, Ryan turned to face Alex. “Your idea about the animal abuse reports was brilliant.”

Alex’s insides lit up. “Yeah?”