by Tara Meyers
Crying out in alarm, Ember managed to hang on as Butterscotch lurched forward to avoid being trampled, but not before the back end of the covered wagon clipped her right arm.
Ignoring the pain, Ember watched in horror as the wagon headed for the crowd that stood between them and the other road. The man holding the reigns was doing his best to pull at the ancient hand break, but it wasn’t working.
“Daenerys! Daenerys, come here!”
At the sound of Ember’s voice, the dog stopped, looking for her in the throng of people.
From beyond the front of the parade line-up, another horse came galloping up the road toward the melee, and Ember was shocked to see Nathan astride it. Weaving effortlessly through the row of parade entries, he brought his stallion alongside the charging draft horses. Grabbing the lead horses bridle, he yanked against it, calling out for it to stop. The action caused the panicked horses to slow down and allowed the spectators enough time to get out of the way. Together, he and the wagon driver brought the team to a stop, and a cheer rose up from the crowd, like it had been a grand show that was planned all along.
At the same time, Daenerys spotted Ember and ran in her direction. A new flood of panic washed over her as she realized that Butterscotch was likely to be the next target of her dog’s bizarre behavior. Fumbling with the stirrups in her rush to dismount, Ember was still on the horse’s back when Daenerys reached them. Freezing, she held on as Butterscotch calmly turned to face the dog only a few feet away now.
To her complete amazement, instead of barking and nipping, Daenerys sat calmly in front of the large horse. Snorting, Butterscotch took a step forward, bent his big head down, and allowed the labradoodle to lick his nose.
TWENTY FIVE
“Ember, I’m so sorry! I don’t know how she got out. I swear, I locked the doors!” Mel was the first to reach them and took Butterscotch’s reigns when Ember handed them to her.
Her friend was in tears, and Ember put a comforting arm around her shoulders. She had no doubt that Mel was telling the truth.
Everyone was quickly recovering from the disruption and getting back in line. The band was already starting a new song. Having bent down to pick up a quivering Daenerys, Ember stood with her as Nathan rode up. Hopping down in one smooth motion, he noticed she was wincing.
“You’re hurt.”
It wasn’t a question as much as it was an observation. “I’m fine,” Ember lied, trying to ignore the throbbing pain in her right arm. “It’s just a bruise. I thought you didn’t ride?” she asked, nodding at the horse. “That was an impressive display.”
Nonplussed, he took the dog from her. “You’re bleeding. And I said I never got into riding, not that I wasn’t good at it.”
Thankful for both the help and distraction, Ember examined her arm and saw that he was right. Her shirtsleeve was torn, and a wide swath of blood was spreading out from it.
Worried more about the other parade-goers, she looked around and tried her best to ascertain the damage. To her surprise, it looked like the procession was already getting back underway. She’d been picturing scattered bodies, so it was a huge relief. The small pony was being led back past them, its wagon now upright. The woman pulling on its reigns cast an angry look her way.
Nathan used both his uniform and horse to make the crowd part for them so he could lead Ember and Mel onto a side road. He was still holding Daenerys, and she appeared to have calmed down while in his grasp. She’d been cowering, so at least this time she knew she’d done something wrong.
“Ember!”
Groaning at the sight of Mayor Gomez rushing up the sidewalk, Ember looked pleadingly at Nathan. “Lord help me.”
“Ember Burns, this is simply unacceptable! That’s your dog, isn’t it?”
When Ember only looked at her feet, the woman continued, ignoring the inquisitive eyes of the many people standing around them. “Someone could have been seriously hurt! As it is, I’ve had to send a handful of people over to the clinic for scrapes from falling down. I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to ask you to leave the parade and secure your dog.”
“That’s what I’m attempting to do,” Ember replied somberly. It didn’t matter how it had happened. The blame would all land squarely on her. She suspected her dog getting out wasn’t accidental. Someone knew Daenerys would cause a scene, and even more … run straight for her. If it hadn’t been for the uncharacteristic behavior of both the horse and the labradoodle, she probably would have been seriously hurt.
This realization did nothing to lighten her mood.
“Elly Gomez, are you seriously lecturing Ember!”
Ember groaned even louder. Her Aunt Becky had a way of walking in on situations at just the right moment. The last thing she needed was a scene with the mayor in front of everyone. There was already enough story material involving her to fuel the town for months.
“Becky, it’s okay.” But Ember’s attempt at intervening backfired.
“No, Ember, it’s not okay! Look at you. Look at her!” she emphasized to Mayor Gomez. “She’s hurt and probably traumatized, and instead of helping her, you’re taking this opportunity to criticize her?”
The mayor was momentarily speechless, but Ember knew she’d recover quickly. It was time to make a hasty exit.
“Mel, could you please take Butterscotch back to the stables at the rodeo? The trailer I borrowed from Becky is there. If you can wait with him for me, I’d really appreciate it. I need to check the clinic and put a Band-Aid or something on this,” she added, flapping her injured arm.
Nodding, Mel turned and began to lead the horse away without saying another word. Becky stepped up to Nathan and took Daenerys from him before Ember could stop her.
“I’ll take Daenerys with me,” her aunt stated. “The kids would love to play with her for the afternoon. You can pick her up when you drop Butterscotch off, but I want you to get that arm seen to first! Come on, Mayor,” Becky commanded as she turned without waiting for an answer from Ember. “Walk with me.”
The mayor hesitated for a moment, started to say something, and then thought better of it. Huffing, she turned on her heel and followed after Becky, who was already headed down the sidewalk.
Laughing at the retreating women, Nathan put a hand on Ember’s good arm. “Give me a minute, and I’ll walk you to your clinic. I just need to find someone to take my horse.”
Although thankful for his offer, Ember had an overwhelming desire to be alone. She was afraid she’d burst into tears at any moment, and that wasn’t something she wanted Nathan to see.
“Thank you, but I’ll be okay,” she managed to choke out. “Really. I just … I just need to process this.” She started back peddling before he could try and stop her, but it was unnecessary. He respected her plea and simply stood watching her retreat.
The walk back to her building wasn’t pleasant, her paranoia convincing her that everyone was staring. Halfway there, she removed the Rodeo Queen sash and tried to stuff it in her pocket, but it wouldn’t fit. Balling it up, she then wished she could cover up her T-shirt and the logo. Although she knew not everyone was talking about her, she did overhear parts of a few conversations.
Isn’t that the vet? The one whose dog …
Yeah, that’s her. You’d think a vet would know how to control …
I know I won’t be taking my dog there …
Ember stopped when she heard the last comment. Turning, she was prepared to give the woman who said it a piece of her mind, but discovered two very old ladies with their heads bent toward each other. Her anger instantly evaporated.
She couldn’t blame them.
The optimism she’d felt the day before was wavering. What if she really was destined to fail? Picking up her pace, Ember jogged the last half-block to the animal clinic. Breathless by the time she reached the door, she wasn’t surprised to find that it was ajar. Whoever unlocked it was becoming bolder and leaving a clear message. Someone who was aware of the accusations sh
e’d made and stood to lose something if she was right. Someone who also knew of Daenerys’s behavior toward horses.
Slamming the door behind her and locking it, Ember bravely checked each room before finally stopping in one to wash the wound on her arm. There was about a two-inch gash that was quite deep, and it was getting harder to lift her arm. Digging through one of the drawers in the exam room, she came up with some gauze and taped it on as best she could. It was already stained through by the time she finished. Sighing, Ember knew it wasn’t going to be enough.
A pounding erupted from the front of the clinic.
Jumping and dropping the roll of medical tape in her hand, Ember then cautiously poked her head out into the hallway. Someone was banging on the front door.
“Open up, Dr. Burns! I know you’re in there!”
Carl Hathaway. What was he doing there?
“I need to talk to you, now!” The pounding got louder.
What did he want? Come to think of it, one of the horses that ran past in the parade had looked familiar. Closing her eyes, Ember made a decision. Slipping out into the hallway, she ran for the back door and slid the deadbolt open. Glancing back once, she confirmed he hadn’t spotted her and then stepped out into the alley.
It was all too much. Partially blinded by the tears she couldn’t hold back any longer, Ember ran the two blocks down the alley toward the health clinic. She was hoping Sean could help her with both the stitches and dealing with Carl.
She was out of breath by the time she got there and took a moment to lean against the small monument out front dedicated to the contributors of the clinic. Wiping at her face, Ember did her best to pull it together. She didn’t need to give anyone more to talk about. By the time she walked into the waiting room, her tears had dried.
“Hello, Dr. Burns,” the receptionist greeted her warmly, recognizing her from when she came in for Tom’s exam. “I’m afraid Dr. Austin is in with a patient right now.”
“That’s okay. I’m here to be seen,” Ember explained, pointing at the bandage on her right arm. A nasty-looking bruise was taking form, already spreading hallway down her upper arm. “Just some stitches and maybe an x-ray.”
“Of course!” the young lady replied. “There are a couple of people ahead of you, but it shouldn’t take too long.”
Turning around to face the waiting room, Ember found two other people sitting in the plush chairs. One was an older woman who looked to have a bad cold, and she smiled back at her. But the other was a younger man with two badly scraped elbows and a dark scowl.
Instantly on guard, Ember spun back around. “Actually,” she called out to the retreating medical assistant. “Would it be okay if I waited in Dr. Austin’s office?”
Hesitating, the woman then shrugged her shoulders. “Sure, why not join the party? It’s through those doors. Last room on the right.”
Eager to retreat, Ember didn’t think too much about what she said. Darting through the double doors, she welcomed the quiet solitude in the hallway beyond. It was obviously the administrative area, and it appeared that everyone else was gone for the weekend. Following the directions, she went to the end and pushed the door open marked “Clinic Director.”
It was a large, impressive office, with rich wood features and an abundance of expensive-looking furniture. Her eye was drawn to the largest piece opposite the door: a massive desk with a built-in bookcase behind it. Centered in the bookcase was an 8x10 photo in a silver frame. It was of Sean, and he was with a familiar, attractive blonde woman. They were both holding compound bows.
At the same time Ember spotted the picture, the door she’d pushed open swung shut, revealing the rest of the room … and the two people seated in it.
“Hello, Ember. We didn’t expect to see you here,” Morton Ellsworth said smoothly, his daughter at his side.
TWENTY SIX
Spinning to face them, Ember tried to think clearly. What were they doing there? Why was Sandy in a picture with Sean?
“I don’t think Ember was expecting to see us, either,” Sandy offered. But gone was the cynicism from her voice. She was perched on the arm of the leather chair her father occupied. Dressed in faded jeans and a flannel shirt, she looked to be playing the part of a ranch hand today, and the role suited her. Her expression was thoughtful, but any hint of playfulness was gone.
Backing away slowly as she processed the scene, Ember bumped into the desk. Skirting around it, she felt better with the obstacle in between them, what little good it would do.
“I imagine you might have some questions,” Morton continued, looking somewhat concerned. “Actually, that’s also why we’re here.” He was interrupted by the door opening again, and Sean walked in.
He must not have been informed he had guests, because he appeared utterly shocked and looked rapidly from one person to the next. “What’s this?” he barked, settling his gaze on Morton. “I told you not to ever come here!”
Shaking his head, Morton Ellsworth folded his hands in his lap. “Sean, we’re beyond that now.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Sean retorted, crossing the room in four long steps. Without even acknowledging Ember, he went to a cabinet against the far wall and removed a bottle of liquor and a cup. Something she doubted the clinic board would approve of.
There was another door beside the cabinet, and Ember figured it either led to a bathroom or was another exit. Sean lingered near it, sipping at the drink he’d poured sloppily, spilling several drops onto the floor. He didn’t offer any to his guests.
“I’ve been hearing some disturbing rumors,” Ellsworth continued, pointing at Sean. “One of them I already tried to address, but it would seem our good Dr. Burns has higher morals than the lot of us. A nice paycheck isn’t going to be enough this time to buy her silence.”
Sean finally looked fleetingly at Ember and then back down at his drink. “I told you, I don’t know what you’re talking about. Now, leave my office. All of you.”
Before anyone could either object or comply, the door opened yet again. This time, Sheriff Walker’s large form filled the entry. Ember’s first reaction was relief, but when she saw the look exchanged between him and Ellsworth, a fresh wave of fear blossomed.
Was there anyone in this town she could trust?
“What the hell!” Sean blurted, slamming the drink down on the corner of the desk and splashing some of the amber liquid. “If you all want to have a meeting, why don’t you do it over at the station and leave me out of it?”
“I’m afraid we can’t do that,” Walker said. His tone left no room for argument.
Ember felt like she’d snuck into the back of a theatre and was witness to the closing act. She had no idea what was going on, but was afraid to say something at the risk of being kicked out. At the same time, she wanted to flee. Conflicted, she decided to give it a few more minutes to see where it was going.
“I asked the sheriff here to join us,” Morton explained. “When I found out he was snooping around, asking questions about my daughter, I did some of my own digging. Sean, this has gone too far.”
“Shut up!” Sean yelled, spittle flying from his lips. “Shut your mouth, Morton!”
“Don’t speak to my father like that, Sean,” Sandy cautioned. “You may have gotten away with it with me, but I won’t be intimidated by you anymore.”
“Wait,” Ember interrupted without thinking. “Sandy is Sean’s ex-wife?”
“You didn’t know that?” Walker replied, confirming it for her.
“How would I have known? Nobody ever told me!”
“I guess I just assumed you knew,” Walker explained. “And Sean suggested you were targeting Sandy out of jealousy.”
Sandy snorted at that, making Ember feel even more foolish. “Targeting Sandy?” Ember repeated, turning an incredulous gaze on Sean. “Why would you say something like that? Unless …” she trailed off, lost in thought.
When Sean finally looked up to meet her stare, f
or the first time, she found his eyes cold and dangerous.
“Because he has a lot to lose,” Morton finished for her. “And I’m afraid I’ve unwittingly played a role in something much more nefarious than it was ever meant to be.”
“You were just trying to protect the stables,” Sandy said softly, turning to her father.
“Stop trying to sound so noble,” Sean countered. His voice dripped with contempt.
“It was his idea,” Morton explained, pointing at Sean. It wasn’t accusatory but said as a matter-of-fact. “What isn’t common knowledge is that the purchase of Black Shadow wasn’t a lone venture for me. I had an investor.”
“Sean,” Walker said, stating the obvious.
Nodding, Morton patted his daughter’s leg. “My daughter tried to caution me against involving her ex-husband in the stables, but I wouldn’t listen. Sean contributed a third of the needed funds. Sandy didn’t know about it until I told her yesterday. A year after the purchase, we’d made less than half of our initial investment back, so we were still … partners, you could say.”
Sean crossed his arms overs his chest and leaned against the cabinet, resolved to the fact that their secrets were being aired.
“Six months later,” Morton continued, “when I got a second callback for Black Shadow’s stud service, I suspected something might be wrong. It’s not uncommon for the mare not to get pregnant the first go-around every once in a while, but not two in a row. Using a blind, outside lab, I confirmed my worst fears.”
“Black Shadow was sterile!” Ember exclaimed.
“Yes,” Morton replied. “Obviously, he was tested prior to his purchase, and those results were part of the required documents for the insurance coverage. There was nothing wrong with him for a year and a half. I cautioned Sean against pushing the stallion too hard when he demanded we expand his schedule. And I suspect Sean may have administered some drugs I didn’t approve of.”
When Sean didn’t deny any of it, Morton simply shook his head. “At twenty thousand a service, with five outstanding fees to be refunded, that amount alone was enough to practically bankrupt me,” he continued. “I was desperate. Didn’t know what to do. When I went to Sean, he was just as concerned at first, but he quickly came up with a plan, one I was adamantly against at first. Until the third breeder called me up, demanding either a second service or refund. But the money was already spent.” Rubbing a hand through his hair, the stable owner at least looked ashamed.
