by Toni Leland
The horse didn't respond, and Frank dropped to a knee to inspect the bandaged foot. When he rose, his dark expression was heart stopping.
“I'd better call the insurance company and get permission to have him put down.”
“No! Frank, it's too-”
“Kellie! Wake up! Look at this swelling-he's in a lot of pain and he's not getting better.”
He turned away, his footsteps tapping across the concrete aisle. She slumped against the stall wall, her throat constricting as panic spread through her body and a deep shudder convulsed her. She could not-would not-accept the grim promise of Dancer's death.
“Kellie, what's wrong?”
Hyde's voice curled around her, hooking the edges of her near-hysteria and drawing it back. He stepped into the stall and laid a hand on her arm.
She drew a deep breath. “Frank thinks we should have him destroyed.”
Hyde dropped his bag into the shavings, and moved to the stallion's shoulder.
“Frank's not the vet, and I haven't given up on this.”
~ ~
Half an hour later, Sara bounced into the spacious country kitchen, her sunny disposition the perfect tonic for Kellie's fragile mental health. Hugging the child tightly, Kellie buried her nose in the soft curly hair and inhaled the light floral scent of shampoo, gathering strength from the love bond between them.
“Morning, Baby. You'll have to settle for cold cereal-I'm getting ready to leave.”
Sara wriggled out of the embrace. “Mama, let me come with you. I just love watching you be the judge.”
Kellie gave her a stern look. “You have school, remember?”
The child's pink lips puffed into a pout. “Pleeeze, Mama? We aren't doing anything important today, and I-”
“Absolutely not.” Sara's smile faded, and Kellie softened her tone. “Ask your dad to bring you down after school.”
Sara flounced over to the refrigerator and yanked open the door. “I never get to do anything fun!”
Kellie chuckled and grabbed her jacket. “Don't forget to take your vitamin.”
Easing her dark green Silverado onto Sutton Corners Road, she almost relented. What would it hurt to miss one day of school? She's such a joy to have around, and she loves horses so much, and...
“No, I'm already a big pushover.”
She pressed the accelerator and headed toward the highway. A quarter mile down the road, she pulled onto the shoulder and squinted against the sun, trying to get a good look at the neighboring farm that abutted Sutton property. Waist high weeds surrounded the small drab house, and the original barn had finally succumbed to gravity. A scraggly oak tree grew inside the roofless corn silo, and rusted equipment dotted the property. One lone length of barbed wire fence remained upright.
The elderly owners had clearly given up, and it was only a matter of time before they would sell out. Kellie frowned. Too many things were changing too fast, and she didn't like it one bit. Rather than wait until it was out of her hands, perhaps she should make them an offer. The property wasn't a full section, but it did have the advantage of being right on the road. I'll call the bank on Monday.
As she put the truck in gear, a vehicle appeared farther up the road and she recognized the light bar on the roof of the cab. A jolt of anticipation shot through her. Glancing in the rearview mirror, she pushed a renegade strand of hair off her forehead, suddenly feeling ridiculous about her reaction to the prospect of seeing Ed. Like a silly young girl.
The cruiser pulled up beside her, and Deputy White unfolded from the front seat.
Kellie swallowed her disappointment and rolled down the window. “Hey, Dani, you're certainly the early bird!”
The woman shook her head. “New sheriff is a hard task-master.” She grinned wickedly. “But he sure is easy on the eyes. Anyway, I'm supposed to question your staff about this thing with your horses. What happened, anyway? Campbell didn't say.”
Kellie hesitated, distracted by the woman's personal observation about Ed. “We don't know for sure, but it's serious...I'm judging a horse show today at the Lazy E, but I told the staff to cooperate fully. I'll call the stable manager and tell him you'll be there shortly.”
Danielle straightened up and shook her head. “I'd rather you go with me to get things started.” She stepped away from the window. “I'll follow you.”
Kellie turned the truck around and started back toward the ranch, disturbed by her reaction to Danielle's frank appreciation of Ed. Glancing in the rearview mirror, she felt the beginnings of a new concern. The woman was drop dead gorgeous.
Danielle's friendly manner put the barn staff immediately at ease, and Kellie watched, wondering what it would be like to have the woman for a close friend. Many times during her adult life, she'd wished for a female confidante to share her secrets and joys. Her sorrows. Someone who'd understand. Hyde had been wonderful, but there were things she'd never been able to discuss with him. A stall latch chunked and Kellie turned to watch him walk toward her, his features composed, as always.
He stopped beside her and shoved his hat back off his forehead. “I think those pads will help.”
Danielle's husky voice interrupted. “Your turn, Doc.”
A deep flush darkened his burnished cheeks and he snatched off his hat, then strode across the aisle to where the deputy waited. Kellie shook her head. The woman was a man magnet.
Thirty minutes later, Kellie's truck cruised down the highway toward Guthrie, and her thoughts centered on the situation in the barn. Hyde had spent over two hours fitting the corrective pads to both horses, but his cautious optimism made her nervous. While he'd never been one to pull punches, he'd also never dealt with such dire circumstances in her barn. Would their long friendship keep him from telling her the truth? She had to believe he thought the horses would recover.
Outside town, the highway curved and her thoughts derailed. Red dust boiled behind a bulldozer, and several dump trucks were parked just beyond a construction site entrance. A large sign posted the bad news. “Available Soon-Westview Homes at Red Creek Farms.”
“Dammit! That was prime pasture a week ago!”
An angry knot formed in her gut and she clenched her jaw. Urban sprawl relentlessly crawled north from Oklahoma City, obliterating the beautiful historic land of her ancestors-land they'd starved for, fought over, died on. And for what? So the newly affluent could talk about their country estates over martinis? She stared grimly at the yellow line threading down the center of the highway. They'd only get Sutton land over her dead body.
When she pulled through the gates of the Lazy E Arena, she squinted up at the huge structure. She'd grown up showing her horses at the old county fairgrounds south of Guthrie, and had never understood why the region needed another facility, much less one that seated seven thousand people. But when Randy had reached the top echelon of High School Rodeo, she'd understood-the seats were always filled and, as the years passed, the Lazy E hosted more national events, not all of them horse-related. Another questionable advantage of living only thirty-five minutes from a major city.
Inside the cavernous building, she strode past the dirt-floored arena, glancing briefly at the riders practicing their patterns. Show volunteers were setting up the announcer's booth and hanging banners. Somewhere, a horse whinnied and another answered. Thank God, some things never change. She climbed the stairs to the second floor and entered the judges' lounge.
“Kellie! Good to see you again!”
“Pete Dayton! What are you doing back in town?”
Her high school pal shuffled forward, dragging a stiff leg, and packing about twenty pounds more than the last time she'd seen him.
His ruddy face beamed. “I never miss a chance to come home.”
She hugged him, then stepped back. “I guess we old timers are doomed to spectate instead of ride.”
Pete pulled himself up to a full five-feet-four-inches. “I like to think they want our superb expertise.”
“Yeah, I
like that concept better. How's the leg?”
“Pretty good, still gives out occasionally.” He grinned. “Doc says no more bronc riding.”
She tried to smile, but the joking comment only reminded her of another tragic ride.
He touched her arm, and his voice grew thick. “Aw Kellie, I'm sorry. Not a day goes by that I don't miss him too.”
She smiled sadly and shook her head. “Don't apologize-Randy would kick our butts for being morose.”
“He could do it too. Remember the time I stole his award buckle?”
Memories bubbled up, smoothing away her sadness. “I could never figure out why you took such a chance.”
Pete's face colored with embarrassment. “Man, I wanted that buckle so bad I could taste it. Figured if I couldn't have one, my best friend didn't need one either...boy, did I pay for that joke!” The mirth faded from his eyes. “Whatever happened to it?”
“I don't know-it disappeared.”
Pete threw his hands up. “Don't look at me!” He suddenly stopped clowning and took her hand. “What's wrong?”
She regarded him for a moment, grateful for a sympathetic ear. “Two of my horses were attacked a few days ago.”
“Attacked? Holy cow! Cougars?”
“Worse-humans...but we don't know that for sure. Both horses are in serious condition.” A painful lump grew in her throat. “The vet doesn't know how to treat them.”
Pete put his arm around her shoulders and squeezed. “When did this happen?”
“Dancer came up lame early this week. The other horse began limping yesterday.”
Pete's face crinkled into a sorrowful mask. “Dancer? Oh man, I'm really sorry. Anything I can do?”
The sympathy almost unraveled her composure, but she lifted her chin. “No, we just have to wait it out, but thanks for asking.”
“Any idea who'd do something like that? Could it be related to the land deal you killed?”
“How would you know about that?”
He looked sheepish. “I still get the Daily Leader...stupid, huh?”
“Not at all. Staying connected with your roots is important.” She frowned. “I hadn't given a thought to the land developers, but I guess anything's possible. I'll mention it to the new sheriff.”
“How is ol' Ed? Still smitten as ever?”
Kellie's cheeks burned and she looked away. “We broke up after he returned from the Gulf War.”
“But you two were the perfect couple.”
The familiar heartache unfurled and Kellie's voice softened. “Yes, we were, but the timing was wrong. Real life stepped in and I set my own needs aside.”
“Maybe, but you were always so definite about getting what you wanted. Marrying Frank Frazier seemed out of character.”
Kellie smiled wryly. “I guess if you still read the town newspaper, you also know we ended up getting divorced.”
Pete's face reddened and he picked up a clipboard. “Sorry-I didn't mean to pry.”
“It's okay-I'll tell you about it later.”
~ ~
Kellie dropped into a chair on the sideline. After staring at riders for three hours, her shoulders ached, her feet hurt, and her throat felt dry and scratchy from breathing dust. A ground crew hurried into the arena to begin setting up for the pole bending class, and she took a long swig of bottled water, dreading another three hours of classes. At least the show kept her from dwelling on the situation at home.
The announcer called the next division, and Kellie observed while Pete judged the class. He'd been such a good horseman when they were teenagers, but his daredevil spirit had channeled him into rodeo, and one bad ride had ended his chance at a trophy buckle forever. A shiver ran up the back of her neck and warm moisture blurred her vision. Blinking hard, she tried to erase the images of her own brother lying mangled and bleeding in the dust. She leaned forward, fighting off the gruesome memory. Lately, the past had been her constant companion.
The last exhibitor raced through the poles, bumping one, but still riding against the clock. Disappointment clouded the girl's face as her horse cantered toward the out-gate. The announcer called for a fifteen-minute break, and Pete dropped heavily into the other folding chair.
He winced as he stretched his bad leg. “So, what's Frank up to these days?”
She glanced at Pete's face, open with curiosity. “He still manages the ranch...when he's around.” She gazed at the tractor dragging the arena floor. “When Dad had his heart attack, I had too much to do by myself. Frank came back to town, looking for a job...He'd studied business management in college, and seemed a natural.”
“Maybe so, but you didn't have to marry him!”
She sighed. “Yes, I did.”
The PA system hummed with the announcer's voice, and she rose. “I'm up.”
Striding toward the center of the arena, her cheeks burned with embarrassment at the revelation of her secret. She nodded for the ring steward to call the class, the in-gate opened, and a line of beautifully groomed horses paraded through, their heads bobbing in perfect rhythm to the ambling gait. Sterling silver fittings sparkled on bridles and saddles that had been buffed to a soft sheen. The riders wore elegant outfits in exotic color combinations. Tunics and jackets of black with shimmering copper. White with Indian turquoise. Blood red with tan. Soft leather chaps in earth tones. Crisp, perfectly blocked hats and highly polished boots. A fashion show on the hoof.
A shiny sorrel with four white socks entered the ring, and Kellie gaped at the rider's arrogant expression. No way-I'm not going there again. She motioned a time-out to the ring steward, then hurried across the arena.
“Pete, you have to do this one.”
He lumbered to his feet, raising his eyebrows. “What's wrong?”
“I'll tell you later. Trust me-I can't judge this class.”
Thirty minutes later, the lounge door opened and Pete shuffled in as Kellie unwrapped her chicken sandwich.
He pulled off his hat and dropped it on a chair. “Okay, tell me what happened out there.”
“The last exhibitor in that class was the woman who harassed me last year after I disqualified her.”
“The one you filed an official complaint against?”
“Yes, and I'm surprised she entered the class, knowing I'd be one of the judges.”
Pete chuckled. “Maybe she was hoping for a rematch.”
“That's not funny. I don't take personal threats lightly.”
Kellie pushed her lunch away, unnerved by the bad memories and the chill crawling across her shoulders.
Pete reached for his soda. “You might consider adding her to your list of suspects.”
“What kind of lunatic would mutilate animals because of an organizational slap on the hand? I think you're stretching here.”
“You shouldn't discount anyone, Kellie. Today's world is full of crazies.”
Chapter 3
Frank leaned on a fence rail and pressed the cell phone against his ear, straining to hear over the rumble of a manure spreader in the next field.
“I'll be there, but don't keep me waiting this time.”
He closed the phone and turned toward the barn. Yellow flashed in his peripheral vision and he turned to watch the school bus roll to a stop at the end of the lane. Sara jumped to the ground and ran toward him, wildly waving her arms. He grinned, watching her skinny little legs propel her along at an amazing speed, her ponytail bouncing with each step. Her happy grin sent a soft twang through his heart. She was the brightest spot in his life, and he could no longer remember why he'd been so angry with Kellie when she'd announced she was pregnant.
“Daddy, Daddy! Mommy says you'll take me over to the horseshow!”
Frank's sentimental feelings vanished. Mommy's not running my life anymore.
“I can't, honey. I have an important meeting in the city.”
“But she promised!” Sara's eyes widened, tears pooled on her lower lashes, and her voice quivered. “You're always too busy.�
��
He leaned down and thumbed a tear from her cheek. “Honey, I'm really sorry. Your mom should have told me early this morning so I could rearrange my schedule.”
Her sad little face turned away and, for one second, he considered canceling the appointment.
“Tell you what-tomorrow, you and I will ride out to check on the cattle.”
Her radiant smile sent a shaft of guilt through his head. The day might come when she would hate him. Was there any way he could prevent that? He watched her skip across the grass toward the house. How had his life disintegrated in such a short time?
He walked slowly across the lane, stopping briefly to admire the black HumVee parked by the barn door. Though Kellie had been disparaging about him spending money on such an ostentatious vehicle, he'd ignored her. It was his money, and the sucker made him feel fantastic. He wiped a patch of dust from the hood and grinned at his distorted reflection in the shiny paint. Fuck her. He might even buy himself another one.
A short while later, he steered his old Jeep Wrangler onto one of the section roads of the ranch. A cloud of dust appeared in the rearview mirror, then a kid on a dirt bike with no muffler roared past on the right shoulder of the road. The two dogs jostled each other for the window, barking at the intruder. Frank scowled as the biker disappeared into the red fog he'd stirred up. The off-roaders loved it back here, and didn't care that they were trespassing on private land. But this particular road was buried deep in Sutton property, and Frank's thoughts escalated to the possibilities and risks. All he needed was some stupid kid showing up where he didn't belong.
The dust cloud drifted down the road, and Frank turned left onto another less defined lane with grass growing in the center between the wheel ruts. A hundred yards ahead, the silhouette of a winter hay storage barn loomed against the brilliant blue sky.
Frank grinned at the dogs. “What do you think, boys? Pretty soon we can buy us a big spread in Dallas, an' you guys can work cattle all day while I drink margaritas.”
Stumpy tails wiggled and both dogs licked their chops.
~ ~
Hyde's truck moved up the lane toward the barn and Kellie steeled herself. No matter how much she wanted to believe otherwise, her horses were losing their race against time. She tried to read the vet's expression as he walked toward her, but his years of dealing with life and death in rural Oklahoma had set his features into a perpetually neutral mask.
