Because when it comes to the Moretti Mafia’s enemies… I’m always the target.
And just like before, they know the easiest way to get to me is through my family.
So my brother keeps our face visible in New York when I’m not there, letting the world believe I never leave.
Los Fantasmas already attacked my estate once.
They killed some of my people.
That wasn’t personal, though. It was a cartel trying to claim territory they wanted to exploit.
I may not have my wife and daughter anymore, but I learned exactly what it costs to lose them.
I won’t be paying that price twice.
Chapter One
Mia
“Mama, is it time yet?”
“Not yet, Livy,” I laugh softly. “It’s still too early, my love. Maybe tomorrow.”
“But, Mama, you said that yesterday and all the days before that.”
“These things take patience, honey,” I say, smiling down at her. “You can try to pet her tomorrow… but she may never be ready to ride.”
My heart aches not only for the poor mare standing quietly in front of us, but for my big-hearted daughter, tears shining in her eyes.
“Why are people so mean?” she sniffles. “What did that poor horse do to make someone not even feed her?”
Those are questions I can’t even answer as an adult.
Here at Moore’s Second Chance Sanctuary, we take in animals, mostly horses, that have been abused and neglected.
The mare my sweet girl wants so badly to befriend is our most recent rescue.
Her previous owners kept her confined in a stall so small she could barely turn around. Years of neglect left their mark. Her hooves were severely overgrown, curling at the tips. Patches of rain rot spread across her back, leaving scabbed, sensitive skin. And she’s far too thin. Her ribs are visible and her hips sharp beneath her dull coat.
She’s been with us for three months. And while that seems like enough time to heal from some wounds, she’s only just now starting to show real improvement.
Her hooves had to be trimmed over several sessions. One of those times, we had to sedate her. We couldn’t keep her standing on three legs for that long without risking more damage.
We also had to reintroduce food slowly to help her gain weight safely.
It was only last week that we finally turned her out to pasture.
And let me tell you, I’ve never seen a horse’s eyes widen like that at the sight of so much grass.
It was a blessing to give that to her… and a stab to the heart knowing something so simple could shock her.
If I could, I’d drive to her previous owner’s house and punch them in the face.
But I can’t because they’re in jail.
This mare wasn’t the only animal on their so-called farm.
“Do you think she’ll like me, Mama?” Livy asks, bouncing on her toes.
