Page 7 of The Rancher

“Oh, well, why didn’t you say so.” He kissed her on the forehead and gave her a hug. “Have fun. Don’t stay up too late. You have to work White Lightning before the big race next Friday.”

She smiled. “I know and I won’t. The same goes for you. Don’t stay up too late.” Then she turned and headed out of the family room.

Ray looked after her for a long minute before turning back. “Where were we?”

Lyris couldn’t help snickering. “You were trying to see if Maddy was staying and then needed a doctor. We hadn’t started another conversation yet.”

Ray sat in the chair across from Lyris. The furniture in the family room was covered in luxurious cream-colored brocade material. It had roses with gold strands running through it. The sofa was very comfortable, and she relaxed on it.

“Why don’t you tell us a little about yourself, Lyris. Where are you from?”

“I’m a Colorado native, though I’ve spent the last two years at an Arabian horse farm in Oregon. That was on my resume though. My parents still live here in Lakewood, a suburb of Denver. I have three brothers, two older and one younger. I went to school in Ft. Collins at Colorado State University in their veterinary program. It’s ranked number thirteen in the country, so it’s a very good program. What else would you like to know?”

“Are you seeing anyone? Should I keep an?—”

“I’m not seeing anyone. No reason to keep an eye out for me. Why did your previous vet leave.”

“He retired. Bill had been with me since I opened the ranch. He worked for my parents before that.”

Lyris took a coaster from the holder on the light oak coffee table and placed her drink on it. She’d be mortified if she ruined the beautiful natural wood. “I’d like to see all the vaccination records and make sure they are up-to-date. Then I’ll do a complete physical on each, including the colts and fillies. I don’t know how long it will take. How many animals do you have?”

He was silent for a moment, then Ray’s gaze locked with hers. “I house forty-two grown horses. Ten that are racing, five stallions in the stud program, twelve mares with foals, ten mares that I’m waiting to confirm pregnancy. I want you to check them out first. Some of their owners are getting antsy and call me every day. Then I have five of my own mares that are about readyto give birth. I want them to be checked second. About fifteen juveniles of varying ages, from a couple of months to eighteen months are also here. Some horses are mine, some belong to other owners who don’t have a place to stable them.”

“I hadn’t realized your operation was so large from our phone interview.”

Ted chuckled. “I can see you wish you’d asked for more money.” He took a chug of his beer.

As she eyed the stable master, Lyris narrowed her gaze. “No, not really. I took this job for reasons other than money.”

He looked over at his boss. “There’s no reason to work if not for the money. Ain’t that right, Ray?”

Ray shook his head. “I agree with Lyris. There are a multitude of reasons to work besides money.”

“Since money ain’t something you worry about, being a billionaire and all, you wouldn’t understand,” grumbled Ted.

Lyris looked over at Ted. “You don’t have to be a billionaire to work for something other than monetary compensation, Ted. I work because I love horses. That’s why I became a vet. I could have concentrated on something else, even become a doctor, but I don’t have the needed bedside manner. My current patients don’t care about things like that.” She took another sip of her screwdriver.

“So, Doc, are you wealthy? Do you work just for fun, like Ray?” Ted took another chug of his beer.

“I don’t work for fun, but I enjoy what I do. What about you, Ted? Do you enjoy what you do?”

Ted shrugged. “It’s okay. I get to be outside a lot, and I like that. I wouldn’t be happy in a nine-to-five job in a dinky cubicle or even an office. I like the flexibility Ray allows me to do my job.”

Lyris looked over at Ray. The man was staring at his stable master. She got the impression this was the first time he’d heardTed was only in it for the money. She returned her gaze to Ted. “Well, I love the animals. That’s why I do what I do. The fact I can get paid for it is a bonus and, on that note, I think I’ll retire. I have some reading to do, and I want to prepare for my first day with the horses.” She stood. “Goodnight, gentlemen.”

“Goodnight, Lyris,” said Ray as he stood.

“’Night. I’ll see you tomorrow,” said Ted.

Lyris nodded. “That you will.” She walked out the kitchen door that led to the backyard. The fence went around the back of the guesthouse and enclosed the entire backyard, including the pool and pool house.

She didn’t look back, though she wanted to. She wondered if Ted left when she did or stayed to talk to Ray. Assuming the latter, she continued on to the guesthouse. Her mind was a jumble of facts and one assumption—Ted would be the perfect person to be doping the animals. So far, Ray’s animals hadn’t been caught in the net, but if it continued they would be and that would be devasting for Ray. She had to keep an eye on Ted and on the animals to see if they react differently than when she first met them. A race would be held on Saturday, the night of the gala. She’d like to present her evidence to Ray then, but first she had to get the evidence and catalog it completely before she would show him. With a plan in mind, Lyris went to bed, but she didn’t rest well. Her dreams were filled with murder, her murder. Was she in danger?

Ray sat staringinto his bourbon and water. “So, Ted, I didn’t realize you were only working here for the money. I assumed you loved the horses.”

The man shrugged and then leaned forward with his elbows on his knees. “Oh, don’t be like that. I do love the horses, but I wouldn’t be working for you if the money wasn’t good. I’d find somewhere else. That’s human nature, Ray; you know that.”

Ray’s stomach churned. He set his drink on the coffee table; he wouldn’t be able to drink it now. “I don’t know anything of the kind. I’m sorry that you feel so mercenary; however, I do understand it.” He stood. “I’m turning in. Show yourself out.” He turned and left Ted alone. He figured the man would have another beer or perhaps he’d take one with him. He didn’t care which Ted did. What did matter was what Ted would do for money. When would he next ask for a raise even though he’d just got one?