Page 172 of Lost Trust

Something she said yesterday that lodged itself in my head and refused to leave.

I’ve been turning it over all night. Her words. The way she looked at me when she said them.

And by the time Blaze came pounding on the cabin door before dawn, my decision had already started taking shape.

Now it’s solid.

I know what I want to do.

The problem is, wanting something and making it happen are two very different things.

I need to talk to Bryce.

And Axle.

I pull my phone from my pocket and call my brother.

He answers on the second ring. “What’s up?”

“Can you meet me in Bryce’s office?”

A pause.

“That sounds ominous.”

“It’s not.”

Another pause.

“Want to tell me what it’s about?”

I glance toward the arena, where the afternoon sun is dropping lower over the ranch.

“I just need to talk to you and Bryce about something.”

“What kind of something?”

“The kind I’d rather explain in person.”

He exhales. “All right. Give me ten.”

“See you there.”

I end the call and stare at the phone for a second.

This is happening.

Whatever comes out of that office today, there’s no taking it back.

I shove the phone into my pocket and head for the academy.

Because if I’m going to do this, I’m damn sure going to do it right.

Marina

Ryder’s bedroom door flies open, and the sound of little feet padding down the hallway draws both our attention.

“Mommy?” Ryder calls, rubbing the sleep from his eyes with one tiny fist. “I’m thirsty.”