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“I’ll help you bring him up here, then go do that.”
“Just do what I asked you, Bailey, please.”
It was the please that had her turning away and running under the waterfall again.
“Okay now, boy, you need to back it up because we’re coming out,” he said to the dog, who was still watching him closely.
Joe used the last of his strength to get Elijah onto the ledge, then followed, and sat there sucking in air until his lungs filled, and his breathing returned to normal. Buzz sat at his side, leaning into him, and he wrapped an arm around him, enjoying the warmth.
“I have a blanket.”
He should have known she’d disobey him. She hurried back to his side with her arms loaded. Joe watched her shake out the blanket and lay it over Elijah.
Dressed in her jeans and jacket, at least she didn’t appear to be shivering now.
“You need to dress, Joe, before you get sick.”
He didn’t argue, because he was cold. Climbing to his feet, he stripped off his shorts, and pulled on his jeans, shirt, and lastly the jacket. He then leaned on the inside of the cave wall, because suddenly he was exhausted.
“Here.” She handed him one of the two chocolate bars in her hand.
“You’re not very good at obeying orders, Bailey Jones.”
“I’ve been obeying them for years. I’ve decided now’s the time to rebel.”
He snorted, and then started on his bar.
“Was he a friend, Joe?”
“Elijah and I weren’t close friends, but we always respected each other. Now, how about you let me hold you for a while, just until they reach us. We’re both cold, and God knows you must be exhausted after the hell you’ve been through today. Where are you getting this energy?”
“Adrenaline.”
“Makes sense. I feel like I’ve been run over by a large semi.”
“The shock of what’s been happening must be hitting you too, Joe.”
All the fight went out of her as she rested against him, her face turned away from Elijah’s body. They sat like that, in silence, until Buzz started barking and took off out of the cave. The others were arriving.
“Let’s go now, Bailey.” Lifting her to her feet, he followed her out to where the others waited, grim-faced.
They tookthe body to the ranger station. From there the police would come and take Elijah to the morgue. Someone would notify his wife and children.
The Trainer siblings and Bailey made a silent, sad procession as they headed back to the stables. Joe had watched her, making sure she wasn’t showing any signs of shock or exhaustion. But Bailey kept her back straight, eyes forward, and Sandy did the rest.
One thing he’d realized today was that she was a lot stronger than he, or she, believed. Bailey had an inner strength; he just doubted it had ever really been tested. Or more importantly, that anyone had let her test it over the last few years.
They rode into the stables, weary and tired. Joe dismounted and went to Bailey’s side. She didn’t say anything, just fell into his arms.
“You go on and sit down now, we’ll deal with the horses.”
Her spine stiffened, shoulders snapping back.
“No, I’ll take care of Sandy. Everyone is tired, Joe. Not just me.”
“No one expects you to, Bailey. Or will think any worse of you for not rubbing her down.”
She didn’t answer, just took the reins, and led Sandy into her stall. Joe answered his cell phone while he watched her walk away.
