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“You got that right. I just hope we don’t pass that ATV comin’ back.”
“Then we’d better get movin’. Come on, Ellie. I’ll give you a leg up.”
“I don’t know what that is, but I can get on from that trunk,” she replied, quickly untying Candy and leading her a few yards away.
“So much for followin’ orders,” Noah said with a chuckle as Matt shook his head and climbed on Blaze.
“This wasn’t the time to point that out,” Matt replied with a grin.
Though Stetson was still antsy, Noah deftly put his foot in the stirrup, swung himself into the saddle and moved the horse forward.
“He’ll march down the hill. Don’t feel like you need to keep up,” Noah called over his shoulder, “and he might be a bit nervous around the ambulances and all people around. Just steer clear and look out for Ellie.”
“You got it. Come on, Shelby, time to go.”
Noah watched the German Shepherd stay close to Matt as he and Ellie started down the trail, then focused his attention back on Stetson. His horse began to settle, and by the time they reached the road he was calm. There was a beehive of activity around the many trucks and vehicles, but Noah gave them a wide berth. When they were at a safe distance, he turned around to look for Matt and Ellie.
Blaze and Candy were walking at a fast clip towards him. He wasn’t surprised. The horses wanted to get home, but he noticed how at ease Ellie appeared. It brought a smile to his lips. She had a natural seat, and far more confidence than most beginners. He had no doubt, if she put in the hours, she’d become an excellent rider. As he waited for them to catch up, he thought back to the moment she’d proclaimed the driver was alive and dashed around the car to help him.
She was a wealthy, entitled, spoiled young woman, but she was also incredibly brave and compassionate. As she drew near, a wave of pride surged through his heart. He wanted to wrap her into his arms and never let her go.
The remainder of the ride was uneventful, though he’d noticed Matt check his phone and frown. When Matt mentioned he’d delivered the news of Michael Aiken’s death to Tom, then David, who would pass it along to Ellie, Noah assumed the texts were probably related.
“What did dad say?” Ellie asked.
“He sounded relieved, but he wished he’d had a chance to talk to him.”
When they reached the barn, Cody untacked Candy, explaining the parts of the saddle to Ellie as she watched, then she insisted on brushing off the mare by herself. Noah and Matt were taking care of Stetson and Blaze, but Matt seemed to be in a hurry, and Noah had the feeling he wanted to leave.
“Matt, you can take off if you want,” Noah suggested, noticing him glance at his watch.
“I need to talk to you for a second,” Matt said, jerking his head towards the courtyard.
“Cody, I’ll be right back,” Noah replied, and strode outside with Matt. “What’s up?”
“Those phony agents will be at the house soon, and the FBI will be waitin’. I need to pick up that briefcase and get over there.”
* * *
Ellie had finished brushing Candy, and as she walked the mare down the aisle, she felt as though she’d been around horses her entire life. Leading her into the stall and slipping off the halter, she hung it on its hook as she left, then stepped into the feed room and closed the door. Sitting on a bale of hay, she pulled her phone from her pocket and called her father.
“Ellie, I was just thinking about you. Your mother and I are on our way to the airfield.”
“I’m so glad you’re coming in,” she said, feeling heat in the back of her throat. “I need to see you both so much.”
“No doubt you heard about Michael Aiken.”
“Yes, and I have something I need to tell about what actually happened, but that’s not why I’m calling. Dad, I know what I want to do with my life, though I’m not sure exactly what direction it will take.”
“Please don’t tell me you’re giving up your art. You’re so talented.”
“I’ll always paint, that will never change, but it’s not enough. I want to be involved with horses. When I’m around them I’m happy, really happy. I love painting too, but it’s different.”
“I can hear it in your voice and I think it’s great. We’ll talk about it when we get together.”
“Thank you, and there’s something else. I don’t know if you’ll agree, or if this is even possible, but I don’t want Bethany prosecuted, not for anything. In fact, I want us to help her. You probably feel differently given what she—“
“No, sweetheart, I don’t feel differently. In fact, you have remarkable timing. Your mother and I were just talking about that very thing. Don’t worry, hon, Bethany will land on her feet, I’ll see to it.”
