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Though he hated leaving Bailey behind, Rick knew he had no choice. Hurrying through the thicket and jumping into his truck, he sped up the hill. When he reached the top he finally had a cell signal, and as he started down he called Ben.
“Hey, I see you, but you look like you’re alone,” Ben declared as he answered. “What happened?”
“Bailey’s horse is in that field and she wouldn’t leave. The other two are as well.”
“Dammit. I know Big John is a bad guy, but I honestly didn’t expect this or I would never have sent her over there.”
“Call the sheriff and—”
“Hold on a second. We need to think this through.”
“What is there to think about? That bastard has Bailey’s horse and the other two that were stolen. The sheriff needs to—”
“‘It’s not so cut and dried,” Ben exclaimed, cutting him off. “Does she have proof he took them? Security tapes?”
“I have no idea, but she hasn’t mentioned anything. As far as I know, she just has the photographs.”
“Big John’s a slimy sonofabitch,” Ben continued. “He’s likely to have papers showin’ be bought them at an auction, or maybe a sales barn now conveniently out of business. And if he wants to fight her on ownership, she’ll end up havin’ to hire a lawyer and go through a lengthy court battle. Meanwhile, her horse and the other two will stay where they are.”
“I can’t believe what I’m hearin’.”
“Even if the sheriff believes her, he’ll have to follow the law. Bringin’ him in is the last thing we should do. I see you’re almost here. I’m goin’ in the house. Meet me inside. I’ve gotta call to make.”
“Okay.”
Not sure what to make of Ben’s comments, Rick drove to the base of the slope, then accelerated down the dirt trail to the back of the house. Climbing out, he walked quickly through the back door into the kitchen and found Ben on the phone.
“Thanks, Deedee, I sure appreciate this,” Ben said, glancing up as Rick entered. “I’ll keep you posted.”
“Was that Deedee, the livestock manager at the show grounds?”
“Sure was. I was checkin’ to see if she had any empty stalls in the private boardin’ area. Security’s real tight there with the rodeo and it’s the perfect place to put the horses. I’d keep them here, but Big John can get on this property as easily as you and Bailey were able to get on his. I’d be sleepin’ with one eye open all night.”
“Are you sayin’ you’re willin’ to go down there and get them out?”
“You bet.”
“Ben…I don’t know what to say.”
“I’ll get Pete to join us. He may be just a stable hand, but he’s real sharp. He can keep watch while you and I—”
“Ben, Ben,” a young man yelled as he burst through the back door. “Come quick.”
“Damn, Pete, I was just talkin’ about you. What’s goin’ on?”
“There’s a girl ridin’ a horse bareback comin’ down the slope with two other horses, except they’re loose. They’re stayin’ right by her, but like I said, they’re loose.”
“What the hell has she done?” Rick exclaimed as they raced outside.
“I think that’s pretty obvious,” Ben grunted. “Pete, grab us some halters and put some hay in the old stalls, then hook up the four horse trailer to the red truck.”
“Sure thing, boss.”
As the stablehand raced away, Rick stared in astonishment as he watched Bailey ride the beautiful dark bay mare down the hill. Not only was she bareback, the horse wasn’t wearing a bridle and bit, just a halter with reins. He couldn’t understand where she’d found it, then realized the tack would have been in her bag at the ready. The other two horses were staying close to her, but he wasn’t surprised. Going through the ordeal together, the equines would have created a strong bond.
By the time she neared the bottom of the slope, Pete had returned with halters and lead ropes. Slowly approaching the loose horses, they slipped them on while Bailey slid off her mare.
“Follow me,” Ben said sharply. “They’re goin’ into stalls in an old barn we don’t use anymore. It’s around the other side of the ring. You can’t see it from the driveway. They’ll be safe there until we get the trailer hooked up and it’s safe to move them.”
