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“Sorry, Ben, I couldn’t wait for help,” Bailey said breathlessly as she fell into step beside him. “Did you say we’re moving them?”
“I’ve arranged for stalls at the show grounds, and you don’t have to apologize. I was gettin’ ready to do the same thing.”
“You were?”
“I sure was.”
“Bailey, how did you get them out of that field?” Rick interjected. “I didn’t see any gates except on the far side.”
“Uh…the fence…it wasn’t very high.”
“What does that mean?”
“I told you I used to ride jumpers, remember? And I’ve jumped Miss Piggy plenty of times. She loves it.”
“You jumped the fence?” Ben exclaimed, jerking his head around and staring down at her.
“It was no big deal. I knocked out the top rail so it was barely three feet, probably more like two-six. Big John will think one of the horses kicked it down.”
“And I’m guessin’ the other two followed.”
“Of course. I knew they would.”
“Damn, girl, you’ve got nerve.”
“She’s a trick rider,” Rick said with a sigh, “so, yeah, but I’d say that was the most daring trick of all,” silently thinking,much too daring. That girl needs reinin’ in before she gets herself in a whole mess of trouble.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
With Miss Piggy, Lizzy and Cocoa safely hidden in the old barn and Rick outside keeping watch, Bailey called her friends with the joyful news, promising she’d be in touch again as soon as she could with all the details. Turning her attention back to the horses and carefully checking them over, aside from losing weight they appeared to be injury free.
“The trailer’s here and ready to load,” Rick announced, stepping inside. “Are you sure it’s safe? What if that bastard is watching?”
“There hasn’t been any sign of Big John comin’ or goin’, and if Ben says we should move now, then that’s what we should do. We’ll follow in my truck.”
“I know the security is amped up at the show grounds, but I’m still really worried.”
“You don’t have to be,” he said confidently, stepping closer and giving her a hug. “I’ve spoken to Deedee myself and she knows exactly what’s goin’ on. She’ll have extra security around the private boardin’ area, and you know it’s close to my motorhome.”
“That’s right, it is. I don’t suppose—”
“Of course you can stay with me,” he replied with a smile. “I was just about to offer.”
“Are you ready to roll?” Ben asked, striding into the barn.
“Ben, how can I ever repay you for everything you’ve done…everything you’re doing?” she said breathlessly, trying to fight a wave of emotion.
“I haven’t done diddly squat. You’re the one who got them safely out of that field and over the hill. You’re one helluve a rider. But it’s time to go. You load Miss Piggy, then Pete and I will bring the other two. I have a feelin’ they’ll just walk in after her.”
“They will. She’s an alpha mare, and they’ve been friends a long time,” Bailey replied. “Are you ready to go girl?”
The mare nudged her, and Bailey couldn’t resist one more hug before leading her outside. As she loaded her into the trailer, Ben and Pete followed with Lizzy and Cocoa, closed the back doors, then climbed into the cab of Ben’s powerful Ford F150. Rick had brought his truck up, and while he settled behind the wheel, Bailey slipped into the passenger seat.
“Rick, I’m scared, I can’t help it,” she said nervously as they left the old barn and turned down the driveway. “Once we’re at the show grounds I think I’ll be okay, but I’m worried Big John is watching and he’ll hijack us on the way, or do something while—”
“Bailey, it’s over,” Rick said firmly, interrupting her and taking her hand. “Ben said we don’t have to worry about that dirtbag. He’ll be as mad as a poked rattler when he finds them gone, but he’s not stupid. No way will he try to find them. It’s too risky.”
“I hope Ben’s right.”
