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“I’ll know the answer to that question in about an hour,” he replied with a chuckle.
* * *
Duke had rehearsed what he was going to say to his parents during the long drive back from Mandy’s barn, but as he rolled to a stop in the motor court in front of their house, none of it seemed right. Walking up to the front door and letting himself in, he decided to forego the long speech and just spit out what he had to say.
“Duke, honey, is that you?” his mother called as the three dogs bounded up to greet him.
“It sure is, mom.” he called back, effusively petting them, then following them into the sumptuous living room. “I don’t believe it,” he exclaimed, staring at the chocolate cake sitting on the coffee table. “How did you know I’d be craving that?”
“I know my son,” she replied, hugging him tightly. “When aren’t you craving chocolate cake?”
“Hey, Duke, how was the drive,” his father asked, stepping up and slapping on the back. “I can’t imagine there was too much traffic at this hour.”
“No, it was good. Seemed faster coming back than going.”
“It always does.”
“Now tell us what’s on your mind while I pour the coffee,” his mother said, picking up the pot, “and don’t worry, this won’t keep you awake, it’s decaf.”
“I, uh…the thing is…I had a whole speech prepared, but—”
“But you want to tell it like it is,” his father declared. “I do the same thing. I get myself worked up, have the whole thing detailed and ready in my head, then I end up with just the bullet points. Go ahead. We’re ready and very curious.”
CHAPTER FORTY
Duke needed a minute to decide which was the lesser of the two evils. Disappointing his father or his mother. As he took a bite of the cake and washed it down with his coffee, he chose to disappoint his father first.
“Dad, I think it’s amazing how you built up your business—”
“I hear abutcoming,” Carl interrupted.
“Let him speak, dear,” Marge said, a scolding tone to her voice.
“Sorry, you’re quite right. Sorry, Duke. Please continue.”
“Thanks. You were almost right. It’s not but, it’s actuallyand.I think it’s amazing how you built up your business—and—I still want to be a part of it when I open my detective agency.”
“Detective agency!” his mother parroted, raising her eyebrows. “You can’t be serious. Following cheating husbands. Prying into people’s lives. Sweetheart it’s so sordid.”
“Mom, I won’t be do any of those things. I’m going to specialize in equine theft. I’ve done some research and believe it not, about fifty-five thousand horses are stolen in this country every year. It’s staggering.”
“I can’t believe it,” Marge sputtered. “If anyone took Gabe—I can’t bear to even think about it.”
“After what I’ve witnessed these last few days, and the suffering those girls went through, especially one of them who literally risked her life to save her mare and the other two that were taken, I feel compelled to do this. You know I’ve always loved digging around and getting to the bottom of things, It’s a talent, and I want to use it to catch these people and rescue the horses they steal.”
“Duke—you not only have my blessing, I want to help any way I can. This is brilliant,” Carl exclaimed. “I’m extremely impressed you want to take this path, and very proud.”
“Really? I thought you’d be disappointed?”
“I’d be disappointed if you didn’t follow your dreams. You must. I can see it’s given you a fire in your belly, and I meant what I said. Whatever I can do just let me know. I want to be a part of this if you’ll let me.”
“I do too,” Marge declared earnestly. “Oh! I know! I’ll organize a charity to raise money for the people whose horses need vet care when they’re found, or whatever else they may need.”
“Wow. Thank you, I’m blown away,” Duke said, feeling an unexpected surge of emotion. “First thing tomorrow I’ll find out what I need to become licensed as a Private Detective and what rights that gives me, if there are any.”
“You’ll have to figure out how much to charge and where to advertise your services,” Carl said thoughtfully. “That might be difficult.”
“My fees will based on what people can afford. Sure, I want and need to make a living, but the horses and their owners come first.”
