Ken’s brow furrowed. “I’ll help if I can.”
I turned to the rest of the men at the counter. “I thought you might be able to help me. Do you know what happened to the mustang up by Clintock’s spread?”
Tom, the man who had come into the Kettle with Bill a few weeks ago, snickered. “It got what it deserved.”
My blood began to heat. But before I could say anything, Ken stepped in. “I won’t have that kind of talk in my shop.”
Tom made a rude sound. The rest of the men stayed silent.
Bill stepped forward. “Jensen, why don’t I walk you to your car?”
I eyed him. “Sure.” My SUV wasn’t even here, but it didn’t matter.
We headed back out the door. When we made it to the end of the block, Bill tugged lightly on my elbow to stop my progress. “I know you care about those horses, but you can’t come into the feed store asking those kinds of questions. Those men,”—he looked back to the store—“they aren’t going to respond well. And there’s already enough tension.”
I gritted my teeth. “I just want to know what’s going on. And I’m not up there every day, you guys are.”
Bill held up his hands. “I get that you’re concerned. But see it from our perspective. Those horses hurt our ability to put food on the table for our families. And I’m sorry some of them have been killed, but I’m always going to prioritize my family over some four-legged creatures.”
My shoulders slumped. I’d find no help or information here. “I’m sorry I put you in a bad position.”
Bill gave me a gentle smile. “It’s okay. And just so you know, I haven’t seen anything suspicious going on up there. It truly might just be a couple of accidents.”
I wished I could believe him. “Thanks anyway, Bill.” I gave him a wave as I headed back towards the Kettle. Instead of heading inside like I should’ve, I made my way to the parking lot in the back. I hopped into my SUV and headed for the ranch.
I needed a few stolen minutes with my mustangs. Something to ease the pain in my chest. My vehicle bumped over the gravel road, but as I caught sight of my herd, a little of that pain eased.
I slipped from my SUV and walked to the fence line. Phoenix was the first to greet me. “Hey, girl.” I pressed my forehead to hers, breathing in her scent and letting her spirit soothe me. “Just needed to see you guys.”
I looked out at the pasture. The twenty or so mustangs huddled in groupings, some ran and played, others snacked on hay, and some just soaked up the bright sun on this cool winter day. I spotted Willow with two other mares, doing some sunbathing.
“You taking care of our new girl?”
Phoenix let out a little huff of air as if to say, “of course.”
I sighed, stroking Phoenix’s neck. “I’m glad you’re safe.” I might not be able to protect my wild friends, but at least this herd was protected.
I slumped onto my bed.I was so tired, I could barely convince myself that crawling under the covers was vital, even on a winter night. I’d spent the rest of the afternoon catching up on baking tasks since I’d taken that unexpected hour off during the middle of the day. Then I’d spent all evening chasing Noah around. From karate to ice cream to dinner with my family and too many bedtime stories to count. I was exhausted.
My phone buzzed on my nightstand. I slapped the surface until I found it.
Tuck:You up for a midnight rendezvous, Wilder? I could climb in your bedroom window.
I was too tired to still be angry with Tuck. But it had melted into a pouting sort of hurt.
Me:I’m spent. Already in bed actually and about to crash.
It wasn’t a lie. But it wasn’t the whole truth either. I was aware that I was being a total hypocrite when I’d given Tuck so much shit the other day for not telling me what he was so upset about. But I needed time to process and figure out what I had a right to be pissed about and what I needed to give him the benefit of the doubt on.
Tuck:Get some rest. Maybe you should ask your mom to open for you tomorrow so you can sleep in.
My lips pressed together. This was part of the problem. Tuck was always so dang overprotective, in every sense of the word. There was one part of me that loved it, the feeling of being precious to someone. The other half of me hated it. That wilder part of me that was determined to stand on my own and not have anyone even dare to try and fence me in.
Me:I’m fine. I just need a few hours’ sleep.
Tuck:Stop being grouchy. I just don’t want you to get so run down you get sick. Then I won’t be able to kiss you all over.
A little of my frustration melted.
