Chapter Thirteen
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Courtney and Joe had been staying at the Moonshine Campground along with many other competitors, but the show was over and most of the visitors had left. Walking into the dining room at lunchtime he was able to sit at a window table with a view of the distant mountain peaks. But the moment was bittersweet. Courtney was still locked up. Her hearing at the Fairview Courthouse had been scheduled for the following morning and he wasn’t sure he’d be able to convince the judge to grant bail. Sheriff Cooper had told him the small community was determined to keep the scourge of drugs at bay, and selling them was considered a heinous crime.
“Would you like some coffee?”
The waitress hadn’t served him before, but he’d noticed her on previous occasions. She was one of the prettiest servers in the dining room.
“Yes, thanks, Heather,” he said, glancing at her name badge, but as he spoke a sudden thought flashed through his mind. Was it possible she was the same Heather who bought Henry?
“This is such a beautiful place,” he began, trying to keep his voice measured. “I’m with a friend who was at the three day horse show over the weekend. Fortunately she has some business in Fairview so I’ll be here a little while longer. Did you go? To the show I mean.”
“I did, I competed.”
“Wow, that must have been exciting.”
“It was. I won my first trophy,” she said proudly. “I still can’t believe it.”
“Congratulations.”
“Thank you. So…do you know what you’d like to order?”
“Yes, the Spanish Omelette. I’ve tried your pancakes the first day, then eggs with sausages yesterday, so today I’m going for the omelette.”
“It’s one of my favorites. I’ll get this into the kitchen right away.”
“Could I have an order of tortillas while I wait?” he asked, hoping for a second opportunity to talk to her.
“Of course.”
As she walked away he racked his brains. There had to be a way to find out if she was the same Heather who’d bought King Henry. A few minutes later, as she returned carrying a covered plate, he had a sudden thought.
“Here you are,” she said with a smile, placing it in front of him. “There are small containers of salsa and butter on the side.”
“Perfect, thanks. So, Heather, I have a niece looking for a ranch in this area to take some lessons. Is there a place around here you could recommend? By chance do you have a trainer?”
“I do and he’s terrific. His name is Blake Coleman and his barn is called Three Oaks Ranch. It’s only about a mile or so from here. When you leave turn right, you can’t miss it.”
“Great. I’ll definitely check it out.”
“Tell him Heather from the Moonshine Campground sent you.”
“Will do.”
“I’ll be back shortly with your omelette.”
Though he wanted to laugh out loud in triumph he contained himself. Not only did he now know she was the same Heather who had bought King Henry, he didn’t have to hunt for the ranch. Later that day he’d find somewhere to park out of sight and follow her home. Courtney would have the address in the morning.
* * *
When Heather finished her shift she changed into her barn clothes and drove straight back to Three Oaks Ranch. As she rolled down the driveway she could see Apollo and Henry calmly grazing.
Before she’d left for work she’d followed Blake’s advice and stayed in Apollo’s paddock. Whenever Henry would come to the fence Apollo would amble over to visit. She’d watch while they snorted and communicated in horse-speak, then join the interaction. Apollo stayed close to her, and as she’d left she’d wondered if she’d ever find that special connection with Henry.
Now parking near the barn, she climbed from her truck and hurried across to visit them. A rail separated their pastures, and she stopped in front of it so she could say hello to both of them as they put their heads over the fence.
“Hey, you two,” she said as she fed them a treat. “Henry you look so calm.”
“He is!”
Turning around she found Blake marching towards her.
“Tell me everything!” she said excitedly. “How have they been?”
“Great. After Henry kicked up his heels for a few minutes he introduced himself to the horses in the bigger paddock next to his. There was some squealin’…normal horse stuff, then Shadow came up and they became instant buddies.”
“That’s wonderful. What about you?”
“Lesson after lesson as usual. Are you plannin’ to ride?”
“I want to take Apollo up Smoky Hill. I think it would be good for his brain after being at that show. The only question is, will Henry freak out?”
“He and Shadow spent quite a bit of time together. Take Apollo out and let’s see what happens.”
“Will do,” she replied, lifting his halter from the hook and entering the pasture.
Sliding it over the horse’s head, she began leading him out the gate. Though Henry began whinnying, he suddenly spun around and galloped across to Shadow who appeared to be waiting for him.
“Wow, that’s fantastic, they really did connect,” she exclaimed happily. “I was worried.”
“I’m not surprised. Shadow’s such an easy-goin’ guy, and I’m sure Henry picked up his energy the minute they met. But would you like some company? My next lesson isn’t for another hour and I need to exercise Big Ben.”
“I would love that! By the way, where’s Butch?”
“Funny you should ask,” he replied as they started towards the barn. “I haven’t had a chance to tell you. He’s fixated on your trunk.”
“My trunk? Why?”
“No idea. Did you finish sortin’ through it earlier”
“Actually, no, I’m only halfway done.”
“Then I’d better clear it out for you. There might be a rat in there.”
“No! Oh, my God! Please, be my guest.”