Chapter Twenty-Four
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Katy’s heart leapt in her chest, but to her surprise Doug turned around and marched towards her truck. Not sure what to think and with butterflies suddenly fluttering in her stomach she hurried after him. But as he unhitched her trailer he didn’t speak, then wordlessly started back towards the arena.
“Thank you, but Doug…wait.”
Pausing his step, he looked over his shoulder.
“Yes?”
“I, uh, I’m sorry about following Craig. I just thought—”
“You thought you’d test me.”
“What? No--I just—”
“This is just like when you rode Mindy over here knowing it would be too late to ride her back. I’m very disappointed in you. When will you stop playing these games?”
“But—”
“I suggest you take some time to think about what you just did.”
As she stared after him she realized she’d done exactly what he accused her of doing. She’d tested him. Besides the idea that he might spank her…which she found oddly titillating…she’d wanted to see his reaction.
Dismayed and not sure what to do, she let out a heavy breath and stared across at Mindy grazing in the nearby paddock. Deciding a ride would be the only thing that might lift her spirits she walked across to the fence and lifted the halter off the post. As she ambled into the field the mare lifted her head, pricked her ears, and immediately started moving towards her. A moment later, to her delight, Butch suddenly trotted up to join them.
“Hello, fella,” she exclaimed, crouching down to pet him. “It’s so good to see you. Will you come with me? I can’t go up the Smoky Hill trail, but I can ride around the base of the trees.”
As Butch barked, Katy gave him a quick hug, then slid the halter over Mindy’s head and led her towards the barn. She was hoping she might see Doug, but when she poked her head over the arena gate he was nowhere to be seen. Disappointed, and still not sure how to make amends, she took Mindy into the barn, tacked her, led her outside and climbed into the saddle.
* * *
Standing at the kitchen window Doug watched Katy riding Mindy towards Smoky Hill. He couldn’t believe she’d take her up the trail. That would be pushing the envelope way too far, but to his relief she turned down the path that skirted the woods.
The lane was an easy ride that ran behind several ranches, and Butch was with her, which was a comforting thought. Feeling better he finished his coffee then headed to the barn to finish some chores. It was almost an hour later he heard a vehicle roll up the driveway. Stepping outside he saw Billy’s truck coming to a stop.
“Hey, Billy,” he called, glancing at his watch as he neared. “It’s only two-o’clock.”
“Yeah, I know, but I got done early and I was at loose ends so I thought I’d come over and lend a hand. You don’t have to pay me.”
“Hey, it’s not a problem and I’m glad you’re here. I could use the help.”
“Where’s Katy? Oh, never mind, I see Mindy’s not in her paddock.”
“She took off a little while ago.”
“I hope she didn’t go up the trail. Did you hear about that other sighting of a Bigfoot above the lake? I know it’s not exactly close, but even so…”
“I agree, and no. She was following the path that runs behind the ranches, and she had Butch with her.”
“That’s good,” Billy remarked, glancing towards the hill, then suddenly pointed. “Uh…Doug…there’s Butch now running like a bat outta hell and he’s alone.”
Trying not to panic, Doug snatched his phone from his pocket and texted Katy.
Are you okay? Where are you? Butch is back.
His pulse racing, he waited for a response. When it popped up an overwhelming, unfamiliar sensation shivered through his body.
Kind of. We saw something. I told Butch to run back to the ranch to get help, but it disappeared and now I’m on my way.
Katy, where exactly are you?
Behind Lone Pine Ranch. Mindy was really excited and I didn’t want to push her into a canter in case she took off.
I’m coming out to meet you.
That would be wonderful. I’m really shaky.
“Billy, you’re a magician. Your timin’ is unbelievable. She’s on her way back but she’s scared. I’m ridin’ out to meet her.”
“What happened?”
“She said she saw something,” Doug replied as he hurried into the paddock to get Chief. “We’ll get the details soon enough.”
Grabbing the halter and lead rope off the fence, he entered the pasture and whistled. Chief immediately broke into a gallop towards him and stopped as they met up. Sliding the halter over his horse’s head, Doug held the lead and vaulted onto Chief’s back.
“I’ll text you when I’ve found her. If you don’t hear from me in twenty minutes call the sheriff and come lookin’.”
* * *
When Katy had received the text from Doug she’d been overjoyed. But try as she might she couldn’t stop trembling, and her usually calm mare was jigging, not ambling along as she usually did. When Doug came into sight, cantering along the path towards them with Butch running along behind, Katy felt a swell of emotion. As he drew closer and slowed to a trot, then a walk, she felt Mindy finally start to settle.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked urgently as they met up.
“Yes, just scared…like really scared. I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Do you want to tell me what happened now or wait until we’re home?”
“Let’s wait, but the bottom line is, I think I saw a Bigfoot.”
“Whatever it was, if it shows up again I’ll protect you.”