I closed the box but grabbed the semi-automatic. I tucked it in the back of my waistband, which I’d strapped up with a holster this morning.
I climbed down from the barn loft, walking with a purposeful stride to the house. I got another phone call when I got to the barn door and stopped. I read the screen—Amber.
“You hung up on me, baby,” I said.
“Sorry. I had to. A nosy work colleague was standing behind me, and I think she knows about us. I’m freaking out a little bit. If she reports me, it could turn into a whole investigation. I could lose my job, and they might send you back.” Amber’s sweet voice rushed through the phone with all kinds of scenarios.
“Baby. Does she have any proof of anything? Remember, you’re part of my parole. I have to see you by law to check up on my daughter. Even if you were talking to me on the phone, she can’t prove that you and I are together.”
A rush of air was expelled through the phone. “You’re right. That makes sense. See you tonight.”
“See you tonight. I’ll help you clear your head.” I let those words roll off the tongue silkily.
She giggled a little. “I’m sure you will find a way, Colt.”
We hung up, and as I stood at the barn door, I eyed Moonlight.
“Are you ready for me now? Is it time for us?”
Moonlight neighed, her silky black coat shining in the Merced sun. Her head bobbed a few times in response. The equine beauty needed a rider, and that was me. On impulse, I walked to her stall door and stepped inside with the mighty horse. She backed away slightly. I breathed deeply—the dance between horse and man. I reached for her reins hanging on the left side. At this point, anything could happen. She could rear up and stomp on me. She could bite me, or she could surrender.
“Easy, Moonlight. It’s just you and me. I know you like you know me. We are wild, unkempt. Forces of nature.” As I moved in a stalking motion around Moonlight’s side, she shuffled her hooves away from me.
I heard a little voice behind me. “You just have to touch her star, and she will stay still, Daddy.”
“Bella, move back and don’t make sudden movements.” With no fear, Bella walked in between Moonlight and me. Moonlight bowed her head instantly, nuzzling Bella’s shoulder. Bella hugged her and rubbed the middle of her forehead.
I rubbed my eyes. Bella, the horse whisperer. “You know what I want to be when I grow up, Daddy?”
“What’s that, Bella?” While Bella had Moonlight in a vulnerable position, I put her saddle and her reins on.
“I want to ride and look after horses.”
I strapped Moonlight up and walked around the back of her hindquarters, feeling along as I went. The last thing I wanted was to get kicked in the teeth.
“You certainly have a way with her. Where did you learn that?”
Bella shrugged, her little pigtails shining in the daylight. “I don’t know. I just talk to Moonlight, and she listens. Don’t you, Moonlight? I love you. You’re such a good horse.”
“Yeah, think she’ll let me ride for a minute, just to keep her in shape?”
“Yes. She likes you. She was mad because you left her for a while.”
I scoffed. “Is that you or the horse talking, Bella?” I looked at the little brown eyes staring back at me.
“No. I wasn’t mad. I was sad. That’s all.”
Moonlight raised her head, and I walked her out of the barn.
“I’m sorry, Bella. Please forgive me. I made a mistake. Here, take the reins. I trust you with her. Got to get used to her sometime, if you want to train and work with horses.”
“Yay! It’s okay, Daddy. I know you didn’t mean it.”
I stroked the top of Bella’s head as I watched in complete astonishment. This little pint-sized kid had tamed the untamable horse. Moonlight trotted right alongside Bella and followed her every command.
“Un-fucking-believable.”
Sixteen
