Journey knickered and nuzzled Joey's cheek as if to ask what happened.
"I'm fine, baby. Just a little cut."
Ginny appeared next to her. "That's not what I heard. Scarlet says it's pretty deep."
"I have bandages on it. It'll be fine. How's Flash?"
"He's fine. I don't know what Oscar thought would happen when he brought out the whip, but no harm, no foul to my horse."
"I don't think we'll be having to worry about Oscar anymore."
"No," Ginny laughed nervously, "Percy is over there raising hell right now."
"Good. One goon less we have to deal with."
Joey was on her way back to her trailer when she heard her name in the distance. She turned to find Percy motioning to her.
"Josephine! My office."
Joey's heart dropped. Percy insisted on using her full name to antagonize her. And she could only guess what he wanted.
Chapter Four: A New Assignment
Drake Hale
Drake knew as soon as Vinia called the barn looking for him that he wasn't going to like what she said. Especially when she told him to come see her as soon as he was done mucking the stalls.
He grumbled as he spread hay. Usually when he was summoned like that, it meant more work for him, and there already weren't enough hours in the day. With just him and Colton running the show, and him already helping Sarah with her bakery chores, he didn't need any other tasks. The cabins were booked out, so he wasn't sure how they could add more guests.
But once he dragged himself to his mother's kitchen, her request completely blindsided him.
She folded her arms. "So, when they called and asked, I told them that we'd be a proud host and help sponsor some of the events."
Drake stared at his mother as if she had lost her mind. "Why in the world would you offer to host a rodeo here at the ranch?"
"Because they're paying well, and it's good advertising," Vinia responded coolly. "A source of income is never a bad thing, and it's only for a long weekend."
"But after what we went through with the see'er, do you really want that many strangers on the property? At least with our guest we can check them out somewhat before they get here to see if there are any red flags."
"Look, Drake. I know you don't approve. But prices are up, property taxes went up. We need to keep this place afloat, and that takes money. These rodeo people will pay the bills for several months. And again, it's only a few days."
"What if other people get the idea and think we're a new venue on their circuit? None of us have even really participated in a rodeo, and now you want us to be front and center in the middle of it?"
"It won't come to that. Long weekend and they're out of here."
He sighed. "It's never that easy. And you want me to be in charge? Why can't Colton do it?" He knew he was being petty, but drastic times called for drastic measures.
"I need Colton to run the ranch for the guests. Your other brothers are on vacation, and your sister isn't up to additional chores. I may not know whose baby she's carrying, but I do know that it's my grandchild, and I have to give Sarah a break."
"Yeah, a break because I'm doing half of her shit, too."
Vinia boxed his ears. "Quit your bitching. You may be my baby boy, but you're old enough to handle a few extras around here. Jesus, Drake. You're almost forty."
He snorted. "Not for a few years yet."
"Close enough. Just do what needs done to keep the cash flow moving. Maybe you'll even have a little fun with a rodeo right here in our own backyard."
Drake had one last argument. "You know that Logan and Tyson could just fly back to help and not miss any of their vacation, right? We have dragon speed for a reason."
