“There isn’t,” Ty said firmly. “I hate how you have to adjust to your new reality, but you put Patch in his place at the meeting.”
Scarlett’s brows drew together, making him laugh.
He said, “Leo likes you and says you have spirit.”
Scarlett grinned. “He did?”
“Yes. Leo mentioned he sent Patch with you to town. He came back impressed,” he said softly. “Leo doesn’t invite everyone to visit the facility. He’ll meet them at the hospital or at the cabins. The fact you went to a meeting with most of the men tells me he holds you in deep respect.”
Scarlett shook her head as he gave her another bite. “Leo wants Jeremy caught. With all the farmers here, everyone carries the pesticide used to destroy the deliveries. You probably have it in your barn. They can’t arrest him for it.”
“Leo will handle it. The two cops in town have never dealt with any issues like this. We’ve grown, and this may be a wake-up call to hire more officers. Maybe a few with experience,” Ty said, giving her the last bite. “Do you want any more?”
“I’m stuffed,” she admitted. “May I use your bathroom?”
Ty rose from the couch and went to the counter, retrieving her cane. “It’s to your left after you clear the sofa. Once you enter the hallway, it’s the first door on your right. I’ll clean up the kitchen and then I’ll take you for a ride.”
Scarlett licked her lips nervously, notwanting to hit or knock anything over while she used the cane. Ice remained at her side, waiting for her command.
“You’re fine, Scarlett. It’s a clear path between here and there,” Ty said as if reading her mind.
She and Ice moved forward and she smiled when she came to the hallway entrance. She heard Ty clearing the dishes, letting her know he didn’t pay attention to her while she navigated his home.
Ty kept an eye on her and saw the smile spread across her face when she entered the hallway. With a bit of time to sharpen her skills, he didn’t doubt she’d accomplish anything. By the time she returned, he placed the dishes in the dishwasher and started it.
“What will we do about Ice?” she asked, entering the kitchen.
“He can go with us. Do you have your water bowl?” he asked.
“Yes, I have everything in my backpack. My leash won’t be long enough,” she said, worried.
“I have rope in the barn to extend it. My dogs stay close to the horses, and they’re used to them. We’ll teach Ice to keep to the side. If you don’t like my first option, we can place him inside the kennel here in the house,” Ty said, giving her a choice.
“If you don’t mind, I want to keep him with me. He doesn’t like it when we get separated,” she explained.
Ty took her arm and led them to his barn. When he arrived at the first stall, Scarlett heard the horse nicker to greet him.
“Scarlett, meet Hank. He’s the most intelligent animal in this place,” he bragged. “He knows the land blindfolded. I literally tell him where we’re heading, and he goes.”
“Do horses usually know where to go?” she asked.
“You control most of them by your reins and feet. NotHank, he’s one of a kind,” he said. “Do you want to pet him? You’re in front of his stall. Turn more to your right, away from the door. I’ll give you a carrot for him.”
Scarlett did as he instructed, and he showed her how to hold the food in her hand. Hank gently took it, his lips nibbling along the skin, tickling her.
“What’s Hank’s coloring?” she asked while he nudged his head into her hand to encourage her to pet him. She stroked his face and made longer ones along his neck.
“He’s brown with white stocking feet. In the middle of his head, he has a white patch shaped almost like a star. It lets everyone know he’s special,” he said, stroking the gentle beast.
“It sounds like you and he share a great fondness for one another,” she said gently.
“My dad gifted him to me when I came home. He died shortly after and Hank became a great comfort to me. I’m sure Dad instructed him to keep an eye on me. Once, when I cleared the pasture on the north side, I tripped and broke my arm and ankle. I didn’t think I’d make it back home. Hank encouraged me from the fence where I tied him. It took me forever to climb on, and he ambled toward the house until one of my helpers discovered me,” Ty explained. “It seems in the darkest moments, Hank always comes through.”
“What a sweet story. It’s a great way to remember your dad,” Scarlett said as Ty moved her to the left and opened the stall to lead Hank from his stall to saddle him.
When he finished, Ty glanced at Scarlett. “I’ll put you on the horse. Since Ice stays to your left, I’ll tie him on the same side while we ride. I’ll climb up behind you after I close the barn.”
“Will Hank take me where I want to go?” she asked.
