“The hell it isn’t.”
“It’s about the horses. That’s it. Whatever history you have with Bex is yours, and I’m not asking about it. But I’mtellingyou, as the veterinarian responsible for these animals, that they need corrective farrier work and she’s the most qualified person within a hundred miles to do it.”
I stare at the mare in the pen.
She’s watching us, ears pricked, head slightly cocked.
Even the horse knows this conversation isn’t going my way.
“I’ll think about it,” I say.
“You said that three days ago.”
“Then give me three more.”
Grace pushes off the rail. “I’m bringing it to my father. I’ve waited long enough.”
That stops me. “You’re going over my head.”
“I’m doing my job. The rescue operation is an extension of club business. The horses’ welfare is my responsibility. If the Road Captain won’t authorize a necessary hire, I go to the president. That’s how this works.” She says it without heat. Without apology. Just fact. “I’d rather you agreed, but I’ll go around you if I have to.”
She walks away.
Six months pregnant and still the most formidable person on this ranch.
I stand in the round pen with the chestnut mare and feel the walls closing in.
Phantom doesn’t ask me.
He tells me.
Catches me outside the clubhouse after lunch, coffee in hand, expression neutral in the way that means the decision is already made and this conversation is a courtesy.
“Grace brought me the farrier situation,” he says. “Bex Dalton. She starts this week.”
“Prez—”
“The horses need the work. She’s qualified. It’s done.” He takes a sip of coffee. Studies me over the rim. “You want to tell me why you’re fighting this?”
I could lie.
Could say it’s about credentials, about bringing an outsider onto the compound, about a dozen practical objections that would sound reasonable if you didn’t look too hard.
Phantom would see through every one of them.
The man didn’t become president of an MC by being easy to bullshit.
“She was Rose’s best friend,” I say.
Phantom nods. Slow.
The kind of nod that says he already knew and was waiting for me to say it out loud.
“And you think having her here is going to make things harder.”
“I know it will.”
He’s quiet for a long moment.
