“I just…hate people.”
I chuckled darkly. “No you don’t. You like people, just not the kind who do bad things to animals.”
“Or humans,” he said so quietly I barely heard him.
I wanted to ask what his story was, but despite knowing him for about five years, I didn’t know much about him.
“Well, these six will be safe soon, and you get to check them out and take part. Oh, and your favorite girl is doing much better so that’s a plus.”
He beamed at me. “Yeah, she is. I’m glad she was young enough that her hoof issues didn’t have time to ruin her whole body.”
Seb had taken a liking to the brave, sassy, little pony mare we got from Jules’. She’d come out of her shell, and now she had the sort of playful pony personality that people who liked ponies would love.
“I’m going to ask Lake to ride her after she’s had more time to recover. He’s tall, but he’s light enough for her to start with. Once we can be sure she’s good under the saddle, I’ll call in a favor from a friend who trains ponies.”
“Oh, another favor? Who would’ve thought.” Seb grinned.
My cell rang in its dash holder, so I swiped it and put it on speaker. “Hey, Jules.”
“Hi Jules.”
“Hey guys, how did it go?”
We told them about Willa and Kevin being there and taking some horses, along with what types we’d gotten. Neither of us told them about how bad it had been there, but Jules didn’t ask either.
“Good,” they said finally, then let out a long sigh. “Thank you, guys. I…”
“We know,” I replied quietly.
“Yeah, it is what it is,” Seb added.
An hour or so later, we stopped at a gas station to check on the horses, take a leak, and get some drinks, then ate some of our remaining food before continuing homeward.
“So, you and Lake?” Seb asked, grinning when we were safely back on the road.
I smiled widely. “Yeah, looks like it.”
“Good for you both. I’m happy for you.” His tone was genuine, but the wistful sigh accompanying his words seemed off.
“Do you have anyone in your sights?” I asked gently.
Seb huffed, the sound coming out a bit sad. “No, not really.”
“Well, if you ever need an ear, I’m always available.” I felt like I had to make the offer, because something told me he might not have that many friends, especially close ones.
He glanced at me and smiled. “Thanks. I might take you up on that.”
* * * *
I offered to drop Seb off at his place, but he insisted on coming with me to do a preliminary check to see what he needed to bring over the next day or the one after, depending on his schedule and the horses’ needs.
I’d called ahead to the office, since Sierra had messaged me that she’d stay late for us in case she was needed. When I drove into the stable yard, I smiled.
“Looks like the cavalry is here.” Seb chuckled.
Lake, the volunteers Annie and Lauren, Penny and Poppy, and of course Barry, were all standing by the open stable doors.
In no time, I had checked what stalls were available, and we began to unload the newbies.
