I nod. “Yeah, he’s been worried about me.”
“I think we all need good people in our lives. My college roommate is still my best friend. Those friendships stand the test of time.” She sighs and then continues, “I came over becausethere’s a buyer asking for you, said he knows you. He’s standing over to my right—don’t look!”
She scolds me when I glance over.
“Sorry.”
“His name is Drake, so if you don’t remember him—lie. I’ve strategically placed people to help with any situation. I suggest taking him out to the barn if he doesn’t ask.”
“You really thought of everything.”
Her eyes brighten. “Of course I did. That’s my job. Now, you go do yours.”
So far today I’ve met with a few buyers that were repeat buyers. Pete came by first thing to apologize for pulling out of the sale. We talked a bit but I got pulled away. It’s been interesting putting faces to some of the names I’ve been staring at for weeks as we tried to uncover what happened with Travis.
Tessa and I walk over, and Drake perks up. I instantly remember him so I don’t have to fake anything. He bought quite a few horses from me and we discussed using one of my mares with his stud. We shake hands, exchange pleasantries, and Tessa excuses herself to deal with some kind of cattle emergency.
“Would you like to see the barn?” I ask as Drake mentions the horses that are available.
“I’d love to. You know, this rodeo idea was a great idea,” he says with a chuckle. “Gave us all a chance to see for ourselves, huh?”
I could deny it, but Drake is one of those guys who just likes utter honesty. “That was also the goal. Although, not the entire reason. I hoped other horse buyers and breeders in the area would see the truth that I have never and would never harm or do anything to my horses.”
He claps me on the back. “I didn’t believe it, but the rumors seemed pretty damning.”
“I understand.” We walk toward two of the horses he had looked at in the auction, and Everett is standing just to the side—as though I conjured him.
I didn’t. This is all part of Tessa’s plan.
“Killian,” Everett says and then turns to Drake. “Good to see you.”
“Dr. Finnegan, I didn’t realize you were here,” Drake says with a hint of confusion.
“I’m here all the time to check on the horses.”
“I see,” Drake says slowly. “You’re the vet for Ivy Thorn?”
Everett laughs as though it’s funny to even ask. “Of course I am, Drake. I’m in Ember Falls and Killian knows I take care of all the animals here as if they were my own.”
“Yes, it’s why you’re also my vet.”
Everett nods. “I’m glad you agree. Anyway, I came down because I wanted to make sure all the excitement wasn’t causing stress, but everyone is doing great. It was the right move to keep them in this barn as opposed to closer where the noise could’ve spooked any of them.”
Another reason why Tessa is a fucking genius.
“We always put the animal first,” I say.
“Dr. Finnegan,” Drake cuts in. “What do you think of the rumors?”
Everett looks to me and then back to Drake. “They’re complete bullshit.”
Drake laughs. “How do you know that?”
“Because I’m here all the time. I check on them, do blood work. I also know Killian and I knew Travis—no one was doping these horses. If it was happening, it was after the sale and not on this property,” Everett says with such finality, it’s honestly more than I could’ve hoped for.
He’s a good friend. A bit of an asshole, but he’s the guy you want beside you in a fight. He’s not going to back down, and he’s not afraid to throw a punch.
Drake is quiet, looking over at the black thoroughbred in the stall. “So you think Travis’s disappearance is…what?”
