Page 85 of Branded Betrayal

“I need you to get here as soon as possible. Something horrible has happened.”

“Okay,” he says, not pressing. “I’m on my way.”

I kneel next to Miss Bea, resting my head against her. “I’m so sorry I let this happen to you, girl. But we’re going to fix you up, okay? I promise. You’ll feel better so soon.”

I stroke the side of her face, her eyes still focused on me. Another weak whimper makes my throat tighten as memories pummel my mind. Mom loved Miss Bea so much and always said she was her other special girl.

Mom . . . I need you so much right now.

“I will fix this,” I whisper. “I will take care of you so you don’t hurt anymore. I promise.”

Cattle moan and low farther down the road, and I still have no idea how they managed to get off the property. Scenarios fly through my mind, but none of them make sense. The gates were all secured, as were the posts, when I went out there yesterday to do some chores. I know there were parts of the fences that needed repair, but the guys had them reinforced temporarily.

With my free hand, I swipe at the tears streaking my face. My shoulders sag with relief when Nash’s truck pulls up along the side of the road. He jumps out and runs over to us.

“The whole herd is grazing outside the property line,” he mutters as he checks out Miss Bea’s leg. “Do you know how they got out?”

“No. I heard the accident and came running straight out here.” I swallow hard. “I know it looks bad, but we can call Dr. Burgess and he can—”

Nash pulls his hand over mine. “Savvie.”

My teeth chatter, the hairs on the back of my neck springing up at the sorrow in his eyes. “Wh-what?”

“We can’t save her. She’s hurt too bad.”

“No,” I say. “There has to be something we can do. She can heal. She has to, Nash.” The tears flow again. “She’s Mom’s favorite. We can’t let her go. Please, we have to do something.”

“There’s only one thing to do,” he says, his voice grave. “She’s suffering. You know it. You can feel it.”

“There has to be another way. Dr. Burgess—”

Nash puts a hand on my arm. “He’d tell you the same thing.”

I cover my face with my hands, my shoulders quaking with sobs. “I can’t. Nash, I just can’t.”

He nods. “I know. Take a minute with her. I’ll handle it.”

I clear my throat, the sides of my throat burning like I’ve just swallowed fire.

Nash walks back to his truck. I dip my head low and nuzzle Miss Bea’s snout. “You’re so brave,” I whisper, my voice cracking. “I know you’re hurt and so scared. But Mom is watching over you right now. She loved you so very much.” I drag my fingers down the side of her neck. “I’m so sorry I let you down, Miss Bea. I’m sorry I was so wrapped up in my own crap to notice that you guys were in danger. If I’d have been paying closer attention, I’d have seen or heard something before you wandered into the road. I could have saved you.”

Miss Bea whimpers again as Nash walks over to us with his rifle.

“Nash, I can’t. There has to be something we can do, someone who can help her.” My words tumble out, tinged with desperation and anguish.

He squeezes my shoulder. “I know how hard this is for you, but this is the only way we can help her.”

“Are you sure?” I whisper. “There’s nothing we can do?”

He slowly shakes his head. “I’m sorry. She’s in bad shape. I’ve seen this kind of break before. She won’t recover.”

Tears spill over and stream down my face. “Okay,” I choke out.

“Why don’t you head into the house? I’ll wait until you’re inside.”

The lump in my throat grows to the point where I can barely swallow or breathe.

“I love you, Miss Bea. I’ll miss you so much,” I say before kissing the tip of her snout. Then I stagger to my feet and drag my eyes away from her pained face before racing back to the house. It’s not until I’m inside with my back pressed against the front door that the single shot rings out.