Page 56 of Beau

Beau disconnected and continued through the snow. He could see where it looked like tracks but couldn’t make out what kind they were because snow had covered most of them. He followed them and came to a knoll. He stopped and looked through his binoculars again. He scanned the area, then swiftly went back when he thought he saw something.

“There you are,” Beau murmured when he spotted the horse with its face in the snow, trying to eat the brown grass under it. He pulled his phone out and called Luke.

“Yeah?”

“I found her.”

“Is she alive?”

“Yes. Now I just have to get to her and lead her back.”

“Do you need us?”

“Yes, call Killian and you guys head this way. I’m going to see how close I can get to her without making her bolt. I’m glad she has a halter on.”

“Alright. We’ll be right there.” Luke disconnected.

Beau took a deep breath as he made his way down the hill and walked toward the horse. It raised its head, and Beau swore at how thin the horse was.

“Come here, pretty girl. I won’t hurt you,” he murmured as he put his hand out to the animal. He sighed when the mare walked toward him. She butted her head against his chest as if she knew he was there to rescue her. He rubbed her face. “I’ll get you back to where you belong. I’m sure your mistress will be thrilled to see you.”

Beau held on to the halter, and led the mare back to where the trucks were parked. He saw Luke walking toward him but didn’t see Killian yet.

“Man, she’s thin,” Luke said.

“I want to bring that kid here and let him out in these elements. Let’s see how he’d do,” Beau growled.

“I really hope this isn’t a pattern now. All we need is a bunch of kids thinking it’s fun to do this.”

“I hear you. That worries me too.” Beau looked around. “Where’s Killian?”

“There,” Luke said and pointed to Killian walking out from the woods.

“She definitely wouldn’t have lasted much longer,” Killian said when he reached them.

“Yeah, she came right to me. She was probably hoping for some food.”

“Once you get her home, I’m sure they’ll feed her.” Luke patted the horse’s neck.

“I’m sure too. I’ll get her in the trailer, then take her home. I’ll call Mr. Lawrence once I get on the road.”

“More snow coming,” Luke said, nodding toward the mountains. The snow was so thick, the tops couldn’t be seen.

“Hell. Help me get her in the trailer,” Beau said.

After loading the horse, Beau nodded for Luke to go first, and he’d follow behind. He didn’t want Luke to ride behind because he wouldn’t be able to see around the trailer and it was bad enough with the snow being so heavy. Once Luke pulled out of the driveway, Beau waited a few seconds then drove out behind him. He turned the wipers up on high, but it didn’t help much. Snow and ice were caked on them. He decided not to call Greg Lawrence. He needed to concentrate on maneuvering this trailer through the snow.

“You deserve a raise for this, McCallister,” he muttered.

The only good thing was that he wasn’t far from the Lawrence ranch. He’d just have to get the horse unloaded and leave as soon as he could so he wouldn’t get stuck on the road between here and his home. As he approached the ranch, he called Luke to tell him he was pulling into the driveway.

“Do you need any help?” Luke asked him.

“No. You guys get back to town then head home. This shit is going to get worse.”

“Alright but let me know when you get home.”

“Worried about me?” Beau grinned.

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