Page 16 of The Cowboy's Promise

When they arrived Blake’s assessment proved correct. The show grounds were deserted except for the security guards. As they moved down the barn aisle Heather called Apollo’s name, and as she knew he would, he popped his head over the stall door and whinnied. As if wanting to know what was going on, Henry peered out as well. While she gave him a treat, Blake spotted Buck at the far end of the aisle and hurried off to ask him about a blanket.

“Sure, I have plenty,” Buck replied. “I’m guessin’ he’s an eighty, maybe even an eighty-two.”

“Thanks, Buck,” Blake said gratefully, “and yeah, that’s what I’m thinkin’.”

“They’re in a storage locker. Wait for me here and I’ll be right back.”

As he walked away Blake looked back at Heather. She was reaching into her pocket for more treats, but when she raised her hand to offer one to Henry he jerked his head and jumped backwards.

“Damn,” Blake muttered. “That poor horse is fried and Heather still has a lot to learn. This will be one helluva challenge.”

CHAPTER TEN

“Good news!”

Turning around Blake saw Buck marching towards him carrying two plastic blanket bags.

“Great, thanks, Buck!”

“I remembered seein’ them in Courtney’s trunk when the sheriff searched it. They have Henry’s name written on them so I know they’re his. There’s a heavy and a light. I assume she’ll be back at some point to get her things and I’ll let her know you have them.”

“Did the sheriff give you any news about her?”

“Just that she’s facin’ a slew of charges, but her lawyer’s on his way so I guess we’ll have to wait and see where that goes. Regardless, she’s locked up for the moment.”

“What about her rig?”

“They didn’t find anything but he said he wants to do a more thorough search. We can house it for a week or so, then it will have to be moved.”

“If it ends up at an auction or put up for sale I’d be interested. Anyway, thanks a bunch. We’ll be here in the mornin’.”

“Maybe I’ll see you then. If not I’m sure we’ll bump into each other at some point.”

“I’m sure we will. Bye, Buck.

As Blake carried the blankets back to the stalls he was delighted to see Henry with his head over the door, but as Heather lifted her arm to stroke him the horse jerked backwards.

“Poor guy,” Blake remarked as he approached. “I guess I don’t have to tell you not to make any sudden movements around him for a while.”

“He’s so nervous. I’m sorry,” Heather said with a sigh. “I should have realized.

“It’s okay, hon, stuff happens. The good news is, these are his blankets.”

“Really? How did that happen?”

“Buck remembered seein’ them in her trunk.”

“That’s fantastic.”

“Yep. It’ll be cold tonight so I’m puttin’ the heavy one on him. I see you’ve already taken care of Apollo so as soon as I do this we can go.”

* * *

After laying the blanket over the stall door, Blake stepped inside, and talking softly as he approached the big grey, he slipped on the halter. As he moved Henry from side to side, it was only a moment or two before he lowered his head and snorted.

“Good boy, that didn’t take long,” Blake remarked. “But you already know me from this afternoon, don’t you fella?” Staring back at Blake, the horse began licking his lips. “We’ll get along just fine,” Blake continued, reaching across and picking up the blanket. “There you go, big fella,” he murmured, placing the cover over the horse’s back and removing his halter. “You have a good night, and tomorrow you’ll be taken to your new home.” But as Blake moved to the door, Henry took a step towards him and lowered his head. “You’re one smart horse,” Blake said with a smile. “You and Heather will be great together.”

“He’s already relating to you,” Heather remarked as Blake stepped into the barn aisle. “It’s amazing. I can see it in his eyes.”

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