Page 29 of Smokescreen

“I need to round up my herd and get them back into the pasture before they reach the highway.”

Reid’s words washed over Olive, and she realized how dire the situation was. Not just for the cattle but for anyone traveling on the highway. One blind turn could lead to a deadly accident.

Reid already had his phone to his ear, no doubt calling in backup. The call was quick, and he shoved his phone back in his pocket.

Then he turned toward her. “Have you ever wrangled cattle before?”

Surprise washed over her. “No, but I’m a fast learner.”

“Good. Come on.”

She took off with him, and they crossed the downed fence to the exposed land on the other side.

As they did, more and more of his herd came into view. Just how many had gotten out? How would they ever gather them all?

“You go left, and I’ll go right,” Reid said. “We need to stay on the edge of their flight zone and guide them toward the fence. Don’t come at them suddenly—they’re easily spooked.”

“I’ll do my best.” A thrill zinged through her.

There may have been a time in her childhood when Olive really wanted to be a cowgirl. Now she felt like maybe she could be—if only for a day. What would her mom and dad think if they could see her now?

She circled toward the creek. Bella seemed to instinctively know what to do as the horse moved along the edge of the herd.

The cattle slowly looked over from grazing. Saw them.

“Go on, guys,” she murmured. “Get back to safety.”

Instead, they stared at her as if curious.

This wasn’t working . . .

What was she going to do?

She continued pacing with Bella, hoping the bovines would get the hint.

She talked to the cattle—sometimes sounding mean, sometimes sweet.

The animals didn’t care.

She shooed them with her hands, pointed with her fingers, waved her hands in the air.

Still nothing.

Olive had never been one to give up, however.

She paused in front of one of the steers and leaned down close. “Hey, you. You need to get moving. Do you understand? Failure is not an option here.”

The young bull stared at her.

“Stop that,” Olive said. “And get moving. Don’t make me get off this horse.”

He flicked his ears, then looked away.

Then . . . the animal turned and began walking toward the fence.

Olive held her breath as she waited to see what the creature would do next.

Slowly, the rest of the herd began to follow the first one.

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