Page 7 of My Trojan Horse Majesty

“Yes,” Mom says. “Tell me you didn’t touch him.”

I snort. “When I tried to pet him, he almost bit my hand off.”

“So you didn’t. . .take him back with you? Right?”

“Oliver said he was going to be killed. Is that really true?”

“Isabel Brooks, please tell me you didn’t?—”

“Mom, I’m not insane. But why would you think I’d steal a horse? Did he get loose?”

“I’m not sure when you left,” Mom says, “but when we came outside this morning, the gate was open.” She sounds like she might cry. “He’s gone.”

“Oh, shoot,” I say. “That’s terrible. I mean, he could really be anywhere.” I cringe a little. It’s not the first time I’ve lied to my mom, but it’s definitely the worst lie I’ve ever told.

And so far, every time I’ve tried until now, she’s caught me.

She sighs. “He really could be anywhere, I guess.”

“Is it really bad?” I ask. “Is he dangerous?”

“More than you could possibly know,” Mom says. “But that’s not your problem. Good luck helping that old lady, and drive safe.”

“I will,” I say.

“Wait,” she says. “Why do you need Steve’s trailer to load her horse? Doesn’t Tim have a trailer?”

“He’s not at home.” Strictly speaking, that’s true. “And his truck and trailer are huge, and I don’t feel as comfortable driving them.” That’s partially true too, at least.

“Alright, well, I hope you’ll come visit soon, but maybe not in the next week or so. We’re really busy here.”

“Hey, I heard there was an earthquake. Is everyone okay?”

“It was really strange,” Mom says. “We’ve never had earthquakes here before, but yes. There have been several large ones now. So far, everyone on the family chain says they’re alright.”

“Really?”

“Donna and Will said there was some damage to their barn, but nothing significant. I guess a window cracked—some kind of shifting under the foundation—but so far everything’s alright here, too.”

“What about Helen and David’s place and both resorts?”

Mom snorts. “They’re worried the pool at David’s resort has a leak, and to hear Helen tell it, repairing that would be a nightmare.”

“I bet Aunt Amanda’s happy they didn’t put a pool in at their house, though.”

“They have that massive hot tub,” Mom says. “But she said it looks completely fine.”

All the normal talk, and the easy way my mom let go of the idea that I stole Drago, makes me feel much less stressed. . .and also really, really guilty. When she finally hangs up, I have a momentary panic attack.

What am I doing?

Have I gone insane?

IfStevethinks the horse should be put down. . .what hope doIhave of breaking or retraining him? None. Zero. Zilch. I’ve just taken a horse there’s no way I can control, which means it’s not going to be worth a brass farthing.

I’m a complete and total idiot.

But what if it was Steve’sclientwho was insisting? What if Steve didn’t want to give up, but the client won’t allow him to keep working with Drago? I should’ve asked more questions, but I was worried that might be suspicious.

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