Page 111 of Buckled in Barbwire

“You made the right choice, Bianca Benson.” The guy uncrosses his arms and steps into the sunlight.

It’s difficult to stifle a gasp. One glance and I can tell he’s bad news, like the type I cross the street to avoid. But this threatening presence is looming directly in front of us.

He’s older, probably in his sixties. Age doesn’t appear to have slowed him down. Muscles bulge under his Western shirt. There might be a few weapons packed in the mix too.

His expression is flat to match the dead stare in his eyes. It’s unsettling in the worst way. I shiver from that hollow glare even though it’s not aimed at me. He ignores me completely, focusing entirely on Bianca. It’s obvious I’m just here for her sake.

Almost on cue, she shuffles closer to me while addressing him. “Where’s Echo?”

He lifts his chin to where the mare is getting loaded in our trailer. “This won’t take long. I just needed to get your attention.”

“By stealing my horse?”

“Jimmy owed me money. I have something we need to discuss. Opportunity fell in my lap.”

“Okay, so…?” My friend rolls her wrist, in possession of some large lady balls for trying to speed this process along.

Without looking at me, the man passes along the message that whatever he has to say is private.

Bianca’s smile is the fakest thing I’ve seen since our spray tans last winter. “Will you go check on Echo while I finish this… friendly chat?”

Uncertainty has me glancing from her to the scary dude and back again. “Are you sure?”

She nods. “I’m fine. Echo needs you more than me.”

Which convinces me to do as she says while constantly glancing over my shoulder. My friend stays in my sight as I approach the trailer. Frantic whinnying shrieks from inside. Rapid pawing soon follows. A cramp tightens my gut as I hurry to calm her nerves. She’s probably terrified after getting snatched.

I unhook the latch, pulling the thick door open. More hysterical neighs greet me. The upset rattles the metal surrounding us. She’s in the front stall and mostly concealed behind the dividers. Routine motions make quick work of getting to her.

“Hey, pretty girl. I’ve got you.” But just as I’m about to pet Echo’s neck, she swings her head at me.

And everything goes black.

Dad stares straight ahead while a familiar vehicle approaches the gate. “Think they’ll come clean?”

“One will,” I assure. “The other is more your problem than mine.”

We’re standing at the bend in the driveway when the women pull in. Paisley’s eyes are wide on mine through the windshield. My sister is making a point to look anywhere else.

“You got this?” Dad gestures at the mess that just arrived on our doorstep.

I grunt. “Only one way to find out.”

He claps a palm to my shoulder. “Proud of you, son. Your mother would be too.”

I clench my eyes shut and give him a nod. “Thanks. That’s… nice to hear.”

“Nice to hear,” my dad echoes on a chuckle. “That wife of yours will make a finefella outta you yet.”

“Wouldn’t go that far.” But if that’s how Paisley wants me, I’ll bend to do her bidding.

“You’re a good man.” Dad smiles before his expressions sobers. “Gonna track down Jimmy and get this sorted.”

I was there when he got his call earlier to apologize, but my uncle hung up before we got any valuable information. “Let me know what I can do.”

“Enjoy being young, and mostly carefree. It’s a fleeting gift.” And with that, he ambles off in his bow-legged stride.

Bianca runs into the house before I can grill her. My wife slinks toward me like there’s molasses stuck to her soles. She flashes a sugary grin meant to butter me up. I’m about to fall for it until I get a look at her cheek. My knees almost buckle at the sight.

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