Page 11 of Not This Time

Rachel drew on her connection with her horse, remembering her aunt's teachings about understanding an animal's emotions and movements. She leaned closer to the horse's neck, whispering calming words to the animal while gently guiding it with the reins. Her focus remained on navigating the rugged terrain, avoiding ruts and loose rocks that could lead to a stumble.

She could feel the tension through her legs, which pressed against the steed's bare back.

As they neared the oak tree, Jeb held a clear lead. But Rachel noticed his stallion's breathing grow more labored, its stride faltering ever so slightly. Seizing the opportunity, she tapped into her horse's energy reserves, applying gentle pressure with her legs and urging it to quicken its pace.

"Come on, girl," she murmured, feeling the powerful beast respond to her guidance. They swiftly closed the gap between them and Jeb, the wind whipping through Rachel's hair as the exhilaration of the race took hold.

Jeb shot her a look of disbelief as she pulled up next to him, her horse's nostrils flaring with exertion as they surged ahead. Rachel could see the sweat glistening on Jeb's forehead as he leaned forward, urging his mount to go faster. But it was too late. Rachel's horse had already taken the lead, its muscles rippling beneath her as they raced forward.

She could hear the crowd cheering as they approached the ranch, Ethan's voice ringing out above the din.

"Go, Rachel! Go!"

Rachel drew level with him. He pushed his stallion harder, but Rachel knew that the animal was reaching its limits. In contrast, her own horse still had strength to spare. She was lighter than he was, and her horse had no saddle, easing its burden even more.

She allowed herself the briefest moment of satisfaction as they rounded the oak tree, sensing that victory was within reach. But as they rounded, out of sight, Jeb reached out, grabbing at her reins, trying to tug her steed off course.

Rachel's instincts kicked in, and she pulled back on the reins, causing her horse to rear up and avoid Jeb's grasp. She gritted her teeth, anger and adrenaline fueling her movements as she urged her horse to gallop even faster. Jeb had gained the lead again due to her hesitation.

As they began the return leg of the race, the crowd's shouts to Jeb grew louder, their anticipation palpable. Ethan's face shone with pride and anticipation as he watched Rachel deftly maneuver her horse.

They surged ahead, and once more, Rachel's lighter touch caught up with Jeb.

He tried to kick out, but she'd anticipated it this time, and avoided him.

His effort caused him to falter now.

She surged past him, patting her steed on the flank as she did, keeping low to the horse, inhaling the scent of its flying mane.

The two of them left Jeb's struggling stallion behind.

As they crossed the finish line, the crowd fell silent.

The dust from the race still hung in the air, casting a golden haze over the scene as Rachel watched Jeb twist at his defeated mount's mane, trying to elicit pain.

He scowled at the creature.

She scowled back at him, but he was ignoring her gaze.

She turned to Samuel, who looked sullen.

"Where's the crime scene?" she said.

He frowned at her.

"A deal is a deal," she reminded him.

He muttered under his breath.

Ethan added, "We're playing nice, Sam. But we can play dirty too. You really want the full force of the state coming down on this place?"

Samuel muttered something under his breath, but then turned, gestured and indicated for them to follow him, his shoulders slumped.

CHAPTER SIX

The wind whistled through the trees as Rachel and Ethan trudged behind Samuel Clark, their reluctant guide. They picked their way carefully over gnarled roots and fallen branches, their breath visible in the cool air. The woods seemed to close in around them, the shadows cast by the sun-dappled leaves playing tricks on their eyes.

Samuel's height was somewhat withered by the permanent scowl etched into his face. He had made it clear from the outset that he didn't trust the two rangers. Rachel could feel his distrust like a cold breeze on the back of her neck, but she brushed it off. They had a job to do, and Samuel's opinion of them wasn't important right now.

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