Chapter 5

Bob thumped down the bleachers, feeling them wobble a little as he stepped down. Sandra walked in front of him, fumbling in her purse. She dropped the pack of cigarettes, her fingers shaking. Bob bent to the sand and brushed them off before he handed them back.

Sandra’s face was still, white. He motioned her to a smoking area behind the snack bar and they stood there long enough for them to each finish a cigarette, neither speaking.

They found Megan and Rory at Brenda’s trailer. Rory was tied to the back and Megan brushed him down. They heard Megan say, “foot” as she bent over with a hoof pick and Rory obediently lifted each hoof as she moved around him, balancing his leg on her knees while she cleaned out his hooves with her good hand.

She’s gonna have to teach every horse she has that little trick.

Bob’s throat tightened and he clenched his teeth. “How’s she gonna manage that with a full-size horse?” he whispered.