Chapter 7

Belle shivered.

She’d make her way back. If all else failed, the barn was heated and she could bunk there for the night. Then again, if she failed to return, it might send Julie looking for her and…Belle pushed away the morbid thought. Why, oh why had she shoved her phone into a pocket on her bag? What she wouldn’t give to have it snuggly in her back pocket.

A panicked whinny got her moving forward.

The security light outside the barn came into view and brought with it a rush of hope. Belle ran for the door, gripping the icy handle in her already numbing hands. She gave it a tug. Nothing happened.

“No,” she whimpered. “Please.”