Chapter 44: Saving Mako

Aurelie's blood ran cold.

“What’s wrong, Braxton?” she asked, gripping her cellphone, fear creeping into her voice.

“Just get here as fast as you can,” the trainer said.

Aurelie needed no urging. She bolted from her apartment and leaped into her car, turning left instead of right from the driveway. She didn’t remember the drive to the barn, but Aurelie could name the number of times she had to stop at a red light or stop sign.

All the lights were on at Braxhill. There was no sound, except for the pounding of Aurelie’s feet on the stone driveway.

Jason and Anna turned as Aurelie burst into the barn. Braxton came out of Mako’s stall with the veterinarian who did not smile as he looked up.

“Mako? Is he okay?” Aurelie panted.

Dr. Patrick Cole ran a hand over his tired face.

“He has a high fever,” he sighed. “We’ve tried almost everything, but I don’t want to go beyond what you can manage…”