Dark Days at Saddle Creek. Shelley Peterson

stabling and treatment for this horse.”

      “That would be Sally’s father. I’ll call Harold.” Cindy Farr took a cellphone out of her small shoulder-strap purse. She pressed a number on speed dial, and handed it to her daughter.

      Sally stared blankly at the phone. “What do I say?” she asked her mother. “That I stole my own horse?”

      “Not my problem,” Cindy answered.

      Bird could hear a man’s voice on the other end of the line. “Hello? Hello?”

      Sally regained her composure. “Daddy? Sorry to call so early. I’m at Saddle Creek Farm with Tall Sox. I brought him here. They want to talk to you to get permission or something.”

      “About what? You say you’re at Saddle Creek?”

      “Yes.” Sally’s voice faltered. “I don’t want Tall Sox to go … anywhere. I love him.”

      There was a pause, then Bird heard Sally’s father sigh loudly. “I’ll call Dexter,” he said curtly. “I know where Saddle Creek Farm is.” Sally hung up without another word, but her face told Bird everything she needed to know. This girl was worried about being in trouble. Bird knew just how she felt.

      Tall Sox’s head appeared over the stall door, and Sally stepped over to stroke his nose. “You’re a good boy, aren’t you? They’re wrong about you, I just know it.”

      I’m glad you all believe in me, the horse messaged.

      We won’t give up, replied Bird.

      Cindy fidgeted with her car keys. She was ready to leave. “I don’t want to be here when he arrives. Can Sally stay here?”

      Hannah nodded. “No problem.”

      Cindy kissed Sally lightly on the head as she prepared to go. “Call if you need a ride,” she said. “Good luck with your father.”

      When Cindy was out of earshot, Sally whispered to Bird, “They just got a divorce.”

      Cindy stepped into her car and turned it around. Bird gasped when she saw a fresh, long, deep scratch along the entire right side of the car.

      “Did your mom see that?” whispered Bird.

      “Thank gawd, no. I hope she doesn’t look until she gets groceries. That way she’ll think somebody did it in the parking lot.”

      “You’re lucky it’s the passenger side.”

      “Yeah,” Sally sniffed. “Not my fault Mom’s garage is so narrow.”

      “Right,” whispered Bird. “Couldn’t possibly be your bad driving.”

      “Okay, folks,” said Hannah, using her take-charge voice. “Since you’re here for the day, Sally, we’ll put you to work.”

      “Can I get a banana or a muffin or something first? I didn’t have breakfast.”

      “Sure. Bird, get Sally something to eat, and wake up Julia. I want the three of you out here pronto. We have a lot to do today.”

      KIMBERLY AND LIZ ARRIVED shortly after, and everyone pitched in to get things done quickly — they cleaned tack, washed out the truck and trailer, and organized boots, blankets, saddle pads, and bandages. After that, they went for a quiet hack on the horses that had been at the show the day before, to calm their heads and work out any stiffness. Sally rode Charlie, and became friendly with Julia, Liz, and Kimberly.

      Sally’s father didn’t arrive until noon. The girls had just returned from riding. Bird was in the tack room putting out food for the barn cats when Harold Johns strode up the aisle. “Hello?” he called out. “Hello?”

      “Daddy!” cried Sally, running into his arms. “I’m having so … much … fun!”

      Bird decided to stay where she was.

      “I’m glad you are, Peaches!”

      “The kids here are so nice, and we actually went for a ride outside! On the trails! It was so-o fun!”

      “That’s wonderful.”

      “What took you so long? I called hours ago.”

      “Dexter said Tall Sox was still there, so I went golfing.”

      “Golfing?” Sally pouted. “You thought I made it up?”

      “I thought you were pulling a joke on me, like last time.” He sounded kind, but serious.

      Sally dropped her voice. “It wasn’t like last time at all! Bird and I brought him here in the middle of the night because Wanda told me that Dexter was sending him away today. It was real this time.”

      “I know that now, Peaches.” Harold spoke to his daughter gently. “Dexter left a dozen messages while I was golfing. A guy came to transport Tall Sox and he wasn’t there. Nobody noticed him missing until then.”

      “That’s because I fixed up the stall to look like it was supposed to be empty. It worked!” She sounded happier now. “Wait ’til I tell Bird!”

      In the tack room, Bird smiled. She’d congratulate Sally later, but now she wanted to listen undetected. Often you learned more that way. Like that Sally played jokes on people. Bird was glad she hadn’t known last night — she wouldn’t have gone to Moreland’s with her.

      Hannah approached them from the arena, where she’d been sweeping the kick boards. “Mr. Johns? I’m Hannah Bradley, the owner of Saddle Creek Farm. I’m glad you’re here.”

      “Sally, can you keep yourself busy for a few minutes?”

      “Sure!” Off she ran to the wash stall, where Charlie stood waiting for his shower to be continued.

      Harold Johns watched her go. “I haven’t seen her so happy for a long time.” Bird heard the scrape of a barn stool as he sat down, and another scrape when Hannah sat down on the other.

      “She’s a lovely girl,” said Hannah warmly. “She’s helpful, and fits in well with the others.”

      “Really?” Harold sounded surprised. “She’s had a hard time since Cindy and I split up. Maybe she’s finally finding her feet.”

      Hannah got down to business. “We need to talk about your horse, Mr. Johns.”

      “Go ahead. And please call me Harold.” He sat still and listened. “I’ve put my reputation at risk here, and I need to know what you want done. We don’t have a lot of time. As soon as Dexter figures out where Tall Sox is, he’ll come right over.”

      “Dexter already knows he’s here. I told him when I called him back. But, please tell me, how have you put your reputation at risk?”

      “By having Tall Sox in my barn without your instruction. And being party, albeit after the fact, to a horse being removed from Moreland Farm without permission. Dexter is within his rights to be very angry, as are you.”

      “I see.”

      “So,” continued Hannah, “before the proverbial manure hits the fan, I need to know what you wish to do.”

      “What are my choices?”

      “Keep Tall Sox here or send him back.”

      “I’ve already decided not to keep him at all,” answered Harold. “I authorized Dexter to get rid of him, and that’s what I intend to do.”

      Hannah softly replied, “That, of course, is your choice to make.” Harold sniffed. “I made a mistake buying him. I liked him a lot, and thought he looked great, but what do I know? I should’ve let Dexter choose the right horse for Sally in the first place.”

      “Why do you say that?”

      “Well, as soon as Tall Sox got to Moreland Farm he started to buck! Dex said