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Hannah started hollering and demanding her phone call as soon as I opened the door of the run to distribute the food. I ignored her, but she kept on. “That woman down there at the end does nothing but scream and cry. You have to do something about her.”

“She’s in withdrawal and we’re trying to get her into a rehab facility. There’s nothing I can do about her until she has someplace to go.”

“Hurry up and get her out of here.”

“Yeah, right,” I mumbled. “All done, boys. Let’s lock up and get back to the ranch.”

“I don’t want to be late for the races,” said Jacks.

“We won’t be. We’ll make it on time.”

Wild Stallion Ranch.

While waiting for the rest of the family to get ready to leave, Harlan sat on the porch with his phone in his hand receiving texts from Lucy and Tammy.

Tammy:

“I’m so scared.”

“Do your best. You’ll be okay.”

“Are you coming soon?”

“Few minutes we’ll be there.”

“Lots of people here already.”

“Just parents.”

“I can’t beat Lucy.”

“Do you have to race against her?”

“Yep. We’re all against the clock.”

“Can’t wait to watch you.”

Lucy:

“Can’t wait to see you, Harlan. I can’t kiss you in front of Mommy. I’ll kiss you in the barn when we get home.”

“Okay. Good luck today.”

“Thanks. I’m going to try to win. I want to win.”

“Go for it.”

Pellegrino Ranch. Shelby.

Marilyn had portable bleachers set up on one side of the arena. Twenty girls in the class, so with parents and family coming to watch close to a hundred people showed up to enjoy the races. The girls in the class were all beginners and this was their first official event. Almost like being in their first rodeo.

“The stands are too crowded,” said Jacks. “I want to stand at the rail.”

“Are you allowed to do that?” asked Davey.

“Let’s find seats,” said Annie. “Marilyn might not want you at the rail.”

“If other people stand down there, can I?”