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Carl smiled, seemingly impressed that Lori knew the bar business and he felt hiring her would only be positive.

“You get your own tips at the bar, your own container to put them in or a drawer under the counter, whichever you prefer. Also the waitresses contribute ten percent of their nightly earnings to you. I also pay you a small salary on the books for tax purposes. Does that sound good to you?”

“Sounds fine, Carl, I appreciate the job. You won’t be sorry.”

“I know I won’t be. Now how about having a drink with me?” he asked.

Lori debated about the drink but she didn’t want to give him the wrong impression.

“Actually, Carl, don’t you think that may look a little unprofessional of us? I wouldn’t want the others to think you’re showing me favoritism. It will only lead to problems for me at the bar and working here. You understand, right?” Lori asked as she gently touched Carl’s arm.

She was in complete control and he fell for it as he agreed with her. Lori had dealt with men like Carl before, even worse than him, and she knew exactly how to handle them.

They said good-bye and she left for home knowing that she would start her new job Monday night at 5:00 p.m.

* * * *

It was a Wednesday evening, cooler than the past few nights. It was only fifty degrees. The town was quiet and the moon was dull with a light veil of clouds moving softly with the gentle breeze. He moved swiftly and carefully so as not to be noticed. Quietly and with precision he began placing the flammable substance around the shed. The animals were restless. Their instincts told them something was wrong as the horses whined, stomped their hoofs, and paced in the stable next door.

The boss said not to hurt anyone, just scare the Cantrells. He wanted to do more. He needed to inflict pain to satisfy his own desires. He watched the town for a week and had already planned out the next few moves.

He flicked on his trusty brass lighter, staring at the flame a moment, absorbing the power he held in his hand. He savored the moment, the feelings of adrenaline that radiated through his body. He laughed a little then placed the flame against the liquid. In an instant the flames made their way around the shed and close enough to the stables to inflict the fear it was meant to cause. The stables and animals would be safe, there was only a slight breeze tonight, he was sure of what he was doing. Quickly he disappeared into the darkness, escaping once again unnoticed, uncaught, and free to destroy again.

* * * *

Tom and Lynn Cantrell awoke to the sounds of horses whining and then a large explosion. They jumped from their beds and headed downstairs to the front porch. They were in shock at the sight and intensity of the flames.

“The horses, Tom, we have to release the horses!” yelled Lynn. Tom was already tying the laces of his boots. He had thrown on his jeans upstairs and now ran across the field to the stable with no shirt on. Lynn stayed in her nightgown, called the sheriff and fire department, then headed outside to help her husband. “Who would do something like this?” was all she said as she raced across the field.

* * * *

The sounds of sirens and fire trucks woke the Henleys and the Shays as everyone headed toward the Cantrells’ to help.

Lori ran over with her parents while Maggie stayed home with Ben.

Lori could see Matt, Charlie, Dante, Trevor, Jasper, Freddie, and the Cantrells trying to release the animals while the fire department was putting out the fire.

Lori grabbed the jet-black stallion following Jasper with another brown stallion over toward the holding corral.

Once the animals were all safe, everyone gathered around the front porch watching the firemen reduce the flames to smothered smoke and ash. The whole shed was destroyed.

Mrs. Cantrell was shivering and Lori ran inside to retrieve a jacket from the Cantrells’ front closet.

She emerged holding two jackets then placed a beige one around Mrs. Cantrell and a black one around Mr. Cantrell.

“Who would do something like this?” was all Mrs. Cantrell kept saying.

“I’m gonna find that out, Lynn, don’t you worry,” Sheriff Morgan said as he gave Lynn Cantrell a hug.

Charlie, Lou, Phil, and the others stood talking a few feet away from everyone.

* * * *

“I smell a rat. I can tell you that much,” Charlie stated and Phil told him to quiet down.

“Now we don’t know for sure, son,” Phil stated as he stuck his hands in his pockets trying to keep warm.

“Bullshit, Dad. You know as damn well as I do that men like Connor don’t care who they hurt to get what they want. He’s part of this I just know it,” Charlie stated, and Dante, Trevor and Matt agreed.