Page 51 of Here With Me

Tripp shrugs. “Make any enemies recently?”

“No more than usual.” I huff.

“Found some over here,” Landen shouts from across the arena.

We rush over, and I gasp at the way they’re spread out.

“It’s like someone just dumped a box of them and stomped them into the ground,” he says.

“This is crazy. Who could do this without being seen?”

“Coulda been in the middle of the night when we’re all sleepin’,” Tripp suggests.

“What about the cameras? If that’s what happened, wouldn’t they have caught it?” I ask.

Landen shakes his head. “Dad only installed them on the exterior, not inside.”

“Shit.” I clench my jaw.

“I’ll check them, though,” Tripp offers. “Coulda picked up someone before they entered.”

“Okay, thanks. Let’s get the magnetic sweeper in here. Then I want fresh dirt laid on top and leveled.”

“I’ll get it hooked up,” Landen says.

“Reckon that means I’ll get the dirt.” Tripp smirks. “But I’m makin’ Waylon help.”

“I don’t care as long as it gets done.”

“What about the corral?” Landen asks.

“I was in there this mornin’ and didn’t see anythin’ obvious, but it wouldn’t hurt to sweep it to double-check.” I’d rather be safe than sorry.

Most of my clients own top-level competitive show horses, so it’s always been a priority to keep it clean, which is why the ranch hands sweep in here once a week. Whoever did this would’ve had to do it last night for me not to catch it until now.

And I’ll do whatever it takes to find out who and make them pay.

ChapterTwelve

Fisher

When Noah returns to the barn, she looks pissed.

“Everythin’ okay?” I ask.

She shakes her head and looks at Ellie. “Someone covered the arena in nails. This was done on purpose. I’m so sorry, El.”

“Don’t be. It’s not your fault.” Ellie reassuringly pats her back.

“Who the hell would do that?”

“I’m not sure. Tripp’s checkin’ the outside cameras. For now, we’re gettin’ it swept out. Mr. Weston’s on his way, so I’ll be in the corral double-checkin’ that too.”

After Noah leaves, I continue working on Ranger, but my mind stays on her. I feel awful for both of them. Noah loves her job, and it’s obvious she’s one hundred percent committed to her clients. Ellie loves Ranger and takes competing seriously.

The only thing I can do is give Ranger my best care and hope for the best.

Mr. Weston shows up thirty minutes later and determines the hoof is infected. Ranger can’t race until it’s fully healed, which could be a couple of weeks or several months.