“So, who knew that you’d decided to stay home?”
“Probably just Gemma. I’d already given Mariah the week off to visit her sister in California. The stable hands might have seen me, but they wouldn’t have paid much attention. They had orders from you.” She fell silent for a moment. “Why are you asking me these questions, Roper?”
He told her about the incident on the freeway. “It couldn’t have been an accident. I can’t help thinking that whoever hired that semi driver expected you to be in the truck with me.”
“So a fatal rollover would have killed us both.” Her voice quivered slightly.
“It makes sense. We know who wants you out of the picture. They already tried it once. And taking me with you would be a bonus. They’d have you out of the house and me out of the stable—a double win.”
“But how could anyone be so cold—and with the horses in the trailer? Are you sure Darrin and Simone were behind it?”
“Them or their mother. We know that Madeleine’s got the connections to put out a hit—if she’s even in the country. But unless the police find the truck driver, and he talks, we’ve got no proof of anything.”
“So there’s nothing we can do?”
“For now, just be wary of them. Don’t put yourself in a situation where you could be hurt.”
A beat of silence passed between them before she spoke again.
“I’m sorry, Roper. If your hunch is correct, I’m partly to blame for what happened. Is your sister all right?”
“She’s fine. She went out to dinner with Hayden Barr tonight. The rig took a beating, but the damage is insured.”
“What about the horses? Were they hurt?”
Roper took a deep breath. It was time for the bad news.
“The horses were shaken up when the trailer tipped. One in a Million was spooked, but he doesn’t appear to be hurt. Fire Dance was so crazy wild that Hayden and I, and Sam Rafferty, who was close by, could barely get him out of the trailer and into a stall. The last time I checked, he wasn’t letting anybody near him. He doesn’t seem to be injured, but I don’t know if he’ll be calm enough to show on Saturday night.”
“So Sam is there. I was wondering where he’d gone.”
“He’s keeping an eye on me. I can tell he’s under a lot of pressure to close the case, but I can’t let that worry me this week. I told him about the so-called accident, so at least he’s aware that something’s going on.”
“What about Millie? You haven’t mentioned her.”
Roper lowered his voice. “I’m sorry, Boss. Millie was hurt. She has a shattered left leg, most likely the shaft of the tibia. It’s bad. The vet can do surgery and attach a metal plate, but he says she’ll always be lame. She won’t be able to run or carry a rider.”
“Oh, Roper.” Lila gave a moan of dismay. “Is she in much pain?”
“The leg’s been splinted to keep it stable, and she’s had shots of phenylbutazone for the pain. But the surgery will need to be done soon—unless you choose to put her out of her misery. She’s your horse. It’s your call.”
Lila took a ragged breath. “I was in the stall when Millie was born. I hand-raised her after her mother died. She had so much potential, so much spirit. With time and experience, she could have become a champion like her father.” The words ended in a sob. “If I love her, I won’tforce her to suffer, Roper. And I won’t force her to live out her life as a cripple, knowing she can’t run free.”
“So you’re asking to have her put down?” Roper’s voice was gentle, but there was no way to soften the impact of the question.
“Yes.” Lila was weeping now, forcing each word. “It’s the only kind thing I can do for her. Have her body shipped home in a refrigerated truck. I don’t care how much it costs. I’ll have the grave dug and bury her here on the ranch, next to Million Dollar Baby.”
“I’ll take care of everything,” Roper said. “I’m sorry that I can’t be there with you. If I hadn’t decided to take her—”
“Don’t even think it. This wasn’t your fault. I’ll be with you later in the week when I come to see you ride.”
“Maybe you shouldn’t try to come,” Roper said. “You may not be strong enough to make the trip. And the way things are going here, you might not have much to see.”
“I’ll be the judge of that. I love you, Roper. No matter what happens—”
“I love you, too, Boss.” He cut her off. “As for what happens, let’s not talk about that. All we can do is make the best of now.”
“I’ll be there. You can plan on it—oh, here’s Gemma. Got to go.”