Free Winning Ways by Toni Leland Page A

gasped several times as Liz related the saga of the fire.
    "If we'd been thirty minutes later..." She stopped, unable to think about the consequences of bad timing. "Colleen, do you have room for a couple of extra horses until we find buyers for them?"
    "We have four empty stalls right now. I'll ask Effie, and call ya back."
    Liz hung up, and did the math. Three horses would have to stay outside, but that wouldn't be a problem. The weather was good, and the run-in shed would provide some protection if they needed it. She sighed deeply. Five extra horses would put a strain on her, especially with Fair Lady arriving the following week, and a horse show at the end of the month. Well, can't be helped. I'll just have to deal with it.
     
     As she approached the dirt lane to Marilyn's farm, Liz felt a rush of anxiety. Rounding the curve, she choked back the hard lump that rose in her throat as the black pile of cold rubble came into view.
    She knocked on the door, then pushed it open, calling out. Marilyn's voice answered from somewhere at the back of the house. Liz stood awkwardly in the middle of the room where she'd spent the better part of the night. She looked everywhere but at the couch where she and Kurt had shared their tender moment. One of the cats rubbed against her leg and mewed pitifully.
    Marilyn appeared, waving a cigarette. "These cats are drivin' me crazy."
    Liz got right down to business. "I've made room at my place for five of your horses, and Colleen at Fairhill will take four. They'll be well cared for until we can find buyers for them. How does that sound?"
    Marilyn stubbed out the cigarette, and threw Liz a withering look. "That sounds just dandy. What do you want me to do? Applaud?"
    Liz's anger rose quickly. "Hold on just a minute. I don't think you fully understand your situation. The horses can't live on their own, and you said yourself that you couldn't take care of them any more. I thought we agreed about what needs to be done."
    Marilyn's face crumpled, and she slumped into one of the kitchen chairs.
    "I know. I'm sorry. I can't believe this is happening. My life has been just one big downhill slide."
    Willing away her anger, Liz picked up the dish of cat-food that Marilyn had filled, and placed it on the floor.
    "I know it's been horrible, but we need to think about the horses. And you. I can pick them up tomorrow afternoon, and then you can concentrate on whatever you have to do about the barn."
    The old woman nodded in defeat. She lit another cigarette, and inhaled deeply.
    "Sorry. I just need time to get adjusted."
    Liz headed toward the door. "I'm going to check on the horses."
    Walking briskly down the hill toward the pond, her anger faded as nine heads swung toward her. Miss Marcy offered a long greeting, then returned to her patch of grass. Liz smiled wryly. At least someone appreciates my efforts.
    Kurt had already been there. A large bale of hay lay open, and the horses had scattered most of it over the ground. She located the horse with the wound, and examined her work of the night before. Looks pretty good, but twenty-four hours will tell the tale. Holding the horse's halter tightly, she injected an antibiotic into the soft flesh at the base of his neck. That should do it, but I'd better ask about tetanus shots. Marilyn's lax barn maintenance probably also meant that vaccinations weren't up to date. One more thing to worry about.
     
    Marilyn came out of the house as Liz climbed into the truck.
    "Liz, I'm really sorry about the way I acted. I do appreciate everything you're doing for me...I'll help...I promise."
    "Good. That'll make things easier." Liz hesitated, considering what she wanted to say. "Marilyn, were you smoking in the barn yesterday?"
    The woman looked stunned. "Are you kidding? Do you think I'm an idiot?"
    "No, I don't...but, something started the fire. When were you out there last?"
    Marilyn thought for a moment. "I fed around six o'clock." Suddenly, her eyes narrowed and