Free Winning Ways by Toni Leland Page B

her voice became hard. "I had a guy working on the tractor out in the shed. He didn't leave until after dark."
    Liz climbed into her truck. "You'd better call the fire marshal, and give him that information."
     
    That evening, Kurt phoned, and Liz took the call cautiously, not eager for another disastrous conversation.
    His voice sounded subdued. "I was wondering if you need any help collecting those horses."
    Her first impulse was to say yes, just to see if anything had changed, then self-preservation kicked in.
    "No, I can handle it. I have a large trailer, and Colleen is taking the rest. But, thanks anyway."
    There seemed to be nothing more to say, and the line remained silent for a very long moment.
    Kurt spoke first. "Liz, about what I said last - "
    "No, Kurt. Don't say anything more. You've let me know how you feel. Let's leave it at that."
     

 14
     
    Liz's new charges settled in comfortably over the next few days. Except Miss Marcy. The poor old girl weaved back and forth at the stall door, confused at being uprooted from her familiar surroundings, and loudly whinnying her distress to anyone who'd listen. The plight of the elderly mare touched Liz's heart. How well she knew the feelings of isolation and loneliness. Her head danced with images of home, and sadness filled her thoughts. Would she find peace and happiness here in the rough grandeur of California? Would she ever find common ground with the ranchers and farmers that called this place home? And how long would it be before she'd have answers to those questions?
    The fire and its aftermath had consumed several days, putting Liz behind in her training schedule and her plans to call on potential clients. For the next week, she pushed her timetable, working horses from sunrise until two o'clock, then spending the rest of the afternoon trying to set up appointments. Besides advancing toward her goals, the rigorous schedule also kept her mind busy and away from thoughts of Kurt.
     
    The afternoon temperature had spiked, and the large chestnut horse sweated heavily, white froth accumulating on his neck where the reins touched. Kurt took another turn around the practice ring. Why Eve wanted to put the mediocre gelding into the country pleasure class was a mystery - the horse was anything but a pleasure to ride. The animal stopped and pawed the ground impatiently. Kurt's own patience evaporated into the hot, heavy air. Nudging the horse forward, he started back to the barn, catching sight of his boss headed in the same direction. Oh, great, now what does she want?
    He rode into the cool interior of the barn, and dismounted.
    Eve's tone was light. "How'd he do?"
    "Okay, I guess. I just don't think he's saddle horse material. I've already told you that. You'd better not count on any great wins with him at this show."
    He began toweling the sweat from the horse's neck.
    Eve stepped up close, placing her hand on his arm. "Kurt? What's wrong? You've been so cranky late - "
    He stepped away from her touch, his tone sharp.
    "I'm just trying to get into the swing of things. It's show season, and that's what I'm here to do. Show your horses. Right?"
    He gave her a hard look. Her pale skin colored slightly, and a flash of anger momentarily sharpened her green eyes. Just as quickly, it disappeared and she smiled sweetly.
    "Of course it is. And I know you'll do a fabulous job. You're the best."
    "Sorry. I'm always edgy during show season."
    Eve gently stroked the gelding's face. "I really love this horse. He was one of my first foals. Are you sure he's not show material?"
    Kurt picked up a brush. "I think he'd make a great driving horse. His conformation is correct, and he has a nice way of going, but a saddle horse he isn't."
    She gave the gelding a motherly pat on the shoulder. "Then you just turn him into a driving horse, and we'll scratch him from the riding classes."
    "Okey-dokey." Kurt unsnapped the crossties. "C'mon, Bud. You just got a reprieve."
    As he led the horse