Free The Chase by Jan Neuharth Page A

recovery?” Jake asked.
    Ned shook his head. “I’m afraid not. I wish I could let you, but it’s against the rules.”
    “I understand,” Jake said. “I guess I’ll be heading out, then. Any chance Steve’s around to give me a lift back to my truck?”
    “Oh, that’s right. You rode here in the ambulance. Where’s your truck?” Ned asked.
    “Still on the side of the highway, unless they’ve towed it away by now.”
    “Geez, I hope they haven’t done that. Why don’t you get changed, and I’ll have Elizabeth see if she can round up Steve to give you a ride.”
    “Steve’s gone, Dad. I saw him when I went to get Jake’s clothes out of the dryer. He said you asked him to wash the horse ambulance so it would look good when it’s on display at the Equine Rescue League fund-raiser tomorrow.”
    Ned hit his palm against his forehead. “Of course, I forgot all about that.”
    “That’s all right,” Jake said. “I can hang out here until Steve gets back.”
    “Nonsense. After all you’ve done, the least we can do is offer you a ride to your truck.”
    Elizabeth flashed Jake a smile. “In eight more months, I’d be able to drive you.”
    “Please, don’t remind me,” Ned groaned.
    “Dad!”
    Ned laughed and looked at Kendall.
    Oh no. Please don’t ask me to give him a ride
, Kendall thought, breaking eye contact with the vet.
    “Kendall, any chance you’d have time to give Jake a ride?”

CHAPTER
13

    K endall had just driven through the gates of the Equine Medical Center when her cell phone rang. She glanced down at the display and saw that the call was from Anne.
    “That’s Anne Cummings calling,” she said to Jake, pulling the Jeep onto the grassy shoulder and putting it in park.
    She flipped the phone open and lifted it to her ear. “Hello.”
    “Hi, Kendall. It’s Anne.”
    “Anne, how’s Doug doing?”
    “He’s still the same. They’ve completed all the tests. He’s in a room in ICU now,” Anne replied in a weary voice.
    “What about the tests? Did they show anything?”
    “No. His brain activity looks normal, which is good. The doctor says we just have to give him time and hope for the best.”
    “Everyone’s praying for him, Anne. Ned Carey sends his best, by the way.”
    “How’s Chancellor?”
    “It looks like he’s going to be okay. He just came out of surgery and was still in recovery when I left. But Ned says he’s optimistic, barring any complications,” Kendall replied.
    “How badly was he injured?”
    “He had a chest wound and a punctured lung, but Ned was able to repair his lung. His only concern now is the risk of infection. I really think Chancellor’s going to be fine, Anne.”
    “That’s great news. I’ll tell Doug. The nurses tell me that they believe he can hear what I’m saying to him, so I just keep talking to him, trying to reassure him that everything’s going to be all right. I’m sure that if he can hear me, it will help him to know that Chancellor is okay.”
    “How about you? How are you holding up?”
    Anne sighed. “I’m okay, but I’m worried about Samantha. I was hoping you might be able to check on her. Since she’s so close to you, I thought it might help her to see you.”
    “Of course. What do you want me to tell her?”
    “As little as possible. I guess just tell her that Doug was in a car accident and hurt his head, and he’s in the hospital so the doctor can help him get better.”
    “All right. Is she going to spend the night at the Hortons’, or would you rather have her at home with Nellie? I’m happy to drive her home.”
    “No, Nellie’s out of town. She left yesterday to spend some time with her sister. I spoke with Deb Horton a little while ago, and she’s happy to have Samantha stay there as long as necessary.”
    “I’d also be more than happy to take Samantha to my house, if you think that would be better.”
    Anne was silent for a moment. “No. I guess she’s probably better off being at the