Free Black Stallion's Shadow by Steven Farley Page B

suspected that there was more to the confrontationwith Rotasky. “So you think someone from Sagebrush might want to sabotage
Drover Days
to get your contract canceled?”
    Ellie nodded. “All I know is they’re the ones who stand to gain the most if we go bust.” They both turned and looked over toward Sagebrush Village.
    â€œTalk to Wes about this?” Alec asked.
    â€œYeah. He says there’s no proof that the fire wasn’t an accident and I should forget about it.”
    â€œIt’s pretty hard to believe anyone would be so underhanded, not to mention criminal.”
    â€œWho knows what Rotasky might do to get what he wants? And if he’s just a real estate salesman, why does he need a bodyguard?”
    Alec thought about it. “Okay. Let’s just say someone is trying to sabotage your contract with
Drover Days
. Besides Sagebrush, who else might want to make trouble for your grandfather? What about the union? At lunch yesterday one of the crew was saying—”
    â€œJust an old rumor. That union business was resolved months ago.” Ellie shook her head. “As if we don’t have enough problems. We’re just one check ahead of our creditors as it is.
Drover Days
is almost a week behind schedule. To top it off, the Humane Council has been getting on our backs ever since we took on this contract.”
    â€œSounds like you have your hands full.”
    â€œAnd time is a luxury we can’t afford.”
    Poor Ellie, Alec thought. She was desperate to pin the blame for the ranch’s woes on someone. If their situation didn’t improve, it sounded like Taylor Ranch would beout of business, or worse. Alec felt a sudden tinge of guilt. He’d been so wrapped up with the Black that he’d almost forgotten about anything else. For Ellie, the very survival of her home was at stake.

CHAPTER 10
Breakthrough
    A lec had just finished grooming the Black for the second time that day when he saw Wes come driving up the path in his golf cart. The cart glided to a stop by the corral gate. Wes motioned for Alec to join him.
    â€œHow’d things go in town?” Alec asked.
    â€œI’ll never figure out those desk jockeys in the front office,” Wes grumbled. “Not only do they expect us to shoot a fight scene with a big buck deer tomorrow, but they still want to go ahead with this PSA the day after.”
    â€œPSA?”
    â€œA public service announcement. This one is for a good cause and all, the Adopt-a-Mustang program, but we’re way behind schedule on
Drover Days
as it is.”
    â€œSo why do it?”
    â€œA network time slot is already bought and paid for.We have to have the spot ready in less than a week.”
    â€œCan’t someone else shoot it?”
    â€œNot really. The
Drover Days
producers volunteered our services for a reason. They want to patch up our differences with the Humane Council, and they think this is the way to do it. Marty’s been complaining to the head of the studio. He’s claiming the horses on
Drover Days
are being ‘pushed too hard.’ Ha!”
    Alec could see where someone might get that impression about Wes. The old cowboy leaned out of the cart and spat out a stream of brown tobacco juice.
    â€œThe Humane Council is a powerful organization. If the complaints keep up, they could cause us a heap of trouble. Making this PSA might be one way to smooth things out with them.”
    Alec nodded. He had no idea the making of a TV show could be so complicated.
    â€œHollywood politics,” Wes muttered. “I’ll never get used to it.” He snapped his fly swatter at a fly circling his head. “But enough of that. Tell me, how’s the Black doing today?”
    â€œHe seems fine.” They watched the Black prance around the corral for a few minutes. Then Wes told Alec to saddle the Black and bring him to the driveway so they could start their training session.
    Now