Free When The Runway Went South by Lois Kasznia

be careful," Ally laughed as she hung up the phone. The sun peaked over the clouds. The herd stood right behind her fence, but she saw no sign of Caleb out of her kitchen window. She sighed, turned on the television and caught up on the news while she worked on her laptop. The phone rang again and Ally answered it.
"Running a bunch of errands," Kat announced. "So, if you need me, just call my cell."
"I'll be fine. I've got plenty to do around here." Ally debated whether or not to tell her about Caleb and decided against it. "When can we talk about your business plan?"
"Tuesday night? No. I have a party to do. We'll do the business thing in the morning. Do you want to come with me?" asked Kat.
"Sure."
"Ten?"
"I'll be there." Ally ended the call and noted the time on her iPhone. She settled in and found out how to get to the car dealers for her inspection and where to get plates and a license. One of the security companies showed up and gave her an estimate. They could have her set up the next day. Ally said she would get back to them. When Ally glanced at the clock, she couldn't believe how much time had passed.
She fixed some lunch and stared out the kitchen window searching for Caleb, but didn't see him. The afternoon and evening stretched long and lonesome, so Ally decided to go shopping. Her first stops included the health clubs and she decided on a local one with a personal trainer. Ally then drove around trying to familiarize herself with the area. She found the town hall and registered for water and garbage service. Ally found other places to shop for groceries rather than where Kat had taken her. At six o'clock, she felt good about what she had accomplished in one day. Ally changed into jogging clothes and she and Tank went for a long run, of course by Caleb's property. She didn't see him. A whole day without Caleb, Ally smiled, pleased with herself.
Caleb drove down the road and ready to turn into his driveway when he saw Ally running with Tank. She wore shorts even though the air temperature was cool. He stopped the car and watched her legs as she pounded the pavement. Poor Tank lagged behind, his pink tongue hanging very low. Caleb waited as he watched her disappear out of sight before he entered his driveway.
It had been a long day and exhaustion overtook him. Fortunately, he had accomplished all he had planned. He longed for dinner, a drink and relaxation. He walked into the house to find it deserted, but he smelled dinner. Gracie had already made dinner because she knew if she left it on the stove, Caleb would eat it at his own pace. Caleb helped himself to some chicken and mashed potatoes then turned on the television to watch the news.. He waited until after dinner and then went to the stable and saddled up Thor. He wanted to make sure those boys were not on his property because he heard they were released from custody today. Caleb continued on even though the sky had darkened and dismayed to find more signs of mischief on his property. He immediately called the police and Ally.
"Ally? Caleb. I want y'all to know those boys were released from custody and looks like they're back. Make sure y'all lock your doors and have your security system on."
"Oh no, what are you going to do? The security company is coming by tomorrow to set me up."
"Be careful then. They think that it was you who took their picture. There's a chance they would try something to get even."
"Well that news gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling. I won't sleep all night." A trickle of fear coursed through Ally’s body.
"What time is your appointment tomorrow?"
"They're coming around eight in the morning. Then I'm helping Kat with a luncheon and I'll be gone for most of the day."
"I'll see what the police will do, but, Ally, please be careful," pleaded Caleb.
"I will." Ally nervously looked around the house, cursing she only had curtains on her bedroom windows. At least the other windows had blinds.
Caleb tried calling Jeb, but he went to bed at the