Free Dawn Runner by Terri Farley Page A

just a few steps away.
    Though the truck had a camper shell, it was clear it only served as a place to sleep. Dr. Mora loved the outdoors, and her “living room” had the Nevada sky for a ceiling.
    Sam noticed the red-and-white plastic cover tacked on a wooden table that held a cutting board, knife, sliced apples, stacked yellow plates, and a camp stove with something bubbling in an aluminum pot.
    â€œWe were hoping you’d arrive in time for dinner,” Dr. Mora said.
    â€œWell,” Sam began hesitantly. “Gram knew I was coming out to find you, so I don’t think she’d be surprised if I’m a little late getting back.”
    â€œGreat,” Pam said, but then she looked around. “How can you even tell how long it will take to get home from out here?”
    Sam thought of tapping her watch, but there was no point in teasing Pam just because she was awed by the range. Sam couldn’t forget how embarrassed she’d been when she’d first returned to Nevada and the cowboys joshed with her about the gaps in her Western wisdom.
    â€œIn a day, you’ll start recognizing landmarks,” Sam assured her friend. “It’s no different from learning to get around with street signs.”
    â€œIf you say so,” Pam shook her head in disbelief.
    Sam felt at home as she sat in the O’Malleys’ extra chair, eating a simple dinner of vegetable stew over buckwheat noodles.
    â€œEat up.” Dr. Mora nodded toward the plate of bread, cheese, and apples and added, “We’ve got plenty.”
    â€œThat might be a good thing,” Pam said as her eyes shifted to look over Sam’s shoulder. “Is this like a favorite riding place?”
    â€œNot really,” Sam said, but Ace neighed a greeting just as Sam turned to follow Pam’s gaze.
    â€œI see him, too,” Dr. Mora said. “He’s been riding in from those salt flats almost since you arrived.”
    As Dr. Mora pointed, Sam spotted Ryan.
    â€œIt’s a guy. Is he looking for you?” Pam asked in a teasing tone.
    â€œIt’s Ryan. He lives on the ranch next to ours, but he’s just the friend of a friend.” Sam corrected Pam before she could get the wrong impression.
    Sky Ranger approached at a flat-footed walk. He didn’t sound winded, but Sam could tell Ryan had tapped the Thoroughbred’s spare energy. This was the first time she’d seen the horse exhibit more obedience than spirit.
    In fact, one of Dallas’s expressions—“his get-up-and-go got up and went”—crossed Sam’s mind. She hoped Ryan would ride a different horse for tomorrow’s search.
    â€œIs he a cowboy?” Pam whispered.
    Sam almost pointed out the English saddle and lack of a cowboy hat. Instead, she said, “No, he’s new here.”
    Pam looked interested.
    â€œHallo,” Ryan greeted them, and when she heard his English accent, Pam looked even more intrigued. “I apologize for dropping in at dinnertime.”
    He could have ridden straight home instead of swerving from the trail that paralleled the highway, Sam thought. When she took in Ryan’s dusty clothes and face, and the faint droop in his shoulders, she knew he was as tired as his horse and hoping for a break.
    Dr. Mora didn’t disappoint him.
    â€œNonsense,” Dr. Mora said. “We’re glad to haveyou here.” She was already up, getting Ryan a cup of water.
    Sam was about to introduce everyone when Ryan dismounted and, still holding his reins, grabbed the cup. He gave a polite nod, but drained the cup before speaking.
    â€œNo sign of Hotspot,” he said quickly to Sam. “But I did see two apparently wild horses. A chestnut and a bay, both stallions, trotting with quite a sense of purpose through the sagebrush.”
    Sam nodded, guessing he’d seen the bachelor stallions Mrs. Coley had named Spike and Yellow Tail. Before she explained that to