Page 11 of Captivated

“If he tells you he’s doing fine, I’m going to be really worried.”

Zeeb clutched his chest as he spun around to give Robert a mock glare. “Will you not sneak up on me like that, Boss? One of these days you’re gonna give me a heart attack.”

Robert stroked Sorrel’s mane. “Paul was talking about you yesterday.”

“Thought my ears were burning.” Zeeb grinned. “It was all good, right?”

“Of course.” He continued petting Sorrel, who pushed his nose into Robert’s hand.

Zeeb hadn’t spent all those years around Robert without learning a thing or two about him.

Such as when he had something on his mind or needed to get something off his chest.

“What brings you to the stables, Boss? I’m sure it wasn’t to ask Sorrel about his arthritis.”

Robert took off his hat and turned it in his hands. “I came here looking for you.”

He frowned. “Am I in trouble?”

The boss arched his eyebrows. “Not unless you’ve done something I know nothing about—yet.”

Zeeb chuckled. “Well, if I have, I’ve forgotten it. What’s up?”

“You remember Derek Caldwell, don’t you?”

He thought for a moment. “He the one who’s a Deliverance regular?”

“That’s him. He and I got talking during his last visit. He thinks Salvation might be exactly what his son needs. Specifically… equine therapy.”

Zeeb frowned again. “What’s that? Only therapy I know of is that riding is good for what ails ya.”

Robert smiled. “It sounds as though you’re already halfway there.”

He stilled. “Halfway to what? Or where?”

And why me?

Robert leaned against the stable wall. “I don’t know much about Nate—that’s his son, by the way—apart from the fact he’s been in therapy, and it doesn’t appear to be working. Equine therapy came up as a suggestion.”

“Then why are you talking to me? Paul’s the best one when it comes to horses.” Then a thought hit him. “An’ why was Paul talking about me?”

Robert rubbed his jaw. “You think there’s any coffee still going in the bunkhouse?”

Zeeb let out a wry chuckle. “If there isn’t, Matt’ll have some on in a heartbeat.” He gave Sorrel a final pat. “So why don’t we go find out?”

And maybe thenI’llfind out what it is you haven’t told me yet.

Becausesomethingwas coming.

Right at Zeeb.

They strolled toward the bunkhouse. Zeeb loved Salvation at all times of the day, but mid-morning was the best. The guests were out on a trail or with the herd, and Paul was taking care of all the horses. And seeing as it wasn’t a Deliverance week, no noises came from the Leather Barn.

Whatever they do in there, they sure enjoy it.

What little Zeeb had gleaned about the goings-on in the barn had only served to reinforce what he already knew—it wasn’t for him. He’d said as much once to Toby, and rather than argue the point, Toby had smiled.

“It isn’t for everyone. And no one says you have to try it to make sure it really isn’t for you.”Then he’d grinned.“Don’t worry. No one is going to drag you kicking and screaming into the Leather Barn. It’s a safe place for those who want to be there, and indoctrination is not their thing, trust me.”

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