Page 5 of The Way Back Home
“Come on up to the house, and we’ll do some paperwork.”
Inwardly, Teagan cringed. Paperwork was tricky. It required information, ID, and left a trail.
“Since it’s just a trial and all, maybe we can skip the paperwork for now and save some trees?” Teagan asked hopefully.
Mona’s eyes narrowed. “Are you in some kind of trouble, T?”
Teagan realized she’d have to give Mona something. It was only fair. “I just need to stay off the radar for a while. I promise, I’m not mixed up in anything illegal.”
As if tossing in his opinion, Onyx huffed softly and nudged Teagan again.
Mona exhaled. “All right. One condition.”
“I’m listening.”
“I don’t like being blindsided. If trouble does find its way here, I want a heads-up before I get bitten on the backside.”
“Fair enough,” Teagan agreed, hoping it wouldn’t come to that.
CHAPTER TWO
TEAGAN
Three weeks. That was how long it had taken for Teagan to start feeling comfortable. At night, when all was quiet, she’d explored the property, mapping out trails, escape routes, and hidey-holes. She’d used her first two weekly paychecks to replenish her supplies and stashed a couple of go-bags in strategic locations. One she kept with her in her bunkhouse loft near the stables. The other was tucked into the crook of a tree in the forest, close to the stream that formed one of the borders of the ranch.
During the day, she’d settled into a routine. Rising before dawn, she’d feed the horses, muck the stalls, put in fresh hay and timothy, and ensure the horses had clean water. It was simple, honest work. Rewarding, too, because she’d gotten to know the horses. Each one had its own personality, just like people.
The best part was, she didn’t have to deal directly withanyone besides Mona. The ranch owner checked in at least once a day to ask how she was doing, if she needed anything, or to compliment her on her work. Mona respected her privacy and didn’t push her to interact with others at the ranch any more than necessary.
Teagan did her part by ensuring no one had a reason to seek her out. She kept her nose down, did her job, and did it exceedingly well.
Once morning chores were complete, Teagan made herself scarce. Hopewell was a small operation, but it was busy, with therapy sessions staggered throughout the day. Young and old, strong and weak—Mona turned no one away.
Teagan watched them from afar sometimes. Some walked in under their own power; others required assistance. Some wore their scars where others could see them. Others, like her, carried them hidden deep inside.
She caught glimpses of the doc sometimes out of the corner of her eye. Tall. Broad-shouldered. Quiet, but heavy in the way he moved, like someone carrying more than just his own weight. He never approached her. Never spoke to her. Just watched occasionally from a distance.
Like her, he kept to himself unless he was working with a client.
Mona seemed to think very highly of him. Even talked about him with the same level of fondness she used when talking about her adult sons.
Still, every time Teagan felt the brush of his gazeacross the back of her neck, her instincts sharpened. What was his deal? Was he worried that she might take advantage of Mona’s compassionate heart?
Teagan could respect that. People should look out for the ones they cared about.
Her? The best thing she could do for any of them was keep to herself. Bad things tended to happen to those she got friendly with.
Midweek, after the last of the clients left, Teagan picked up the basket of apples and headed toward the smaller paddock, where Onyx was waiting for her. The massive stallion had become her favorite, and she looked forward to their playtime together every evening.
Mona intercepted her at the gate with a knowing grin. “Making good on your promise, I see.”
“He deserves it,” Teagan told her as Onyx trotted over. Teagan picked a plump, juicy apple out of the basket and held it out for him. “He’s such a good boy, aren’t you?”
The horse whinnied and accepted the treat, his teeth making quick work of the apple.
“Incredible,” Mona said, shaking her head. “He’s come so far in just the last few weeks. You really do have a gift.”
Teagan shrugged. She didn’t know what to say to that, so she said nothing. Onyx nudged her impatiently with his nose.
