CHAPTER 4
The deep dark of the night disappeared as the moon slid above the evergreens and we headed for the kitchen. Steak and huge chunks of bread didn't take long and, when dinner was ready, we took advantage of the moonlight and brought our plates to the porch, where my newest employee dropped to the floor and stretched his feet out in front of him, completely at home. Carlos took possession of the porch swing with his cast out straight. I started for the office with my plate in one hand to get more work done.
“Maggie.” Carlos moved the swing enough to stick his cast in front of me. "You worked enough for one day. Take a break.”
“There's just a couple things." The night was quiet. Inviting. I slowed and stopped. Wanted to join the men. To enjoy the night. "Oh, I suppose work can wait." Besides, I didn't want Max Abrams to think I was avoiding him, even though I was. I was determined to hang onto this employee and I hoped that, given enough time, I'd figure out how.
From his place on the porch floor, Max pushed back his hat to say something when the sound of a horse neighing drifted to us on the air. He stopped and we listened. Several other horses joined in. Soon all were making themselves known.
Carlos' was thoughtful. "They should be asleep."
"Maybe our new employee has them concerned?"
He shook his head. "They took to Max readily enough. The guy's a natural. It's something else that has them riled up."
"Which means they need quieting down."
Carlos grunted. "And we're not finished for the night after all.” He took in his cast and, clearly tired, started to rise.
"Max and I can do this." I like visiting horses, especially in the evening. It can be a magical time with manes flowing and nostrils blowing softly in the dark. I didn't know about Max but it was part of the job and he might as well learn.
Carlos didn't let me pass. "In a minute or so. I'll be rested enough to join you." I started to object but his head stuck out and his jaws locked. "I have a broken leg but I'm not helpless."
Max was still on the floor, half in moonlight and half in dark. "Boss lady…" His voice was low. I found myself glancing in his direction but his face was in the shadow and all I saw was the outline of taut cheekbones. "The moon's pretty tonight." A pause, then, "Waiting a couple minutes won't hurt anything, will it? It's been a long time since I watched the moon."
He was making sure Carlos was rested before returning to the stable. I leaned back and acquiesced, wishing I'd been the one to say the right thing. In the few hours since arriving, Max had come to know Carlos inside and out and he knew how important it was for the elderly man to be included if he thought his beloved horses were in any way uncomfortable. So we watched the moon clear the trees completely and send molten silver across the porch until Carlos was rested enough to make the short walk to the stables.
The horses neighed louder, with shrill voices. "I don't know what's gotten into them." Carlos moved slowly but with determination. "They should have settled down by now."
"Maybe it's the result of the walk they took today. They might still be hyper."
"Maybe." He didn't believe it for a minute.
When we reached the stable, Carlos moved stiffly from one horse to another. "I wish I knew what's got them so riled up."
I studied the horses for a moment. "They are acting just like when they refused to go through the field."
Carlos turned towards me, a question on his lips.
Then we heard it.
A scream.