by Piper Stone
“Why, because I’m a woman? Because I’m from out of town? Because I don’t run with the crowd? I’m not sorry about any of those. I keep to myself. I like to read and drink wine, occasionally go out to listen to music or take a walk on the beach.” After her vehement statement, she frowned, looking away. “And why am I spewing off crap you don’t care about?”
“Actually, I do care and you’re spewing off because that’s your personality. You refuse to take direction from anyone, even when it means harming you. Answer the question. Why do you need to go to your clinic?”
“I do have a special client,” Holland whispered. “A beautiful horse. I can’t leave her alone. I shouldn’t have last night. I’m a terrible person. She’s ill and carrying a foal. I’m the only one she’s got.”
“A horse.” I could see the near panic in her eyes. “I can’t allow you to drive but—”
“Dear God, you’re going to possibly let her die? What is wrong with you?”
“Shush!” I pulled her against me, fighting to keep her quiet. “Let me finish, for God’s sake.” I felt like an idiot kissing the back of her head, but for some reason, I could tell she needed the reassurance. “I’ll take you.”
“Why, so you can hurt the horse?”
I took a step away, still crowding her space. “I think we need to make a truce here. Fair enough?”
“A truce? I’m still your prisoner.”
“You’re not my prisoner, Holland, but you will surrender to me in time. Body and soul. However long that takes. You’ll pay the penance for your crimes and I think you fully understand why. I’m going to train you my way and you will learn to obey me as well as show your respect. Are we clear?”
“Why, yes, sir.” Her entire face was pinched.
The girl had managed to push my buttons once again and I’d allowed it to happen. Asshole. Admonishing my behavior wasn’t going to change any of the facts. I wasn’t wrong about my demands. “I don’t need the attitude and I don’t think you want the fight. We can be civil to each other, adults. Can’t we?” I held out my hand, expecting some kind of response and she knew it.
She studied me for a time and I could swear she’d drilled through my eyes, dipping into my very soul. Her handshake was firm, much more so than I would have anticipated.
“Agreed?”
“Agreed.”
“Let me get my keys,” I said, lingering just a little too long, enjoying her touch just a little too much. I was momentarily sucked into a vacuum, wanting nothing more than to keep her locked away for my use only. The thought was just as riveting as it was abominable.
As I closed the door after she’d settled into the passenger seat, I could tell she’d never truly be comfortable around me. There was too much distrust, no matter the level of heat and excitement. I moved onto the driver’s seat, following her gaze. She was staring at the barn, her mouth twisted.
“I have eight horses,” I said before starting the engine.
“Big number for a big man.”
I allowed that one to slide. “They mean the world to me. I’ve had three since I was a kid. My father taught me how to ride when I was four. I’d spend days in the corral, learning everything I could about horses. My dad always thought I’d become a vet.” I eased the gear into park, sighing when she said nothing. She was a tough one.
Well, that was fine. We didn’t have to become best buddies.
I roared out of the driveway. I knew the way. I’d spent time with the old vet more than once.
“Why didn’t you?” she asked.
The question surprised me for some reason. “I don’t honestly know. Maybe because of my mother.”
She shot me a look, crowding closer to the door.
“Are you feeling all right?”
“I’m fine, Doctor. You don’t have to worry about me,” she half whispered. Still full of animosity. Still angry at the world. What the hell had this girl gone through?
My grip on the steering wheel was white-knuckled. All I could think about was taming the lioness. And it was going to be entertaining. She seemed so forlorn, her body language completely different. Every few minutes, she pressed her hand against the bandage, wincing.
“Are you in pain?”
“I said... No, I guess I’m just not used to being a patient. That was scary with the snake. I’m not going to lie. I grew up on a ranch and saw plenty of them, but never had one stick his fangs in me. I really appreciate you helping me.” She actually smiled sheepishly.
I slid my hand into my back pocket, easing out her phone. I wasn’t going to mention that someone had texted her several times. “Here. I’m certain you need this for your business.”
She fiddled with it, not bothering to look to see if anyone called. Maybe she didn’t want to know.
“I’ll need my keys to get into my house,” she said absently.
I managed to reach behind the seat, yanking out her purse.
“You stole my entire purse?” Holland accused.
“I didn’t steal it exactly. I just made certain that you couldn’t get your hands on it or your keys.”
“You’re truly unbelievable.”
We were at another stalemate, remaining quiet for the rest of the trip.
She finally pointed to a rather dilapidated sign, her information crudely tacked onto the top of it. I shook my head as I rolled down the long gravel driveway. There was little difference in the last time I was here other than the trees were even more overgrown. When I pulled up to the clinic, I honestly felt sorry for the girl for the first time. The place looked rundown, uncared for, and I was surprised she had any clients at all.
“Don’t say it,” she said ever so quietly as she placed her hand on the door handle. “I know the whole place needs a lot of work. I thought I could handle everything and I will. I just need time. I’m pretty good with a hammer.” She jumped out of the truck before I had a chance to respond, immediately walking far too quickly toward a corral.
“I bet you are.” I could imagine that she was good with a lot of things. I remained in the seat for a few seconds, studying the old place. She was right about the work. I honestly couldn’t imagine why she’d bought the place in this condition. At least the barn seemed in much better shape. I knew the old vet had loved his animals, almost never venturing out.
What a shame she was forced to deal with his mess. Maybe I could figure out a way to help her even more. I was pretty good with a hammer myself. I could take some time... I stopped in mid-thought. Neither one of us would feel comfortable if I provided any kind of assistance.
When I walked into the barn, I wasn’t surprised there was only one horse. What I was surprised was seeing the mare’s eyes. I’d been around horses my entire life and this one was under duress. “What happened to her?”
She opened the gate, immediately going inside and pressing her head against the mare’s chest. “I’m not entirely certain. I ran tests, but nothing conclusive. I’ve tried to get the results from the toxicology lab, but they seem to be running behind. Or so they told me.”
Toxicology? “You think the horse was poisoned?”
Her look was telling.
“Her owners? Are they responsible?” I pressed, thinking about everything Garland had told me.
“I doubt it. They’re good people and they brought her here. They said she hadn’t been eating for a couple of days and seemed disoriented. Then she collapsed. I’ve given her fluids but without all the results, I’m hesitant to do much more. Hiya, baby. How are you doing?”
The horse nudged her, a single swish of her tail.
“I have a feeling this was intentional though and I’ve heard of other horses and bulls with the same symptoms,” she said in an off-the-cuff manner.
“You’re thinking someone is intentionally poisoning these animals?” My skin began to crawl.
“Yeah. I am and no one will listen to me. I’ve talked to the rodeo council, a couple other vets and even two owners. No one will talk
to me. It’s crazy but I’m worried.”
I didn’t believe in coincidences but if she’d attempted to talk to certain people, I could imagine that she was shut down completely, including the test results.
I walked inside, placing my hand on the horse’s belly. “She’s due any time.”
“Yeah, I know, which also concerns me. I’m not certain she can survive the birth.” She seemed exhausted as she rubbed her hand down the mare’s side, almost colliding with mine. Jerking away, she couldn’t even look me in the eyes. “I need to get my bag. Will you stay with her?”
“Of course. Just take it slowly.”
“Yes... sir.” Holland took careful steps through the door, even sliding her hand along the wall. “Her name is Misty, by the way. She likes it when you whisper it in her ear.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
I was very concerned, more so than I wanted to admit. I didn’t like the way Holland was acting and the mare wasn’t faring much better. When Misty fell to her knees, in obvious distress, I was ready to bite the head of the same damn snake. “Shit.” I helped her ease all the down, feeling her belly again. The foal was coming. Why the hell was my luck always in the toilet?
“Okay, Misty. Everything is going to be all right.” Even though I knew horses inside and out, I’d never delivered a foal, my father always telling me I wasn’t ready. I snickered, wishing my old man was by my side.
I felt her belly again, growing concerned that it was going to be a breach birth. Fucking fantastic. I continued rubbing her, but within seconds she seemed to know that something was wrong, kicking and whinnying. In her weakened condition, the birth was going to be treacherous. All I could think of doing was humming to her. No one wanted to hear my singing voice. I thought of a basic rock song, slowing it down, my hand never leaving her.
I felt a presence behind me and tipped my head. Holland gave me a respectful nod. She appeared winded from the walk, another concern.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, finally easing onto her knees. In her hands were several clean towels and an oversized medical bag.
“I think it’s a breach birth.”
“Shit. I don’t think she’ll survive it.” She rubbed her face before reaching for her pack. I noticed the perspiration beading along her upper lip. Why the hell hadn’t the anti-venom helped more by now?
“What do we need to do?”
“Um...” She fiddled with the zipper, finding it difficult to maneuver it down.
“Holland. Look at me.”
Blinking, she finally did after a full five seconds.
Her eyes were starting to dilate and if I had to take a guess, her blood pressure was increasing. “Fuck me. You’re having a reaction to the medication. I need you to stay calm, but I have to get you out of here.”
“No!” she screamed and instantly the horse reacted, kicking several times, almost knocking me over.
“Calm down.” What in hell was I going to do? “We can call another vet.”
“You know it’ll be too late.” She moved onto her knees, managing to take out a stethoscope. Her entire face was shimmering from perspiration.
“You can’t do this. You’re too weak.”
“Then, Doctor, you’re going to have to.” She held out the instrument, swallowing several times. “I’m not leaving here until you do. Do you hear me?”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. She was willing to die in order to save the horse and the foal. I had to admire her conviction and she would never forgive me if I couldn’t do this. “I’ve never delivered a foal before. Any animal.”
“Oh, for Christ’s sake, Montana. You’re a big boy and a surgeon. Surely you can figure this out. I’ll help you. I trust you. You have to do this. Please.”
Even though every part of me wanted to react, just like I did any time a colleague attempted to question my skills, I’d never felt so honored to be trusted by someone who hated me so much. “All right. Let’s do this.”
“Clean water.” She pointed. “A spigot is out there.”
“You got it. Then you’re going to call my vet. He’s a good ways out, but at least he can come and help. Do you understand me?”
She nodded, her lower lip quivering from the reaction of the anti-venom. I’d heard of such occurrences, but hers seemed to be worse.
I’d performed dozens if not hundreds of surgeries, saving countless lives and helping to prolong others. I’d been proud of the majority of my accomplishments, perhaps too much so, leaving all the devastation I’d caused in another time and another place. This took me back to the worst time in my life, the moment I became fractured, but I made a promise that I would not lose any of them.
I’d been right about the breach, the horse in significant pain. With Holland’s careful guidance and her amazing instincts and ability at calming Misty, just over an hour later, a beautiful foal arrived. From what I could tell, the little one was healthy.
Misty continued to suffer, unable to even recognize her own baby.
“I’d forgotten all about this place. Sorry it took so long, Montana. What do we have?”
I wiped sweat and blood from my forehead as I looked up at a man who’d also become a friend. “Dr. Ivy, this is Dr. Kennedy. Bart is an excellent vet. He’s delivered plenty of foals in his career.”
“I sure have. Nice to meet you, Dr. Kennedy. Heard some good things about you,” Bart said, moving further into the stall. He gave me a look, clearly indicating he was deeply concerned.
Holland’s eyes twinkled for the first time in an hour and she struggled to stand. “I’m sorry I can’t shake... your... hand...” Her words were muttered, strangled.
Bart glanced down at her leg. “What happened?”
“Rattlesnake. She’s having a reaction that I need to take care of. The horse might have been poisoned. Please be careful and call me—”
I wasn’t able to finish the comment. Holland slumped to the ground, her body convulsing.
“Shit.”
“Just go. I’ve got it from here,” Bart said quickly.
“Call the toxicology lab and see if you can find out what the holdup is of getting the tests for Misty,” I half yelled.
“I’ll do that. Just take care of Holland.”
I gathered her into my arms, racing as fast as I could toward the truck. I hadn’t lied about the ambulance. I had a better chance of getting her help quickly by driving. “Come on. You’re going to be all right. We’re going to get you some help.”
My hands were almost numb as I strapped her into the seat before revving the engine and flooring it. My nerves were shot, my head throbbing like a son of a bitch. A combination of sweat and blood trickled down my forehead, getting into my eyes. Within seconds, I was swerving all over the road. Jesus Christ.
The flashing blue lights popping into my rearview mirror were going to force a decision. Run or stop and pray to God. I reached over, pressing my hand against her forehead. She was clammy and cold, her breathing labored.
“Fuck!” I slammed my hand on the steering wheel, pulling over and jerking to a stop. When Garland rumbled out of the car, I said a silent prayer of thanks, literally jerking on the seatbelt and tumbling out of the truck.
“Jesus. F. Christ. What in the hell?” Garland exclaimed, his eyes wide as he walked closer. “You been in a bar fight?”
“Listen to me. You have to help me. Holland is having a terrible reaction to an anti-venom I had to give her. I think she’s dying. I need to get her to the hospital.”
He swung a look around me before shaking his head. “You were weaving. Try and stay on the damn road and I’ll lead you in. Follow me closely.”
I nodded, my heart racing and I crawled back in, waiting for him to drive around me. I yanked my shirt, managing to wipe my eyes before jamming my foot on the accelerator.
Garland drove like a bat out of hell, the flashers and siren both going. Even though he paved the way, allowing us to arrive within minutes, I could tell s
he was losing the battle. “Stay with me, baby. Stay with me.”
I rolled the truck up to the emergency entrance, barely managing to get the gear into park. When I flew out of the door, Garland was already running in my direction. Anger swept through me the moment I threw open the door, seeing her breathing was even more shallow. The feel of her limp body cradled against my chest was heartbreaking as I rushed inside, Garland directly behind me.
“I need some help, please. I need some goddamn help!”
Within seconds a gurney was rolled over, one of the other nurses jogging in my direction.
“What happened?” she asked.
“Shock from a reaction to the anti-venom for a rattlesnake bite,” I huffed. “She’s unconscious.”
“Okay, we need to get her into one of the examination rooms so the doctor can look at her immediately.”
I pushed ahead. “I need a surgical gloves and a clean uniform. Stat.”
“What are you doing?” the nurse asked as she nodded for the orderlies to rush Holland into one of the rooms.
“I’m a damn doctor. I’m going to take care of her!”
She shook her head, glancing up and down. “Not today. I’ll let you know when she’s stabilized.”
I was ready for bear, nasty words on the tip of my tongue when Garland yanked my arm.
“Come on, buddy. Let the doctors do their work. Besides, you look like shit. You’re covered in blood.” He pulled me away, forcing me toward the visitors’ area.
“Leave me alone, Garland. I know you mean well.”
“You care about this girl. Damn.”
I thought about what he was saying and realized that for some crazy reason I did. I wanted her bad.
To fuck her.
To train her.
To break her.
To... protect her.
To... be there for her.
Fuck. And I’d already failed.
“Yeah, I do,” I whispered, staring at the busy hallway.
“She’s going to be all right.”
But as the seconds ticked by, the sound of the hands on the wall clock echoing in my mind, my instincts were working overtime.
Just as an entire crash cart team raced into her room.