HER SECRET 6

Matt nodded dully.

Sam reached up to set a hand on Matt’s shoulder. ‘Go on home this afternoon. I’ll clean the stables myself.’

Matt glanced over Sam’s shoulder towards the paddock.

‘You don’t want to go back there, son,’ the rancher cautioned. ‘There’s nothing you can do for her now. We’re gonna have to bulldoze a hole to bury her.’

‘I’ve got to see her.’

With a resigned jerk of his head, Sam stepped back and motioned for Matt to pass.

Out in the field, Matt knelt on the grass beside the lifeless animal, wishing he’d heeded Sam’s advice. One last time, he brushed her mane and pressed his fingertips to the white starburst marking on her forehead. Her flesh felt icy. The mare’s spirit and grace and beauty he’d loved had been ripped from this poor empty body.

‘Goodbye, girl,’ he whispered, giving her neck a final pat.

He left quickly, ashamed of the misery in his face, the tears stinging his eyelids. He’d grown accustomed to Star’s quiet company when he worked in the stables. When he ro