“Ain’t that too bad.” The man rolled over, facing the back of the sofa.
“Wait!” He grabbed the man’s shoulder. “How about if I buy your horse?”
The man peered at him over his massive shoulder. “How much?”
“Twenty dollars.”
“Twenty-five, and you got a deal. I’ll even throw in the saddle since I can’t ride ‘em anymore.”
Michael stood and peeled off the bills, then shoved them into the man’s hand.
“Ma, show Michael Henderson-the pharmacist here-where the horse is.” He returned to his position facing the back of the sofa and let out a snore before they even left the house.
The older woman led him from the door, across the sagging porch, to a makeshift lean-to. An animal that may have been a horse at one point, looked up at their approach, swishing its tail.
Michael’s stomach dropped. The horse’s middle drooped, and flies buzzed around its head and eyes. The stench from where the poor animal stood in his own waste almost equaled his former master’s breath. “How old is this horse, ma’am?”
“Don’t know, but he’s your problem now.” She spit once more, and pointed to a worn out saddle leaning against the weathered boards of the farmhouse. “That there’s your saddle.” She turned and shuffled back to the house.
Michael rested his hands on his hips and regarded the horse. Lord, I hope the poor animal makes it to Oklahoma City before he dies. He looked at his watch. Ten minutes to eleven.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
“Mary, it’s ten minutes to eleven. If we don’t leave this very minute, we’ll be late.” Harold glared as she fumbled through pieces of jewelry strewn over the deep green coverlet on their bed.
“I know, dear, but I can’t attend the wedding without my favorite earrings.” She swirled her fingers through the mess. Where is that man? My God, if Michael doesn’t come in time, Heidi will actually marry a monster. No. I won’t let it happen. I’ll have to do something, anything, to delay this disaster.
“Papa?” Heidi stood in the doorway to her parents’ bedroom.
Harold turned, and his face softened. He wiped a tear from his eye, and walked up to her. “Don’t you look lovely.” His voice broke as he raised a palm to her cheek and caressed it. “You are the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.” Quickly recovering, he added, “Except for your mother, of course.”
“Oh, Papa, I love you so much.” Heidi threw her arms around his neck.
Father and daughter embraced for a moment, then he kissed her on the forehead, and she moved away.
She peered around him. “Mother, is everything all right?”
“Yes, dear, I need to find my earrings.”
“Mary, choose another pair, we have to leave.” Harold grabbed her by the elbow and moved her forward.
“Never mind, I don’t need earrings after all.” Mary smiled at her husband. “Give me a few minutes to put these all away.”
Heidi stepped forward. “I’ll help.”
Mary waved her off. “No, dear. You won’t know where they go. Why don’t you return to your room and relax for a bit.”
“Relax?” Harold regarded her with raised eyebrows.
Mary rested her fists on her hips, and faced him. “Really, dear, you’re being most unpleasant today.”
“Unpleasant?”
She shook her head. “And stop repeating everything I say. Go on downstairs, the both of you, and I’ll join you in a minute.” She laid her palms on Harold’s and Heidi’s lower backs and edged them to the door. “A minute.”
Mary continued to smile until the door closed. Then she scooped up the earrings, and tossed them into a drawer. She paced, wringing her hands. What in heaven’s name am I going to do? She stopped, inhaling deeply. I must pull myself together.
With shaky fingers, she patted her hair, then moved to the mirror over her dresser and smiled at her reflection. “It will be fine. Michael will be here.”