Innocence

Dad and I methodically checked Sparkles over. Well, Dad did. Sparkles kept her neck on my shoulder, giving me a horse hug. It was hard to focus, but I used my horse to help center me. “It’s okay, girl. We’re okay. We’re checking you out and then Dad is taking me to the house.”

She nickered in response.

Dad stood. “She looks fine. Let’s head back to the house. This needs to be reported.”

I tried to keep my voice steady and think I succeeded. “Okay, Dad.” I kissed the side of Sparkles’ face. “Night sweet, girl. I’ll check on you in the morning.”

I received another loving sound from Sparkles. Dad put his arms around me and walked us back to the house. A terror resonated within me. Whoever wanted me gone was serious. There would be no hiding out until I figured things out. To protect my friends and family, I needed another solution. Fast.

Exhausted from the day’s events, we traipsed upstairs. The family pictures hung along the stairwell brought back fond memories.

Dad and I camping in the backyard.

Mom and I cooking for the county fair pie contest.

Riding Sparkles through the field.

Taking the stage as I let the music move me in my last dance recital.

Now, I was facing threats and blacklisting—putting those I loved dear in harm’s way. A cold shiver ran down my spine. “Dad, can you call the nursing home and check on Mom?”

A worried look passed over his face. He picked up his cell phone and spoke to them. My mind kept drifting into nothingness, trying to protect itself from all that threatened the ones I loved. I had gotten out early. Whoever was behind this was acting quickly.

“Your mom is fine. Fast asleep.”

I breathed a sigh of relief. Thank goodness. I wasn’t sure why I thought Mom would be harmed, but I needed the reassurance. We entered my bedroom. Without all of the memories of Charles and me, the room felt cleaner.

Dad wrapped his arm around me and guided me to the bed. “I’ll file a report with the police. See if anything can be done. I don’t want you involved.”

“Dad, I’m so sorry.”

He sighed while running his free hand through his hair. “London, this is not your fault. Not at all. You made a mistake that you pay for every day and regret it. I know you.” He paused for a second. “I heard you talking to Millie on the porch. I heard all of it when I went to the kitchen to get something to drink.”

“Oh, Dad. I-I-I . . .” Not sure what to say, I closed my mouth. I never lied to my parents.

He shook his head. “You know, punkin’, I don’t care what anyone thinks. I know my girl and I know she has a heart of gold.”

“Dad—”

“Let me finish.” I nodded. “I don’t think it’s safe for you here.”

Tears pricked my eyes. “Dad, I just got out. I love being home . . . with you. Why are they doing this?”

“I don’t know. But I need to keep you safe while I figure it out.” He patted my leg with the opposite hand. “I called an old friend, Levi McCole.”

“I remember him.” Levi had a huge ranch in the heart of Colorado. I’d met him once quite a few years back. Levi and his wife passed through town and came to dinner. From what I remembered of him, he seemed like a good man. Dad and Mom saw them often when they attended different horse conventions when I was a teenager. I never was able to go because of ballet recitals and modern dance competitions. Dad looked at me. “Let me finish before you saying anything.”

“Okay.”

He took a deep breath and I wasn’t sure how he felt about what he was about to say. “He has a job on the ranch. Working with horses. Says it’s yours if you want it.”

This was not what I expected. “What? Dad, I can’t.”

“Before you say no, think about the fresh start you’ll have. We’ll talk and I’ll come to visit. No one will know where you are except me. You’ll be safe there. Able to live. I can’t keep you safe here if whatever asshole is brave enough to come to my barn when I’m not even fifty feet away.”

This was exactly what I wanted earlier. But now that it was within my grasp, I was afraid. Find the courage, London. Protect your dad. If I am gone, then they’ll leave him alone.

I cradled my head, knowing he was right. “I don’t want to lose you again, Dad. Promise, we’ll talk and I’ll see you as often as possible.”