Lucky Thirteen Read Online Free PDF

like a Spanish hacienda with thick adobe walls, arched terraces and walkways, and a red tile roof. Portions of the building sprawled in every direction away from the central hub. The place was huge and most likely as grand inside as out. There was a fountain in the center of a circular gravel drive that ran in front of the solid wood double doors leading into the home. I was getting excited to get out of the car and have a look around. I waited for Charles to park and open my door for me, and then I was out, shading my eyes and trying to look everywhere at once. The day was bright, the air calm and clean, and the sunshine warm, hinting at another beautiful day in paradise.
    Before I had more than a moment to look around, I saw Miss Hightower coming down the steps from the mansion dressed in black riding boots, camel jodhpurs, and a white blouse. She was carrying a black velvet riding cap in her hand. This was the only color I’d seen in her apparel other than white. Flying Miss Lady pranced along not two feet from her right heel. I was pleased to see that Miss Hightower had a broad grin on her face. It was then that I noticed I was wearing a broad foolish grin of my own.
    “Chloe, I’m so glad you made it,” she said, coming to a stop before me.
    I accepted her hands on my shoulders and kiss applied to each cheek readily. I was so excited to see her and her beautiful home that I nearly threw my arms around her in an embrace.
    “I can see that you’re excited,” she said, stepping back and taking my hands. “Good.”
    “Miss Hightower, I barely know what to say,” I acknowledged. “This is all so far beyond my wildest expectations.”
    “As well it should be, my dear. Come, let me show you around.”
    I bent to give Flying Miss Lady a pat and a scratch behind the ears, once again being reminded of my own dog back home. Miss Hightower began to walk and I naturally fell in beside her.
    “I trust that your drive out was to your liking,” she prompted.
    “Oh, the Rolls was lovely. Where did you find it?”
    “It was my father’s, as is the case with so many of my finer things. The house we’re walking past was built by my grandfather in 1927 and expanded by my father during the 50s. We were all alone out here back then. Of course, now, Disney World and who knows what else is just down the road and the world is closing in on us. I’m sorry to say it, but our way of life is rapidly coming to an end.”
    Miss Hightower began to look somber on me, but I would have none of it. I changed the subject quickly to get things back on track.
    “Tell me about the horses. How many do you have here at the facility?”
    “There are currently forty horses here at all stages of development. Some are still racing while others are retired. Some are my personal riding companions while others are breeding stock. Still others are just beginning training. We tend to focus on quality rather than quantity so that we can work on the development of each and every horse to their full potential. And then we breed horses for a select few customers. In fact, if we hurry, I may have a treat for you this afternoon.”
    Miss Hightower stepped into a golf cart that was sitting by the side of the path. I hopped into the passenger seat and Flying Miss Lady into the back, then Miss Hightower drove me through the gardens on the way to the stables. Little was blooming this time of year, but you could see the potential in each green bud that was sprouting. Three gardeners were attending to the plantings, clearing away the weeds and cutting away the deadwood. As I rode in wonder, I couldn’t stop smiling.
    Miss Hightower said nothing as she parked the golf cart and led me into a large stable. The building smelled pleasantly of hay and horse manure. Flying Miss Lady went to lie in the corner and lick herself while I was led to a stall where several men were gathered round.
    “Any change?” Miss Hightower asked with concern in her voice.
    “I think