She Can Run Read Online Free PDF Page A

kids enjoyed the freedom afforded them by the estate’s seclusion.
    Beth strode into the cool barn and smiled at the welcoming nicker. A head bobbed over the half door of the closest stall. An impatient hoof rang against wood. The smell of hay and sawdust reminded her of the time before Brian’s death, when she’d had time for hobbies like the horseback riding that had been a part of her life since her teen years. Long before Richard’s deceit had destroyed their lives.
    A shadow to her left moved and Beth jumped.
    “Hello.” A figure stepped out of a doorway.
    Beth’s heart seized. “Oh.” She placed a palm over her pounding chest.
    The neighbor. Please let this be the neighbor.
    He was in his early thirties, on the short side and slight of build. His red short-sleeved polo shirt was buttoned all the way up the front and emphasized his ruddy complexion. For Christ sakes, chill . A pocket protector away from nomination to the Geek Squad, this fellow hardly looked like a threat.
    “I’m Jeff Stevens. My farm is just over the hill there.” He pointed to the buttercup-dotted meadow that rose on the other side of the barn. Sweat beaded his brow. “Are you all right?”
    Get a grip . “Just surprised, that’s all.” So much for Henry’s superior canine hearing .
    “I’m sorry if I frightened you.” He tucked his hands into the front pockets of his jeans and slouched. “I didn’t mean to.”
    “It’s fine. I’m Beth.” She backed out of the aisle into the sunlight. In the open space of the barnyard, she took a deep breath. She knew she should probably explain who she was and what she was doing in the barn, but she hardly knew herself. She just hoped he wouldn’t ask. “Jack said his neighbor was taking care of the horses.”
    “That’s what neighbors are for. I liked Danny.” Jeff followed. Sunlight glared off his balding head as he stared at his work boots. “I just finished feeding the horses. Waiting for them to finish their breakfast so I can turn them out.”
    Beth forced a smile. “I can do that this morning. I’m here anyway.”
    “OK.” As he raised his eyes to her face, they paused fleetingly on her breasts. Then his face flushed as he stammered. “D-do you want me to show you where everything is before I go?”
    She hesitated. Had that been a leer? Beth did not like the idea of being alone in the barn with him, but it wasn’t his fault she was paranoid. He was Jack’s neighbor. He didn’t work for Richard. “I’d appreciate that, thanks.” She stepped toward him.
    Henry shot across the clearing, barking. He bounded up to Beth, jumped up, and placed both paws on her chest. She stumbled backward. “Henry, relax.”
    The shepherd circled her legs and head butted her hip, putting his body between Beth and the neighbor.
    “I’m sorry, Jeff. He’s a little rambunctious.”
    “It’s all right,” Jeff insisted, but he moved back a half step and frowned at Henry. “He could use some obedience training.”
    Ben jogged up and grabbed the dog’s collar, pulling him away from Beth. “He’s mad. The squirrel wouldn’t come down.”
    Katie ran up beside her brother. When she saw Jeff, she ducked behind Ben and the dog.
    Beth blew out a breath. The man was going to get suspicious if they all cowered away from him. And, really, he was only trying to be helpful.
    Jeff stared at the kids and opened his mouth. Beth cut him off before he asked to be introduced. She didn’t like to give out their names if it wasn’t necessary. “You were going to show me around the barn.”
    “Yes.” Jeff brightened and straightened his shoulders. “I was.”
    Henry strained at the hold on his collar. Ben’s feet slid a few inches in the dirt. “Give it up, Henry. You’re never gonna catch that squirrel, buddy.”
    Inside the barn, a horse’s kick rattled a loose door.
    Jeff turned toward the barn. “Probably Lucy. She’s impatient.”
    “We’re coming,” Beth called out as she followed him