The Wild Ones Read Online Free PDF Page A

Whether he knows it or not.
     

 
    CHAPTER EIGHT-Trick
     
    “I want Titan looking his best.  A trainer with a syndicate out of Alabama is coming at the end of the month to look at him.  I happen to know they pay top dollar for a bloodhorse and Titan is our best two year-old.” 
    I look at my boss, Jack Hines.  His dark brown hair is styled like a man who uses hairspray, his fingernails are clean like a man who gets a manicure and his eyes are hard like a man who gets what he wants however he can. 
    Jack Hines.  Self-made man.  Millionaire.  Champion breeder.  Dumb ass.
    “Yes, sir,” I say as I continue to rub down Revere.
    “They’re willing to look at Knight-Time. I think if they give him a shot, they’ll want him.  Maybe even over Titan.”
    I nod.  I totally disagree, but I nod anyway.  “What about Highland Runner.  Have you given any more thought to—”
    He shakes his head once.  I’ve only worked here six months, but I know what that means.  I grit my teeth.
    “That horse is still too wild.  If I make the decision to race, it will be one from my own stock, like Knight-time.  If he’s not sold before then, that is.  If anything, I foresee Highland Runner ending up staying here to stud.  His bloodlines are good but…  These are the kinds of things you need to learn, Patrick, the subtle nuances of this business that will serve you well if you continue on in it.”
    The jab hits its mark.  He’s putting me in my place.  He’s the expert; I’m not.  I get it.   He knows how much faith I have in Runner.  And he thinks I’m crazy. 
    But I think he’s blinded by money.  Because Runner didn’t cost him much, Jack thinks he’s worthless.  He couldn’t be more wrong.
    “Just have them ready,” he commanded, turning and stalking away in that arrogant way he has.  Before he gets out of the stable, he stops and hollers down to me.  “My daughter is home from school now.  She likes to ride most every day.  See that you help her if she needs it.  But nothing else.”
    What the hell?
    “Yes, sir.”
    I’m a hired hand, which means I’m also a rapist?  His daughter is probably all of, what, sixteen and goes to, like, a prep school or something?  No doubt she’s as arrogant and detestable as he is.  Like I’d touch that with a ten-foot pole!
    I finish rubbing down Revere and take him back to his stall.  As I pass Runner’s stall, I feel even more frustrated.
    Dammit!
    “Sooty!” I yell for the breeder slash trainer.  I hear his faint voice from somewhere at the other end of the stable.  “I’m taking Runner out.”  He mumbles something else.  It doesn’t sound like a “no,” so I grab Runner’s tack.
    I took up with Highland Runner the first time I met him.  He’s an amazing horse.  Yeah, he’s a little wild and unruly, but he’s come a long way since I’ve been here.  All he needs is a firm hand and someone who’s not afraid to ride him.  And I’m just that person.
    After I get him saddled, I lead him out to the round pen to put him through his paces.  I shorten his normal routine so I can ride him out in the fields.  The Hines ranch has acres and acres of smooth grassy fields perfect for riding the two year-olds and breeding horses, and for letting them out to run alone.
    I let us through the gate and get back onto Runner.  His muscles twitch.  He knows what’s coming.  And he’s ready for it.
    Runner responds to me perfectly, just like he always does.  Jack Hines just never takes the time to watch him. Not really, anyway.  His mind is set and that’s that.
    But I know. I know Runner.  I know his potential. It’s a gut feeling I have.  And my gut is rarely ever wrong.
    Just like my gut wasn’t wrong about Cami.
    Cami.
    Like she has a dozen times over the last day and a half, she pops into my head.  It happens at the strangest times.
    I smile.  That girl… 
    Her boyfriend better keep an eye on her.  If I get a hold of her