Wild Cat Read Online Free PDF Page A

downstairs. “I was just heading out to the barn.” She has one hand on the screen door. Dogs and cats circle her feet, waiting for their chance to bolt.
    “Hang on, Dakota.” I make my way toward her and try not to walk like a robot. “I wanted to ask you something about that pony.”
    She lets go of the screen and meets me halfway. “I know. I’m sorry about that crazy animal. I never should have let you near that pony.”
    “No. I wanted to help. It wasn’t your fault. Or his. That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. Do you think I could help with him? I know I could handle him.”
    Dakota lets out a sharp laugh that’s not really a laugh at all. “You’re kidding, right? You want to handle the pony that dragged you across the barn?”
    “That won’t happen again.”
    “You bet it won’t. You’re not getting near that horse, Kat.” Dakota’s brown eyes narrow to dark slits.
    Hank walks in. “What’s going on?”
    “Hank, make her listen,” I plead. “Yesterday wasn’t that pony’s fault.”
    He turns to Dakota. “Kat’s right. I think the chestnut’s pretty good-natured from what I can see.”
    “Me too.” I’m relieved to have an ally.
    “Fine,” Dakota says. “The chestnut is a peach of a pony. Kat’s still not riding it.”
    “What?” Hank wheels on me. “You want to ride that horse?”
    “I didn’t say that.” But I would love to ride him. “I just want to help with the pony. Is it so crazy to think I might be able to help you guys?”
    “Yeah. It’s crazy,” Dakota says.
    I take a deep breath and try again in a calmer voice. “Isn’t there anything I can do?” I stare into Hank’s blue eyes, counting on the fact that he has trouble saying no to people.
    Hank tilts his head toward Dakota. “We do have our hands full.”
    “I don’t believe this.” She sounds disgusted. “If you need me, I’ll be in the barn.” Wes’s three-legged Pomeranian slips out behind her before the screen door slams.
    I grin at Hank. “I’ll do anything, Hank. I just want to help. And I promise I won’t do anything stupid like grabbing that lead rope.”
    But Hank’s not looking at me. He’s staring over my head.
    I turn to see Mom standing there. She’s frowning like she’s overheard everything.
    “Mom, I didn’t know you were still here,” I admit.
    “I noticed,” she answers.
    “I’m not asking to work with the horses or ride them. I just want to help.” I think about trying to explain to her why this is so important to me. But I’m not even sure I understand it myself. I know it’s tied up with becoming a real Coolidge. But I can’t say that.
    Hank speaks up first. “That chestnut pony is lame. We’re going to have to keep him in the stall for a few days at least. Kat wouldn’t have to set foot in the pasture.”
    I could hug Hank for being on my side.
    “Hank,” Mom says, “Kat wasn’t in the pasture yesterday, was she? When that horse dragged her around the barn? There’s plenty of room to get hurt in a stall.”
    “But I won’t—”
    Hank cuts me off. “Then she’ll stay out of the stalls, too,” he says.
    “Hank!” I protest. “If I can’t even get near the pony, how am I supposed to help him?”
    “Well,” Mom says, completely ignoring me, “I suppose if she doesn’t get in the stalls, she’ll be safe.”
    “I’ll keep her out of the stall,” Hank promises.
    “Hello? I’m right here. What can I do without getting into the stall?”
    Hank grins. “You can give the pony his medicine, Kat. The vet says we have to give the Butazolodine twice a day. With everything else I’ve got to do around here, plus the extra horses, not to mention the fact that school starts Monday, I don’t need another chore. If you can take over this one, it would be one less thing I’d have to do.”
    “Really, Hank?” I’m trying to read him. “You’re not just making this up so I’ll feel better?”
    His forehead wrinkles exactly like Dad’s does