Total pages in book: 141
Estimated words: 128313 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 642(@200wpm)___ 513(@250wpm)___ 428(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 128313 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 642(@200wpm)___ 513(@250wpm)___ 428(@300wpm)
Several security guards were patrolling the stable block. I nodded at them as we passed the barn to arrive at the field that the horses had all been turned out in temporarily. The first person I saw was Genny, who was at the nearest fence around the paddock.
“Jasper,” she said, tears in her eyes. She was next to Forrest’s horse, Aurelia, running calming strokes down her face. The mare leaned into Genny’s touch for comfort.
I rushed to my sister and wrapped my arms around her. She was in her wheelchair, and she broke apart when I held her. “Why is all of this happening to us?” she cried. A lump built in my throat, and when I pulled back, I kissed her on the forehead.
“We’ll find out who is responsible, Gen. I swear it.” I felt the weight of endless threats bearing down me again. I wanted Hallie to be here so badly, but I also wanted her in Paris. I’d already doubled the security on the team. At this point, it was ridiculous—other riders must be wondering what was happening with our team, but right now, I didn’t give a fuck. Safety first. Leon had confirmed the new guards had arrived, and he and Atticus had given them their orders. Every one of our traveling staff members now had a personal detail, and the stables were completely covered, day and night. From the horsebox drivers to the grooms, everyone was being protected. The security team would also be keeping a close eye on our staff in case they were ever acting suspicious. The staff didn’t know that, of course, but I couldn’t take any risks.
A familiar huff had me turning, and my beauty of a horse was tossing his head at the paddock’s fence, trying to get my attention. Henry was restless, that much I could see, so I went to my prize stallion and put my hands on his cheeks, pressing my forehead to his. “I’m sorry, boy,” I said, and felt the emotions I’d pushed down clog my throat. I stayed there for several minutes, patting his neck and checking him over. It was him they wanted, because whoever wanted to take us down, they wanted me destroyed most of all.
“They won’t get near him again,” Forrest said. I turned around, and Forrest, Felix, and Genny were there, watching me.
I nodded, then sat down on a bench that overlooked the paddock. Felix sat down beside me, then Forrest, and Genny pulled herself closer to us too. The mood was solemn as we watched our equine family in the field. I checked over every horse with my eyes.
“Has the vet been?” I asked. I felt exhausted. Everyone did.
“Yeah, none of them had smoke inhalation, so that was lucky. He set the fire in the arena,” Forrest said. “By the time it spread to the stable block, we’d got the horses out before the flames could cause them any physical harm.”
“Atticus was furious when I told him,” Felix said. “He’s desperate to come home.”
“There’s no point,” I said. “Plus, I need him out there with Leon to keep an eye on Hallie,” I added. “And Sage.”
Felix nudged my arm. “You know Atticus has a big mouth, don’t you?” My heart started beating faster. My shoulders sagged, but I couldn’t help but laugh.
“He told you all?”
“About Hallie Oakley stealing your heart?” Genny said, sadness clearing from her eyes and a playful glint taking its place. “Well, he might have started a WhatsApp group, excluding only you, to spill the beans. It’s called Jasper and Hallie Sitting in a Tree.” Genny laughed, and I loved seeing her this way. “He even sent pictures of you with her in a cowboy bar in Mexico. And you were dancing?” Genny asked incredulously.
“More like standing completely still and scowling at anyone who dared check Hallie out.” I shook my head. “I’m going to kill that little shit when I see him again. Whenever that may be.”
“Soon. Go back on the tour,” Forrest said. “This place is Fort Knox now. We found a stolen ID card on the assailant that allowed him access to the stud. He told the gate he was delivering some feed. So we have something to go on.”
“I can’t go,” I argued, but I couldn’t deny I longed to get back on my plane and back to Hallie. Forrest was right, this place was as secure as it could possibly be now. Besides hiring the actual SAS, I wasn’t sure how much more it could be guarded.
“You’re better off on tour, making sure they’re protected there too,” Felix said. “Most of our competitions are here in the UK for now.” He gestured to himself and Forrest. “Come home when we’re away.”
Every part of me wanted to refuse. That was what old Jasper would have done, the man who took everything on himself.