 Val was on his feet and pacing. “Who? God, the suspense is killing me.” “Didn’t Janelle say Charlie knew nothing about horses?” Wyatt paused and Val heard papers shuffling. “And that he gambled a lot?” Val stopped pacing and looked out the window. He felt the hair on the back of neck bristle. “How long before he became abusive?” Val drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Uh…I think….” He rubbed the bridge of his nose, turned away from the window, and moved to the couch. “They got in deep fast. He always gave me the creeps, but seemed okay with her for the first few months. Real smooth and nice. Then he changed. She never said why, but it seemed like it was overnight.” “Did he ever watch her race?” “Yeah, at first. Why?” Val asked. “That fits perfectly. The kid’s name? Charlie Mills. My theory is it wasn’t a random event that Janelle met him. She started out as his mark. But he got possessive and probably realized she wasn’t going to throw races. I bet he figured a pretty girl, she’s tiny and would be easily intimidated,” Wyatt said. “But he didn’t take into consideration that a hundred pounds of jockey rides twelve-hundred pounds of attitude. And my money is usually on the jockey.” “You catch on quick. We make a good team, and that makes me happy,” Wyatt said. Val opened his mouth to ask another question, but he was cut off when all three of his dogs jumped up and ran to the window, barking. “What’s that?” Wyatt’s voice rose just enough to set Val’s nerves on edge. “Something outside, I think.” Val stood up and started across the room. Val stopped short when Wyatt barked, “Stay away from the windows! Is everything locked?” “Ye-yeah.” Val slapped his hand against his thigh. “Hey, guys, shush. Come on, it’s okay. Go lie down.” Then he spoke to Wyatt. “The outside lights are on too. Just like you said to do.” “Hear anything?” “No. It’s probably just a raccoon or something.” Val sat back down on the couch. His dogs had quieted and were scattered around the floor, lying down again. “Val—” “I’ll be fine. If there was someone near the house, the boys would be barking up a storm.” “Call that number if you have any doubts. Promise me.” Wyatt sounded worried. “I promise. How much longer will you be gone?” “I have a few things to check out in the morning but I think I can catch a flight back tomorrow night. Or the morning after, if I can’t get a ticket so soon. Call me before you leave for work in the morning,” Wyatt told him. “And Val, use that number. Even if you’re just uncomfortable.” “I will.” Val disconnected the call and stretched on the couch with the phone on his chest. He wished Wyatt were there with him now.     Comments are closed.
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