Page 5 of Loving Kai

“Let’s walk it. These guys need to cool down.”

They walked back to their starting point, where Abe had left his truck. Elias had ridden Leonidas and led Sally’s Girl from the ranch.

Abe got to the ground and patted Sally’s Girl’s neck. “I will see you again.” He looked up at Elias. “I hope.”

“Anytime. I exercise them as much as I can, but letting them race each other is good for them. If you’re ever up for a trail ride, I’m game for that, too. Until Seraphina has the baby, she won’t be riding, and Dayton has discovered sports in high school, so he’d rather do that than take a ride with me.”

“That baby is coming soon, right?”

“Yeah. Next month.”

“Damn.”

“Slightly terrifying.”

Abe shook Elias’ hand. “I’ve got to get to work. Thanks again.”

“Anytime.”

“Bring the family in for pizza on the house.”

“I just might do that.”

Abe got into his truck and headed for the highway. When he reached it, he turned right and headed for Bridgeport. He would be a few minutes late, but Sunday mornings were slow, so Gentry and Maggie would be fine until he arrived.

A few miles from town, a familiar old Toyota sat on the side of the road, steam rising from under the hood. Maggie stood a few feet in front of the car, talking on her phone. Abe pulled over and parked in front of her car.

He left his truck and walked back to her. “Are you okay?”

“Do I look okay?”

“You do. Your car, not so much. Who are you calling?”

“Gentry.” She ended the call without getting through. “He’s not picking up.”

“He won’t answer the phone until eleven.”

“Do you know anything about cars?”

“Yeah.”

“Is she dead?”

Abe went to the hood and lifted it, releasing a fresh cloud of steam. “I’d say it’s touch and go at this point.”

“So, I should call Bruce?”

“Yeah, you’re not driving it anywhere.”

“Dang it.”

Abe smiled. “Wow, potty mouth.”

“Shut up.”

“Get your purse or whatever. You can ride in with me.”

“And leave my car?”