“Your family are all heading in.”

Sure enough, there they were. A smile found its way to her lips. She loved each and every crazy one of them.

“I thought you guys were leaving early for the thoroughbred sales in Bay Springs?”

“Jack had to take out a group, and I needed to do some stuff at the bar, so we’re heading there now. We need coffee and food to go,” Luke said around a yawn. He’d worked four late shifts at the fire department and now he had a few days off. “It’s a six-hour drive.”

“So you won’t be back till sometime late tomorrow?” Piper said as she began to make coffee. Bailey liked hers milky, Joe black, Jack white with two sugars, and Luke liked hot chocolate.

“When’s Aunt Jess back, Pip?”

“Three days.” Her mother was visiting friends.

“Buzz is staying with you down at the main house,” Joe told her.

“No worries, he’ll keep me company. Now you all go on and enjoy yourself.”

“Right then, family, let’s get moving.” Joe got to his feet. “You’re the only Trainer left in town, Pip, so don’t do anything to destroy our pristine reputation.”

“Ha ha.” She accepted the hug from Jack, kissed the others, and then there was silence once more.

The next few hours passed quickly, as customers came and went. At two Piper heard her cell buzzing.

“Hello.”

“Piper Trainer?”

“Yes.”

“This is Lieutenant Heath, Miss Trainer. I have some bad news for you I’m afraid.”

Her heart started thudding hard inside her chest as she pressed the phone to her ear.

“What news?”

“Your friend, Miss Prentice passed away this morning.”

“No!”

“I’m afraid it’s true, Miss Trainer.”

Piper heard the Lieutenant ask her to identify the body as there was no one else, and could she come to Rummer right away.”

“Yes, I’ll come now. Grace, where is she?”

“With Child Services.”

“I’m on my way.” Pip ran to get her things with the phone still stuck to her ear. “I’ll be there as soon as I can, please look after her until I arrive.”

“Problem?”

Jan looked at Piper as she dropped the phone in her handbag.

“I-I have to go, and I won’t be back until tomorrow, earliest. Can you run things for me, Jan, and call in whoever you need. Lock up, and take the day’s takings home with you. I’ll contact you as soon as I can.”

“Of course.” Her waitress looked concerned. “Do you need me to call anyone for you?”

Her family were all out of Ryker. She would have to deal with this herself. The thought was a terrifying one, but she owed Joanie that much.

“I’ll call them, and thanks, Jan.”