“We ain’t movin’. And that horse that’s already in our trailer? He isn’t going anywhere, not till we get what’s owed to us.”

Kevin took that as his cue to intervene. “I don’t think it’s wise for you to be making threats,” he said as he pulled out his wallet and flashed his badge right in the faces of the brothers.

The two men looked back at Kevin, each with the same dim-­witted expression. “You’re . . . a cop?”

“That’s right, and I believe I just heard the man order you off his property, so how about you clear off before he accuses you of trespassing.”

“But—”

“Now, fellas, before you say something you’ll regret.”

The brothers promptly gave up the fight, sulkily retreated to their truck, and unloaded the horse. As they were driving off, Kevin was sure he heard Roger mutter “good riddance” under his breath.

“Thank you, Detective. And you,” Roger added, staring at Amy, “what you did just now was remarkable. I didn’t catch your name.”

“It’s Amy.”

“Thank you, Amy. You obviously know your way around horses.”

“Not really. But what I saw wasn’t right and I had to do something. I’m sorry if I caused you any trouble.”

“Hardly. You did me a favor, and you saved that poor horse from an awful lot of distress.”

Amy smiled. “I’m just glad I could help.”

Kevin gave Amy a nudge. “Why don’t you go wait in the car. I’ll only be a minute.”

Before leaving, Kevin helped Roger secure the horses back in their stalls and close the barn. “There are others who can come take them?” he asked as they walked back to the car.

“Yes, I’ll find someone far better. How those two are allowed to operate, I have no idea, but you can be sure I’ll be laying a complaint.”

“If you don’t mind me asking, since your son’s been gone, how have you been able to keep this place running? The horses must be a handful?”

“They are, but I’ve had plenty of help. A group of folks have been volunteering their time. Each morning and night someone comes to tend to the horses and check in on me. Everyone in town has been so kind, so generous.”

As they arrived at the car, Kevin stole one last look at the view before turning to shake Roger’s hand.

“Like I said, Mr. Porter, I will speak to my superiors. No promises, but I will do my best.”

“Thank you, Detective. Please get in touch once you learn the decision. Oh, and one more thing . . .” Roger came in close, turning his back to the car. “Is that really true, about your daughter? That she hasn’t been around horses?”