18 May 2012 – Friday
Burkesville, Kentucky
Angellica stopped at the front door and turned to look behind her. She could see through the trees into the front paddock that held the 2 year olds that were waiting for transport on Monday. Most of them were happily grazing, three of the horses frolicked near the roadside of the paddock.
Her gaze went to the driveway on her left. The main gates were closed.
She frowned and turned back to the door.
Mike opened it as she reached for the door handle and she let out a yelp.
“Whoa.” He said. “Sorry. I was just heading to the gates; someone’s coming up the driveway.”
Angellica looked shocked.
“Are you alright?” He asked.
“Ah, yeah, there’s something funny going on with one of the horses that were brought down yesterday.”
“Oh?”
“She’s pretty messed up. Feverish, looking generally terrible.”
Mike nodded slowly. “That’s not cool. Any others looking sick?”
“No,” She shook her head. “She’s not branded, never been down from the hills. Goodness knows what’s up with her.”
He shrugged. “Well, hope she gets better.” He moved off the porch down the steps and stopped. “Adam’s looking for you by the way.”
She nodded, “Thanks.” She stepped through the door and closed it behind her. She saw Mike walk away down the driveway through the side window.
“Adam?” She called out.
“In the library!” He called back.
She went through the house, looking in the sunroom as she passed. It was empty. She looked up the stairs to her right as she passed, empty. The Dining room and kitchen. Empty. Niah was sitting in the lounge on her left, watching television. She didn’t look up. Angellica smiled at her daughter, pausing to watch her. She’d said she felt sick that morning, so Adam had caved and let her stay home from school. She shook her head, smiling wryly, and went into the library at the back of the house.
Adam sat on the chair, with a book in his hands.
“Mmm,” She said, “You look comfy.”
He smiled up at her. “Join me.” He closed his book and tossed the book on the table.
She sat on his knee and he wrapped his arms around her.
“You are the most beautiful creature in the world.” He whispered in her ear.
She laughed. “I love you.” She murmured in return.
“What’s wrong with the horse?”
“Daphne’s in there with her now.”
“Any ideas?”
She shook her head. “Mike said you were looking for me.”
“Only for you to come sit with me in the dark.” He whispered.
Angellica smiled. “Well, in that case…” She left the sentence unfinished.
Adam held her face in his hand and kissed her. She twisted in her seat and returned the gesture. His hands crept up her hair and deepened the kiss.
YOU ARE READING
