Page 56 of Jorhee

As always, he was as good as his word. In fact, the only thing he’d promised me that, so far, had not come true was that I’d get to have my horses here. He’d certainly tried, as had Dad. I knew that, if despite everything they were still alive, Johree would bring the might of his father’s empire to bear to bring them home to me.

That was a big if, though, and the now-hollow ache in my chest told me it was much more likely all he’d be able to do was stand by my side and hold me up while I grieved, while seeing my sister punished to the fullest extent of the law. It would haveto be enough, and I’d have to let him know it was. Otherwise, he’d find a way to worry himself silly over me.

I finished my soup and felt hungry enough, after skipping breakfast and sleeping through lunch, to have a grilled American cheese sandwich afterward. I was washing the last bite down with a caramel frappé when Bob spoke.

“Excuse me, guys, but there’s been a development.”

I sat up, clutching the cup in both hands as they trembled. Johree sat next to me, patting my leg reassuringly.

“From the tone of your voice, it sounds like it may be good news,” he replied.

“I think so. Hope for Horses contacted their local center to say one of their volunteers saw the video, and they believe they have your horses. Ted is on his way to visually confirm. The thing is, they say that if they are yours, they’ll give them back, but they’d like to make a deal with you both.”

“What kind of a deal?” I asked, hope suddenly flaring to life.

“They want you to pay for the relocation of a herd of mustangs due to be culled, as well as agree to buy future horses sent for slaughter at auction houses in a four-state area.”

“Done,” Johree replied.

I stared at him, filled with awe at his lack of hesitation.

“Just tell me what these wild horses need, and I will see that it is done.”

“Johree, I think they want us to move them to New Haven. And these are wild horses used to running on the plains.”

“Then they shall do so here,” he countered. “We have plenty of planet left for them.”

“And the other horses?”

“We can offer some of them to colonists if they are young and healthy enough and allow the rest to enjoy retirement with Socks.”

“The number will continue to grow larger and larger!”

“Then we shall find homes for even more and create a sanctuary if need be.”

I threw my arms around him.

“You’re perfect, you know that?”

He kissed the tip of my nose.

“I would do anything for you, and how could I not also help an animal in need?”

This was why he was perfect as the governor of New Haven. His compassion knew no bounds, and he had a practical side that made what needed to happen feasible.

“I will inform Xeranos and the ambassador of this. They are insisting it not be contingent on these being Jesse’s horses, in case they are mistaken.”

“Of course not. We will lend our aid regardless.”

He reached for his tablet.

“I will inform Pata. He will wish to be involved in helping save the other horses.”

I had a feeling a lot more than just four states were suddenly going to find there were no horses available for the meat market.

My heart grew much lighter at the thought.

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