Diamond in the Rough (Precious Gems) by A.A. King Read Free Book Online

leaving now.”  Jason stated with a knowing smirk on his handsome face.
      Cheyenne decided to go for a ride while she waited for the detective to arrive.
    She saddled the stud from earlier, mounted and set off on a gentle trot.  Feeling the pent up energy the horse possessed, she nudged him forward as though giving him permission to get it out of his system.  The horse sprang forward as if his tail were on fire.  The power this animal astonished Cheyenne.  He was surely of good blood.  His muscles rippled underneath her body as he stretched out, gaining more ground with each extension of his long legs.  The black mane flowed down his neck and gently teased Cheyenne’s hands as she held loosely onto the reins.  His burst of power came to an end as she pulled him back into an easy canter.  She had not warmed him up and knew it was not smart to let him tear around the pasture.  As she eased back in the saddle, she noticed how beautiful the property was.
      Charles must have put a lot of time and energy into this place, she thought out loud.  The stables were so nice and organized.  Any piece of tack a person could need was hung up neatly in the back room.  She guessed that she must have gotten her love of horses from him. 
    Without notice, the hor se spooked.  He broke to the right and side stepped as though he were an experience barrel horse.  His body went rigid underneath her and his gentle gate was replace with break neck speed that shocked her.  Even when she had let him run earlier, he had not been this fast.  She was not sure what was happening but was alarmed to say the least.  Knowing that she shouldn’t panic, she tried her hardest to remain composed and in control.  Cheyenne held on and shifted in the saddle to accommodate for the sudden change in direction.  Then, she heard it.  At first, it seemed like she was imagining the dreaded sound, but after the second loud pop she knew that someone was shooting at her.  Ducking low, she hunkered in the saddle and cursed the stiff leather horn that was poking her in the chest.  Grabbing the horse’s mane, she hugged her body to his as he darted for the stable.  It was at least a half mile ride and the shooter had fired three more times. 
    Worrying that she would not make it to the stable, she nudged him sharply, urging him forward.  Another bullet whizzed by but this time it passed too close for comfort.  She looked down and noticed blood dripping down her leg into her riding boot. 
    Have I been shot and just don’t feel it yet? She wondered as the horse brought her to safety inside the confines of the stable walls.  She hopped down and ran her hand up her leg.  Cheyenne found no wound.  A sick feeling swept her body.  Looking up, she saw the source of the blood.  The brave horse that saved her had taken a bullet to the neck.  She had no time to find out how deep it had entered as she led him up the walk to the house and hopefully to safety.  He didn’t seem to be in any discomfort but she knew that he needed vet care.  Barging into the houses entryway she yelled for Maria but Detective Russell appeared first. 
    “What in the world….” He said as he took in the sight in front of him.  “Are you hurt?”
    “I was in the back pasture and someone was taking shots at me from the tree line.  They missed but one of the bullets hit the stud I was riding.  I don’t know how bad he is hurt but I need to get a vet out here.” 
    Before Cheyenne knew what was happening, Brian darted past her through the door and pulled his weapon.  As he ran to his truck, Cheyenne heard him calling for backup.  He started the vehicle and drove quickly down the driveway. 
    Just then, Mari a walked into the room.  “I could not help but hear.  I called Doc West.  He will be here in a few minutes.  Which horse was it?”  She inquired. 
    “He’s right here.” Cheyenne said as she held the door open and the horse nudged his head over her