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

shoulder.  Maria gasped. 
    “Cheyenne, you were riding this horse?”
    “Yes, I was.  Is there a problem?”  Cheyenne asked.
    “You are lucky that he didn’t kill you.  He has not been ridden in over three years and was a rodeo horse that Charles bought to breed.  It is not safe to ride him.”  Maria explained.
    “Did you hear what I said?  I was shot at and he saved my life.  I don’t care how long it has been since he has been ridden.  He did wonderful with me. I would say that I am lucky that whoever was shooting at me did not kill me.  How long will it be until the vet gets here?’ Cheyenne demanded. 
    Before Maria could respond , a large Ford truck pulled into the drive way.  A stocky older man jumped from the driver’s door and ran to the wounded horse.  As he began to work he said, “I am Doc West.  Maria said this horse was shot.  How did it happen?”
    Cheyenne explained what had transpired as Doc began to work on the animal.  Shaking his head, he filled the gash with salve, before giving him an injection and began stitching the wound. 
    “We are lucky, the bullet just grazed him.  Flesh wounds on a horse bleed pretty badly though.  We just need to watch him for infection for the next week.”
    “Doc, aren’t you going to say something to her for riding him?” Maria asked with a knowing look. 
    “I figure that she is a grown woman and can ride just about anything that she sets her mind to.  If she was able to ride him, then I guess he is good with her.” The doctor shot back.
    “Thank you Doc.”  Cheyenne said gratefully as she rolled her eyes in Maria’s direction.  
    Maria walked back into the house and shut the door behind her.  Cheyenne led the injured horse back to the stall and put the salve Doc had left with her into the tack room. 
    “That woman is spiteful .  Charles was too old to try and ride Blaze, but that did not make the horse unable to be ridden.    She pushed him to put the horse down many times.  It was almost as if she was jealous of him.” He said. 
    “ Charles fell just short of moving him into the house when he first bought him.”  Doc laughed as he ran his hand down the muscular flank, admiring the animal.  “He sure is a fine horse.”
    After Cheyenne got the horse settled, she changed pants and sat at the table to eat lunch.  She was clearly shaken up but was determined to keep her composure.  She wouldn’t tolerate another break down like she had earlier.  Cold cuts and cheese were laid out but Maria was nowhere in sight.  Just as she was taking a bite of sandwich there was a knock at the front door.
    “Come in!” Cheyenne screamed from the table.    Detective Brian Russell entered the room looking as handsome as he had the night before.  Today, he wore starched jeans and a button up western shirt.  Cheyenne had not had time to notice his appearance earlier during all of the commotion.
      “I was just about to have lunch if you would like to join me…” Cheyenne asked hopefully.  Brian was stunned , but the thought of sharing a meal with her brightened his day. 
    “Yea, that’s sounds great.” 
    “Did you find anything?” she asked hopefully.  The look on his face told her that he had not. 
    “Patrolme n are still searching the tree line, but I think that whoever shot at you is long gone.  Has anything weird or out of place happened today?” He asked.
    “You mean something weirder than someone shooting at me?” Cheyenne exclaimed.   The sarcasm was not intended for Brian but his face flinched none the less.
      “Every since the will reading this morning I have had an uneasy feeling.  I can’t explain it but it is overpowering.”
    “It’s way too early to have a will reading.  The autopsy isn’t even complete.  What are these people thinking?  Anyway, what happened at the reading?” he asked, full of concern.  Cheyenne recounted the video to Brian as he sat, hanging on her every