Time Will Tell (Timeless Series) Read Free Page A

on to Libby’s hand, pulling her behind. The mare’s head rose and her ears twitched. Nostrils flaring, the mare nudged Bev when she got close enough to grab her halter. “She’s my favorite, and she abuses the knowledge.” She rubbed soothingly over her long face. “Behave, you beast. Black Mystic, this is Libby. You remember her? She remembers you.”
    “It’s nice to see you again.” Stifling pure joy, Libby stroked the animal, letting her gaze wander farther.
    “Sam’s added more horses and enlarged the bunkhouse to accommodate another fifteen kids.”
    She nodded. Twin Oaks Farm was an unusual one in these parts. A camp for kids. A place where children came to heal. Whether from a serious illness such as cancer or from traumatic problems like Libby’s, Sam’s horses helped them.
    A few grazed in the adjacent pasture.
    Most of the thoroughbreds on the farm were castoffs taken in or bought after being on the racing circuit. Some were injured early on, ending their racing careers before they had a chance to become breeding champions. Others were too old to race and not good enough to breed, meaning they hadn’t won many races in their careers.
    Libby grinned. “I’m glad they can bring a little pleasure to kids who need them.” All were dead broke and gentle, needing their own place to heal as they aged. “They’re proud animals and deserve to be useful.”
    “I agree.”
    “It feels right!” Familiar smells and sounds assaulted Libby’s senses. She spent long seconds enjoying the sensation of returning home after a long journey.
    “Doug’s right over there, talking with Sam.” Bev indicated the house with a nod. “Good luck. Not that you need it. I’ll be here when you’re done.”
    Libby’s gaze followed Bev’s as two men stepped f arther onto the porch. She recognized Doug, the farm’s manager, a balding, tall, lean man in his early to mid-forties, deep in conversation with the owner, Sam Thorpe.
    Libby approached the house.
    Doug Williams glanced up. “Can we finish this later?” He turned to Sam and nodded in her direction. “There’s the new handler I’m interviewing. But unless she’s changed significantly since she was last here, I think it’s only a formality. You remember her?”
    Sam looked over and a smile lit his face. No one could miss his shock of snowy white hair. That and the deep crinkles around his warm blue eyes gave his age of sixty-nine years away. “Is that Libby Edwards?” When Doug nodded, Sam added, his voice full of amazement , “She’s all grown up. How many years has it been?”
    “At least four.”
    Libby started up the stairs, meeting Sam halfway.
    “Well, well, well. It’s about time you came back.”
    “Hi, Mr. Thorpe.” Libby’s smile was as wide as his when they shook hands. “It’s good to be here.” She turned to the younger man, still grinning. “Mr. Williams, I’m ready for my interview.”
    “What’s this Mr. Williams stuff? You can call me Doug. If you don’t, I’ll feel old.”
    “OK, Doug. I’m here to work. How about a job?” Libby replied, laughing.
    Doug glanced at Sam with eyebrows cocked. “Can we finish going over the schedule later?”
    “Fine.” Sam grunted. “No big hurry since we have a few days before the season begins.” He gave Libby a brief nod. “The first session starts next weekend and then we’re up and running until the end of October.” He turned toward the front door.
    Doug’s eyes sparkled. “Well, little lady, I bet you haven’t lost your touch with the horses.”
    “I hope not, but it’s been awhile.”
    “Ha! It’s like riding a bicycle. Once you get comfortable, it’ll be like you never left. I feel blessed that you’re interested. Of course the pay’s not the main attraction, but I think you’ll love the benefits. Heck , you can even live out here. In order to attract better trainers, we’ve added a few cabins with all of the amenities—bed, bath, and kitchen. Would you like