With a deep breath, he dialed. After three rings, a voice answered. You still alive, Calloway? Ambrose huffed.
Nice to hear from you too, Levi. Levi Grayson had once been a top trainer in the racing world, back before a messy falling out with Halston Stables. He and Ambrose went way back.
Both men had started their careers around the same time, but while Ambrose had chosen the quiet life of a small-town farmer, Levi had climbed to the top. Until he wasn’t at the top anymore. Tell me you didn’t just call me for a bedtime story.
Levi’s voice was gruff, laced with suspicion. Ambrose leaned forward, gripping the receiver. I bought a horse today.
Old, neglected, had a brand I recognized. Silence. Then, what brand? Ambrose hesitated.
Halston Stables. A sharp exhale on the other end of the line. You sure? Positive.
And I think it’s Waymaker. The line went dead quiet. For a moment, Ambrose thought Levi had hung up.
But then, where are you? My farm. But listen, Levi. I’m coming.
The line clicked dead. Ambrose sat back, exhaling slowly. Whatever was going on, Levi clearly knew something.
And judging by his reaction, it wasn’t anything good. The next morning, just as the sun began to break over the hills, a battered black pickup truck rolled down Ambrose’s long dirt driveway. Levi stepped out, his tall frame stiff with tension.
His once-dark hair was now streaked with gray, and deep lines creased his face. He looked around warily before striding toward the barn. Waymaker stood in the stall, ears flicking forward as Levi approached.
For a long moment, Levi simply stared at him. Then in a low voice he murmured, Son of a bitch, it really is him. Ambrose crossed his arms.
Tell me what’s going on, Levi. Why would a horse like this end up abandoned? Levi dragged a hand down his face. Because Ambrose.
Waymaker wasn’t just thrown away. Someone made sure he disappeared. Ambrose felt a chill settle in his bones.
And if they find out he’s still alive, they’ll want to finish what they started. A tense silence filled the barn, broken only by the occasional sound of Waymaker shifting in his stall. Ambrose studied Levi’s face, searching for answers.
The older man looked shaken, truly shaken, and that wasn’t something Ambrose had seen in him before. Stop talking, Levi, Ambrose demanded, his voice low. Who would want to get rid of a horse like this? And why? Levi exhaled sharply, running a hand through his graying hair.
Halston Stables isn’t just any racing barn. It’s got power, money, and a long history of covering up things they don’t want the world to know. Ambrose narrowed his eyes.
And Waymaker? Levi hesitated, then turned to look at the horse, his expression unreadable. Five years ago, he was their golden boy. Fast, strong, heart like no other.
But then, right before the Belmont Stakes, he disappeared. Ambrose frowned. Disappeared? You’re telling me they lost a million-dollar racehorse overnight? Levi shook his head.
No, they didn’t lose him. They buried him, a heavy weight settled in Ambrose’s chest. There were rumors, Levi continued.
Some folks said he was injured and Halston didn’t want the bad press. Others thought maybe he tested positive for something, something that would have ruined their reputation. But I never bought those stories.
Ambrose leaned against the stall door, arms crossed. Then what do you think happened? Levi glanced around the barn, as if expecting someone to be listening. I think Waymaker saw something he wasn’t supposed to.
Ambrose scoffed. He’s a horse, Levi. What the hell could he have seen? Levi’s jaw tightened.
I don’t know. But I do know that Halston doesn’t just throw away champions. If they wanted him gone, they had a damn good reason.
Ambrose glanced at Waymaker. The horse stood still, watching them with those deep, intelligent eyes. Something about the way he carried himself, the quiet control, the sharp awareness.
It was unlike any horse Ambrose had ever owned. So what now? Ambrose asked. What do I do with him? Levi’s voice was grim.
You either hide him, or you find out the truth. But either way, Ambrose, he met his eyes, his face deadly serious. If Halston finds out Waymaker is still alive, they won’t just come for him.
They’ll come for you too. A cold knot of fear twisted in Ambrose’s gut. He had spent his whole life keeping his head down, staying out of trouble.