The broke old farmer bought the dying mare for $200. Then the millionaire arrived with a sheriff-and the horse hid behind the old man like she knew exactly who had hurt her

before dusk. He replaced the weak latch on the foaling shed with a heavy hasp and a padlock from the tool room. He checked it three times each night before going to bed and again after midnight when sleep gave up on him.

The shotgun stayed behind the front door, unloaded. Maggie had hated guns leaning around the house, and Wade could hear her voice continue reading …