With this segment of Chapter Twelve of Repairing the Legacy, we continue the serialization of Repairing the Legacy. This is a rough draft work in progress and may not reflect the final form. Time period: set after the ending of The Martiniere Legacy main trilogy. I’m breaking longer chapters into sections for readability. This is the first part of Chapter Twelve. There will be four parts to this chapter.

New to the series? Chapter order:

Chapter One, Section One

Return of the Prodigal Son (2 parts)

Conversations and a Dinner (2 parts)

Dancing into Change (2 parts)

Sisterly Compromises (3 parts)

Conspiracies at the Rodeo (3 parts)

Passing the Baton (4 parts)

Research Complications (3 parts)

Chasing After Shadows (3 parts)

Fifth Anniversary Present (3 parts)

Mariah (5 parts)

Shadows, Redux (3 parts)

PART OF….

COMING SOON!!!

March, 2068

GABE

“Are you sure you should be riding Boomer today? Especially on the low route?” Gabe asked Ruby as he leaned against the back porch doorframe, watching her garb up for the day’s ride. She planned to join the Chandlers next door to move cattle, riding across fields to meet up with them. Their security now reluctantly allowed them to go out on the place by themselves, since things had finally settled down with Zingter.

Normally, Gabe wouldn’t be bothered by Ruby’s ranching plans. And Boomer, though only four years old and lightly started, was a steady-minded colt. They were considering him as a junior stallion. Fresh blood to cross on Star’s daughters.

But the weather varied between sunshine and storms, with a brisk northwestern wind. Both he and Mike were moving slow and sore today. Plus Gabe just had—oh, he couldn’t explain it, but it was one of his feelings. Nothing he could quantify. Last week Star had been jumpy and snorty on the low route to the Chandler place. The big stallion rarely acted like that, but—every horse had their moments, and it was spring, coming into breeding season.

Star’s behavior, suggesting that there was a problem in that area, still made Gabe uneasy, especially with Ruby riding a green colt through it.

Ruby finished lacing her boots. “Eh, Gabe, I’m carrying my saddle rifle, if security’s what you’re worried about.”

“Kinda,” he admitted. “Sure you don’t want to trailer over to the Chandler place instead of riding over? Or find something else to do? I’m sure the Chandlers will understand if you don’t join in.”

Ruby frowned. “Boomer needs the warmup. This drive will give him some seasoning. It’s the best drive this spring for a young horse like him. Close to the ranch and over by midday.”

“Not happy about that low route. Star was pretty skittery when we rode out to check the fields last week.”

Ruby shrugged. “It’s shorter and better for Boomer.”

“Wish I was going with you.” Maybe that was it. He ached, and that somehow kicked off his worry about Ruby.

“You still could.” Ruby pulled on her heavy jacket.

Gabe shook his head. “Hurts to raise my bum leg. You’d have to pry me off of Star.”

“I’m sorry you’re having a rough day.” She kissed him. “I’ll message you when I get there, and again when I’m on my way back.”

“All right.” He could concede that much.

“See you this afternoon.” She headed out the door.

#

On my way back, Ruby messaged at 12:30. Boomer’s a good boy. Cowy and smart. See you soon.

Be careful, Gabe answered. He calculated the time. She should be back at the barn by 1:30. He scowled at the dark clouds hovering over the prairieland to the north, promising a hard squall coming soon.

Sure you don’t want me to run over there with the trailer and pick you up? he sent. Weather looks rough.

We’re good.

Gabe wanted to argue with her. But odds were that she was already on her way, far enough along that she was in the dead spot where she couldn’t make or receive calls. A short enough distance, maybe about ten minutes out of reach, but damn it, that area worried him.

Especially since it was where Star got spooky last week.

*********

And we have a cover for the series and the eventual book! Welcome to everyone who signed up as part of the Great Substack Story Challenge!