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Stockton says through gritted teeth, staring at Jack, not Peggy. He is winded from the short walk through the stable. His face is ruby red.
    â€œWe do,” she whispers.
    â€œThat’s right,” he continues. “Who should have put the saddle away?”
    â€œShe promised,” Peggy says. Her father’s fingers sink deeper into her arm, and she cries out. They remind me of a falcon’s claws.
    â€œWho SHOULD have put it away?” he repeats.
    â€œI should have,” Peggy surrenders.
    â€œAnd?” her father releases her arm with a shove. I wonder how bruised she is underneath.
    â€œI am a disappointment,” she says. Tears streak her cheeks.
    â€œAnd?” he repeats, still staring in Jack’s eyes.
    â€œI’ll earn every penny to replace it.”
    â€œSee that she does,” Stockton tells Jack, “or Jinx and the rest of my equine investments are history.”
    Stockton storms out of the office and down the middle of the stable so quickly, Peggy has to run to keep up. It all happens so fast, neither Jack nor I have a chance to utter a peep.
    â€œLike I said,” Jack finally breaks the silence, “she doesn’t have it easy.”
    This time I agree.

CHAPTER FIVE
    Beginner’s Luck
    A note from Peggy is tacked to Poco’s stall the next morning.
    â€œYou got me in trouble,” it says, “but I WILL get you back.”
    My stomach is in knots. It’s not guilt. We both know I didn’t leave her saddle out. But after seeing her dad Hulk out, I feel sick. Mom says my dad was just as bad, but I never knew him. If Mom hadn’t left, if Jeff hadn’t stepped up, I might be in Peggy’s shoes.
    â€œRemind me to give Mom and Jeff a hug,” I say to Poco as I open the stall door to refill her water trough. She hangs her head over the door to nuzzle Jinx. I’m amazed he doesn’t sink his teeth into her. They say the scars he’s left are legendary.
    â€œI’ll remind you,” Jack says in a high-pitched falsetto.
    â€œVery funny,” I say. “But you sound nothing like her.”
    â€œHow do you know,” he says in the same voice, “have you ever heard her talk?”
    I shake my head. Old guys are weird.
    â€œPeggy writing you love letters?” he says, ripping the note from the stall. “Tell me you didn’t let this get to you.”
    â€œI didn’t,” I say. “But what’s with her dad? I kind of feel sorry for her.”
    â€œDivorce and money,” Jack says. “Some rich people go Robin Hood, some go Prince John.”
    â€œAm I supposed to understand that?” I say.
    â€œYou don’t read?” he asks. “No classics?” I stare. “Okay, some people get rich and share what they have, right? Others think they never have enough and get mad. Lex is the angry type.”
    â€œMust be exhausting,” I say. Jack nods.
    â€œGather your horse,” he says. “It’s time to try a saddle.”
    Poco now wears a halter like a pro, so I slip it on her, brush down her coat and walk her to the wooden exercise ring outside the barn—cool, calm, and collected. I close the gate behind us and head toward Jack at the center. An old saddle and saddle pad are leaning against his leg, and a bridle is in his hand. Jinx watches from his outdoor paddock.
    â€œHold the lead,” Jack says, “but give her a little room.” He’s taking charge, and I’m glad. I’m too short to be as gentle as I should be. When I saddle a horse, it’s like a twenty-five pound surprise. With Jack, it’s a dance.
    He checks the padded horse blanket for hitch hikers—sticks, stones, or burrs that might cause Poco pain beneath the weight of a rider. Then he presents it to her like a gift, and, after a few sniffs, she accepts. Jack lays it softly on the top of her back. “Good girl,” he whispers. She listens to his