The Mystery of the Zorse's Mask Read Online Free Page B

tosses her dark ponytail over her shoulder. “I knew his owner might come for him. But as the weeks … months … went by, I started thinking he could stay.”
    â€œMaybe if Caleb sees how much you love Zed, he’ll let you keep him.”
    Becca grabs more oats and holds out her hand toward the zorse. “Even if he did, Mom wouldn’t agree. She can’t wait to get rid of Zed.”
    â€œI don’t think that’s how she feels. But at least Zed is going to a loving home. Caleb’s grandma will be so happy to have him back.”
    Becca frowns. “But she may be dying. What happens to Zed when she’s gone?”
    â€œCaleb will probably take care of him,” I guess.
    â€œIf he really is who he says,” Becca says, trying to bribe Zed with oats. “Come on, boy. Come and get it.”
    â€œHe’s sniffing like he’s interested. You almost have him.” I speak quietly, so I won’t startle Zed. “Another step and you can—”
    Zed rears back with a toss of his black mane, flashing big teeth like he’s grinning.
    â€œGet over here, you stubborn brat!” Becca snaps.
    â€œIt’s like he understands what’s going on,” I say.
    â€œOh, he does. Animals can read body language and sense moods. Zed usually comes right up to me.” Her voice cracks. “I don’t want him to leave.” Oats spill from her fingers as she drops the lead rope and sinks to the ground. She covers her face with her hands.
    I squat down and slip my arm around her shoulder. Hooves thump as Zed clomps over to us. He nuzzles Becca’s neck. She reaches up and folds her arms around his dark mane.
    Hugging Zed, she whispers to me, “Kelsey, get the rope.”
    Slowly, I rise to my feet. When Zed isn’t looking, I grab the rope.
    â€œSneak up behind him, then loop it around his neck,” Becca says. “That’s my boy. Good Zed,” she coos into his ear.
    Here goes nothing , I think.
    I swing out with the rope, toss it around Zed’s neck—and miss!
    Becca is quick though and grabs the rope. She holds Zed’s black mane firmly with one hand as she lassos him with the other.
    â€œGot you!” Becca exclaims. Her eyes shine with triumph … and tears.
    Becca leads Zed toward the house, then pauses. “I can’t do this … I need some time alone with Zed first … to say good-bye. Tell Mom I’m putting Zed in a barn stall. Leo will probably be here soon. Wait with him on the porch … until that man comes.”
    I nod, feeling so bad for her.
    As I near the house, I’m startled to see a guy in a western hat sitting on the porch swing beside Becca’s mom. Oh no! Caleb Hunter is already here , I think—until I get close enough to see his face.
    â€œLeo?” I ask in surprise. “Since when did you go cowboy?”
    â€œYou must be referring to my hat.” He tips the tawny-brown hat that’s twice the size of his head. “Do you like it?”
    â€œSure.” I cover my mouth so I won’t giggle. Who wears a western hat with a button-down shirt and a pocket protector? Only Leo.
    â€œKelsey, why is Becca taking Zed into the barn?” Mrs. Morales frowns as she steps off the bench swing and points across the driveway. “I told her to bring him here.”
    â€œShe’s putting him in a stall so he’s easy to catch and—” I hesitate. “To say good-bye.”
    â€œOh.” Mrs. Morales turns away but not before I see tears in her eyes.
    A rumble vibrates the ground. I look up toward the front gate as a white truck pulling a large metallic-blue horse trailer drives through the gate. Gravel spits from the tires as the truck pulls up in front of the house. The driver is shadowed behind a tinted window, so I can’t see his face until he comes to a stop and steps out onto the driveway.
    Leo may think he looks like a cowboy in the