The Warrior Sheep Go West Read Online Free Page B

that way.
    â€œThey look fine,” said Tod.
    The pilot marched through a gate in the fence, heading for the parking lot, and Tod and Gran had to run to keep up with him. None of the sheep noticed Tod and Ida. They were too busy trying to keep up with Jo.
    â€œOhmygrass…” said Jaycey, as they trotted into the shed. “It’s sooo hot!”
    â€œAnd the sun’s not even up yet,” observed Wills, glancing up at the dawn sky.
    â€œExcellent,” said Sal. “This must be the right West. We want the West where the sun scorches fleeces.”
    â€œAnd the hottest winds blow,” grunted Links, moving away from Oxo, who’d rather overdone the greens on the plane and was having a gassy time digesting them.
    As Tod and Gran arrived in the parking lot, Holly Boomberg squeezed her husband’s hand again.
    â€œRight, darling,” she said. “These must be the owners. Now, do you remember what you have to do?”
    â€œDrive them to Back of Beyond Ranch,” said Stanley reluctantly.
    â€œAnd?”
    Stanley pulled a face. “Be charming.”
    â€œYou can if you try,” said Holly firmly. Then her voice became brisk again. “The sheep transporter I ordered should be here any minute. As soon as it comes, I’ll follow you to the ranch and you can choose the two you want.”
    The pilot had reached the Boombergs’ car. It was the only one in the parking lot. He dumped Tod’s and Ida’s bags beside it and then hurried back to the plane.
    â€œRemember,” whispered Holly into Stanley’s ear. “You’re from the Society for Rare, Humble, Unwanted, Beautiful, and Rare Breeds.”
    Panic spread across the Professor’s face. “I’m what? Tell me again.”
    â€œYou’re Rhubarb.”
    She gave him a little shove and strode away toward the shed, flashing a breezy smile at Tod and Ida as she went.
    â€œI’m rhubarb, rhubarb, rhubarb…” muttered the Professor, walking slowly toward his car, his shoulders hunched, his head down.
    He was still muttering when he came face to face with his supposed guests.
    â€œGood morning,” the old lady said politely. “I’m Ida White and this is my great-grandson Tod.”
    â€œI’m Rhubarb,” Professor Boomberg announced. There was a pause. He didn’t know what else to say, so he opened the car door and gestured for them to get in.
    It was a very long, low car, black with black windows. Stanley turned up the air conditioning, handed Tod the remote for the TV, and showed him how to get cold drinks from the mini fridge.
    â€œUh, let’s go,” he said, sliding into the driver’s seat.
    â€œWhat about our sheep?” asked Gran.
    â€œThey’ll be right behind,” said Stanley, even managing a smile. “My wife will be bringing them.”
    â€œIs this your wife now?” asked Gran, looking through the tinted windows at the woman in red high heels marching across the parking lot toward them. “She looks rather cross.”
    Holly was cross.
    â€œI’m so sorry about this delay,” she gushed, peering in at the open window. “Do make yourselves at home for a few moments while we sort out the, er, formalities.” She turned to face her husband and spoke out of the corner of her mouth. “Come with me, Stanley.”
    Stanley didn’t argue. He slid out of the car and followed her to the shed.
    â€œYou can’t trust anyone to do anything right,” said Holly as she marched. “I ordered a truck and look what they’ve sent!”
    Parked behind the shed was a small, open-topped cart, the sort of thing used by golfers.
    â€œAnd the idiots are blaming me . They thought I said cart when I clearly said truck!” She turned to face Stanley. “Well, we can’t get five sheep in this thing. You’re going to have to choose here and now.”
    Stanley started to flap his