Renegade (Tin Star K9 Series Book 1) by Jodi Burnett (literature books to read .txt) 📗

toward the man and sniffed. Eventually, he licked the man’s fingers and received an ear scratching for his good manners. Renegade wagged his tail, and the man laughed.

“You did it, Ren!” Caitlyn patted his head. “Thank you so much, Herb. This kind of socialization really helps him, and me.”

“Happy to help. I love dogs, and good for you, for rescuing him.” The man stood a little taller as Caitlyn introduced him to his horse. It relieved her that Renegade hadn’t cost them the lucrative trail ride, or more importantly, the ground she’d made with her brother.

Caitlyn fitted her riders with helmets, and Dylan helped her get the guests mounted. She went over a few riding instructions and some basic trail safety points before she climbed on Whiskey and led the way out of the arena. “I’ll stay in the lead. Be sure to maintain a horse’s length between yourself and the horse in front of you. If you have any trouble or questions, don’t hesitate to let me know. Keep your cameras ready—you’re in for some panoramic views. Let’s go.” She reined her horse toward the path that led to the foothills and whistled for Renegade. “We’ll be back here in time for lunch.” She waved at Dylan as they rode away, and it shocked her when he returned the gesture. Probably just trying to make a good impression on the guests.

The group plodded through the flat grassy pasture on their way to the mountains. Caitlyn took her time, allowing the riders to settle into the movement of their horses and get used to their saddles. They passed the old tree swing she and her brothers used to play on. A white wooden cross stood planted under the tree now.

“Is that a family grave marker?” The tall woman rode up beside Caitlyn.

A whisper of sadness circled Caitlyn’s heart, but she smiled. “No. That cross stands as a memorial to my brother Logan’s K9 partner he had in the Army. He was killed in an explosion in Afghanistan. His name was Lobo.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.” She allowed the sudden wave of melancholy brought on by the memory to pass. “He was the same breed of dog as Renegade. It’s one of the reasons I chose him.”

Caitlyn halted the riders and stepped Whiskey out to the side so everyone could see her. “We’ll be climbing up a mountain path that sometimes has tree roots or rocks the horses will have to navigate. Take your time and trust your horse. They know where to put their feet. Hold on to your saddle horn if you need to and be sure not to crowd each other on the trail.”

When they got to the trailhead and took their first steps up the face of the mountain, a stiff wind spun a whirling dervish through their line, kicking dust up in their faces. Caitlyn shivered. In her experience, those mini-tornados often were dark portents of things to come.

5

The bracing pine scent invigorated Caitlyn, but she halted her horse. The breeze wrestled with the trees, keeping the riders comfortable in the sunshine, but it was still chilly in the shade. Though the trail was smooth at the beginning, Caitlyn turned in her saddle to make sure everyone was doing well as they started up the mountain. Renegade, who was running ahead on the trail, turned back and cocked his head, likely wondering why they had stopped.

“If you’re cold, now would be a good time to put on your jackets. We’ll mostly be in the shade on the way up.” She waited as the riders struggled to untie their coats from around their waists and slip them on. Her gaze panned over the horses, and she grinned, pride welling in her chest. The animals stood steady, none of them moved while their riders adjusted their clothing. When everyone had settled in, Caitlyn waved her arm and pointed forward. “Ride on.”

Soon, the incline steepened, and the horses had to step carefully over the natural obstacles on the trail. Renegade scampered first on one side of the route, and then the other. Caitlyn stopped every two or three switchbacks to allow her guests to shoot photos of the breathtaking scenery from the hillside. It was still spring in northern Wyoming, and some spots on the path were muddy from the winter runoff. She pointed these areas out and reminded the riders to take their time.

“Caitlyn,” the willowy woman called. “Is all of this your property?”

“Yes, as far as you can see from this point, but once we get a bit higher, you’ll be able to view all the way to town.”

“When I was a girl, I always wanted to live on a ranch.”

“It’s a good life—I have to admit.” Caitlyn ran her fingers across Whiskey’s black mane and wondered, not for the first time, if she had made a mistake moving away from the ranch. But she couldn’t live under Dylan’s thumb the rest of her life. She had to find her own way, even if she didn’t know what way that was. Renegade led the pack, staying in front of the horses on their ascent up the trail. They’d ridden about five miles when the path meandered through a small meadow. Caitlyn stopped at the edge of the trees and dismounted.

“Let’s stop here for a break. Everyone dismount, but keep hold of your reins. Now is a good time to get a drink, and if you like, you can get some terrific photos of the valley from here.”

The three ladies climbed down from their horses and shook out their tired legs. “I sure am going to feel this tomorrow!” the older woman laughed as she stretched.

Herb ambled his way over to Renegade and crouched down. “Hey there, Renegade. You’re doing a good job leading the trail ride, aren’t you, boy?”

Renegade wagged his tail and, obviously having forgiven the man for his previous indiscretion, licked Herb’s hand in return.

“I think you’ve made a new friend.” Caitlyn approached. “That looks