Wild Horses (Steel City Stories) by Pavelle Kate

Author:Pavelle, Kate [Pavelle, Kate]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Published: 2013-06-29T16:00:00+00:00

KAI woke first and took a shower. It was getting close to dinnertime and, figuring they would have Attila’s family over for dinner, he made up a large tray of manicotti. It was a cheat recipe: he mixed the herbed cheese filling and rolled it up in flat, no-cook lasagna noodles he had softened in warm water until they became pliable enough to be manipulated just right. He placed every roll into a layer of tomato sauce in a large baking dish and then he covered them with another jar of sauce, covered the dish, and set it to bake for thirty-five minutes.

There was a knock on the door, and Kai opened it to see a short, dark-haired woman of indeterminate age, Tibor looming behind her.

“You must be Kai,” she said, extending a hand. “I’m Rita, Attila’s sister.”

“Hi… come in.”

“The kids will be here shortly—they’re closing down the stables for the night.”

“Thanks. I put up dinner already. Attila’s still asleep, though.” Kai turned away to hide the flush that threatened to overtake his face. These people were Attila’s kin; yet to them, Kai was nothing but a hired hand and a convenient housemate. They did not know, nor did they need to know, that Kai was not using his guest room for anything but clothes storage.

“I thought we could order a pizza,” Rita said, dubious. “If there is anything I can help with, let me know.”

“Okay… so the manicotti will need a layer of cheese when the timer goes off, plus another ten minutes of baking uncovered, and… could you please make the salad? I… I don’t make a very good one, I’m afraid.”

“Sure!” Rita perked up and smiled. “I can’t sit unless I have to occupy my hands.”

Kai turned to Tibor. “So what will happen to the horse now? Bubbles, I mean.”

“A livestock hauler picked her up around noon. She’ll be cremated, and Mrs. Putney will receive her ashes in a box.”

“Oh.” Kai found he had no feelings toward the ashes, just relief that Bubbles was off the property.

“Should I wake up Attila?” Rita asked.

“No, I’ll do it,” Kai responded automatically and entered the bedroom without knocking. His thoughts were still on the concept of receiving a wooden box full of horse ashes, which he found creepy and disturbing.

“Hey, Attila.” He shook the older man’s shoulder. “Dinner’s about ready and your family is here. Rita’s making the salad.”

He saw Attila squint his eyes open, then close them again, making no effort to move.

“Listen… you still have enough time to take a shower.”

Attila propped himself up on one elbow, then flopped back down, wincing. “I don’t want a shower.”

Kai frowned, leaning over. “Are you okay?” he asked as he leaned over the older man and deposited a kiss onto his cheek. Attila’s skin felt hot beneath his lips. Alarmed, he touched his pale brow. Kai bounced off the bed and burst out the bedroom door and into the kitchen, his eyes wide with panic.

“Attila… Attila has a fever.”

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