A Gentleman for Christmas by Shelley Kassian

Author:Shelley Kassian
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Shelley Kassian

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

“Easy, girl…”

Logan administered care to Lady Luck. He fingered the space between the horse’s withers and her lower neck, the intramuscular bulk between the two areas. He pinched skin coated with coarse hair and gently inserted the needle. Lady Luck jerked momentarily, just once. “You’re okay, girl.” He pulled on the plunger, ensuring no blood drew into the syringe; only then did he administer the vaccine.

Once the horse was vaccinated, he massaged the area. “You did well, Lady Luck.”

Logan pulled out the needle, recapped it, and addressed the owner. “John, I brought an immune therapy with me. Like you, I have concerns. In case she’s fighting an illness, giving her a supplemental treatment might be wise.” Logan scratched his chin. “I don’t understand what the underlying condition might be, but if it is rabies, the risk to Lady Luck could be great.”

John leaned against the stall. “Tell me about the therapy.”

“It requires four doses.”

John studied him in a shrewd manner. He rubbed his chin. “Will it help?”

“Help her?” Logan studied the horse, its stretched neck, its dull eyes. He patted her neck. “The treatment could save her life. Especially if Lady Luck has an underlying illness, compromising her immune system. The immune globulin contains antibodies that fight infection. Even though her symptoms are minor, they’re worrisome.”

“How much does it cost? The vaccine’s expensive.”

“It’s more expensive than the vaccine, but how much is your mare’s life worth to you?” Logan gestured at the horse in the stall.

Logan studied John, watching him weigh the health and wealth subject. He scratched his head and exhaled in a breathy whisper, “Damn it.”

Logan gave John a sympathetic look but didn’t say anything, letting the owner make the decision.

“She’s worth everything to me.” John shook his head. He sighed. “I fell in love with her the first time I saw her. Just look at her…gorgeous chestnut color, white socks on her back legs, an impeccable pedigree. She’s only four years old.”

If John hadn’t been describing his horse, Logan would have thought he was referring to his wife. The poor man spent too much time in the stable. “There’s something more. Who foaled her?”

“That’s a good observation. Nasturtium. Breeding costs were out of this world, but the foal could earn me a windfall of money. You understand why I can’t take any risks.”

“I understand.” The father of Lady Luck’s foal didn’t matter much to Logan. The health and welfare of all animals took precedence over someone else’s idea of perfection.

“Give her the shots,” John said.

Logan didn’t tell John the immunization might not benefit the horse now that symptoms were present. He recognized the potential for a bad outcome so didn’t disclose the entire truth. Such news would only add burden and John seemed worried enough. Though he was confident an immune shot was the right decision, to give the horse a fighting chance and her master hope. Hope was a key factor, especially during the Christmas season.

“You’re making an excellent choice by lessening the risk. The globulin can’t go in the same place as the vaccine.

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