Razor's Edge by Nikki Tate

Author:Nikki Tate
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: JUV000000, book
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Published: 2009-10-01T04:00:00+00:00

chapter eight

We get part of an answer to the tail question that afternoon. After morning chores, Ryan goes to the library to use one of their computers. At our weekly meeting, he tells us what he’s found out.

“Did you know there are bow makers who sell these amazing hand-made bows for thousands of dollars?”

“What do you mean? Like bows and arrows?”

Ryan rolls his eyes. “No, like violins and cellos, or whatever.”

“So? What does that have to do with anything?”

“You know what the string part of the bow is made of?”

“Cat guts?” I don’t know where I heard that.

“Not cat guts, horse hair.”

“Oh, come on! How many fancy violin bows do you think get made around here?”

“Ever heard of eBay?”

“So?”

“So someone in the violin-bow capital of the world—wherever that is—could buy horse-tail hair from right here. Why not?”

“I guess…”

“And guess what color tail hair is most valuable?” Ryan goes on. We both stare at him blankly. Then Jasper’s face lights up.

“White!” he says.

“Bingo!” Ryan nods. “For making bows. That’s not the only thing people make with horse-tail hair. I found these websites where people make fake tails for show horses.”

“Are you serious?” I can’t believe anyone would buy fake tails.

“Yeah, and they are expensive! The show people kind of blend them in with their own horses’ natural tails…like hair extensions.”

“No way. Really?”

“Yeah, and, there are other people who make these amazing braided ropes and stuff. I even found one place that makes these fancy rocking horses with real horse tails.”

Jasper nods. He doesn’t seem surprised by all the things people do with tail hair. “My grandma makes some cool stuff with horse hair, like bracelets. She does this special kind of braiding—it’s kind of tricky. She tried to teach me once, but I didn’t have the patience. I just get the tail hairs for her.”

Both Ryan and I turn to stare at Jasper.

“Not that way, morons,” he says. “Ever noticed how many tail hairs get caught in the brushes every day? I collect them for her.” Jasper lifts Dusty’s back hoof and picks it out. Shavings and manure fall to the ground. Ryan and I exchange a look. Then something—or someone—catches Ryan’s eye.

“Well, look who’s here,” he says.

“Hey, boys,” Sassy says. “Miss me?” Before I have a chance to say anything, she plants herself at my side and casually slips her arm around my waist. I feel like an idiot, standing stiffly beside her. Somehow, my arm floats around her shoulder.

“Hey, Sassy. Long time no see.” Ryan winks in our direction.

“I’ve been busy. My mom needed me to babysit on the weekend. She wouldn’t let me out. She’s such a cow. And I had a big test in English today, so she wouldn’t let me come down here before school either. I hate school. I should quit.”

“Hey,” I say, giving her shoulder a little squeeze, “don’t talk like that.”

“Be a fool. Stay in school,” she says. “I missed you.” She grins. “Did you miss me?”

I can feel my cheeks flushing again. I have not blushed this much since…since… well, ever.

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