Chapter 1

The story for far…

Tim shut the door of the truck and wandered over to the barn, seeing Amy and Ty walk out to meet him. Jack, who was cleaning stalls also noticed Tim's arrival and became curious as to his intentions when the overhead parts of the conversation that unfolded between Ty and Tim.

"Hey, Ty, I was just at the track. I ran into your stepfather. Didn't realize he was in town. "Tim said, as Ty and Amy came to stand before him. Ty taking the lead, his defenses already rising as Tim always did enjoy goading him.

"Well, neither did I until a few days ago. "Ty replied, Tim's interest in Wade and what he was doing in Hudson catching him a little off guard.

"So, what's up? Family reunion? "Tim snarked.

"Oh, come on, Dad. "Amy interjected, a little annoyed at her father's hit at her boyfriend.

"No. I'm just saying, if you see him again, ask him where my horse is. "

Ty exhaled loudly and couldn't mask the annoyance that flickered through his green eyes.

"Okay, Tim, why don't you lay off, all right? "He pushed past Tim and walked away, anger in his stride.

"Thanks. "Amy growled at her father, following after Ty and stopping him near his truck, trying to calm him down.

"What's going on here?" Jack asked, concerned by Ty's sudden departure, he looked at Tim, knowing this had to be something he said.

"Remember that jockey, Liam? I just ran into him at the track with a guy who turns out to be Ty's stepfather. "Tim exclaimed, speaking loud enough so Ty could still hear him. Knowing his words where agitating the young man,

"Wade? "Jack asked, confused,

"And guess where he works? Paladin Transport. "Tim retorted, even louder, with more snark making sure his words stung Ty's ears.

Ty took a deep breath and bit his lip in anger, spinning around and marching back towards Tim and Jack who stood and the entrance to the barn. Amy, in hot pursuit, taking his arm, trying to show her support.

"Okay, you know what, Tim?! My mom and him split up a long time ago, so he is not my stepfather. If you have a problem with him, you can go to the cops, not me. "Tys patience was wearing thin now, he could feel his anger getting the better of him. He turned back towards his truck and stalked away.

"Uh-huh. "Tim scoffed, not sold at all by Ty's outburst.

"Thanks a lot, Dad. "Amy growled. Chasing after her boyfriend.

"Hey, I'm not the bad guy. "Tim rebutted, knowing full well his words where affecting Ty and getting some gratification out of it. He needed to blame someone for the loss of his horse, and Ty was the easiest target. Jack rolled his eyes from under his farmyard hat and stood before Tim.

"Tim, I know this whole thing about the horse is hard on you— "he sympathized,

"it's not just the horse, Jack. It's Shane, he was totally into this. I was getting somewhere with the kid. "Tim said softly, regret in his eyes, his bond with his newly found son was starting to grow with their joint interest in Cisco and horseracing, but now, that was under threat.

"I understand, but blaming your daughter's boyfriend for an unfortunate choice his mother made? That's ridiculous." Jack retorted, trying to make his x son in law see reason.

Ty hit the firewood with all the annoyance he could drive through the ax. The crack resonated across the hillside as Amy sat on the picnic table, holding his untouched lemonade outside the trailer, watching him work off his aggression. The wood bounced from the old tree stump Ty was using as his chopping block, splintering in two and falling into the green grass.

"Ty, I'm sorry my dad was such a jerk, but you gotta understand he's just worried about his horse, and don't take it personally." Amy consoled, trying to make her boyfriend understand her dad's insistent need to jibe and dig at him.

Ty looked over at her, breathing heavily from the exertion, the ax swinging in his hands.

His phone beeped, making him crack the ax into the stump and pull the phone from his jeans pocket.

"I've got a text from Scott. You know that horse that you and Caleb brought to the clinic? He's gonna be all right, but his suspensory ligaments are shot."

"So, his racing days are over. "Amy sighed as Ty came to stand before her reading the text on the screen.

"And you know those infected wounds on his neck? Scott thinks they were injecting him with methamphetamines. "He said, seeing Amy's deflated expression and understanding how she was feeling.

"To keep him on his feet as long as possible. "She said softly.

"Whoever had those horses, they just ran them to death? "Ty continued, drinking the lemonade Amy handed to him.

"Then they just dump them on the side of the road like they were garbage. "she watched Ty put his glass on the table and shake his head in disbelief as he returned to his ax and anger management.

"Ty, what if that happens to Cisco?" Her eyes locked to his, fear and concern showing across her face. Seeing the same emotions in his green eyes as well.

The transport depot at Paladin transport was a busy place, the sounds or truck engines, whirring tools and clanking mechanics filled Ty's ears as he slowly approached the man he once again sadly found himself in need of engaging with.

"Wade," he said softly, getting the others attention.

"Oh, man. You keep saying you don't want to see me, but once again, here you are."

"I just want some information," Ty explained, finding it hard to be in his presence let alone ask him for help. " I want to know what you know. "

"About those stolen horses? Okay, now I'm hurt, but I understand. You know, building trust, it's a like a process. I get it. You know, baby steps." Wade teased, he could see how uncomfortable his former stepson was. And wasn't about to let Ty get what he wanted easily.

"Come on. I know you work in this business, you hear things." Ty challenged,

"Okay, maybe I want to help you," Wade reasoned, "but how do I know you're not gonna do something stupid like calling the cops? "

There was an awkward silence between the two adversaries, as they both weighed up their positions and what they had to lose.

"I give you my word." Ty finally said, his voice low and even, sounding as believable as he could at that moment.

"Your word..." Wade snorted in disbelief "I want to take you seriously, Ty."

Ty quickly offered his hand to his x father in law, trying to show him his sincerity, Wade paused for a moment then took him at his offer, shaking his hand in his.

"Okay. What the hell? Even with your record, cops probably won't believe anything you say anyway, right? "

Ty narrowed his eyes, feeling the bite in Wades words,

"Okay, here's what you gotta understand." Wade lowered his voice, as to not be overheard by the other workers "These days, the racing business, well, it's regulated to death. It's about as exciting as going to sleep. If you're looking for something..." He dropped his sentence as a mechanic walked past them on his way to the bathroom at the end of the facility. Ty turned and watched the man as he smiled at Wade and continued on, "If you're looking for something a little more hardcore, it's easily found if you know where to look. With the right connections, you can buy yourself a private day at the track, no limits, no worries. No nothin'. "

"So, let's say I wanted to see this for myself? "Ty said quietly.

"Well, these things are kinda like a moveable feast. They're all over the place, right? I've kind of been steering clear myself, on account of my pesky little gambling habit. But... I might be able to help you out. Let me see what I can do. Just, you know, keep it quiet. All right? "Wade turned back to the counter behind him and motioned for Ty to follow him. He looked around nervously as he showed Ty a piece of paper from a file in the toolbox,

Ty listened to Wade under the shroud of mechanical fittings and workings as he gave him the information he needed to take this endeavor further.

"Match races? "Amy gasped, knowing in her heart this was not a good thing. Ty had come to her as soon as he had left Wade, he knew he needed her help to figure this out, They walked along the back pens, where she had been spreading hay to the horses. Amy's face showing her concern for her father's stolen horse.

"Yeah, just two horses at a time, on a quarter-mile straightaway, so they can run them anywhere.

But they use racehorses, off the track, and usually stolen. "He continued.

"Like Cisco," Amy interjected

"And real jockeys. So it's like a private day at the track for a few high-rollers." He explained.

"Oh, like Wade. "Amy sighed, feeling lost,

"Yeah. And you were right; When the horses break down, they hop them up on speed so they get a few more races out of them. "

"Okay, so what're we gonna do? "she stopped, her eyes searching his for answers.

Ty bit his lip and looked into her big blue eyes, "Wade gave me an address."

Amy's eyes showed a glimmer of determination and hope as they headed back towards the barn.

"He's gonna meet us there to make sure we can get in. "Ty said as he walked around Jacks truck, urgency in his voice, he had left Amy to her own devices for a few hours while he squared the afternoon off with Scott.

"And why should we believe anything that Wade says? "Amy rebutted, understanding they needed to act quickly, but concerned that they may be walking into something out of their depth.

"Because he's got a pretty good idea who stole Cisco. "Ty replied, lowering his voice, as he noticed Shane, Amy's younger half-brother was approaching them.

"So, you trust him then? "She asked, standing at the back of the truck, about the pull out a hay bale from the back tray.

"I don't know. But if we don't do something, those horses are gonna die. "Ty warned, turning away from the job at hand and jumping into the driver's seat.

"Hey! Where are you going? Can I come? "Shane asked, hearing Ty rev the truck's engine as Amy climbed in next to him.

"No, Shane, not this time. "Ty called, his face determined and still.

"Hey, Shane, can you close the tailgate? "Amy asked, smiling at her brother, trying to reassure him. "Thanks."

Shane's smiled faded, as the realization came to him that they were up to something but he was not going to be part of it. And to make it worse, it involved his father's stolen horse Cisco.

He pushed the tailgate shut with a bang and Ty revved the engine again, rumbling away down the Heartland driveway.

Ty pulled the truck up and killed the engine, keeping it well hidden behind a bank of trees and rocks. He watched through binoculars as a rather gruff looking man stopped every car and truck that entered the overrun ranch property checking their credentials and access. This was not going to be as easy as Ty had hoped.

"Did Wade say there was gonna be security? "Amy asked, taking the binoculars from him and watching the parade of punters as they were allowed in,

"No. He just said he'd meet us here. "

Well, he's not here. So, what are we supposed to do, just sit here and wait? "she looked over at Ty who seemed to be lost in thought "What if Cisco's in there?"

"You're right. We'll find another way in, okay?" he sighed,

"And what about another way out? "she asked, concern filling her eyes again

"I'll make it work. "Ty reassured her, as they flicked off their seatbelts and quickly got out of Jacks truck. In their haste and determination, neither of them noticed the hitchhiker in the back tray, who watched and waited for them to leave. Shane crouched down as he watched Amy and Ty disappear thought the bush thicket, once happy that they were far enough away to not see or hear him, he jumped down and followed behind them.

Ty and Amy crept through the undergrowth and trees, getting closer to the property and quickly and as quietly as they could, trying desperately not to attract too much attention. Tys eyes lit up slightly as he became aware of a possible entry line. He crouched down looking through the binoculars again, Amy at his side.

"It's over there." He said as he pointed to a fence line just off in front of them. ""We can hop that fence." He could see the track area set up for the illegal race, people where milling around the area, drinking and smiling over the up and coming entertainment, Tys ears pricked up as a seedy looking older male, dressed in a worn old plaid suit coat pressed a bullhorn to his lips and started his master of ceremonies tirade.

"All right, ladies and gentlemen..."

"I don't see Cisco. "Ty said softly, watching the events unfolding before him across the field.

"Or Wade. "Amy added. Her face gave away her concerns, this was starting to get serious.

The Organizer barked out some more punter information as Ty and Amy watched the spectators line up in front of an old caravan that was hidden well inside an old decrepit barn. The set up was ingenious Ty thought, from the main road, the ranch looked normal, just a slightly overrun beef ranch that needed a little love and care, but once inside the old farm outbuildings hid a full day at the track experience, from food tables to refreshments and tables and chairs for punters to rest between races. Ty watched as punters handed over wads of cash to the bookie in the caravan, placing their bets. The feeling amongst the crowd was one of excitement and anticipation as two horses were lead down to the quarter mile line, Jockeys in full silks on their backs.

Ty listened to the bullhorn announce the first race of the day, the commentator spinning his words to entice the crowd.

"The betting window is closed for the first race of the day, and now you're gonna see it- Two horses: One winner, one loser. Is as simple as that. Only one horse can win. They're at the post."

The crowd's eyes were on the horses, no one noticing Ty and Amy as they sat and watched it all unfold.

"And they're off! "

The crowd erupted, hanging over the rails as the two horses thundered down the track, their jockeys spurring them on with quick flicks of their whips. The ground shuddered under the hoof beats and they rumbled past the spectators, everyone was waving and cheering them on, hoping that the one they bet on crossed the line first.

Amy felt sick to the stomach, watching such disregard and greed causing her look away in disgust.

"And it's number two by half a length! "the organizer yelled into the bullhorn, making sure the crowd could hear him, as the horses thundered down the straight away.

Ty scanned the crowd and suddenly stopped, seeing a familiar face amongst the punters.

"Great. "he sighed

"What? "Amy questioned,

"Liam's here. "Ty replied, his lip curling in distaste, he had never really warmed to Liam, Ty had always gotten a strange vibe of him. It wasn't only due to the practical joke he played on Ty back when he worked at the track, but his total disregard for the horses and their wellbeing just didn't sit right with Ty.

"I'm not surprised to see him. "Amy said sourly, knowing the depths of what Liam was capable of. Amy person who would buzz a horse to make it run faster wouldn't turn their nose up to a free ride and easy money.

"Yeah. Me neither. "Ty replied, his eyes still glued onto Liam as he smiled and talked to a spectator, Tys eyes narrowed slightly, seeing how happy he was, looking sharp in his jockey silks.

The horses thundered past the finish gate and the crowd cheered and cried, dependent on their betting slips.

"The winner! "the announcer called, slapping a wad of cash into the winning jockey's hands as he sat upon his winning steed. smiling at the happy crowd. Everyone cheered and applauded.

"Come on, this way." Ty hissed under his breath, taking Amy by the hand and leading her away from their vantage point, he had seen an opening, a way to get inside the event without being seen. Unbeknown to them, however, Shane was in close pursuit, stopping at Amy's and Ty's vantage point and filming the spectacle before him with his new smartphone that Tim had given him as a gift the day before.

Ty and Amy walked into the compound, trying to look casual, just like any other couple wanting to spend big at the races. They avoided as many people as they could, without raising suspicion, Amy touched Ty's shoulder when her eyes caught sight of some portable hold stalls at the far end of the set-up area. They were not near the track and thus out of the spectator's eye.

Amy ran around to the front of the stalls, all containing racehorses, tacked up to ride.

"That's him, that's Cisco." She called to Ty as she looked over a stall gate "Hey, buddy. "

"All right, he looks okay." Ty responded quickly unlatching the gate and letting Amy go inside," Let's get him out of here."

" Hi." She said to the nervous horse as he sidestepped away from her "I know, I know, I know." She whispered, hooking the lead rope to his halter." Well, he's a little anxious, but it's just stress, not drugs."

"Good. "Ty responded, his eyes flicking around the surrounds, hoping they had not been seen.

"What's your plan? "She said, "I mean, where's Wade? How're we gonna get these horses outta here? "

Ty hadn't thought that far ahead, he was thinking on his feet and just running with it. A set plan was yet to come to mind.

"We could ride them out. "Shane cut in, coming to stand next to them.

"Shane?! "Amy exclaimed, her surprised expression changing into concern as she realized how mad her dad was going to be with her when he found out Shane was with them.

"What are you doing here?!" Ty hissed, surprise and annoyance crossing his features, this was definitely not going the way he and Wade had planned.

"I figured you could use some help, so I hitched a ride in the back of your truck. "Shane explained, not seeing the reason as to why Ty seemed so put out that he had followed them.

"Well, you figured wrong," Ty growled, grabbing him by the arm and pulling in around out of the line of sight of the track and its attendees.

"Come on, there are four horses. We could each ride one, we'll lead the other one." Shane suggested.

Amy's smile had now completely faded, "Okay, this is serious. Ty, we've got get Shane outta here. "She looked over at Ty and Shane, not knowing what to do.

"Well, what about Cisco? "Shane protested,

Amy looked at Ty in desperation, holding Cisco by the lead rope, she didn't see any safe way out for her and her younger brother.

"I'm calling the police. "she quickly said, pulling her phone from her pocket.

Ty turned back to her when his ears heard the word Police, returning to her side, taking her arm and stopping her.

"No, Amy, wait! Don't! Okay? I promised Wade."

"Promised him what? "she queried, looking perplexed.

"Sort of like a deal with the devil. If he helped us out, I promised that we wouldn't call the cops." Ty locked his eyes to hers, trying to make her understand the fine line they were walking.

"Someone's coming. "Shane warned, running up to them both fear in his eyes.

"Oh! Shut it! "Amy said quickly, leaving Cisco in the stall and pushing the gate closed, "Come on, let's go! "

Amy grabbed Shane by the arm and they ran into the nearby tack shed, Amy kept Shane by her side as they sunk down below some hay bales and tack racks.

Liam walked around the stalls and looked towards the shed, curiosity on his snide little face as he heard a noise, he slowly walked over, squinting his eyes to the dim light inside.

"Hey! I know you. What're you doing in here? "

"Um... "Amy stammered, standing up from her hiding place, not knowing what to say.

Liam glared at her, suddenly realizing the must be up to no good, he heard a movement behind him and spun around "Hey!"

The next thing he heard was a thump and a pain shot through his jaw, his eyes faded to black as of Ty's fist connected with his face.

"Ungh! "he exhaled, falling lifelessly to the floor.

"Whoa!" Shane said in surprise and awe, his image of Ty going from cool to awesome.

Outside the announcer was introducing the next race, Ty listened as his bullhorn called out "Ladies and gentlemen, betting is open for the next race of the day! We're just waiting on jockey number four to take his position."

They all looked down to the now unconscious Liam, the 4 on his back causing them to all hold their breath.

"Come on, come on, come on. Flip him over! Flip him over! "Ty ordered, grabbing the unconscious man's legs while Amy and Shane grabbed his arms. "All right. Come on, let's go. "

Quickly they pulled Liam's still form further into the tack shed, away from prying eyes.

"Just a couple more minutes to place those bets. No stats, no book, no racing form. Just you, your instinct and your horse sense. So, make your bets! "the announcer called over the bullhorn as Ty lead Cisco from the Tack shed with Amy on his back, she looked down at him, and smiled for reassurance. Amy was dressed in Liam's jockey silks with her face obscured by a scarf and goggles. From a distance, she looked like any other wannabe jockey out to prove his luck.

"Okay. Remember, you don't wanna end up in the winner's circle with everybody watching, okay?" Ty instructed her, looking up into her eyes" So you can't win."

"Okay." Amy breathed, taking Cisco's reigns in her hands and looking around nervously "I think that's gonna be the least of my worries. "

"Okay. All right, come on! "Ty said as he released his hold on Cisco and watched Amy kick him off towards the track and the pending race start. Ty grabbed Shane's shoulder and guided him away from the crowds and over to the parking area. They came to stop between some horse floats, giving them, a clear view of the race meet but obscuring them from prying eyes.

"And here we go, folks! Jockey number four, riding a big Chestnut. This looks like a good match-up." The announcer called as he caught sight of Cisco and his rider, the marshal came alongside Amy and lead her to the starting line.

Amy dropped her head, trying to remain as inconspicuous as she could for someone riding a stolen racehorse at an illegal race meet. The marshal turned her around So Cisco was facing down the track, He pawed at the rough turf in anticipation, sidestepping anxiously reacting to the sounds of the crowd cheering and egging him on.

"They're at the post! "the announcer bellowed out "And... they're off!"

The crowd went wild as the horses spurred into action, flying down the straight quarter mile, Amy felt Cisco lurch forward with once large bound and straighten his stride into a long even gate as he thundered along the turf,

"Come on, go! Go!" Shane called, filming the entire race, His excitement overflowing.

"Uh, we don't want her to win, okay?" Ty corrected, his eyes following the race through the binoculars.

"Cheer 'em on, folks! "

Amy could hear the spectators cheering for them and Cisco doubled his stride, she tried in vain to slow him inconspicuously, but with every stride, he pulled away from his opposition.

"Come on! Come on! "Shane whispered, not being able to contain himself

"Slow down! "Amy breathed, trying to restrain her horse, but it was no use, this horse had run. "This isn't good. "Ty hissed, his eyes locked on Cisco and Amy as they flew down the track.

"Here they come!" The bullhorn thundered. The crowd following suit with a raw or encouragement.

"Go, Cisco! Go! "Shane called, getting swept up in the fever of it all,

"Shhh! "Ty growled at the boy, flicking's his eyes down to him and becoming even more annoyed once he realized that Shane was videoing the entire spectacle with his phone.

"What're you doing with that? Put that away! "Tys patience was wearing thin. He was starting to feel like there was no way out of this and he needed to get Shane and Amy out of there, with or without the horses.

"Okay. "the younger sulked, feeling annoyed at Ty for growling at him.

Ty trained his vision back to the race as dirt and dust flew around the horses pounding hooves. He bit his lip as Amy gave up and let Cisco run, flying past the other horse and crossing the finishing line 4 lengths ahead.

The crowd went wild with hoots and hollers, cries and cheers dependent on the way they had placed their bets.

"Number four takes the win! "the organizer called as the crowd continued to cheer.

"No!" Ty hissed, his lip twitching in anger.

"Jokey number four makes it look easy. Too easy. Jockey number four to the winner's circle". The announcer watched as the winning Jockey turned the chestnut around in circles at the end of the track, keeping its distance from the crowd and the steward.

Ty turned at the sound of an approaching vehicle and looked through the binoculars towards one of the main driveways.

"What? "Shane demanded, seeing the glimmer of hope flick over Tys features,

"It's Wade, he's here." Ty announced As the announcer called for Amy yet again "Jockey number four to the winner's circle. "

"So, what's the plan now? "Shane persisted, Ty was someone he looked up to, and he just knew that he would be able to pull this off. He would not only save them but save the horses too.

"Don't bug me, okay? I don't know." Ty warned, his mind spinning with different scenarios.

"Come on, Amy, get out of there. "

Ty watched as Amy spun Cisco around and kicked him into a trot, throwing her whip to the ground and removing her goggles. She ran past the winner's circle and headed towards the car park.

"Come on over here, number four. You just won a big payday for a few minutes of work." The announcer said, watching the horse and rider with curiosity, the crowd cheering and reveling around him. "Hey! Number four! You don't want your money?! "

"Okay, come on, let's go! "Ty said as he grabbed Shane's shoulder and pulled him towards Wade and his truck.

"Okay. "Shane replied, following in close pursuit.

The Announcer shrugged as he watched the chestnut ride on by, not truly understanding but accepting the refusal to collect its winnings "No problem. I'll spend it for you."

"Hey! Perfect timing, huh? "Wade smiled as he jumped from the truck and quickly opened the horse float.

"What did you do, stop for a beer on the way? "Ty said sarcastically as he lead one of the horses into the waiting trailer. He stepped back out as Wade smiled at him in jest.

"Ah. "he laughed, grabbing the reins of the next horse from Shane and taking him into the trailer as well.

"Let's go! Shane, in the truck, now! "Ty ordered, sending Shane running to the front of the trailer as Amy pulled Cisco up in front of them and dismounted "Easy, easy, easy!" Ty said to the horse as he took hold of the bridle.

"Okay, come on. "Amy said softly to the agitated horse, taking the reins back from Ty and leading him into the trailer as well.

"Got him?" Ty asked, looking back at the makeshift stable, and running back towards the shed.

"Come on. Last one!" Wade called after him, "Let's go! Let's go! Let's go! "

Ty returned monetarily with another horse and passed the reigns to Wade, who quickly loaded him and came back to stand before his stepson, proud to be able to work together with him finally. A smile of accomplishment crossing his warn features. Maybe amongst all this madness and chaos, they could actually put the past in the past and start again.