Chapter 32

Moods eased and Hearts warmed over the day's events. The remaining guests picked apples at Baumann's Orchard. Dubois arranged a hay ride around the farm's unused fields. Leftovers more than filled everyone up over dinner.

Festivities capped that time. The Albany Symphony's concert did not disappoint the audience. "Stars and Stripes Forever", "The 1812 Overture", "The Fourth of July" and "The Liberty Bell" among others enthralled the audience. Despite only a single practice with the Symphony, Sam's bow kept pace with her elite cohorts. Fireworks exploded overhead lighting up the night sky.

And with that, the holiday ran its course….

[Early the Next Morning—Dubois Farm]

Lana zipped her duffel bag closed. Satisfaction warmed her. Dinner had been a success. Fireworks exploded not just once but twice overhead. She'd relished Sam's success. After that creep lurking around here and Peter's deal yesterday, it was great! Sam's got to be on target for a scholarship or a residency somewhere! Just hope Pete can go with her wherever that is. She shrugged and descended the stairs. Chloe's in Metro at least for the summer. Pete's looking to be with Sam. Clark and I are together. Miri and Jasmine are together. Everything changes eventually. She walked out into the front room.

Dubois washed the breakfast dishes. He set them in the strainer. "Hey, Lana! All set? You have everything?"

"I checked the room upstairs. I'm good. The sheets and pillowcases are by the bed as Angie asked. Clark around?" She looked about the living room.

"He ran in to meet with Lex at the hotel." He saved the work on his laptop. He gulped the last of his coffee. "Angie's at her office. She says thanks for helping Winter out." He took a heavy breath. "She's better off at a distance from me."

"You've been really nice to her. It's just your darkness that scares her. Don't get down on yourself." She smiled at him. "I just hope she can stay still long enough to let you get us back there."

"You need to keep her calm." He sucked in a deep breath. "Well it's been a pleasure having you up here, Lana. It's almost like being with your Mom again. Seeing you with Winter yesterday took me back. Remember, as I told Peter and Gwen, the doors here, the Metro house and Met U are open to Clark and you. Okay?"

"That's really great. Thanks!" She shook hands with him. "It was great to be able to support Sam and see everyone together again."

"That's what life is about." He dialed his cell and waited.

"Kent Farm," Martha answered.

"Hi, Martha. This is Dave Dubois. How was your Fourth?"

"Oh! Hi, David! We're fine here. We have a few things for Clark and Lana to do when they get back here. The new stall's ready for Winter. Is that why you're calling?" Martha glanced out the window toward the barn and fields behind it. "Jonathan's in town at the moment."

"I'm…or rather a certain someone else…is going to be bringing Lana and Winter out there. I just wanted to give you the heads up. Clark's with Lex. He, Pete, Samantha, Jasmine, Miranda, Chloe and Lex are all flying back this afternoon I guess. I wanted to give Winter her new home as soon as possible. You'll really like her. She's really shy. She's just scared of me."

And that's the rub. She's scared of the Child. Martha rubbed her forehead. "Did Lana get to take her out?"

"Other than Grace, I've never seen Winter so happy with anyone riding her, Martha. It's like a miracle." He smiled. "Watching them together yesterday, I saw Laura riding again. Lana has her mother's touch."

"That's a good thing. The stall's ready. I can't wait to meet her. I'll put some coffee on. See you in a few minutes," Martha concluded.

"Take care." Dubois signed off. "Mrs. Kent's set." He texted Angie to let her know about their plans. Then he put the phone in his pocket. "The new stall's set. We're ready. Lex has Winter's bridle and saddle with him." He set his jaw. Tremors shook him. Emerald glowed from his scar and open left eye. Snarl escaped his lips.

She forced herself to remain calm. You're there now. Right?

Yeah! Ah'm 'ere! The Child squinted at her. He let out a loud obnoxious belch. "Jus' hope Horsie can deal w' me fer a minnit!" He lumbered out the front door and down the steps.

She grimaced. No wonder Winter's so scared! He gets me nervous and I know what to expect! Mom, how did you deal with him anyway? She rushed out after him. "Umm! Let me go first. I can get her calmed down with the mind thing."

He nodded. A smirk spread across his face. "Yeah! That's good! Real good!"

"Thanks!" Lana rushed into the barn. "Have a good one, Rumrunner! Good to meet you."

Rumrunner grunted at her.

"Yeah. Same to you." Lana shook her head.

Winter sulked. She leaned her head over the gate. Loneliness already weighed on her. She whinnied.

"What's the matter, Girl? Why are you so sad?" Lana rubbed Winter's side. "You're coming with me. I've got a nice new stall with lots of great hay and carrots for you! We'll have your saddle and bridle there tomorrow."

Winter perked her ears up. She didn't understand Lana's words. She felt the vibes coming from her though. She grunted. Question lit up in her eyes.

"Yes. You're coming with me. I just need a favor. Okay? The scary guy's going to bring us. He won't hurt you. Just be brave for me?" Lana stroked Winter's flank.

Winter shuddered. Fear radiated from her in waves.

"It's 'kay! Geez!" He rolled his open eye. "Ain' gonna hurt ya!"

Winter backed away.

"Easy! He won't hurt you!" Desperation forced a plea from Lana's lips on that score.

He growled. Frustration hissed through his clenched teeth. "Got an idea! Ya touch 'er. Ah'll grab yer hand."

Lana nodded. "Winter, it's okay. He won't touch you at all. I will." She beckoned her new friend forward.

Winter slowly eased toward Lana. She allowed her friend to touch her foreleg. Still she kept a wary eye on him.

"Whine! Whine! Whine!" He curled his lip. He seized Lana's free hand.

Obsidian Flash swept them all away….