51
Jack tightened his grip on the reins to Janet as he pulled her to a stop. Up ahead, the rain had washed out part of the road.
With a heavy sigh, he debated what to do. If he backtracked in order to find a route that bypassed that section of the road, it would delay his arrival home by at least a half day. Should he brave it by trying to cross the muddy area?
Ianto hadn't liked him going on the stock run as it was, the need for more money meaning they either sold some of their stock in exchange for the credits or started to kill their stock to eat themselves. Not an option. After a day's travel and night away, he just wanted to be home with Ianto, credits safe in his saddle bag and some things for the kids. These credits meant they would be able to hold out over the winter months when their crops would not bring any income.
The other 'secret' money was able to be kept for that rainy day they hoped never came. As agreed, it was not to be touched unless there was an emergency, they had to be self sufficient. They could not live on meat alone, they needed supplies and now he could spend the money in the local township, ensuring those local businesses enjoyed some winter earnings as well. As always, Ianto had seen the sense in that and agreed to Jack taking the stock to the higher bidder, of course going alone since John was still on that Wanted Poster somewhere and Mace had the bloody cold on his chest.
He had promised, home before dusk.
Deciding it would be better to take his chances, Jack prodded Janet forward, gently pushing his heels into the horse's side. Usually an obedient horse, it surprised Jack when she sidestepped and hesitated. Did his horse sense something Jack couldn't see?
With a scan of the area, Jack resolved going ahead was still the best option. Jumping down from his horse, he guided Janet through the murky water. Coaxing her, he said, "Come on, girl, just a little further. I promise you some primo hay and maybe even a sugar cube or two if you get us safely home by nightfall. Come on the bitey things will be here soon love."
Reluctantly, the horse complied and started to walk along the road behind Jack. The further they travelled, the deeper the mud got until both of them were finding it difficult to move.
Just as Jack worried they would become stuck, a lightning bolt came crashing down right in front of them. Neighing in fear, Janet reared up causing Jack to be knocked down. With a hard thud, he pummelled to the ground, knocking the air from his lungs.
The mud sloshed around him, pulling his body deep into its thick grasp. Jack blinked once, twice, three times before he tried to sit up from the murky ground. A sharp pain radiated up his abdomen. Recognizing the feeling, he knew the fall had earned him a set of bruised ribs.
With concerted effort, Jack climbed to his feet. As he turned to find Janet, his eyes grew round with concern.
The horse was whimpering and she wasn't placing weight on her right leg. Jack moved towards her and gently lifted the leg from the muddy water. There was a huge crack on her hoof as well as a deep gash at the first joint. What could have caused such a horrific injury?
He placed his hand into the mud. Below the surface, he felt the edge of something rough and hard. Although he couldn't see it, he was certain it was a large rock, most likely brought down by a mudslide from a nearby hill.
Jack reached out and took Janet's muzzle into his hands. He leaned his face against hers and whispered, "It's alright, girl. You did the best you could. This is my fault. I shouldn't have pushed you so hard."
With deep regret, Jack contemplated what to do. When a horse broke its leg, there was only one thing to do, but he hoped it wasn't the case.
He tried to swallow the lump of pain in his throat.
Lightning cracked across the sky, illuminating the air for just a moment. Not far off in the distance, Jack saw the flickering gas lights of a small town. Maybe Janet could make it to Weevil Springs—which was closer than home—if he helped her stay off the leg.
As he ran his hands through his hair, he sighed. With a heavy heart, he removed the saddle and attached bag from Janet to make her load lighter. With determined resolve, he started the walk to Weevil Springs with Janet beside him.
He hoped he could get word to their Sherriff through the local law's network so he could go let Ianto know that he would not be home tonight after all.
Another night apart would make Ianto doubly antsy for his return.
He would not sleep, neither of them would.