To feel Flicka sail out beneath her again made Katy's heart soar. As they increased their speed Katy tilted her head back, feeling the warm sun on her face and neck. She heard Rob riding beside her laugh at his daughter's immense happiness.

They reached the spot where their quarter horses were grazing, the exact spot where Flicka had run in and scattered them so long before. Katy thought of the fences that had recently begun construction, the ones that would separate the purebred quarter horses with the mustangs they intended to rescue. It had been Rob's idea to add Mustang Rescue to their business, though he had been very clear that it could not happen until they had built the fences.

"They're lookin' good Daddy," said Katy, her eyes sweeping over the strong, muscular horses.

"Don't I know it," said Rob, winking at Katy. "You two look well."

Katy knew they did. They had both recovered and were as strong as ever. Now, able to ride her tamed mustang once more, Katy felt free after the months of being house-bound.

They headed back to the ranch. Though the ride had been short, Katy felt exhilarated, as if her life had meaning again. Rob told her that, since everything had gone well, Katy could take Flicka out by herself any time.

But being a rancher wasn't all fun and games and, seeing as this was Katy's 'first day back', she was expected to work. There was more to do now that Howard was gone, but the others took no notice, used to the extra work load from when Katy wasn't there.

After a morning of mucking out stalls, Katy was covered in dirt and hay, but she was still on a high from the morning's ride. She had been working extra fast so she could go for another ride in the afternoon and so far she was making good time.

When Katy got to the house for lunch there was an unfamiliar car in the front yard. It looked expensive, but Katy didn't know what type of car it was. She didn't pay much attention to things with engines.

She went inside and sitting at the table were Miranda and Rick Koop.

"Hey!" said Katy, sliding into a chair opposite Miranda.

Miranda smiled. "Heard you took Flicka out this morning."

"It was great," said Katy. "Is that your car in the front?"

Rick nodded animatedly. "Yeah, it's pretty sleek isn't it?" He began to talk about the engines and the features and Katy tuned out. It was no secret that the Koop's had money. But to buy a car when you could buy more horses, well, what was the point?

Rob seemed to be ignoring Rick too, buttering a piece of bread and rolling his eyes as he rambled. Katy's mother Nell was nodding every now and then but anyone could see she wasn't interested. Except Rick.

"Dad," said Miranda. "I don't think they want to hear every little detail about the car."

Rick chuckled, shaking his head as if Miranda knew no idea. "Alright, alright. So, how are you going with the Mustang Rescue?"

"Still setting up, Rick," said Rob. "Should be a good investment though. All you have to do is look at Flicka to see how successful it could be."

"I've been thinking about setting somethin' like that up myself," said Rick.

Rob stared at him. "You're kiddin'."

Rick shook his head. "No, I'm not. Like you said, it's a good investment."

"Dad, how come you never told me this?" said Miranda, her eyes wide. "You can't, you'll run the McLaughlin's out of business!"

"I have no intention of doing that," said Rick.

"You've got more money than us, you'll get yours up and runnin' before us!" said Rob.

"Everyone will identify yours as the first," said Nell. "We'll just be followers."

Rick shrugged. "Can I help it if we've got money?"

"Dad, don't!" said Miranda.

"You can't just expect to march in here, telling us something like this and eat our food!"

"Face it – we'll be more successful. But you still got the quarter horses, right?" said Rick.

"You bastard!" said Katy, standing up, her chair screeching.

"Katy!" said Nell.

"You can't do this to Katy, after everything she's been through," said Rob.

"I can't help it if your little girl got sick," said Rick.

"Get outta my house," said Rob, pointing at the door.

Rick rose and shrugged. "Alright. C'mon Miranda."

He went out. Miranda stood and looked around at the silent table. "I'm sorry," she said. "I'll try and talk him out of it." She left.

Katy was still standing, staring at the untouched lunch. Jack and Gus came in, the back door banging.

"Hey," said Jack. "What'd we miss?"