A/N – Thanks for all the reviews and good thoughts. Sorry for the delay in getting this up, I'm fighting a cold.

Chapter 37

The truck pulled around the big 'U' shaped drive and stopped with the back of the trailer facing the treatment chutes set up in front of the rescue barn. Chuck was first up to the doors and swung up the lock and the first door open in one fluid motion then stepped back along the barn with 4 other hands at the ready.

Amy and Sarah walked up followed close behind by the girls.

"Girls maybe you better" Ty began.

"This is our job Dr. Borden, we'll be fine." Charlotte said softly putting her hand on his arm. "you know, Fleming magic." She whispered followed by a golden smile.

"Here you go Mad" Amy said handing her the first horses lead.

Ty watched as Maddie walked him a few steps allowing him to get accustomed to being outside. "He's pretty out of it, let's get him into the chute. Who's got his chart ?" she asked her palm against the horses neck.

"Respiration out of the box 15. Easy boy, you're Ok come with Maddie that's it." She sang leading him gently along and over to the examination chutes.

"Good job Maddie." Chuck said calmly hanging a bucket of Apple Juice and Willow which he seemed to appreciate. "Let him drink I'll get his mash."

Ty watched as Maddie shrugged on a stethoscope and closed her eyes then checked her phone. "Heart rate 42."

Charlotte had the next one and started exactly the same way and then coming up alongside Maddie calling out vitals to her scribe.

Amy led the 3rd horse out when Sarah called from behind her in the trailer, "scrub up Dr. Borden, twisted gut on this one getting worse by the minute, go on, we'll deal with this, tell them we need a surgery set up pronto. Amy, we need to strap him now or he's going down and dyin' right here in this trailer."

"Katie, Barb, full straps with sheepskin and lidocaine. Georgie scrub in with Ty." Amy called over.

"You heard 'em guys, get these legs down and unhitch that truck, We need to use the harness." Chuck told the hands and immediately walked to the side of the trailer releasing steel mounted legs on to the ground followed by others doing the same. "We need all greens for the glide to work right."

"What a strong bright bae you are lad, we've got you now. We'll get you fixed up right soon don't you worry. You be brave now." Sarah kept up a constant stream of soft drawling calmness evident in her voice. The horse was calm and Sarah kept constant eye and hand contact with him, willing him to stand and not go down, when he swayed momentarily she pushed him against the wall of the trailer giving him a solid surface to orient himself against.

She could feel him struggling and Katie and Barb maneuvered around her getting the body length sling set up and strapped on. As they worked on the horse a low to the ground 8 wheeled crane pulled out, Benny Castro, the thoroughbred head wrangler was at the remote wired control as the heavy snaps and carabiners were fastened to the overhead trolly system a custom feature found on every Pegasus long trailer. It allowed the trailer to mate with the in house Pegasus system and transfer a horse directly from trailer to medical barn.

"Chuck we good ?"

"All green on our side."

"All green here Benny" another hand called out from the other.

"Snap him up ladies" Benny called out.

Sarah stayed with him still speaking and holding him as the truck hydraulics were attached to the crane and the horse was lifted a foot off the ground. Kate and Barb pushed the horse along the track slowly and Sarah walked along looking at him so he could see her and hear her soft voice encouraging him and soothing she hoped some of his fears.

"Are they ready in there ?" Sarah asked.

"All set on this end, Benny, he's all yours." Amy said taking over for Sarah while she got down and then walking the horse with her.

"Almost ready" Katie said coming over to check on the horse who was starting to fuss as the fresh air and excitement fired his adrenaline and brought him slightly out of his drugged haze.

"He's alright, my sweet bae' he'll be fine, he's strong and the good lord loves him" Sarah said lovingly looking into his eyes and then she began singing softly. Her voice was eerie and dirge-like almost out of an old scratched record, even the melody lingered on the air between verses.

"Amazing grace! how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch; like me!

I once was lost, but now am found,

Was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

And grace my fears relieved;

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed!

Barb motioned and Benny slowly turned the horse into the doors of the medical barn. Ty and Georgie were waiting as several staff techs took over and switched clips turning the 1000 pound animal effortlessly into the surgery and into position. All the while Sarah stayed close by singing softly.

"The Lord hath promised good to me,

His word my hope secures;

He will my shield and portion be

As long as life endures.

When we've been there ten thousand years,

Bright shining as the sun,

We've no less days to sing God's praise

Than when we first begun.

Amazing grace! how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch; like me!

I once was lost, but now am found,

Was blind, but now I see."

Ty smiled at Sarah before turning "I've got him Sarah, I'll do my best."

"I know you will Ty."

Bert who had left to a meeting got back as soon as he could for his 911 call to the ranch. He joined Ty in surgery a few minutes later.

"How could they miss that ?" Georgie said holding out a tray for the obstruction they pulled.

"All the drugs hid the signs and this guy's a fighter." Bert said checking the computers against the walls that held the vitals read out. "I have no idea what kept him standing."

"Maybe all those drugs will turn out to be a blessing in disguise for this guy." Ty said as then untangled and straightened intestines and worked them back into place.

"We need to get out of this belly fast." Bert said.

"Short of you using both hands Bert we're doing the best we can." Georgie said who at Ty's request was stitching a latent flap that had worked it's way loose.

"I like you Georgie, maybe I should steal you away."

"That's what they all say Bert but I'm feisty and hard to get along with."

"Yeah, I don't know anyone named Fleming that fits that description." Bert said laughing.

Sarah and Amy returned to the other three horses arm in arm. "That horse makes it I'ma gonna call him Wallace for Willim Wallace, strong warrior who took on the British king to free his people."

"It's a good name Sarah. Ty and Bert will do their best."

"He's in a bad way Amy, it's up to him and god now."

"Then let's hope she smiles on Pegasus today Sarah."

"I'm a walkin' arm in arm with a heathen, momma would never believe it."

Amy laughed as they reached the other three horses who seemed to be doing remarkably well and staying relatively calm though the process.

"They've been mashed and washed mom, they tore through those buckets." Charlotte, who was closest told her. "Drugs are wearing off but they've been behaving."

"When Chuck stops by tell him to give them another mash when they're all stalled, no supplements, and then continue on the same schedule."

Debridement is the medical removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue to improve the healing potential of the remaining healthy tissue. At Pegasus this included the removal of any foreign matter as well. These horses had been whipped which left detriment imbedded deep in the wounds and it needed to come out.

Each horse had a person working wounds and long slash marks on each side. Trish and one of her nurses Patricia were working on one, Mad and Charlotte on another and Sandra and Violette on the third. Tracy, another nurse was having a breather. The process was tedious, each section of each wound was examined using a magnifier hung over the eyes of a debrider and then with things like tweezers, small silicone,

Picks, soft brushes and q tips they cleaned every speck of foreign matter and removed any dead tissue. There was no right or wrong way, gentle was the key. It was hell on the fingers, eyes, and everything else. As sections were completed they were covered with strips slathered in a healing, antiseptic and analgesic poultice. They worked in sections. To keep the horse comfortable it was covered in a large sheet soaked with a wet solution. To work you used laundry clips to hike up the section of the sheet you wanted to work under.

Keeping the horses calm was another matter and they took turns doing that as well though most times it was Maddie or Charlotte who was needed when the horse got extra fidgety.

Sandra who seemed to always have information for Amy looked up "Lisa and Meg have Wyatt in Ithaca at Charlie's tailor with get this, 2 vintage suits Wyatt found online at a local thrift shop. Word is he looks great so they're going thrifting for a sports jacket and some slacks. There are some nice vintage clothing stores in town and more in Syracuse if they have to."

"Trailer pulling in Amy." Sarah nodded.

"It's the Potters, the horses are here for physicals and April is here just because. I'll be back."

Amy walked off, the last she heard was Sarah's mountain drawl "who needs a break ?"

April saw Amy and ran right into her arms to be picked up for a big hug and kiss. "How are you doing sunshine ?"

"I'm great Amy, can't wait to see Jax though."

"Well grab your horses sweetheart, he's in the family barn with Chuck."

Erma had opened the gate on the trailer and they walked back to grab April's horses. "Hey Tristin, hey Kite" Amy said taking hold of a lead. "Can you handle them both ?"

"I've got 'em Amy, come on you two I bet there's a mash up and some apples for you in the barn. April was talking to them as she walked reminding Amy of JT, constant speech at all times.

"I'll be back for you later April !" Erma called out before Amy and her reached out and hugged for a long time.

"Where is he ?"

"In surgery with a colic, sorry Erma."

"Oh well" she sighed. Amy noticed the luggage still in the pickup "you haven't been home yet ?"

"August is stuck in NJ with the steer we were bringing up, cracked axle. He should be here Sunday morning. I have Kim and April and we're back to move the herd down but without him and with Kimmy, I don't even have time to check them and we have 4 calves coming, it's a mess and the family that has them is leaving."

As they were talking a Pegasus ranch truck pulled up with Betty, Lisa and Jack. The group came over to see Amy and Erma.

"Welcome home Erma, how was the trip ?" Betty asked hugging her.

"Harrowing and August is delayed. You must be Amy's grand folks Jack and Lisa, I'm Erma Potter, April's mom and little Kim there who seems to be getting up."

"Let me" Betty said walking over and coming back moments later with a small 1 year old in a country dress, her hair clipped down. She was yawning and adorable.

"She's grown so much" Amy cooed reaching over to kiss her.

"She's been pretty perfect." Erma said smiling.

"You know, Grandpa, you can help. Erma's husband's been delayed and she needs someone to check on her herd and needs help moving them back to her place on Saturday. How about we take Kim here for the day and you can help Erma, JT and April bring them down. I'll send the dogs with JT."

"I'd love to help and I'll be glad to check the herd for you if you let me know where to go." Jack said smiling and almost anxious to get near the cows, even milk cows like the Potters."

"I couldn't ask you to do that Jack."

"Sure you can" Lisa said "he's dying to get near some cows again and pushing a herd with JT will thrill him to no end."

"And Lisa and I will look after Kim." Betty said smiling.

"That's a relief then and I'm sure August will sleep better. I should get home though and unpacked. What time should I get her Amy ?"

"Come back and have dinner with us, this way you won't have to fuss."

"Not going to argue and I assume I'll get to meet ?"

"I hope so, bangarang though."

"I get it, it's just Meg and Sally have gone on and on so I just have to see for myself. You do look happy though Amy."

"I'm very happy Erma."

"Good." Erma answered seeing that Betty had Kim strapped in and ready. "6:00 Ok ?"

"Or earlier if you want to just sit and breathe." Betty added.

"I'll bring a few dozen eggs for breakfast."

"Your eggs are always welcome Erma" Amy said hugging her again "It's good to have you back."

"Truth is all we did while visiting with family is miss our family here. It's good to be back."

As she pulled out Jackson and April walked out of the barn leading two horses, Harley and Merlin.

"Where are you two off to ?" Amy called out.

"Bringing the mail up to Cass mom, we'll be back soon, can April and Cars stay for dinner please ?"

"April and Erma are already and if it's Ok with Sally Cars is welcome."

"Thanks mom, he's riding over with Brin and Bobby as soon as Brin gets home."

"Have fun kids !" Amy called out.

"We'd better open that table" Betty said laughing "sounds like a full house for dinner."

"Sorry Gran."

"Don't be Amy, Lisa and I will handle it and looks like you've got your second load coming in, how's the first going ?"

"Those three are almost done, the nurses are fast. I assume you've got wind of the colic, they should be finishing it up."

"What do you think ?"

"The odds are against him but he's a fighter and he's got Sarah on his side."

"Have you met Sarah and Violette ?" Betty asked Lisa and Jack.

"Violette introduced herself just so she could spend five minutes face to face speaking French." Lisa said. "She's a delight Amy."

"They both are, I'll invite them to dinner." Amy said smiling at Betty.

"Oh, we're getting Zabar's delivered Saturday for the Sunday brunch, anything else from the city ?"

"Katz's ?"

"The works ?" Betty asked smiling already having planned the stop without asking.

"Yes please and knishes and the bread and mustard."

"And pickles." Betty added.

"Saturday night dinner is set then, let them eat Jewish Deli !" Amy exclaimed.

"Jewish deli ?" Jack asked.

"Jewish style cold cuts, except they'd served hot, corned beef, pastrami and brisket Grandpa, it's amazing. Knishes are these wonderful balls of filling baked into a crepe crust, potato and onion, kasha,"

"Kasha ?"

"Buckwheat groats Grandpa."

"Buckwheat is horse feed Amy."

"It's delightful cooked with fried onions Grandpa, you'll love it." Amy promised.

"Ok then, I guess we'll have a Jewish deli." Jack agreed when they approached the trailer.

"We're done mom, we can help." Charlotte said walking over with Maddie and Sarah.

"You two go get washed and changed, Brin and Bobby are coming over, go for a ride."

"We can help mom." Maddie insisted.

"You need to spend time with your friends too, be teenagers for me this afternoon and we'll start again tomorrow. Go ride. The hands can handle the transfers, they just need feeding and washing, Sarah and I will keep them calm, now go."

"Your mom's right girls, go ahead." Sarah drawled.

They both smiled and hugged Amy and then Sarah and walked off.

"It's not easy what you did with those two Amy, you should be proud."

"Don't worry about that, those three kids are my pride and joy."

"Ty seems like a good man who's had a hard life."

"He's a good man who's risen above a lot Sarah and I love him so much."

"Good to hear Sugah."

The first delivery of rescue transfers came just about on time and had 4 horses brought from Virginia. They were fostered at a farm until a suitable spot was found and that was Pegasus. The horses were recovering from various ailments of neglect which were documented ahead of time and the staff was ready. Mashes and supplement regimens as well as ailment treatments were put together by Amy, Violette and Sarah and teams were ready to separate, wash, examine, chart vitals and visual notes. They were watered and fed, washed, brushed as needed and stalled immediately. They'd be seen by the seconds, except Georgie who was in surgery and then by the vets when they had a chance. If that didn't happen Cassidy and Alex would come up.

They had a list of vets from Cornell and the area who would come at a moments notice but they were needed for what was coming, the state transfers, recently rescued and in serious need of more care than a state facility could provide. The state transfers were being readied and would arrive starting 7 AM the following morning.

Amy got a text from Cassidy that Cars had joined the group at the nature rescue and they were staying to help with the feeding and some chores. She was also out to see Brin and Bobby ride up to the house and get greeted by their beaus. Amy wondered if that was right with two girls and made a mental note to check online later.

When she looked over at the debriding station they had set up Amy saw Trish kissing and hugging both her volunteers who headed towards their car.

"Thanks Trish, you're a life-saver." Amy said.

"Have volunteers for tomorrow too if you need us."

"You're a wonder, we need to find some couples time."

"John was saying the same thing, how about dinner Sunday at our place."

"Can't, got a date." Amy said with that same grin she had when Ty asked her.

"A date ?"

"The girls have insisted that we date, they told him very specifically that they expect dating, courting and wooing."

"Get out."

"I'm so excited I can burst." Amy gushed.

"You let me know what wooed and courted by a millionaire is like Amy, I'm so happy for you."

"We had nothing as teenagers to speak of, we never really dated. Trail rides, drives in the country, parking, the occasional movie and a diner meal. Pretty pathetic. Don't get me wrong at the time it seemed perfect but watching the twins go out on a date, the movies, concerts, a walk in town after ice cream is special. I want them to do that Trish, get more enjoyment out of life."

"I don't want to think about my early years, teenager is a blur of bad behavior, I loved the Army when I got in, but well, I met John, he was amazing and when he was getting out, I was not losing him. I never regretted a second of that time just being with him. John mentioned Ty's been real estate shopping."

"We have videos to start, we've watched one, he's still recovering."

"How much ?"

"3.7."

"Don't mind me saying Amy, that's hardly a stretch for you two."

"It's more a matter of perception for him. We'll choose together based on his choices. I'm all for it, excited about it."

"I like you this way Amy, don't change. I've got to get back to the hospital for rounds, later sweetie."

"Bye Trish, one of us will let you know about tomorrow and we're on to go to the Glen next weekend."

"Amy we're done." Georgie said walking out of the medical barn, face to the sun and stretching her arms behind her back.

"How is he ?"

"Six maybe eight hours one way or another."

"Always is I guess, anesthetic?"

"He took it well. Bert can give lessons on nail cutting. I learned more in one surgery and answered more questions than all of vet tech training I think."

"They didn't warn you I guess."

"Don't tell me this isn't an initiation."

"Sorry Georgie, your job is to learn and Bert takes his job very seriously. How's Ty ?"

"He's good, probably a little like me with the discussion aspect."

"Bert loves a captive audience. He wants you to think and express those thoughts, he loves bold and brash. Go get washed up and changed Georgie, I'll go find the boys."

Amy wandered through medical and stopped at the horse now named Wallace resting. He did not look well or peaceful.

"Poor thing." Sarah whispered along side her. "I'll stay with him." Amy watched her pull over a stool and reach into her pocket for her ever present hymnal. She just held it, didn't open it, closed her eyes and reached out her hand to Wallace's neck. As Sarah had told her many times "comfort taken and comfort passed along, the mountain way."

She stopped again for a second at the crew cleaning the surgery. "You all Ok ?" And after hearing that they were fine she went back to the scrub rooms and knocked.

"Come on in" Bert called out.

"Doing ok Bert ?"

"Fine Amy, he's in the shower, rough surgery all around, we need to keep Georgie here, she belongs with us, she's sharp and intuitive."

"We'll do our best Bert, excuse me."

Bert smiled watching Amy making her way back to the showers. She leaned against the wall and watched Ty. He didn't see her until he closed the faucet and turned. He was surprised for a second and then smiled.

"There's like this whole section of professional behavior you pay no attention to."

"You are a very sexy man Ty Borden."

"Ames, cut it out, geez that look on you."

"If you had an inkling of how filthy my thoughts are right now."

"Enough, out, go," he said flicking his towel at her.

"Ok, Ok I'm going. You did good work today Ty."

"We all did." He said smiling and then turned to wipe off.

A few minutes later Ty in fresh scrubs joined Bert and Amy who were talking outside the scrub room. "You two have the energy to vet the horses that are ready or should I ask Cass or Alex over ? Katie and Barb have seen them."

"I don't know about Ty but I'd love to see some horses who don't need surgery. Oh before I forget, this Friday will be a bear but Meg and I would like you two to come for dinner next Friday ?"

"That'll be nice Bert" Amy said with Ty's nod.

"Ok let me just call and give her an ETA for today and I'll meet you next door Ty."

Amy watched Bert walk by and then stop into Wallace's stall. "Let him know we did our best Sarah." He whispered.

"They both know that Bert." She said smiling and patting the book with her thumb.

Ty leaned over and kissed Amy and arm in arm they walked towards the door. "Let someone spell you Sarah."

"When the time comes Amy."

"What does that even mean Sarah."

"It means bide to your own affairs young lady."

They walked on a few steps when Ty stopped and turned "Sarah, how did you know it was a twisted gut ?"

Amy caught a slight twitch at the corner of Sarah's mouth who without looking up or moving drawled "I'm a witch Ty, we know things."

Amy burst out laughing and turned Ty towards the door.

"I think most of the people here are insane." Ty said with a grin.

"Ty in a next week we'll have 43 open and fully funded and staffed Pegasus centers operating in North America all from an off comment made in jest 6 years ago. Insane doesn't begin to cover it. I love you, go check those horses, I'm off to meet with Benny and sign off on training schedules. Oh, Sunday night, are we dress up or casual ?"

"Hmmmm, let's do dress up."

"Excellent Dr. Borden" Amy said reaching up to kiss him and then trotting off to grab Spartan who had been saddled for a ride out to visit her thoroughbred charges.