Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 69468 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 347(@200wpm)___ 278(@250wpm)___ 232(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69468 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 347(@200wpm)___ 278(@250wpm)___ 232(@300wpm)
Accordingly, I followed his directions on which bags to grab as he greeted the couple rushing out of the barn to meet him. They had that mirror-image vibe that longtime couples often seem to develop, similar blond-and-gray-streaked hair, matching western shirts, and identical fluttering mannerisms.
They chattered all over each other as Jude and I made our way into the barn to Bono’s stall. The chestnut gelding was tall and broad and would be regal if not for the sweat and agitated movements. A nasty gash marred his left flank, blood matting the surrounding hair.
Luckily, the horse allowed Jude to approach for an initial examination. I stayed close so I could hand him equipment as he needed it. The light in the barn was dim, so I grabbed a flashlight from one of the bags and shone it onto the injury.
“Thanks.” Jude shot me a quick grateful smile. Anticipating his needs felt good. I readied the clippers and antiseptic he was likely to need to clean the wound.
“How bad is it?” Mrs. Young was pale and sweating almost as much as the horse.
“It’s fixable,” Jude assured her. “It does need stitches, but it should mend well. We’re going to need to inject a sedative so I can do the repair.”
“I’m not sure I can watch the stitching.” Mrs. Young went from pale to decidedly green.
“That’s understandable,” Jude soothed. “I’ve got Carson here to help. Bono will simply take a little nap while I do the stitches.”
“You should go eat,” I suggested to the couple. Jude would undoubtedly work better without their commentary and nervous energy.
“Oh. Good idea.” Mr. Young brightened slightly, wrapping an arm around his shorter wife. “Are you sure you’re okay if we walk back to the house?”
“I’m sure.” Jude sounded as relieved as I’d suspected.
“You were right,” I said once the couple had left the barn and were out of earshot.
“About the hovering?” Jude wiped his forehead with a cloth from his kit. “Yeah. They love their horses, though, which is more than I can say for some. Good idea to send them to eat dinner. They’ll feel better, and it gives us more room to operate.”
“Yep.” I motioned at the supplies I’d laid out. “Tell me what you need.”
“Wow. You’re a great assistant already.” Jude smiled for the first time since we’d arrived. “Sedative first to calm him down, then I’ll prep the area.”
I had seen plenty of blood draws, but a repair like this was new to me. However, I was able to follow Jude’s orders easily as he prepared the sedative. He carefully injected the sedative into a neck vein, and we waited a few minutes for it to take effect. As Jude had explained to the Youngs, Bono gave a series of soft snores as he drifted into a sleepy state.
The horse remained upright, though, even while sleeping, which was what we wanted. I moved so I could hold his head up and further soothe him while Jude shaved around the wound and cleaned in preparation for the stitches.
The whole process took a far shorter time than I’d expected. Jude’s extensive experience showed in every practiced movement. His small, even stitches were neater than some I’d had from field medics.
“Could have been an MD,” I joked as he finished stitching.
“Nah. Give me animals over human patients any day.” Stepping back from Bono, Jude examined his handiwork with a critical eye. “That should do it. I’ll text the Youngs now, so they can come have a look.”
Of course, there was much fussing over the horse and Jude both when the couple returned, but Jude was correct that their love for the horse shone through all their anxious concern.
“We can’t thank you enough, Doc.” Mr. Young pumped Jude’s hand up and down.
“Happy to help. You did the right thing by calling.” Jude escaped the handshake as I zipped the last case shut.
“Do you want payment now?” Mrs. Young patted her jeans pockets. “I’d have to go in the house to grab a card. Or can the business office send the bill?”
“No accounting department.” Jude gave the same chuckle my Aunt Georgia used when someone asked who did payroll for her diner. “But I’ll get the invoice sent round to your email. No worries.”
After another round of thanks, including a hug from Mrs. Young, we made our way back to the truck.
“That’s done.” Jude gave a heavy sigh as he slid behind the wheel, his exhaustion finally showing. I wished I could offer to drive, but I settled for a discreet pat on his thigh.
“Hungry?” I asked.
“Starving.” Jude’s stomach rumbled for good measure. “My place is closer, but do you need to get back to the ranch?”
“I’m in no hurry.” I stretched in my seat, anticipation over some alone time blooming low in my gut. “No curfew.”
“Good.” Jude shot me a heated look.