Read Online Dawn Runner by Terri Farley - Free Book Online

Mrs. Coley, Gold Dust Ranch’s housekeeper, had suggested Sam ride home with her and Rachel, Ryan’s twin, since Sam was taking Jen’s homework to Gold Dust Ranch anyway.
    Sharing the backseat with a silent Rachel made the trip interminable, but she couldn’t help comparing the twins.
    Both had sleek coffee-brown hair, but Ryan didn’t try to hide the intelligence in his dark eyes. Rachel’s eyes, rimmed with black eyeliner, rarely landed on anything long enough for Sam to read their expression.
    During the ride home, she’d ignored Sam, passing the time talking on her cell phone until she lost service. She’d dropped the phone on the seat beside her and dug a second, tinier phone from her purse. When that one failed to connect as well, she’d thrown it on the floor near Sam’s feet.
    â€œOne more year in this primitive, vulgar place may be more than I can stand,” Rachel had snarled.
    â€œBrynna’s always losing cell service,” Sam had sympathized. “She thinks the truck radios are more dependable than her government phone.”
    Rachel hadn’t said a word in return. She’d given Sam a blank, slightly resentful look. The comment was of no interest, Rachel’s eyes said, and she begrudged the consumption of air used to make it.
    But then, when Sam took out her literature book and began reading her homework assignment, Rachelhad crossed her arms and looked insulted.
    When they’d reached Gold Dust Ranch, Rachel had flounced from the car, leaving Sam to thank Mrs. Coley.
    â€œYou’re welcome, Sam,” Mrs. Coley had said with such appreciation that Sam guessed Rachel—even when she wasn’t miffed—didn’t show much gratitude. “I talked with your Gram earlier today at a planning meeting for the church harvest dinner, and she said to tell you she’d be along to pick you up—” Mrs. Coley glanced at her watch. “—about now. So, you’d better scurry over to the Kenworthys’ place and get your visiting done fast.”
    Sam had lingered by the car for a minute, searching the pastures for a sign of Hotspot, but Shy Boots and Princess Kitty grazed alone in their paddock, and Sam was pretty sure that’s where Ryan would have put the Appaloosa mare if he’d found her.
    Still, Sam had to ask.
    â€œRyan hasn’t come back with Hotspot, has he?” she asked Mrs. Coley.
    â€œI haven’t seen him since early this morning. He left before breakfast—just grabbed some granola and an apple, then headed out the door. Linc had plenty to say about Ryan ‘wasting his time’ instead of letting BLM bring her in, so Ryan’s fighting an uphill battle, but I think this is one he can win.” Mrs. Coley had smiled, then glanced around, making sure no one stood near enough to hear. “I say it’s about time he stood up to his father and proved he’s a man.”
    Sam had only nodded, but she’d mulled the housekeeper’s words over as she hurried toward Jen’s house.
    Was that what Ryan was doing? Proving himself to his father? If so, that might explain why he wanted to do this all on his own. She’d have to think about that, but first she wanted to talk to Jen.
    But when Lila opened the door, her voice was hushed. “I’m sorry, Sam, but she’s napping. Here, let me take those,” Lila had said, taking the assignment sheets from Sam. “Even though her sleeping schedule is all twisted around, I just can’t make myself wake her,” Jen’s mom apologized. “But here’s yesterday’s homework.”
    â€œWell, please tell her to call me. I’m going out riding,” Sam paused, but explaining Pam had seemed too complicated a message to leave with Jen’s mom. “But I’ll be back home for dinner. And I really want to talk to her.”
    â€œI’ll tell her,” Lila had said, but then she’d taken a