Horse Gods: The Dressage Rider’s Betrayal

“You could have told, maybe got out of prison or had a much shorter sentence, or—”

Her hand covers mine, and instead of snatching it away I let it rest underneath. My heart feels weird, like it’s beating slower but knocking against my breastbone. I hear a rush of blood in my ears.

“Please.” I force myself to look up, to catch her eyes. “Please tell them. I’ll come home with you if you tell them and Wade’s not there. Please.” My vision blurs.

The guard steps over to our table. “You have one minute.” She nods to the door and stands by it.

Angela taps my hand and withdraws hers. “He won’t do anything, trust me. He’s under control.”

I swipe the cuff of my sweatshirt under my nose and sniff. She always has to be in control. But now I’m not so sure. “Maybe there’s some things you can’t control.”

“Time!” the guard calls out.

We both stand. She walks ahead of me to the door. I clutch the back of her arm. She looks at my hand, then turns. Her eyes show surprise.

“Do something, Mom. Please.”

“Mom?” One side of her mouth lifts in a smirk.

My hand drops.

“I told you. Trust me,” Angela says.

The lock clicks and the outer door slides open. Angela, walking beside the guard, disappears down the hallway without a backward glance.