Henshaw Stables

"Hey, where is Joe?" Phil heard the cowboy call out.

"Good to see you, Bill. You been on vacation? Haven't seen you in a couple of weeks."

"Yeah, I was out of town on business and then took the family for vacation to Florida. So, where's Joe?"

"Well last Saturday, while they were erecting the frame for the new stable, Joe was leading Headstrong out to the pasture when that jade reared up and kicked him. Joe stumbled out of the way, never letting go of the reins mind you, but by the time someone got over to help him Joe was having a heart attack. Unfortunately he didn't survive it. I'm sorry to be the one to have to tell you, Bill. I know the two of you got on pretty well."

"He was a good man. I'm sorry I wasn't here for the funeral."

"His son flew in from New York and collected his belongings. The two of them weren't very close, which was sad. Since he didn't have any other family it was pretty small. We all miss him around here though. He was the best stable manager we've ever had; or ever will have."

"You're right about that. Well, I guess I'd better get started with Rosebelle. Thanks, Phil."

Phil watched as Bill made his way to Rosebelle's stall, stopped and put his head against the wall. Rosebelle walked up and nuzzled him. Rosebelle was no jade, that's for sure.



Word Count: 244