Ferrin and Jason plan

“What do you think you’re doing?” exclaimed a gruff voice. Jason turned to see a man entering the stable clutching a hoe like a weapon. He had messy hair and an open shirt that revealed a hairy chest.

Jason realized the man could not see Rachel and Ferrin, since they were currently in stalls. “I just love to pet horses,” Jason said, his voice pathetically dreamy. “They’re my most favorite ever. I can read their minds.”

The stableman looked baffled. “These are private horses, son.” An edge of stern accusation remained in his voice. He took a step closer.

Jason saw movement out of the corner of his eye. Ferrin stepped out of a stall holding his head in his hands. “Beware the boy,” the head said. “He took my head. Yours will be next.”

The startled man backed away, hoe raised protectively.

(Additional text cut)

Ferrin smiled. “You can read horses’ minds. That was very nice. My kind of crazy.”

“Thanks. The headlessness was a slick scare tactic.”

“It kept our unfortunate friend off balance. Let’s go.”

Chapter 12