He looked at me for a long moment, then nodded once. “Let us get Vesper inside first.”

We stepped out into the freezing night air.

The wind howled through the pines, carrying the scent of pine needles and damp earth.

I walked to the back of the trailer and unlatched the heavy steel door.

Vesper nosed my shoulder as I stepped inside, his warm breath a comfort against my neck.

“Easy, boy,” I murmured, checking his bandage in the dim light of the trailer.

The dressing was clean, but he needed a proper stall and fresh water.

Dante helped me lead the great stallion out onto the wet gravel.

Two guards in dark suits stepped out from the shadows of the stable entrance, their hands resting near their waistbands.

“Boss,” one of them said, bowing his head slightly. “We secured the perimeter.”

“Is the veterinarian here?” Dante asked, his voice strained.

“He is waiting inside, sir,” the guard replied.

We walked Vesper through the wide double doors of the stable.

The interior was immaculate, with polished wooden partitions and brass fittings.