Chapter Five
SCAVENGER HUNT“Tell me about your family,” Phoenix said. She flicked a blade of grass from her leg. The teenagers watched a group of the younger children having a riding lesson. Rough post and rail fencing separated the arena from the grazing paddock. The riders had already worn away the scrubby grass burned by the summer sun and dust puffed around the horses’ hooves as they dragged their feet. Phoenix tensed as the mare Kylie rode shied at a fluttering leaf. “Heels down, tighten the reins and stop flapping your legs!” Phoenix called. The leader taking the lesson glanced across at Kylie and her eyes widened in alarm.
“I don’t have a family,” Kirwan growled. “There’s nothing to tell.”
Phoenix gave an encouraging smile to Kylie as the child struggled to gather her reins and r
