Chapter 25
A COLLECTIVE GASP arose from the crowd of onlookers, followed by a rumble of murmurs and exclamations of wonder.
Javier was immediately in place to take the reins as Thumper leapt off Lenny.
Token stood as if guarding his fallen rider.
All hounds kept their eyes on Ryman’s prostrate figure. Several of them whined softly.
Nardell, Mildred, and Josh were also off their horses and joined Thumper in a circle around Ryman. All four pulled out their cell phones and started to call 911. Seeing this, Thumper ordered the others to stop, said he’d handle that, and gestured for Josh to render aid.
From the stage came the sound of heavy footfalls as Shelton’s flat soles smacked across the platform and cascaded down the steps. Grantham followed her at a pace that suggested frustration
