Chapter 19: Then, Koa: She confronts Abalo about the abuse
And the aftermath...
For those of you who have hung in this far…things are reaching a critical junction! This is the LAST OF the KOA FLASHBACKS. Going forward, the two timelines will connect…and Kent and Koa will meet at last in Chapter 20. Couldn’t resist piquing your interest because I’ve been so anticipating bringing the timelines together!
Don’t forget to hit the ❤️ that lets me know you’re reading! Mahalo for hanging in there with the suspense!
WILD GIRL
Chapter 19: Then, Koa: Two days later
Manny Abalo sat in his truck with the window down, his face blank with surprise. A hand was clapped to his neck where Koa’s blade had nicked him.
Koa ran, grabbed a handful of Star’s mane, and hopped up onto the horse’s back. She kicked the mare, hard.
Star gave a squeal of surprise and bolted forward, leaping into the bushes and away from the road.
Koa couldn’t stay to make sure Ella’s husband had registered her threat and taken it seriously. Manny probably had a gun, and with that four-wheel-drive truck, he could run her down in any open area.
Star galloped into the brush, moving along a barely-visible pig trail. Koa leaned low, clutching the mare’s mane and clinging with her legs. The horse soon had to slow; the vegetation was too thick and scraped along her sides. She picked her way along the trail, blowing hard, her ears flattened in offense.
Koa had scared her.
“I’m sorry, girl. That wasn’t part of our deal, was it?” Koa patted the mare’s sweating neck. “I love you so much. Just get me partway home. I’ve got some sweet potato for you.” She dug in a loose pocket and leaned down, holding out a chunk for the mare. Star turned her head and plucked it off Koa’s palm. She snorted and bobbed her head as she chewed. Her ears loosened and flapped.
Koa was forgiven.
She slid down to lie flat on the mare’s back, lowering her arms to stroke the horse’s chest and shoulders as they walked along. She murmured soft loving words to Star, even as she mentally revisited the entire confrontation with Manny.
She’d returned from her fruitless errand to Kimo’s to stay with Ella and nurse her until Manny came back. Ella had been surprised to see her, but grateful.
She hadn’t asked again where Koa had gone, or what she was planning to do.
Koa told her friend that the camera fell into the water; Ella seemed relieved. They put the device in a bowl of rice in a warm spot to dry out. Ella explained about SIM cards; that they were separate from the camera. When Ella wasn’t looking, Koa removed the camera’s storage chip and wrapped it in a bit of paper and then some clear plastic wrap. She hid it in her pocket.
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