"Boone, that's not a bid."
Walter looked at the auctioneer.
"It's what I have."
The auctioneer tried not to smile.
"Sir, the current bid is fifty-five thousand."
"I know."
"Three hundred won't cover the reserve."
Walter nodded.
"I know that too."
The auctioneer lowered his microphone.
"Mr. Boone, perhaps you should sit down."
Walter did.
The laughter slowly faded.
Thunder was still staring at him.
Charles raised his paddle.
"Sixty thousand."
The auctioneer continued.
"Sixty thousand."
Walter watched quietly.
Thunder suddenly turned toward Charles.
The stallion's ears flattened.
Charles noticed.
"So that's how it is," he muttered.
He raised the paddle again.
"Seventy."
The Oklahoma bidder shook his head.
The auctioneer smiled.
"Seventy thousand. Anyone?"
No response.
"Going once."
Charles looked toward Walter.
His expression contained satisfaction.
"Going twice."
Then Thunder pulled against the rope.
The handlers immediately became nervous.
"Sold!"
The auctioneer struck the block.
"Thunder goes to Mr. Charles Whitmore for seventy thousand dollars."
Applause broke out.
Charles stood.
Walter remained seated.
The handlers tried to lead Thunder away.
The stallion refused.
He planted his feet.
One handler pulled.
Thunder didn't move.
The other tried to push him from behind.
Thunder swung his head.
The man stepped away quickly.
Charles frowned.
"Get him out of here."
The handlers tried again.
Thunder resisted.
Then Walter stood.
He didn't approach.
He simply said:
"Come on, boy."
Thunder lifted his head.
The ropes went slack.
The horse walked.
The handlers stared in disbelief.
Thunder walked directly toward the gate.
Charles's smile disappeared.
Walter watched him pass.
As Thunder reached the exit, the stallion stopped and turned his head.
Their eyes met one last time.
Walter whispered:
"Maybe we'll meet again."
He didn't know how right he was.
Outside, Walter walked toward his pickup.
Charles followed.
"Enjoy the show?"
Walter turned.
Charles was visibly irritated.
"I bought the horse."
Walter nodded.
"Congratulations."
"You embarrassed me in there."
"I didn't say anything."
"You didn't have to."
Walter opened his truck door.
Charles stepped closer.
"You think because that animal likes you, you're special?"
Walter looked at him.
"No."
"Good."
Charles smiled.
"Because Thunder belongs to me now."
Walter climbed into his truck.
Before closing the door, he said:
"Maybe."
Charles frowned.
"What does that mean?"
Walter started the engine.
"It means buying a horse isn't the same as earning one."
The pickup rolled away.
Charles stood in the dust.
For the first time in many years, someone had spoken to him without fear.
And he hated it.
The Horse That Wouldn't Obey
Three days later, Walter was repairing a fence when he heard a truck approaching.
He looked up.
A black SUV stopped outside his property.
Charles Whitmore stepped out.
Behind him were two professional horse trainers.
Walter leaned against the fence.
"Something wrong?"
Charles didn't answer immediately.
He looked toward Walter's pasture.
"You've heard?"
"Heard what?"
"Thunder."
Walter's expression changed.
"What about him?"
Charles sighed.
"He won't cooperate."
Walter almost smiled.
"That's unfortunate."
"You think it's funny?"
"No."
Charles walked closer.
"That horse has already injured two more people."
Walter straightened.
"Then stop forcing him."
Charles stared.
"I've hired the best trainers money can buy."
"Maybe that's the problem."
Charles looked offended.
"What does that mean?"
"Thunder doesn't need someone to overpower him."
"He needs discipline."
"No."
Walter shook his head.
"He needs trust."
Charles laughed.
"Trust?"
"Yes."
"You think a horse can understand trust?"
Walter looked at him.
"You spent seventy thousand dollars on him and still don't understand him."
Charles's jaw tightened.
"Come with me."
Walter shook his head.
"No."
"I'll pay you."
"No."
"Five thousand."
Walter laughed.
"You could offer me fifty thousand."
"I just did."
"And I'm still saying no."
Charles stared at him.
"Why?"
Walter looked toward the hills.
"Because I don't work for men who think money can replace patience."
Charles's face hardened.
He turned away.
"Fine."
Then he stopped.
"Thunder won't last long."
Walter frowned.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean if he can't be trained, I'll have to get rid of him."
Walter stared.
"How?"
Charles didn't answer.
He got back into the SUV.
Walter watched the vehicle disappear.
That night, he couldn't sleep.
The next morning, Walter drove to Whitmore Ranch.
He had no appointment.
The guards almost refused him entry.
But Charles eventually agreed to see him.
Walter found Thunder in a large enclosed paddock.
The horse stood alone.
His coat was dirty.
There was a fresh scrape across his shoulder.