Pull The Trigger (Patreon)

(Start of TWD/ Story)

After: Who the Hell Signed me Up for this?

Part I
She's crazy, no matter which way Dustin Holt considered this offer laid out before him, there was no way it worked out well. But he had to admit the salary was enough to be comfortable for quite some time, as well as the housing, but was this job even worth it? He looked his could-be-boss up and down, she stared at him eagerly, her brown blue eyes shining with giddiness. You wouldn't think she just laid out the most absurd schedule for the first four months of the year to a man she hadn't even hired, 

"So let me get this straight, you want to fly out to Pennsylvania, tour the stables that are for sale, purchase land, ship you and your team out to go compete in this 'White Winter'-"

She interrupted him, "The White December!" 

"Right, so this white whatever, all while your entire farm is being moved THOUSANDS of miles, while also raising yearlings, a cattle herd, and... giant dogs" He finished, his emerald eyes narrowed on her as he rested his elbows on his knees, leaning forward to see if he could sniff out the bullshit if he got closer. 

"There's more like the-"

It was his turn to interrupt, "oh yes don't let me forget the giant -RIDEABLE- cat" He slammed back in his chair, his hand reaching to his face as he rubbed his eyes. Maybe he needed to clear some sleep or rub away the jet leg to see how this crazy red-head even intended to get this done. He had worked for busy places before, even places that were packing up and moving, but it took them a year of gradual transition to make the move. She wanted it done in a couple of months.

"Realistically," she started, her body language slumping, "And regrettably this should have been done years ago. I loved the modern construction style that made this equestrian center, and the extra barns and houses on the property were... they were perfect. But they're falling apart, just this month the bath tub in one of our riders, Riley, homes fell through the floor. In order to buy this place for the amount I spent, I had to accept its flaws. It was rebuilt cheaply for the sake of selling. I don't even know what we are doing here, it's damn near a desert and... Angell's Meadow needs a fresh start, I need a Fresh start" Allison could feel the tension in their conversation. She fully accepted to hear a 'No' From Dustin. 

She was asking for the impossible, while she had done her groundwork, she knew she couldn't lean on Hank to do it all for her. Furthermore, she was going to have to manage this herself. She needed a new grounds' manager, someone with experience in relocating large herds, but can also fill the role of handling upkeep on the specialty pastures and barns. There were a lot of complications that came with a farm that managed the stranger creatures. The complications only grew larger when you were driving them across the country to an entirely new coast. 

The goal at first was to open up a training location in the UK, an off branch of Angell's Meadow, that would make it much easier to compete overseas. But that plan fell through right around the time the porch of the Main cottage did. That happened last year, she was still stepping over the patch work fix. Many glasses of cheap wine and tears went into her ultimate decision to relocate the entire farm. This was supposed to be where she grew old, where memories were made, where generations developed. But without solid foundations, nothing like that was going to happen. 

So here she sat, nerves tangling her stomach into knots as she interviewed her last applicant. Everyone else had said no, and honestly she was surprised Dustin flew from England to interview in person despite her offering the over the phone option. He had said he needed to get a feel for the place as well as meet her in person to decide if this was his next stepping stone.  That alone had sold her on his employment, unlike most jobs, this one left her as the employer disadvantaged. 

"I'll do it" he said after a long pause looking at the warped floor boards beneath her desk, it was probably the next thing to fall through. 

"I understand thank you for co-.... wait you'll do it?!" Allie had been so wrapped in her own thoughts, she completely misheard him, "I mean, this is fantastic! Welcome to the team Dustin" She stood to shake his hand

"Just Dust is fine" He got to his feet, standing at least a foot taller than Allie to shake her hand. His long beard and rugged outer appearance definitely covered up the kind and thoughtful person that had now officially joined her team. The rest of their meeting was filled the boring paperwork, which Jessy took care of. Hank's ex-wife had always taken care of the back end side of things for the farm, thankfully so, Allie had no Idea how to file for health insurance under their LLC or any of that other boring managerial side of things. Dustin would start come October, giving him around a month to tie up loose ends in the UK and move to the US. Thankfully, parts of the immigration process had already been started since Dust had originally been looking for work in Texas. 

Part II

As the month slipped away, Allie spent time focusing on training her team. There was a lot that went into TWD training, Endurance was only one part of it, the horses were used to some extreme Temperatures that Nevada offered, hot summers and brutally cold winter nights, but being able to survive on less feed and the snow itself proved difficult training points. Her team was going to consist of two newer but very capable endurance competitors, Heartfelia her Obertaur and Chisio (who she affectionately called Cheese) were coming along. Rochal was her most experienced mare and was also going, her training was more upkeep rather than new concepts. This was going to be one of the hardest adventures of their lives, but Allie believed in them and was eager to prove to herself that she could do this, despite her nerves. 

While training went on, so did other stable activities, lessons, training, fighting Fjellfast out of the small pumpkin patch, And daily care for all the animals on the farm. But there was a charged air that hung over the farm like a morning mist. The day Dustin stepped onto the paved road was the day that all the hectic planning was officially going to start. For the next few weeks, the duffel bag that Dust had walked onto the farm with became what he lived out of. Allie had been packed and ready so that as soon as he arrived they were departing for another flight the next day, this time to Pennsylvania to tour locations. 

Farm after farm in the beautiful Eastern countryside were toured by the pair. It was easier to leave Hank, who was used to the daily norms of the stables, with the animals and to Bring Dustin with her to the farm touring. Thank goodness she did or else she might have ended up with another thing falling through some floor boards, like her desk eventually did. The duo spent about two weeks there, living out of their suitcases and bonding over parkinglot squabbles wether fries should be called fries or chips. But finally, the realtor brought them to the place they had been looking for. A large cobblestone house  was at the entrance to an expansive property. Hidden behind the autumn colors was a gem of a farm on more land than one person should be allowed to own. There was a portion of the Susquehanna River running through the property, creeks taced through the acerage, and big eagle mountain was their neighbor. 

On the property, new construction would have to be done, but the Farmhouse was well maintained, old but in better condition then her current home. Along the property was a campsite dotted with small cabins for employees. Unfortunately there was less homes than would be needed for all the staff but there was plenty of cleared land and even a foundation or two to build on and expand. There was two barns on the property, a small red barn that had been transformed into roomy hay storage, and a massive barn with beautiful brick work stalls. there was definitely not enough established buildings on the property but the moment Dust and Allie hiked up the mountain and looked over the property, Allie knew she was home. Much to the dismay of Dust who argued about the lack of established foundations on this farm. They would need a new indoor areana, multiple outdoor arenas to hold space for all the riders on the farm, the Tokotas would need a new facility, and, and , and, the list went on. This was not a farm established with raising Pegasus in mind let alone giant dogs, a racing, ridable, cat, or any of the other crazy creatures on the farm. 

Dust had a long road ahead of him, thankfully Allie, if anything was a business woman and eagerly worked out payment for the new land, She would be able to keep their Nevada farm for the time being while the transfer was done. Dust had until April to get all the animals a place to start up here, from pegasus to Kelpie there needed to be a place for them to safely eat their hay and rest their head. 

There was many changes coming for Angell's Meadow, this journey would be hard, especially for all the members of the team, but Allie was sure, tucked along this river and hidden in the green countryside, it would all start here, on new foundations. 

Part III

October came and went, As did most of November. Allie was excited and eager to leave the Nevada farmstead and its falling apart infrastructure, the disaster of the month didn't fall through this time, but rather shot upward and out  as the lower pastures became flooded when a large portion of pipe underground bursted. a giant nasty mess of mud and water coated the once grassy field. The fillys in that pasture made a game of the mud, seeing just who could get the most disgusting. 

As Allie nursed her headache that morning she was surprised by a call, Dust answered her on the other end, 

"Morning Miss, how's your morning" He asked, he even sounded tired, but Allie wouldn't point that out knowing it was her own doing. 
"Muddy... the uh lower pastures flooded, you wouldn't happen to have any news to fight off this stress headache?" she questioned playfully, she wasn't holding her breath. 
"Actually I do, I was able to get those contractors you sent my way to approve the job. Everything's got a start date and it's looking like the barn's touch up will be done here in a week. It was surprisingly sturdy and well maintained considering it's age. But it's been updated with all the new bells and whistles you wanted. Not to mention we got that patch of grazing land manageable to support the cattle herds anytime you want to ship them out to Bjorn" 

That had been a random call for Allie, considering Pennsylvania's closeness to Kentucky, she decided, why not two birds one stone? Purchasing a ranch there from a girl who just desperately wanted to head to the big city and had been left far too long with her familys old dreams. That was going to be where they sent the Thoroughbreds and built the new training track rather than trying to level land in the mountain hill of her new property. She hated the extra stress this put on Bjorn, their jockey/thoroughbred manager/employee that really needed some time off, but she promised him a nice long vacation once she could hire a manager for the Kentucky land as well. 

It felt like there was more money going out the door than in these days but these changes needed to be done in order to give her staff and her animals a better life, 

"I can't thank you enough for your hard work Dust" 

"Your paycheck does your thanking, I'll see you out here in a week yeah?" he asked and she took a moment to shuffle her calendars around. Circled in bright red marker was "TWD!!!!!!", which meant she would be taking her team across the states, to spend some days at the new PA farm and then shipping out to Hungary. Usually on long trips like this Allie would go with Hank, but he had enough on his shoulders these days to keep any man busy. So Falco would be going with Allie and helping her take the horses from Nevada to PA, to Hungary. He was more than excited for this opportunity and it would be a huge step up for him and his role at the farm. Plus Allie always had a soft spot for Falco, she knew how hard his parent's divorce was on him, but was glad to see him flourishing with Riley on the farm. This wouldn't be his first trip out of the States, but it would be one of the biggest he had ever done. 

"Yeahp, I will be leaving in a few days with Falco... Hopefully that leak gets fixed" She made a noise with her mouth that sounded like she was 'tut tut' ing the Nevada property as she shouldered her phone to her ear, "You will have the stalls set for horses when we get there right? I think the rest of the equipment we need for Hungary has been sent as well" 

"Everything got here and I made sure your saddles were sent out to that number you sent me, he said he should have any repair work done by tomorrow" some rumbles of a truck hauling down the gravel road became audible, "Damn, alright, The contractors are here so I'll see you soon. Good luck"

"See ya" Allie rushed out just before the line disconnected. Her head slumped to her desk, so much to do, such little time. Was this trip really a good idea considering all that would be going on? No, but also yes, she needed this. She had something to prove in those mountains, she didn't need anyone to see it but she had to find a piece of herself out there that had been long hidden behind mountains of paper work and regrets. She was going to do this right. 

The trip with the horses went surprisingly easy, probably due to the older mare Rochal, she was a blessing to the herd. Her easy manner set a tone that even the youngsters could understand, calm down and everything will be okay. Falco was also a blessing as he easily hopped out the truck every night to rest the horses while Allie worked out their lodging. So by the time that they pulled up the driveway of the new "Angell's Meadow" Allie was eagerly waiting for the other shoe to drop, where was all the turmoil and strife she always came to expect from these things? 

She smiled as she saw Dust, hands in his pockets, leaning against the brick wall of the refurbished barn. It didn't need much work, just a good cleaning, some stall expansions, new automatic waterers, that sort of thing. It was late by the time that they pulled in so letting the horses into their stalls, feeding, and heading to bed was the primary concern. For the time being the main house, and it's 5 bed rooms, were the main location on the farm, dust stayed there while he waited for the cabins to be redone and tonight Falco and Allie shared the warm house with him. 

It was old on the outside, the cobbled walls covered in Lichen and moss in places, the windows needed new paint, and the stairs could use a little TLC but on the inside it was a freshly redone home. The new kitchen had stainless steel appliances and opened up into a vaulted ceiling, open floor plan diningroom living room situation. The bedrooms were large and the office had windows looking out along the gravel road and sprawling white-wash fencing, that also needed TLC, but all the pieces would be put together soon enough. 

Come the morning Falco was out of the house early to work with the horses while Allie caught up on some sleep she had deseperately needed. While the drills and mechanical noises stirred her awake around 12 pm it was still a more peaceful sleep than she had had in the nevada farm in months. Probably due partly to the past months of sweltering heat in summer, to the every morning stress she had walking out her door lately. At the foot of her bed, Well more so the bottom half of her bed was her dog Burlap. he was Sprawled out and snoring probably louder than she had. In a spare of the moment decision she decided to take her Karakachan dog with her. He was more happy in the snow than anywhere else and had worked just as hard as anyone on the farm, even in the heat he despised. She knew with him she would feel safer in the deep snow of TWD. 

Allie had one goal in mind today, practice for a skill she hadn't used in quite some time. So after emails, coffee, and checking on the animals she shouldered her old hunting rifle and walked along the trail to the makeshift shooting range Dust had assembled for her. She held the rifle to her shoulder, breathing deeply as her eyes found the iron sights. She had to make sure this rifle wouldn't jam, and that she felt comfortable with it on the journey she was making. Not to mention practice her aim because while she knew how to shoot it wasn't something she found herself doing often. The first one running out to check for a predator was usually Hank, so she had grown comfortable not having to sling the rifle over her shoulder in the dead of night to go check on foals or calves. 

her breath was visible in front of her and all was quiet until the snap of a stick nearly made her jump out of her skin, it was dust, "Afternoon sleepy head" He said with a smirk on his face. She rolled her eyes but pointed at his shotgun, 

"A brit, with a gun?" She asked, an eyebrow raised. He motioned to the area with his chin, very obviously hinting at the expansive wilderness around them,  
"If it's between me and a cougar, it's gunna be me" he stated with confidence. Allie just snorted but went back to perfecting her posture. Pulling the trigger on the target as soon as she felt she was lined up. A miss. She scoffed, steadying her breath and her shaking hands, pulling the trigger again, another miss. 

"Fuck," She muttered under her breath. 

"You know for a woman who has me running around like a chicken with my head cut off, it makes me feel better knowing your ducks aren't quite in a row either" Dust walked up to her, shouldering the shotgun and firing at a closer target, hitting it first try. "And for an American It's a little disappointing to see you out-shot by a Brit" 

She knew he was teasing her but she couldn't help but feel bitterness burn in her stomach, "Yeah... well just rusty is all" she said, trying her luck again at another target. Another miss following right after the trigger pull. 

"This Winter wonderland-" 

"White December" she corrected again,  

"Yeah, this thing means a lot to you right?" 

"It does... I just... Heartfelia worked so hard getting that OAG cerification, Tavia Showed Chisio for me when she was supposed to be having time off, and Rochal well... this is her world,it is what she is best at" 

"I know some about the horses but Miss Haven, you are missing the point, yes you have the team behind you, but you are pulling the trigger on this for yourself. There's something you need to sort out up there" He motioned to her head with his gloved hand. 

"That obvious is it?" She chuckled, catching a snowflake on her own glove and watching it melt, "I... I need to remember who I am Dust, I need to remember why I even started this place to begin with. We have lost so much and have worked through so much. I just... I feel like maybe it wasn't worth it, that I wasn't worth it, That I don't cut it doing what I am." She looked up at him, guilt flooding in immediately, "I'm sorry that wasn't very profe-" 

he cut her off, "I got tired of working for men who knew exactly where they wanted to be, for women who never thought about her horses achievements only her own, for people so far up their own asses they couldn't look behind them to even once consider, it wasn't all about them" He walked over, motioning for Allie to kneel, helping her bury the stock of the gun into her shoulder, lifting her elbow here, moving her wrist there. He positioned her and stepped back, "You do this for us all the time, so just for once, pull that trigger for yourself" 

She didn't miss.