HIS FIRST LADY(SANDRO MARCOS)

Chapter 24: Bullseye

I sit in the medical tent, lost in my thoughts. After a quick discussion, the medical staff decided that a trip to the hospital wasn't necessary, though they warned me to head to the ER immediately if I experience any new pain.

True to my word to Mr. Carter, I stay put in the tent. One of the medics turned on the radio, giving me some music to drown out my intrusive thoughts—especially those circling around Sandro and Ash.

Thankfully, the crackle of the loudspeaker saves me from spiraling further.

"If I could have your attention, please," Mr. Carter's voice comes through. "Allow me the pleasure of announcing today's mounted shooting competition winner. Yes, that's right. Gather around."

From where I'm sitting, I can only see the fields, not the ceremony taking place at the clubhouse. Determined to get a better view, I grab onto the chair beside me and force myself to stand. I hobble more than walk, my ankle still throbbing despite the painkillers, but I eventually make it to the edge of the tent with a clear line of sight to the clubhouse.

Up there, Mr. Carter is addressing the crowd. "The winner of today's event is... Representative Marcos. Would you please come forward?"

Sandro steps out from the crowd, applause following him as he makes his way toward the stage. Some people clap, while others step aside to give him room.

"Perhaps you noticed many of the targets had holes clean through the bullseye," Mr. Carter continues. "That's because Representative Marcos, who was in the first group, hit his marks before anyone else even had a chance."

So, Sandro was the one who nailed those targets. I had wondered...

"And it's also thanks to his sharp shooting that today's unfortunate incident didn't turn into a tragedy. Representative Marcos saved a life today," Mr. Carter adds. "I can't think of anyone more deserving of this honor."

Sandro is nearly at the stage when Ash suddenly appears beside him. Without hesitation, she throws her arms around him in a tight hug. He responds by wrapping an arm around her waist.

A sharp pang hits my chest, which I quickly recognize as jealousy. But what right do I have to feel that way? Yes, Sandro and I shared a night together, but that doesn't tie us to each other. Besides, I'm still married—and there are countless other reasons why we can't be together.

Sandro is free to date and hug whoever he wants.

Still, I can't bear to watch anymore. I turn away, considering going back to my spot in the medical tent, but I hesitate. The mix of my physical pain and swirling thoughts is almost unbearable. I need a distraction... but what?

I scan the area until my eyes land on the stables. Is Sparkle Heart okay?

Deciding to check on her, I begin the slow, painful trek toward the stables. I nearly stumble on the slight hill between the field and the stables, but a flailing of my arms keeps me upright. Inside the stables, most of the horses are being fed, and there's Sparkle Heart, safe and sound in her paddock. She looks as exhausted as I feel, which makes sense after the day we've had.

I spot a bag of sugar cubes nearby, grab a couple, and walk over to Sparkle Heart. She whinnies softly, recognizing me.

"It's alright, girl," I murmur, offering her a treat on my open palm. She eagerly gobbles it up, and I gently pat her neck. "You did good today, getting yourself out of danger. We're both safe now. Get some rest."

Even though she seems okay, I climb into her paddock to inspect her more closely. Apart from being tired, she's fine—thank God. Everything could have gone so much worse.

But thoughts of the boar still nag at me. Where did it come from?

As wild as it was, it could have wandered onto the country club grounds by chance, even though it's not a local species. Maybe it escaped from someone's farm or wandered in from the woods. Still, I can't shake the feeling that there's more to this.

The country club staff took all the usual precautions to prevent something like this. How did such a crazed animal get past those safeguards? It certainly wasn't stealthy as it barreled through the woods.

I notice a stable hand nearby, someone I recognize as one of the long-time staff members. I think his name is James, though I can't recall his last name. He's at the far end of the stable, tidying up and organizing equipment.

Leaving Sparkle Heart behind, I head over to him.

He looks up as I approach. "Oh, Rafha. It's good to see you up and about. When Sparkle Heart came back without a rider, well... we feared the worst."

I thank him for his concern but quickly change the subject. "James, have you ever heard of wild boars in this area?"

"This is the first time I've heard of one around here," he replies. "We always keep an ear out for things like that. Boars can be hell on lawns—they dig to eat. Nasty creatures." He pauses, eyes widening slightly. "Pardon my language, ma'am."

"That boar almost killed me," I say. "I'd say 'nasty creature' is putting it lightly."

James grins. "Yes, ma'am."

So, there have been no reports of wild boars nearby, and if there had been, the staff would've noticed the damage to the grass.

"James, did you see anything unusual today?" I ask, unsure what I'm even looking for.

"There was one thing, but I might be misremembering," he says hesitantly.

Even a false lead is better than nothing, so I urge him to go on.

"You remember how the guests were bringing in their horses on trailers all morning?" he asks. When I nod, he continues, "I was helping with that, keeping track of names and assigning trailers. That sort of thing."

I recall how confident he was when the position was suggested, and as far as I know, he did a great job.

"Well, here's the strangest part," James says. "I was counting everything up, making sure the numbers matched... and I swear I counted more trailers than horses."