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Carmen woke to the sound of a bird outside their camper Hopefully this was the day that they would see the wild horses They would have to take the van down the road about five miles to the base of a butte Froe point where they could look down on a spring with a pool of water where the horses drank

They were going to leave Jonathan to watch the other children on the first trip Alex didn't want Jonathan to go until they were sure of the location He would go with Alex the next time and Carmen would stay with the children

Jonathan wasn't crazy about the idea, but he accepted it well enough He washim to drive Jonathan often drove the truck around on the faret his provisional license for another year, but he could drive if a licensed driver over the age of 21 ith hiular license, he would be experienced enough to pass the test

Alex was quiet when Carmen pulled the van away froain If she had known he would be this miserable, she would have left hi, but he would, thatto be happy about it When Alex wasn't happy, she wasn't going to be either The children were enjoying the trip, but they'd probably be as happy caot to see what he wanted, and that was all that reallyto leave tomorrohether they saw the horses or not

She parked the van where Mrs Anderson had indicated and got out Alex hung a small pair of binoculars from a cord around his neck, and started up the hill Caro learned to accept the fact that he was going to "protect" her whether or not she wanted or needed his protection

It was early and theunder a Palo Verde tree and when she peered to see what it was, a bird ran out and across to a bush She caught her breath

"It's a roadrunner!"

Alex nodded, continuing the cli the sound When he spoke, his voice sounded tired "We have them in Arkansas too"