Stolen Hearts

Sara chewed on her nails, thinking what to do. Every nerve screamed that Denby, her beloved thoroughbred was in danger. Her immediate instinct was to drive to the barn and check to see if her horse was safe; but, what if Derrick was there? He had threatened her before. It was early in the morning, she would have no protection.
She had no choice – she had to take the risk….
Horses paced in their stalls; some whinnied for their food. Her mouth was dry and her heart beat so fast, she felt dizzy. She ran her hands over the wall searching for the light switch. She knew it was here somewhere. Beginning to panic, she kept searching with her hands. Finally she found it and flipped a switch. Lights blazed, blinding her for a second. She squinted, adjusting her eyes, and then let out a stunned gasp. Instead of seeing her prized horse, she had stumbled across an unmoving heap in the middle of the aisle. As she moved closer, dread filled her heart. Dear God it was Ryan. She dropped the whip and ran to him, hearing a weak groan.
“Ryan what happened?” She touched his head, trying to make him more comfortable, her hand felt sticky. She looked at her hand and the side of his head -- blood.
“Denby,” he managed to say. “I tried to stop them.”
Sara looked up at Denby’s stall.
Denby must be here somewhere.