Risky Business
Copyright 1998 Ginger Johnson
All Rights Reserved

"Cool it, Ris!" Kelli muttered under her breath, yanking the bit away from the chestnut stallion. Her shoulders were screaming and they had yet to take a jump.

The horse half reared. A strong pull on the reins and a quick jab of spurs brought him down. Kelli knew she was crazy, but it was the championships and the ranch needed the $10,000 first prize.

"Number 13, Risky Business, owned and ridden by Kelli Andrews." The loudspeaker blared.

She took a deep breath, and nudged the stallion forward.

"Kel, he looks nasty." The lanky blond manning the gate eyed the stallion.

"Tim, when does he look nice?"

"Are you sure about this, Kel?"

"Just open the damn gate." Grim-faced, she felt the tension coiling within the massive body beneath her.

The reins slid in Kelli's sweat-laden hands. Taking advantage, the stallion leaped through the small hole opened up in front of him, knocking Tim aside.

Kelli fought to regain control. Aware it was a losing battle, she lined Ris up to the first fence. If she could just keep enough control to get him pointed at the right fences.

* * *

"Mrs. Andrews? My name is Dr. Lars. Your daughter's case has been referred to me." The doctor spoke in a crisp voice. He'd talked to too many parent in similar circumstances.

"Yes, Doctor. How is she?" The mother always seemed to be the one to ask the questions.

"Mrs. Andrews, your daughter took a very serious fall. She has fluid collecting in her spinal sac. We need to go in and drain the fluid."

"Of course, whatever. What do we need to sign?" The mother interrupted, holding onto the male at her side.

"Mrs. Andrews, I must warn you this surgery is not without risks. She could end up paralyzed."

"And if she doesn't have the surgery?"

"The pressure will more than likely continue to build and put pressure on the spinal cord that she will probably end up paralyzed."

"Our Kel is a risk taker. She would want us to take the chance. Please go ahead, we'll sign the release."

"The surgery will take approximately three hours. I'll let you know how it went as soon as it's done." After a nod from the mother, he went back through the doors marked Authorized Personnel Only.

The couple looking older than their years turned to the nurses' station.