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Katherine stepped up. "Mr. Frost, I need to speak with you." He started to walk past her, but she moved in front of him. "After insulting me in front of the entire staff, you aren't going to dismiss me. I have no idea what you have against me."

She fingered her necklace. "My marital status is none of your business, but I'm not wearing a wedding ring because I'm widowed. I'm a mother of four young sons and work full time. I don't have time for any relationship and have no desire to start one."

Mr. Frost attempted to walk away.

Stepping in front of him again, Katherine continued, "Again, this is none of your business but I graduated from Cornell University with honors so, yes, I know my subject."

She inhaled a deep breath. "As for Coach Hudson, he was nice enough to show me where the cafeteria was. I've never been in this building before today. My suggestion: if you don't know what you're talking about keep your mouth shut."

As she walked away, the remaining staff members applauded her.

Under his breath Mr. Frost muttered, "If she graduated with honors, she slept her way through college."

Katherine turned and raised her hand to slap him.

Gabriel walked up behind her and held her hand. "Don't do it. He deserves it, but he'll bring charges. As a new teacher, you don't need that. I promise it'll be handled."

"I don't need anyone fighting my battles."

Gabriel grinned. "I'm sure you don't, but this may be bigger than you." He left.

Katherine sighed. How could I possibly be involved in anything? I just arrived to town five days ago.


TODAY'S POST:

Chapter 3 part 1

Katherine and Daisy left the house at four-thirty for an early morning run. "Great morning for a run." She petted the dog's head.

After about twenty-five minutes into the run, Gabriel and Reggie ran toward them. He tightened his hold on the large dog's leash and held it up. "I have my vicious dog under control."

Reggie looked at his master and wagged his tail.

As she ran in place, she pulled Daisy closer. "I'm glad."

"This is a pretty peaceful town, but you shouldn't run alone in the dark. It could be dangerous for a female."

"I have Daisy." As an alarm sounded, she checked her watch. "I'd better get back. I wouldn't want Jordan to be late for practice. I've heard the coach is a stickler about punctuality."

Gabriel chuckled. "You heard right. He's a real disciplinarian." He paused and then motioned the sidewalk she came from. "You live that way?"

She swallowed. "I do."

"I'm going that way. Is it okay if I join you? I'm worried about your safety."

"I guess."

As they headed toward her home, Gabriel asked, "Do you run every morning at this time?" When she didn't answer, he continued, "If you're worried about what Frost said, I'm not hitting on you. He's a jerk." He stopped. "To be honest I only care about a winning football team. If we win the division this year, it'll be my fifth in a row. I'm hoping for my first state title."

She began to walk. "Did you take over after Dad died?"

"Nope, they hired a coach, but he didn't make it the full year."

"What brought you here?"

He studied her. "You don't know me, do you?" After she shook her head, he grinned. "That's refreshing, but I'm surprised the daughter of a famous coach doesn't know football."

"I do know football. While growing up it consumed my family's life. I wanted to get as far from it as possible, but as you can tell I've lost the battle with my boys."

"I'm Gabriel Hudson, number 55. I played for the Texans from 2005 until 2016."

"So you were a defensive lineman. Why'd you leave?"

He slightly raised his below-knee-length shorts, revealing two large surgery scars.

She sighed. "A knee injury."

He nodded. "I was getting too old, anyway. Each year the body complained more and more."

"So you became a high school coach. Why here?"

"I grew up here. I played for your dad and then went to UT. I majored in, go figure, PE."

"A true jock. I'm glad you didn't tax your brain," she teased. She stood on the sidewalk in front of her house. "This is it. Thank you for the escort."

Gabriel pointed. "Not a problem. The high school's only three blocks straight and then two off to the right." He paused. "Are you stopping for coffee on your way to work?"

"I usually do. I'll take Jordan, get ready, and then get the boys ready for Grandma's."

"You have a busy morning."

"Not as busy as my mom. She'll bring them back this afternoon in time to get Joshua to practice at the middle school. Jordan can work in my room, until time for his second practice. I just have to remember to get him lunch. I almost forgot yesterday. He should be packing his breakfast now and then eat in my room."

"I'll make you a deal. This week if you'll stop by and get me two large black coffees, I'll make sure you and Jordan get lunch." He checked his watched. "We'll discuss details later."

Katherine shook her head. "Deal, but you shoved your way in, again."

He motioned for Reggie to come. "I told you. It's my specialty." He turned and paused. "I like the way you stood up to Frost yesterday." After hesitating, he added, "His problem isn't with you. He just took it out on you. Paul, Mr. Edwards, will handle him."

Katherine watched him jog. He's an interesting man. Most jocks aren't caring.

Jordan called from the porch, "Mom, you didn't just run with Coach, did you?"

"Not really, but sort of. Daisy and I went for a run, and we just happened to meet up. It was actually strange." She shook her head. "Did you pack yourself breakfast?" After he nodded, she continued, "I'll put Daisy inside, get my purse, and then we'll leave."

On the way to the SUV, she asked, "What did you pack?"

"Two sandwiches, a banana, and an apple. Oh yea, couple pieces of cheese, two bottles of Gator Ade, and two blueberry muffins. Think that'll hold me over until lunch? What's lunch anyway?"

"Good question. I'll worry about that later. Did you remember to pack a change of clothes?" She stopped at the door. "Did you wake up Joshua and let him know we're leaving?"

"MOM?"

"Just checking. That's what Mom's do." She backed out of the driveway. Once Jordan was at football practice, Katherine showered and dressed, and then got the other boys up and fixed their breakfast.

After she threw the paper plates in the trash, she glanced at her watch. "We're on track. Do you guys have what you want to take to Grandma's?" She glanced at Joshua. "What time does your practice start?"

"Four o'clock."

"Grandma, will take you and then bring the other two here. She'll stay until I get home. I think this'll work." She ran her fingers through Jeremy's hair. "Behave yourself. You hear?"

He giggled.

Katherine bit her lower lip. "I was afraid of that. Let's load up."

"Can Daisy come?" asked Jeremy

"All right. Maybe she'll help you behave. We need to get going."


Is 'New Horizon's' too much of a cliche for a title?



CHARACTERS:

Katherine Riley: age 33 - widowed: husband died 6 months ago. She moved to Texas from NYC with her four sons.

Daisy: Katherine's yellow Labrador

Gabriel Hudson: more information later, owner of a very large English Mastiff

Reggie: a very large English Mastiff

Jeremy: Katherine's six year old son. He's in first grade.

Jordan: Katherine's fifteen year old son. He's a sophomore.

Paul Edwards: High School principal and Gabriel's friend.

Rodney Frost: Math department head, at least for now.