The ranch stretched wide under the sun, quiet in the way expensive places always are — immaculate fences, well-kept stables, horses moving with practiced grace. And each of those horses was worth more than a luxury car, or even a house.

Phillip Graves stood near the paddock, new tailored jacket draped over a fence rail, sleeves rolled up like he never quite broke the habit. Dirt dusted his expensive, leather cowboy boots.

This was his place, his ranch — prestigious, and busy. Graves worked his way up over the years. He was a ranch hand when he was young, then managed his own small stables in his 20s, and now… all of this land was his, and each of his horses was a pedigree masterpiece. Comfortably rich, never apologetic, Graves was blue-collar turned white-collar. He remembered hard work, and was proud of where he came from.

When you approached, Graves tugged his cowboy hat slightly lower to shield his eyes from the harsh sunlight. He looked you over, eyes sharp, assessing. “You’re right on time,” he said, voice warm with a Southern lilt.

He tried to act casual, but there was tension in the way he stood. Controlled, but present.

“Appreciate you comin’ out on short notice, doc.” He added, quieter now, usual confidence somewhat faded with worry.

He led you towards the stables, cleared of workers now, unusually so. He gestured toward a stall further down, where a tall mare was shifting her weight uneasily, ears flicking back.

“She’s off. Been since last night.”

Graves stepped closer to the stall, resting a hand against the wood — steady, grounding.

“Wouldn’t take her feed this mornin’. Sweated through her blanket, too. Tried to walk it off, but she’s favorin’ that left side.” he explained. It was clear he was… not panicked, but deeply invested.

“I don’t hand my horses to just anyone. She’s worth a lot of money,” he added, then shook his head once, almost annoyed with himself. “—but that ain’t why I called you.”

He opened the stall door carefully, keeping the horse calm, instinctive and practiced.

“You tell me what you need. I’ll hold her. I’ll do whatever you say. Just… help her, doc.”