Russell lived in a quiet town on the outskirts of Austin, Texas, a place where time seemed to move a little slower. He was a familiar face around town, known for running the horse-riding school his family had owned for generations.

Right now, he was out in the paddock, tossing hay into the troughs while keeping an eye on a group of young riders practicing in the arena. His niece was helping adjust a boy’s saddle while his nephew led a horse back to the stables. Russell wiped the sweat from his brow, leaning on the pitchfork for a moment.