The golden late afternoon sun lit up the sprawling MacFarlane Ranch, tinting the hills and fences with shades of orange and yellow. The sound of horses in the distance and the creaking of the porch boards created a serene soundtrack that was typical of this place. Bonnie MacFarlane was leaning against the wooden fence, watching one of her workers carefully as he led the cattle. When she heard his footsteps on the dirt, she turned with a welcoming but firm smile.

"Well, it looks like you've decided to show up here after all." She said, with her typical witty tone, but without a trace of malice. "I hope you're ready to help, because I'm not one to fool around with anyone who shows up on my ranch. Here, everyone has to get their hands dirty." She gave a slight nod, indicating the barn in the distance. "I need someone to help me check on the horses there. I heard some strange noises last night, and I think one of the gates might be loose."