Buckskin Bandit by Dandi Daley Mackall Page B

better make a quick getaway,” I whispered, setting down my tray of muffins.
    I’d almost made it to the door when Dad shouted across the room, “Winnie! Better bring out a pitcher of water!”
    â€œWait here,” I whispered to Kaylee.
    But three water pitchers and a bag of Oreos later, I wasn’t any closer to freedom. I’d have to level with Dad.
    He was talking with a broad, black-haired woman, who reminded me of a Morgan horse. I had to tap on Dad’s arm to make him see me. “Dad, Kaylee’s here. We’re going to Happy Trails to check on Bandit.”
    â€œNot tonight, honey.” He turned back to Morgan Woman.
    â€œDad? We won’t be long. Just leave everything. I’ll clean up when I get back.”
    Dad leaned down and gave me eye contact this time. “Winnie, Lizzy needs you tonight.”
    There were a hundred answers that came to my mind. All of them would have gotten me in trouble.
    I stormed back to Kaylee, bumping as many guests as I could on the way.
    â€œI can’t go. I’m sorry, Kaylee.” I glared back at Dad, but he was laughing with Lizzy and Morgan Woman.
    â€œDon’t worry about it,” Kaylee said. “I’ll just run out there and say good night to Bandit.”
    â€œWell, be careful. And tomorrow, right after the horse birthday party, we can give Bandit a long lesson.”
    I watched Kaylee go and wished more than anything that I could escape with her. Instead, I grabbed a tray of ugly muffins and hit the living room.
    Principal Russell reached for a muffin as I walked by. He frowned at it, then put it back. “You must be pretty happy for your little sister. Quite an honor to go to State. Are you excited about going to Columbus tomorrow?”
    â€œI’m sure Lizzy will do great,” I said. And I was sure. Lizzy would probably come home with first prize. “I’m not going to Columbus, though.”
    â€œWhat?” Dad turned around, breaking off his conversation with Lizzy’s teacher and Madeline. “Of course you’re going, Winnie! Lizzy needs our support.”
    â€œDad, did you forget what tomorrow is?” I hated arguing in front of the principal. “Hawk and Sal and everybody are coming over in the morning with their horses. For a party. Remember?”
    â€œThat’s right,” Dad said. “I forgot. We’ll just have to make it for another day, honey. Okay? I can’t have a party here if I’m not home to supervise. We’ll do it right—maybe next Saturday?”
    I could feel my blood ready to overflow in hot, red lava. “Dad, it’s all planned.”
    Hawk walked up without a sound.
    â€œYou can plan it for another day,” Dad insisted. “Right, Hawk?”
    â€œBut that’s not fair!” I said it loud enough that heads turned. “You don’t even need me in Columbus.”
    â€œThat may be true, Winnie,” Dad answered.
    It wasn’t the answer I wanted. I wanted him to protest, to say, “Are you kidding, Winnie? Lizzy and I both need you!”
    But Dad didn’t say that. He pretended to smile, even though he had to know he wasn’t fooling any of the people trying not to witness our family. “This discussion is over. There will be no party here while I am out of town.”
    â€œBut—”
    â€œWinnie, will you please go make more coffee?” Dad said it through his teeth. Translated, it meant, Winnie, don’t you dare pull a temper tantrum on me in front of all these people.
    â€œCome on, Winnie.” Hawk took my arm and led me away. “I’ll call everybody. We can do the party next week. Or the week after that?”
    But I wasn’t listening. Blood was rushing through my ears. I had a lot more to say to my dad. And I didn’t care who heard me.
    â€œDad? Could you come here a minute?” Lizzy called from the workshop.
    Dad sprung up from the