The Search For Drake Whitney

By Kendra Gale

Adelaide can hold her own in a world dominated by men. Orphaned as a baby and cared for by famous outlaw Drake Whitney, Adelaide learned early how to survive in wild country.
When Drake disappears, Adelaide will do whatever it takes to find the only family she has even known. The search is going to take all the skills Drake taught her, and a few Adelaide learned on her own.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kendra Gale
• Release date: Apr 15, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476455969

Kendra Gale

Kendra Gale travels with a chihuahua in her purse, a Miniature Horse in her van, and always wears mismatched socks. She watches every Calgary Flames hockey game, dreams of one day owning a goat, and is very likely to talk your ear off if you mention anything to do with horses.

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The Search For Drake Whitney

Copyright 2012 Kendra Gale

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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Chapter One

Adelaide glanced at the sun. There was just a few more hours of daylight but that should be plenty to make it to Dumas. She absently touched the letter in her shirt pocket, then pushed the thought away, just as she had so many times through weeks of travel. Drake would be in Dumas. He had never let her down, not in her entire memory, and if he wrote that he was going to meet her, he would meet her. Something had delayed him, that was all. She patted Sky’s sleek neck as she rode, lost in thought.

Too late she heard the hoof beats. Cursing herself for not paying attention, Adelaide watched as three men rode over the edge of the hill towards her, one of them leading a saddled buckskin horse. Each rider wore two pistols and a rifle, and they had a rough, unkempt look. They rode horses that rivaled the quality of Adelaide’s roan, and such horses were in short supply. The men who could buy these horses should be able to afford better clothing. And a bath. They stopped and spread out across the trail in front of her.

Well … well … well … The man in the center was the first to speak, his grimy face contorted into a leer that displayed some missing teeth. What have we here?

The youngest of the three laughed and took off his battered black hat to run a hand through his shock of blond hair. She’s wearing trousers! I never did see a proper woman in trousers before!

The third man was tall and gaunt. Maybe she ain’t proper. After all, someone’s left her here all by herself.

Adelaide said nothing, waiting. The leader cast an appraising look at Sky. Now boys, this girl looks to be all alone! The neighbourly thing would be to invite her to ride along with us!

Why thank you, Mister … Adelaide kept her voice soft and friendly.

The outlaw tipped his hat. I’m Jack Rather ma’am, a pleasure to meet you.

Mr. Rather. I certainly appreciate the offer, but I seem to be going in the opposite direction and I wouldn’t want to inconvenience you.

No trouble a tall! Would be a pleasure to help out a pretty little thing such as yourself. Jack Rather leaned forward, evidently trying to look reassuring, but mostly looking sick. Where are you headed?

Dumas. Adelaide nodded in the direction they’d just come from, curious how far they’d push things.

Rather shook his head. Now Miss Adelaide, Dumas is no place for a young lady such as yourself. It’s a rough town, best steer clear, we’d be pleased to put you up at our place overnight …

How do you know my name?

Rather opened his mouth, then closed it again, and looked at first one man, then the other. You told me. He said finally, without conviction.

No sir, I didn’t. Why don’t you want me to go to Dumas? Adelaide kept her tone conversational.

I told you, it’s no place for a young lady. Rather stepped his horse forward. My place ain’t far, we’ll be there before sundown, we’ll take good care of you and that fine stud horse of yours. He had a greedy look in his eyes, and Adelaide wasn’t sure if it was aimed at her or at Sky.

I think I’ll take my chances. She stepped Sky forward, to see how they’d respond. Instantly they closed ranks, blocking her path. Adelaide pulled up and backed off a few steps to give herself some room. Who sent you to stop me?

Why Miss Adelaide, stop you? Jack Rather really was a terrible actor. We’re here to help you, to keep you safe! He spread his hands wide, and the other men grinned broadly.

Someone had sent them to stop her, that’s how they’d known her name. Something to do with Drake. Adelaide thought, then forced her mind back to more pressing issues. She needed an advantage, badly.

Mr. Rather, Adelaide gave him a warm smile. I appreciate your concern for my wellbeing, thank you for your offer. She turned as though to go back up the trail, her gun hand away from them, then stopped. Who did you say asked you to stop me? She spun Sky back to face them, drawing her Colt as she moved, so that she faced them with the pistol in her hand.

The three outlaws sat, dumbfounded, for a moment, then the skinny one to Rather’s right reached for his pistol and Adelaide put a bullet through his shoulder. He dropped the gun and reeled in the saddle as Adelaide turned her attention to Rather. He blinked, his head turning from Adelaide to the wounded man. There was a movement in the trees alongside the trail and Adelaide adjusted her hold on her weapon. She should’ve known they’d have an insurance policy.

Tell your man to come out with his hands up, or you’re the one I shoot next, and this time I aim to kill.

He’s not my man. Adelaide raised her eyebrows and her gun. Rather raised his hands a little higher. I swear, I don’t have anyone else here.

Adelaide backed Sky up ten feet, keeping the pistol leveled at Rather as a solid, square, dusty cowboy walked out of the trees. He looked very relaxed for someone who was walking into the middle of a gunfight.

I don’t even know him! Rather said quickly. He’s not with me.

Sorry to interrupt ma’am. the newcomer said, I can see you have everything under control, but that’s my buckskin horse young Sandy is leading, and I’d sure like it back. He grinned at Adelaide and drew his gun in one smooth movement.

I did spare a thought as to why their extra horse came complete with saddle and saddlebags. Adelaide addressed the outlaws. If you gentlemen would be so good as to drop your weapons, then this gentleman wouldn’t need to feel jumpy when he comes over there to reclaim his horse.

Now Miss Adelaide, don’t you believe him! Rather hesitated as he puzzled out a story. We found this here horse, Another pause. wandering the prairie and just took it along with us, Another pause. hoping to find his rightful owner. He finished with a grin, evidently pleased with his explanation. Not a quick thinker, Jack Rather.

And now you’ve found him! Adelaide infused her voice with enthusiasm and delight. How serendipitous! Rather looked as though she’d said a dirty word. Your weapons. Drop them. I won’t ask you again. Adelaide stepped Sky forward, and the stranger stepped up as well. Sandy dropped his pistol with quiet careful hands. Good boy. Adelaide said, and watched his face turned red. The skinny outlaw cradled his shoulder, blood dripping between his fingers. Mr. Rather. Adelaide said, warning clear in her voice.

Rather glared at her as he lifted his pistols clear of the holsters and dropped them on the ground. The cowboy went over to claim his buckskin horse, wasting no time in stepping into the saddle. There was a movement from Rather and Adelaide’s gaze flashed back to him just as he pulled his hand out from under his jacket and brought a small pistol to bear. Adelaide fired. Rather yelled and clutched his bloody and broken fingers, the gun shot out of his hand.

You little bitch. Rather’s face was twisted with pain, or anger. I was just going to keep you out of Dumas, but now … he made a violent gesture. This isn’t over.

I beg to differ. The cowboy moved his buckskin horse off to the side, flanking Rather and his riders. Adelaide met Rather’s bloodshot eyes. You may go now. She made a dismissive gesture with her free hand and Rather leaned forward, shaking he was so mad.

You heard the lady. The cowboy stepped his horse forward. Go, before she changes her mind.

Rather jerked the mouth of the tall black mare he rode, and jabbed viciously with his spurs as he spun her away. The other two followed suit, the skinny man still clutching his shoulder.

Adelaide watched until their dust faded in the distance before she turned reloaded her pistol and placed it back in the holster. Next time, I’ll take his horse too. She deserves better treatment. She turned her smile on the stranger. I’m Adelaide. She rode closer and offered her hand, and he dropped his pistol into the holster and clasped her hand warmly. I’m glad you stopped by when you did. You have no idea how much I appreciate the back up.

Rusty Fenway, ma’am. He released her hand and tipped his hat. That was some shooting. Never seen anybody shoot a gun out of someone’s hand like that.

Adelaide looked away before she answered. That was a miss. she said. I was aiming for his heart.

Rusty roared with laughter, and Adelaide adjusted her hat and tucked a stray curl behind her ear. She gathered the weapons the outlaws had scattered and emptied the ammunition into her bag. With a string of rawhide threaded through the trigger guards Adelaide bundled the guns together and tied them to the saddle. As she swung back into the saddle she whistled, a shrill sound that carried far on the soft spring breeze. Rusty looked at her curiously.

Don’t know about you, Rusty pushed back his battered hat to run his fingers through his red hair, but I’d sure like to get out of here before Rather gets himself another gun and comes back after us.

Sounds good to me. They rode towards town at a ground covering trot. After a few minutes Adelaide whistled again.

Why do you … Rusty started to ask, but then his voice trailed off. His attention moved past Adelaide, his brow furrowed as he squinted into the distance. What’s that?

Adelaide looked in the direction he pointed. A dark shape was visible on a rolling hill in the distance. It moved towards them before it disappeared into the hollow, then reappeared one hill closer. The next hill brought the animal close enough to see the huge galloping paws, long dark hair and lolloping tongue. Rusty made a sound of alarm and went for his gun. No! Adelaide spoke sharply and he drug his eyes away from the creature to look over at her, startled. He’s with me.

With you? Rusty reined his horse backwards, putting some distance between them. Adelaide tried to see Ares from his point of view. With the exception of his dark, muddy coloured coat and pale eyes, Ares looked like a typical timber wolf, and he bounced joyfully, leaping up against Sky’s side so Adelaide could scratch his ears.

Ares, where have you been, you missed all the excitement! Ares wiggled like a puppy at her words. A hundred and fifty pound puppy. Adelaide looked back at Rusty again; his face was white and he was still backing away slowly. Really, she said to him, It’s all right. He won’t hurt you. He nodded, but didn’t move forward.

She started Sky back down the trail, and Ares bounced off ahead, staying in sight, but far enough away that Rusty blew out his breath and rode alongside Adelaide again. Where’d you get the wolf anyway?

Ares found me when he was a little puppy. I don’t think he’s straight wolf.

Ares?

For the Greek god of war. I started calling him that because he was such a fighter, so tiny and sick when I found him. But it’s still appropriate now that he’s such a monster. She smiled fondly at Ares. He’s good company. Adelaide turned towards Rusty. How did Rather end up with your horse?

I was careless. Rusty said, They got my horse while I was down river, fishing. His shook his head. You have no idea how much I was dreading telling my boss.

Adelaide laughed gently. Good thing you got him back. Which ranch do you work for?

The Rocking R. It’s south of Dumas, I’ve worked for Ken Richards for three years now. Rusty hesitated, then asked, What brings you to Dumas?

Adelaide considered before she answered. She needed information, but didn’t know how much she could trust Rusty. I’m looking for a friend of mine, he’s supposed to meet me somewhere around Dumas.

What’s his name? I’ll probably have heard if he’s around, Dumas isn’t that big.

Drake Whitney. Adelaide said the name, then braced herself.

Nope. Rusty said. Don’t think I’ve heard that name. Adelaide let out her breath in relief, only to catch it again when he continued. Wait. Wasn’t he that outlaw who held up the bank without a weapon up in Independence?

He’s not an outlaw anymore. Adelaide could hear the defensiveness in her own voice and took a deep breath. He promised me.

I’m pretty sure that if Drake Whitney was in Dumas, I’d’ve heard about it. He’s pretty famous for some of the stunts he’s pulled. Adelaide could feel his eyes on her and looked straight ahead.

He has to be here. Fear settled in her chest. He told me he was going to Dumas, then coming to meet me. I kept expecting to run into him on the way, but I didn’t and now I’m here, and if he’s not here, then something is wrong, he said he’d meet me. She drew a shaky breath. I’m sorry. I’m just worried.

It’s all right. Rusty said. You helped me out with the horse, I‘d like to return the favour. How’d a pretty little thing like you get to know Drake Whitney anyway?

Drake is the closest thing to a father I’ve ever known. Adelaide said. The only family I have. I have to find him.

Rusty was quiet for a long time, and Adelaide wondered what he was thinking. I think, Rusty answered her unspoken question, that you should come to the Rocking R tonight. Adelaide opened her mouth to protest, but he continued. Rather’s going to be gunning for you, and who knows how many men he has in Dumas waiting for him. No sense making it easy for him. Come out to the ranch for the night. I know the Richards’ would be happy to have you, and then you can go into Dumas tomorrow. He shot a look at the sun, sinking closer to the horizon. In daylight.

Adelaide sighed. She could see the logic of what he said. You’re right. I guess another day won’t hurt.

Adelaide and Rusty rode into the yard at the Rocking R as the sun sat on the horizon. Several men trailed across the yard towards the square, solidly built house. They stopped when they saw the horses, and waited until they rode up.

No wonder you’re late. A tall, handsome cowboy with a broad grin said to Rusty, watching Adelaide dismount. I knew I should’ve run that errand for the boss.

Rusty ignored him. Miss Adelaide, this is Kip Leon, foreman of the Rocking R, Adelaide shook hands with a small wiry man, older than the rest, Stretch, A tall, impossibly skinny youth avoided Adelaide’s eyes as he shook her hand, and Len Sharp. The handsome cowboy took her hand.

A pleasure to meet you Miss Adelaide. Len said. How did you come to be riding with this galoot? He jerked his head in