The Rustlers of Hideout Canyon

By Kendra Gale

Growing up on the run from the law with the infamous Drake Whitney, Adelaide always dreamed of a real home. She finally found it, but an old enemy stands in her way.

As far as Kate Dover is concerned, Adelaide ruined her life. She’s determined to return the favor, and she’s fallen in with some dangerous men to help her exact her revenge, and they don’t care who gets hurt along the way.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kendra Gale
• Release date: Apr 15, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476028651

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.

Book preview

The Rustlers of Hideout Canyon

Copyright 2012 Kendra Gale

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Chapter One

Adelaide shrieked and twisted away. She teetered on the edge of the wooden chair, her arms flailing in a swirl of pastel taffeta.

I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry! Martha Richards reached out to steady Adelaide before she tumbled to the floor.

It was a pin, Adelaide, Maggie Dover said without turning away from the mirror. not a bullet. And if you’d showed up for fittings like you were told to, poor Martha wouldn’t have to be sticking you with pins an hour before the wedding. She adjusted an already perfectly coiffed curl. I don’t know why you have to spend all your time out there at the R Bar training horses. I think it’d be best if you weren’t out there on your own all the time anyway. People will start to talk, you mark my words, you out there with that Englishman all the time.

Martha went back to pinning the bodice. I just didn’t think you were so tiny. Another pin pricked Adelaide along her ribs and she tried not to twitch too much. The final pin in place, Martha stood back to survey her handiwork with a critical eye. There. You’ll have to stand up straight but the pins are hidden at least.

Maggie turned around, the pale ivory skirt of her wedding dress settling around her.

You look beautiful. Adelaide said as she stepped down off of the chair. Maggie looked radiant in her sensible wedding gown, her hair curled loose around her shoulders, free from it’s braid for the first time since Adelaide met her.

Maggie turned back to the mirror. Nonsense. I’m too old to be beautiful, but I guess I’ll do.

Adelaide opened her mouth to argue when the door to the bedroom opened. Maria Fuente, the Rocking R cook, slipped into the room, a chubby baby balanced on her hip. Adelaide grinned and scooped up the little girl. She gave her a bounce and the baby giggled and reached for a fist full of Adelaide’s hair.

Oh, Miss Adelaide, she’ll make a mess of you. Maria took the baby back. Constance, let go! She gently pried the tiny fingers out of Adelaide’s curls. Senor Drake sent me, he says they need you in the bunkhouse, as soon as you are finished.

What’s the matter now? Maggie said, bustling towards the door. I better go myself, get it straightened out. I knew there was a reason I never got married before now, the wedding is too much trouble.

Adelaide moved to block her path. I’m sure everything’s fine, and you know it’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding. I’ll go. Maggie started to protest, but Adelaide cut her off. I promise, whatever it is, I can fix it.

Maggie nodded once. That man of mine better not have gotten cold feet.

Adelaide headed down the stairs and out of the front door of the Rocking R ranch house. The guests were starting to arrive, congregating in the relative cool of the verandah. Adelaide smiled and waved to familiar faces; it appeared the entire town had come out to the ranch for the wedding - or at least for the dance and party afterwards.

She knocked on the bunkhouse door. Anybody naked in there?

No, but I can be if you give me minute. Adelaide recognized the voice of Len Sharpe a second before the door opened to reveal his handsome, grinning face. His mouth dropped open as he looked her over from head to toe. Wow. A carved wooden cane pushed him out of the way and he stumbled against the door jam.

Come on in, Addie. Adelaide smiled up into the face of Drake Whitney, the closest thing she’d ever known to a father. Don’t say naked, it only encourages him. His face crinkled into a smile. You do look beautiful.

You look pretty good yourself. Drake was very distinguished dressed up for the wedding in a new broadcloth suit. How’s the groom?

Well … Adelaide followed Drake’s gaze to back of the room. He’s more nervous than I’ve ever seen him, and that includes that time the Rangers were after us.

Addie! Butch Carlson looked up and spotted her, his eyes wide. He looked neater than she‘d ever seen him, and she’d known him for nearly her whole life. His usually shaggy dark hair was trimmed and combed, and under dire threat from his future bride, his scarred face and broken nose bore none of the usual fading bruises from recent fights. Addie, I need help. He gestured helplessly at the bow tie hanging loose around his neck. No one can tie it like you, could you, please?

Adelaide looked up into his earnest face as he hunched down to her level. She tied the bow and stood on tiptoes to kiss his cheek. You look very handsome.

Ah, Addie, you know that’s not true. He waved a big hand. How’s Mags? She all right?

She’s fine, looking beautiful.

The door opened again and Rusty Fenway walked in with a bottle in one hand and a glass in the other. I got the whiskey … he said, his voice trailing off as he caught sight of Adelaide.

There was silence for a moment, until Len reached over and lifted Rusty’s chin, closing his mouth. Rusty turned red and flailed at him. Adelaide, you look … he gestured with the whiskey bottle, … just, wow.

Len nodded seriously. That’s the word I went with too.

Drake sighed and took the whiskey and glass out of Rusty’s hands. He stepped in front of the two cowboys, between them and Adelaide, and poured a shot. This is why I never encouraged you to wear dresses. He handed the glass to Butch. A toast, my friend. Butch took the glass with a grin. I can’t say that I ever imagined that this day would come, when you would settle down. Drake clapped his best friend on the arm. Congratulations. I couldn’t be happier for you.

The men squeezed each other’s shoulders, holding the moment until Adelaide ducked between them and hugged them both hard.

It’s almost time. Adelaide turned for the door. I better go report back to the bride.

Drake followed her. Carlson, I’ll be back for you when it’s time for your appearance. Len headed towards the door as well, his eyes on Adelaide, and Drake stopped him with a look. You. Stay here and make sure the groom doesn’t head for the hills.

Hey. Butch tried to look hurt and Drake winked at him.

Drake placed his hand on Adelaide's side to guide her through the door, then he yelled and jumped away, his cane hitting the doorjam with a crack.

Damn it! He held a bleeding hand in front of his face. They’ve got you booby trapped in that damn dress. He stuck the heel of his hand in his mouth, then straightened as he saw Len and Rusty stick their heads out of the bunkhouse to see what was going on. Booby trapped. A slow grin spread over his face. I like it. You should wear that every day.

Adelaide wound up and walloped him on the shoulder. Oh sure, you try walking around with pins sticking you in the ribs. She turned to walk away, her chin in the air. Besides, she said over her shoulder, I don’t need any help from pins. She stopped, caught by a thought, and twisted to see the bodice of her dress. There better not be any blood on my dress.

Drake rolled his eyes, his bleeding hand in his mouth again so that his voice was muffled around it. Your concern is touching.

Satisfied her dress was unharmed, Adelaide continued across the yard. A pin pricked hand would be the least of your problems if you bled on my bridesmaid dress.

Drake went still. You’re right. he said, his eyes wide. Don’t tell Maggie.

They made their way through the crowd. Most of the guests were making their way out of the relative cool of the shade to the center of the ranch yard, where the ceremony was to take place. People turned to watch as Adelaide and Drake headed towards the house, and Adelaide stood up taller, proud of being escorted by her handsome mentor.

They found the bride just inside the front door of the house. Maggie looked serene and lovely; Martha and Maria looked harried.

Why, Miss Maggie, Drake said as he swept up her gloved hand and brushed it against his lips, you do look radiant. Butch is a lucky man.

Adelaide had seen Drake’s charm work it’s magic on dozens of women through the years, and Maggie was no exception, her cheeks colouring prettily. You flatter an old maid, Mr. Whitney. She grinned up at him cheekily. And she thanks for you for it.

Not an old maid much longer. Adelaide said, Is it showtime?

That man of mine ready?

Drake grinned. As he’ll ever be. He leaned close to Maggie. Don’t worry, I’ve got the boys keeping an eye on him.

Maggie ignored him. The preacher here?

Ready and waiting. We passed him on the way in.

Maggie took a deep breath. Then let’s get this over with. She steeled herself like she was going into battle and Drake saluted smartly and spun on his heel.

I’ll get the groom into position. He winked at Adelaide on his way out.

The ceremony was lovely. The groom looked poleaxed at the sight of his usually flour covered bride floating down the aisle towards him. As he should. The bride blushed as though she was a young girl of eighteen. As she should. And when the preacher finally made his official announcement and said You may kiss the bride. Butch took him at his word and laid a kiss on his new wife that had the men cheering and the women looking scandalized on principle.

A perfect wedding, Adelaide thought, as she took Drake’s arm to walk back up the aisle behind the newlyweds. She smiled at familiar faces in the crowd as they moved along, clasping hands here and there. Adelaide didn’t realize that the bride and groom had stopped in front of her until she walked into Butch’s broad back.

Drake’s hand closed over her hers where it lay in arm and Adelaide looked up at him in question just as Maggie said, Kate? Adelaide twisted away from Drake and ducked around Butch to see.

Kate Dover stood at the back of the crowd. She wore men’s clothes, dirty buckskin trousers and a cotton shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Her face was sunburnt and there was a pistol tucked into her waistband. She saw Adelaide and planted her hands on her slim hips, her eyes narrowed.

Hi Auntie, she said to Maggie, her eyes still on Adelaide, I stopped in town to see how you were. She finally dragged her gaze away from Adelaide. Imagine my surprise when I was told you were out here. She turned her glare to Butch. Getting married.

The crowd of wedding guests fell silent and crept closer.

Kate. Maggie said again, uncharacteristically lost for words.

Kate ignored her. Hello Adelaide. she said, enunciating each syllable of the name. I see you've taken over my whole life just like you wanted. She turned to scan the crowd. Where's Sandy? I assume you've stolen my beau as well.

Rusty made his way through the crowd and positioned himself quietly off to the side, even with Kate.

Sandy isn't here. Adelaide kept her voice calm and even. She knew from experience that Kate had a temper, and during their last set to she hadn't been armed. He drifted. Said he wanted some new scenery.

Kate's laugh was harsh. Scared him off, did you? Probably all those men's clothes you always wear, she said, heedless of the fact that she was dressed much as Adelaide preferred to. Kate was dirtier, Adelaide thought. And you can't even bake.

What do you want, Kate? Maggie had found her voice, and she stepped towards her niece.

I just came to see how you were. I thought you'd miss me. The bravado fell away, and the vulnerability in Kate's voice struck Adelaide.

Maggie reached a hand out towards Kate, but she shrugged it off and raised her chin. I see you're fine without me. You don't need me, and I don't need you. Kate spun on her heel and stalked away. Maggie dropped her outstretched arm to her side and looked up at Butch. Just before Kate reached her horse, hitched to the rail next to the barn, she turned back.

You. She pointed at Adelaide. This is all your fault. I had a family, a beau, a future, and you stole that from me.

Adelaide opened her mouth to protest, but Drake's hand closed on her arm, stopping her. Adelaide hesitated and took a deep breath, then said, I'm sorry for what happened to you, Kate, but it wasn't my fault.

You don't understand. Kate yelled, her voice ringing throughout the crowded yard. Her eyes darted around at the gathered crowd like a cornered animal. She mounted her horse and spurred him to a gallop, raising a cloud of dust from the parched ground.

The stunned silence she left behind her was broken by a few whispered murmurs among the crown. Maggie looked up at Butch, sadness etched on her face. He wrapped an arm around her and cleared his throat. This is supposed to be a party! Butch had a voice to match his bulk and it carried over the growing whispers. Let's eat!

Laughter replaced the awkward conversation, and the guests drifted towards the veranda. Maria and Martha hurried into the house, returning with huge platters of food. Rusty and Len set up a table in the shade of a tree and poured the whiskey, and by the time the heat of the sun sank low in the sky the party was in full and jovial swing.

Adelaide sipped her drink, leaned against the railing of the veranda and listened to the music from the makeshift band. Couples spun on the dried grass, and laughter rang out from every direction. Drake pulled up a chair and sat nearby. He lifted his bad leg stiffly in front of him and leaned his cane against the wall of the house. Adelaide's constant companion, a wolf she called Ares, padded up and laid his huge head in Drake's lap.

Drake stroked Ares until his eyes closed. She's wrong, you know. he said.

Adelaide smiled down at him. How did you know I was thinking about her?

I've known you quite a while.

There's an understatement. Adelaide boosted herself up onto the railing and dangled her legs.

Drake raised an eyebrow. "That's not very ladylike. Is the bride going to come