Kindred Spirits

By Jean Westcott

A few days before Thanksgiving, eleven-year old Rad Sergeant found Lance Corby, a boy about his own age, living in the Peak Mountains behind his ranch. The boys connected immediately, talking for hours, revealing their most private thoughts. Lance boasted about huffing and breathing inhalants; although Rad loathed Lances dreadful habit and told him so, he felt pity for a kid living alone in the mountains.

Then one day while checking on Lance, Rad found him passed out and immediately called his Dad for help. The doctor said Lance had pneumonia without much hope of pulling through since he had inhaled chemicals for years. Five days later and very much to the doctors surprise, Lance woke up and was able to speak, but slipped away from the hospital without anyone knowing and headed back to the mountains. Even though the weather was dreadfully cold, Rad set out to find and bring Lance home with him. Then again, two very angry, hungry wolves had other ideas and the boys found themselves fighting for their lives.

Kindred Spirits is a colorful, spirit filled addition to the Rad Sergeant western adventure series for the young reader.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 8, 2001
• ISBN: 9780759649668

Jean Westcott

I was born and raised in rural Arkansas with a passion for writing that has expanded a lifetime. Soon after high school, I married the love of my live Waymon Westcott. We moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and although I enjoyed a life with words, I did not pursue my dream of becoming an author until years later. Instead, I became a cosmetologist busying myself with that profession, and becoming the best wife and mother, I could be. After our three children grew up, I began my writing career. Waymon and I continue living in Tulsa, Oklahoma close to our children and grandchildren.

Book preview

© 2001 by Jean Westcott. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the author.

ISBN: 978-0-7596-4967-5 (s)

978-0-7596-4966-8 (e)

IstBooks-rev. 09/20/01

Contents

Kindred Spirits

By

Jean Westcott

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

About The Author

KINDRED SPIRITS

By

Jean Westcott

Rad rolled out of bed when the alarm clock buzzed and dressed quickly, hoping to have a few minutes alone with his dad. Talking openly and freely about personal feelings was not possible, if Ty and Cousin Joshua were listening. Surprised at the coolness of the room and that it appeared to be announcing a weather change had crept in through the night; Rad dressed warmly and then pulled his winter coveralls on before heading downstairs.

Sure enough there was an almost bite in the air as Rad dashed from the house toward the barn. Since it was early, Rad knew his dad would be in the office arranging the day’s work schedule, getting a jumpstart on the day. Anyway, it was a quiet time before horse owners and trainers arrived. Being the largest horseman in the country had advantages and disadvantages. Dad said being a glutton for punishment was what kept him in business.

Rad glanced up at the last few fading stars and then down at his boots as they chewed and crunched the frosted grass. Winter, was the best of the four seasons, Rad thought but knew that was because Thanksgiving and Christmas were just around the corner.

What are you doing up so early? Dad asked, as Rad walked through the doorway.

Rad shrugged. I need to talk to you and thought before your day became overly busy would be the best time. Rad shrugged again. Besides, I don’t like spilling my guts in front of Ty and Joshua.

Coffee? Dad asked, and motioned to the pot.

Rad nodded, reached a paper cup, held it under the coffeepot spout and then watched the dark liquid dribble and fill the cup. Rad glanced sideways at his dad. They favored, both had light

brown hair, blue eyes, medium to light complexion. Rad wanted to inherit his dad’s height. Standing six feet tall would be awesome. Other than being blond, Ty was the spitting image of Dad the same as Rad. Joshua bore a resemblance Rad thought, and knew that was because Joshua’s mom and Dad were first cousins.

So___you’ve got a problem.

Sort of. Well, it’s not really a problem.

Rad’s dad stared curiously. What’s on your mind son?

I need to get away by myself, Rad said.

Really and how do you propose to manage that?

The coffee was strong and bitter. Rad puckered, ‘Would it

be okay if I spend a couple of days in the mountains. I mean___

I do not want anyone with me. I want, Rad paused. No it’s more than want; I need to be totally alone."

Then Rad’s dad lost his temper, the exact thing Rad knew would happen. Are you crazy? That mountain is home to every kind of wild animal imaginable! You are not camping out alone! This conversation is over before it begins!

Dad my mind is bogged down. Rad blew into his coffee and watched the dark liquid move in circles. Rad sipped again, sat down across the desk from Dad and for a moment they stared at each other in silence. I’m confused; I can hardly remember what happened yesterday. It’s for certain I can’t see tomorrow or the other side of tomorrow. I have to get away. We’ve lived at the foot of the mountains all my life. I know them like the back of my hand. I’ve never stayed overnight in the mountains alone, but I’m responsible. You said that yourself.

No! For goodness sake, you’re a little boy! You are not going and I mean it! I will not listen to another word! End of story!

Dad, I’ve thought about nothing this whole week except the mountains. It’s as if something is drawing me there. I have this really strange feeling. Rad stood up, shook his head and then began to walk off.

Rad you’re asking the impossible.

Rad whirled and faced his dad, threw the coffee cup in the trashcan and nervously shifted around the room, lowering his voice to a near whisper. Dad, I’m supposed to be there this weekend. Please don’t ask me to explain that statement because I can’t even explain it to myself. Haven’t you ever felt drawn to a place?

Dad leaned back, folded his arms and listened.

Rad went on. Every detail is completely worked out in my mind. I can handle myself. I’ll visit Barnaby and Alice one day and spend the rest of the time just hanging out. Let my mind go completely blank. By the time the weekend is over; I should be able to think normal thoughts again. If I run into a situation that I can’t handle, then I’ll high tail it to Barnaby. Parent, teacher’s conference at school is tomorrow and Friday. I’ll have four days. Rad hushed, walked to the door and watched Lightning prance around his stall a moment before turning back. Dad it’ll be perfect. Will you at least think about it before you say no? Don’t you trust me at all?

Trusting you is not the problem. Dad shook his head. Rad you are not going, so stop it right now.

Dad everything around here happened so quickly, it’s like one day I was a kid with no responsibilities and the next day, I’m part owner in a place that is supposed to help troubled kids. Right now I’m bothered more than any kid I know. It’s really strange, I feel as if I’ve been left behind, and need to slow down so I can catch up to myself.

Tell me son how does one leave himself behind?

You’re making fun of me aren’t you?

No, I would never do that. I know how it feels to be confused. I’ve been there a few times myself. When did you notice this change taking place?

I don’t know exactly. I woke one morning feeling lost. The only way I can describe it is that it’s sort of like, watching a stranger from a distance.

Dad scrubbed his face. I don’t know son going off alone is risky. Your grandfather would have tied me to my bed rather than give this a second thought.

These are different times. I’m not you and you’re not Grandpa. Please Dad I’m not running off half-cocked, I’ve thought this thing through. It’s something I hafta do.

You have a brother, a cousin, and two best friends that would jump at the chance for a few days in the mountains. At least take one of them along. Be reasonable Rad. What you’re asking is___

Nobody would understand. They’d expect to be a part of every minute of the day and night. That would not be alone.

Rad’s dad sucked in air, his chest puffed out and his neck swiveled up as a turkey’s neck. Then Dad’s shoulders sagged; chest fell and air escape slowly through his partially opened mouth and nostrils. I must be out of my mind to give this a second thought, he said. I’m not ready for you to grow up. Nevertheless, whether I like it or not you are. It’s natural and it will happen with or without my permission.

Rad and Dad exchanged a tiny smile.

You promise to go by and let Barnaby know that you’re in his part of the world.

I said I would and I will.

Take the extra cell phone and call me two or three times a day.

That’s cool, Rad said.

I’m not joking Rad I wanna hear from you often.

Rad started toward Lightning’s stall. You wanna hear from me, like, every hour on the hour?

Not funny Rad.

How ye doing this morning, Lightning? Rad asked, unlatching the stall door. Lightning snorted and nuzzled Rad’s hair. Rad hugged the Palomino’s neck and stroked him gently. I’ll take you for a ride this afternoon when I get home from school. Right now, all I have time for is to fill your feed trough with oats, and get you some water. You eat ‘um up, okay?

Back in the kitchen, Rad filled a trash bag with canned foods, chips, lunch cakes, bottled water, dashed upstairs and hurriedly packed his duffel bag. Then double-checked making certain everything was in order. The first aid kit and hatchet were two extremely important things, after they were packed, and knowing how nosey Ty and Joshua were, Rad placed the duffel at the very back of his closet out of sight.

Later, hearing the noise of buzzing saws beginning at Kindred Spirits, Rad stood at the window and gazed across Valley Lane at the construction. The two-story ranch house for throwaway boys. The building was not only changing the appearance of the valley, it was changing the mood as well. Rad owned a piece of that construction sight, and it still felt like a dream.

The reason Kindred Spirits happened in the first place was like a fairy tale. Only it was real. The whole gang, Ty, Joshua, Max, Peter and Rad had secretly been involved in a thirty-year-old