Breath of the Feathered Serpent by Pelaam Read Free Book Online Page B

punch, twisted away from the second man, and landed several rapid punches to the first man’s kidneys. The attacker dropped to his knees with a grunt.
    As Adam moved away from the first man, the second charged toward him, arm cocked back aiming for his face. Adam saw the move coming and deflected it enough so that it was little more than a graze. By contrast, Adam’s uppercut landed perfectly. The man rose off his feet and collapsed to the ground. He was out cold. Adam spun around to face the first assailant who’d gotten back on his feet.
    “You want me? Come and get me.” Adam taunted the man, who licked his lips nervously and charged him, swinging wildly.
    Adam easily ducked under the blow. He slammed several punches to the man’s gut. Adam watched as the man crumpled to the ground and then looked to see how Madison was faring.
    His friend twisted on one foot and kicked high with the other, striking his attacker’s chin. The man dropped like a stone. Madison stood over both of his attackers who lay unconscious. Adam started to walk over to his partner, when a gunshot sounded, and dust kicked up between them where the bullet had struck.
    “You’re under arrest for fighting.” Sheriff Jackson strode towards them, his gun drawn. He stopped when another shot rang out. The bullet hit the dirt inches from his booted foot.
    “I don’t think so, Sheriff.” Adam turned to see Ellen and Elijah with their guns raised.
    “They attacked these men...” Jackson started.
    “No they didn’t, Sheriff. These boys did all they could to avoid the fight.” The blacksmith’s voice rang out as he appeared from behind Ellen’s horse. “Me an’ these folks here’ll vouch for that. These here fellers on the ground did all the provokin’.”
    Madison grinned at Adam as a murmur of agreement rose from the people standing nearby. Adam nodded to him. Jackson seemed frozen. So they were sent to fight, and if we beat them, you were ready to throw us in jail. Just why is Carter so hell bent to get us out of the way. Looks like he’s got something to hide.
    “All we ask is time to get our horses, Sheriff, and we’ll be on our way,” Madison said.
    “Seems a reasonable request since the men you need to arrest are lying on the ground, Sheriff,” Ellen said.
    “You boys just make sure you stay out of trouble in the future,” Jackson said, clearly trying to take back control.
    “Oh, that we will,” Madison said. “Let’s go and leave the Sheriff to arrest those troublemakers. I’m sure the townsfolk will be glad to see them locked in a cell.”
    Adam smirked at the glare Jackson gave Madison, but there was little else the sheriff could do. The people standing around watched Jackson and took no notice of Madison or him. Adam fell into step with his friend. “Well, let’s hope the day improves from here,” he said.
    “I sincerely hope it doesn’t get worse,” Madison murmured.
    “We came to take you to see Uncle,” Ellen called out. “We’ll wait here while you get your horses.”
    “Mighty glad you did, miss,” Madison said, raising his hat.
    Ellen snorted. “Ellen. Just call me Ellen.”
    Adam glanced at Elijah. His memory hadn’t paid tricks on him. The young man was every bit as attractive as he’d thought. Their eyes met, and Elijah blushed, his cheeks flaming crimson before he lowered his gaze. Adam licked his lips. The young man’s reaction suggested he was unused to dealing with such a situation.
    Adam sighed. He’s still a suspect until we can rule him out, but God in heaven, I’d bed him in an instant if I could.
    “Adam, hurry up.”
    Madison’s voice broke Adam from his reverie. He turned away and trotted off in the direction of the stables.

Chapter Nine
    Within the huge sprawling grounds that comprised the Lazy E ranch, the approach to the main house was a dusty, tree-lined road. Two guards stood beside ornate, iron gate posts. As Adam rode closer, he saw they were Aztecs. The men’s hair was