White Water by Linda I. Shands Page A

Irish’s drawing?”
    â€œOf the first Wakara? Sure, why?”
    â€œThey’re bogus, Tia. A fake.”
    â€œWhat? You’re kidding, right?”
    Kara shook her head even though she knew her friend couldn’t see. “I wish.” Her throat tightened, and she swallowed back the tears. “I know it’s stupid, but I feel betrayed; like Great-grandpa deliberately lied to me.”
    She went on to tell Tia about the journal and papers Grandpa Sheridan had found in the old trunk in Aunt Peg’s garage. “I’ve only read the first few pages, but in his letter Grandpa says the journal entries prove the version on the other pages was a lie, and that Irish didn’t want anyone to know about Wakara’s true background. He says the motive is in the journal too, but he won’t tell me any more. He says he wants me to read it and figure it out for myself, then maybe I’ll understand.”
    â€œWow! You’re bringing it, aren’t you? We can read it at the lodge.”
    Kara had to smile. Tia was the one who’d been there for her when she’d first discovered the name Wakara was not Nez Perce, as she’d always believed. Anne had insisted “Wakara” was a Yahi word meaning moon, and Tia had dug up research to prove her right. But knowing that had only deepened the mystery around her great-grandfather’s words. Why had he told everyone the baby he’d found in the woods was Nez Perce, when he knew she wasn’t? If he lied about that, how much of the rest was a lie?
    â€œEarth to Wakara! I gotta go, Mom’s rattling my cage to get ready for school, and I still have to finish packing for tomorrow. Bring the journal, okay?”
    Kara sighed. “Don’t worry, I will. Oh, I almost forgot. Grandpa still wants to read the paper you wrote on the Yahi-Yana tribes. He’s still looking for something and thinks your research might hold the key—whatever that means. Could you mail it to him?”
    â€œAre you kidding? I mailed it yesterday. It’s halfway to Arizona by now.”
    By the time Kara got downstairs, Dad and Ryan were finishing breakfast. Dad studied her face. She must not look too upset, because he looked relieved, then smiled. “Good morning, Sugar Bear.”
    â€œMorning, Dad. What time is everyone leaving?”
    Dad took a swallow of coffee and looked at his watch. “Soon. I still have to contact the ranger station, then file a flight plan. Shouldn’t take long.” He looked at Ryan. “You ready to go, Tiger?”
    Ryan gulped down his orange juice and jumped up from the table. “Yeah. Kara helped me pack my bag last night. I’ll go get it.” He raced out of the room before Kara could tell him to slow down. She sighed, then realized Dad was looking at her again.
    â€œThanks, Wakara,” he said. “I really appreciate all you do for Ryan.”
    Kara felt uncomfortable. She knew Dad was grateful for her help. He didn’t have to keep telling her, but this morning it did feel good to hear him say something nice.
    She helped herself to scrambled eggs and stuck a piece of bread in the toaster. When she sat down, Anne handed her a mug of coffee. “Thanks, Anne. Do you need any help?”
    The cook shook her head. “No.” Then she smiled. “It is only for one week.”
    Kara grinned back. “True. Wait until June.” It was a lot more work getting ready to be away for three whole months. Last year, Anne hadn’t been hired until they were already at Eagle Lodge. The supplies and gear had already been packed up and delivered by then.
    Dad picked up his dishes and carried them to the sink, then turned toward the mud porch and lifted his jacket from a hook. “Bud Davis and Floyd Carlson will be here with the stock trailers around ten o’clock. Greg and Colin should have the horses ready to go by then.”
    Kara felt a surge of excitement. The