"Redemption's Run": Chapter 6 continues

A Star Tribune serialized novel by Jane Fredericksen

Chapter 6

The story so far: County workers come to discuss Kacie's future.

Inside the restaurant, Bernie nervously twisted a napkin.

Durning took another sip of coffee. "That's why we're here now," he said. "Mr. Macklebury has told us he feels … unsure … about this level of commitment."

Bernie began shredding the napkin, avoiding Thea's stunned gaze.

"I … I just don't know," he stammered. "I was ready for the package deal. The kid came with Gina, I got that. But, but now …" Bernie's voice trailed off in misery. "Well, I don't even think Kacie likes me."

* * *

From outside, Kacie heard an older man's voice. It was one she did not recognize, but it held definite authority.

"You've got thirty days to decide. After that, Kacie needs a foster home. And due to a lack of licensed homes in this area, she might be placed outside Bayfield."

Kacie had heard enough. She turned and fled down the street, away from the restaurant, away from her past, away from everyone who claimed to care about her, but really didn't.

She wasn't even sure where she was running to, where she could run to, until suddenly she realized that someone was standing in front of her. She pulled up short, gasping for breath.

"What do you want?" Kacie snarled, fists curling.

He seemed awkward, unsure. "Hey, I'm sorry about your mom."

He probably meant well, but it was the cruelest jab possible. Kacie bolted and kept on running, leaving him far behind.

She finally stopped, sucking in air, fighting back tears.

She lifted her head and realized she was at the Marina. It was late afternoon, and some of the charters were moored, ready to be prepped for longer-run tourists who would board overnight. There was True Wind, and across from it, Redemption, the classic wooden beauty that belonged to Ronnie's boyfriend.

And, moored alongside it, the Stowaway.

Her very own boat, the one she'd never sailed. Yet.

She heard a soft chuckle. She turned to see the Pirate standing beside her, twirling his mustache. He grinned and gave her a sly wink.

"Go on," he prompted. "After all, she's yours … 'Princess.' "

Kacie looked back to the Stowaway. She looked back to the Pirate, but he had vanished.

"All right," Kacie said, wiping her eyes. She took a deep breath and smiled grimly. "Time to tack."

* * *

It was surprisingly easy to break into Bernie's yacht, since he'd left it wide open. No doubt that meant he'd be returning soon. They'd have to work quickly.

Inside the cabin, Kacie found a large trash bag. She scanned the premises and began barking out orders.

"Captain Munch."

"I meant the cereal. Get it."

The Pirate grabbed a small box from a galley cupboard and tossed it to her. Kacie caught it and dropped it in the bag.

"Cheese Puffies."

He tossed the package to her. Again, she dropped it in.

"Chips."

"This is good," agreed Kacie. She caught the cookies and added them to the pile of booty. She bundled up the bag and motioned for the Pirate to leave.

She glanced up just in time to see him reach longingly for a bottle of rum.

"Stop," she ordered. "He'll miss that."

The Pirate gave a weary sigh and turned away.

Kacie, too, was ready to leave when a sudden gleam caught her eye. It was the sun, reflecting off a small, gold-edged picture frame on a nearby shelf.

It was a portrait of Gina, flower in her hair, smiling.

Grief surged through Kacie like a waterfall, spilling her over the edge. Noiseless sobs shook her, as it finally sank in.

She was totally, utterly alone. Even the Pirate was nowhere to be seen.

She had to take control. She gulped down her sorrow, stuffing it back down to the hidden place. Buried with her mother.

She placed the picture face down on the counter and felt a rugged hand on her shoulder.

Kacie swallowed hard. She wiped her eyes, grabbed the trash bag and exited the cabin.